Things To Do Anytime

THINGS TO DO ANYTIME There are lots of ideas here for things to do on any day! The seasonal section is following the general section. With hundreds of ideas, there's always something to do!

~~Things to do Anytime~~ Scroll down to find these themes in an alphabetized list.
Amusement Parks					Arcade	Astronomy	Beach	Berry Picking
Bike Riding					Books on Tape	Bowling	Cemeteries	Cultural Passes
					Fishing	Hiking/Trails	Historical Sites	Internet
Libraries					Mini Golf	Movies	Museums	Observatory
Picnicking					Reading	Roadside Attractions	Rodeo	Scenic Drives
Skating					Skiing	Sporting Events	Train Rides	Walking Tours

Amusement Parks There are several amusement parks in the area. They may not be Disneyland, but they can be just as fun!
Enchanted Forest	If you haven't been to Enchanted Forest in years, it's time to go again. They have been adding many new attractions over the past few years. Prices may vary.
Oaks Park	Oaks Park has been open in Oregon for over 100 years. It is a great little park with lots of fun rides, a roller coaster, roller skating, picnic areas, and a midway. Don't miss out on their Halloween haunted house!
PlayDate PDX	A 7,500 sqft indoor play space in downtown Portland that is tailored to create a safe and energetic environment that stimulates the imagination and gives your children space to roam...at the same time giving parents a comfortable and soothing environment to relax and enjoy a warm cup of Stumptown coffee.
Ski Bowl Adventure Park Summer Only	This park has all kinds of fun things to do. Bungee Jumping, Reverse Bumgee, Go Karts, Summer Tubing Hill, Alpine Slides, Mountain Lift, Mini Golf, Mountain Biking and LOTS more!
Wild Waves Amusement Park	Large theme park on I-5 in Federal Way, Washington. Formerly Enchanted Village. Admission Prices may vary.
Arcade
Ground Kontrol Arcade  511 NW Couch St. | NW PORTLAND | 503-796-9364	80's Arcade Open 7 Days a Week Noon - 2:30AM All Ages Admitted Until 5PM 21+ & I.D. Required After 5PM
Wunderland	Wunderland is a Nickel Arcade with several locations throughout the area. Avalon (Southeast Portland) Includes a movie theater. Beaverton Salen Milwaukie Includes a movie theater and mini golf Gresham Includes a movie theater.
Astronomy Look at the stars! They are constantly changing and will amaze you every time.
Haggart Observatory	Located on the campus of Clackamas Community College. They are up in the tower every clear Saturday night this summer. They will point out and show you many stars planets and constellations. You can also take a constellation walk with a knowledgeable volunteer. Bring walking shoes, binoculars if you have some, and a flashlight. $3 donation to go up in the tower, and the walks are free. They also have telescopes on the ground to look through. Go around Dusk.
OMSI Kendall Planetarium	Take a trip to the stars in OMSI's Harry C. Kendall Planetarium, the largest and most technologically advanced planetarium in the Pacific Northwest. The 52-foot domed theater features educational astronomy shows with state-of-the-art visuals and special effects. The Harry C. Kendall Planetarium offers a variety of educational and entertaining multimedia presentations on astronomy, space science and laser programs. The planetarium is not only a place to learn about the sky but also a place to experience a unique environment which blends art, science, fantasy, and fun.
OMSI Star Parties	OMSI holds star gazing parties from Spring to early fall, about once per month. They are free and a lot of fun. You don't need any equipment to join. Everyone is quite willing to let you look through their telescopes. OMSI folks on hand to teach and talk about the stars and the events going on.
Beach You are about 90 minutes from enjoying the sand and the waves, right now.  The only cost is the gas. Take along a picnic and spend the afternoon.  There are many nice beaches other than Seaside.  Try Rockaway! All Oregon's beaches are free to access.  There are no private beaches on the Oregon Coast.
Berry Picking There are many farms around the area where you can pink your own berries, fruits, and vegetables!
Kruger's Farm Market	Kruger's farm grows its own, blueberries, boysenberries, raspberries, strawberries, beans, beets, cabbage, corn, cucumbers, lettuce, peas, onions, peppers, squash, and tomatoes. They also have other produce available for purchase. The farm also has lots of fun things to do, including parties, concerts, and a corn maze in the fall.
Bike Riding Portland is America's best city for bike riding. There are literally thousands of miles of bike trails lanes and routes. Remember that all bikers must follow the rules of the road and be extra aware of cars, don't assume they see or are looking out for you or your kids!
Free Portland Bike Maps	Maps to many of the MILES and MILES of bike routes. There are also Vancouver Bike Maps listed.
Order a Portland Bike/Walk Map	Portland Transportation Bureau offers a variety of walking and biking maps, as well as other literature and resources to help you walk, bike, and use transit in Portland and surrounding areas.
Books On Tape/Audio Books There are lots of great books that kids and adults can enjoy! If you have ever had to answer some hard questions while listening to early morning radio, you know that it's not always kid friendly. Maybe a better idea is to get a book on tape that you can listen to it on the way to school in the morning, or on a long drive.
Bowling Bowling hasn't always been a family activity, but it is really gaining in popularity and it's lots of fun. AMF Bowling Centers are giving away FREE Bowling Bucks for kids with good grades.
Kids Bowl Free.com - Register to get 2 free bowling games a day, all summer long.  Portland Area Bowling Alleys - Article including several of the alleys in the Portland area.
Cemeteries Pioneer Cemeteries are interesting and educational. They aren't great for little ones who might still be scared, but older kids can be taught respect for sacred places and can gain an interest in their family's past, and history. Please take photos, not rubbings.  Rubbings damage old headstones. Please be respectful to the grounds of any cemetery you visit.
Portland Pioneer Cemeteries
Cultural Passes
Clackamas County Library	Check out a pass from the library (Clackamas County) in the morning, and spend the day, for FREE at a revolving selection of area attractions that often include Portland Classical Chinese Garden, Rhododendron Gardens, Japanese Garden, Oregon Garden, Pittock Mansion, Portland Art Museum.
Multnomah County Library	You and your family may reserve a one-day pass to a revolving selection of area attractions that often include Japanese Garden, Portland Art Museum,  Classical Chinese Garden, A.C. Gilbert's Discovery House, Pittock Mansion, The Oregon Garden, Rice NW Museum of Rocks & Minerals, Oregon Sports Hall of Fame & The Washington County Historical Museum, Japanese Garden, Portland Art Museum.
Washington County Library Cultural Pass to Adventure	You and your family may reserve a one-day pass to a revolving selection of area attractions that often include the Japanese Garden, Portland Art Museum,  Classical Chinese Garden, A.C. Gilbert's Discovery House, Pittock Mansion, The Oregon Garden, Rice NW Museum of Rocks & Minerals, Oregon Sports Hall of Fame & The Washington County Historical Museum, Japanese Garden, Portland Art Museum.
Fishing
Take Me Fishing.org	Locations for fishing, information on obtaining fishing licenses, and information about boating and boating licenses.
Hiking & Walking Trails Nature is the best FREE thing we have in the Northwest, and summer is definitely the best time to enjoy it.  Multnomah Falls has a great hiking trail. You can go just up to the bridge, or all of the way to the top.
Metro Parks & Facilities
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge	Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge is a place to discover an ever-changing panorama of wildlife. As the seasons change, so do the wildlife viewing opportunities. Located on the Pacific Flyway, the Refuge is an important stopover where migrating waterfowl, songbirds, and shorebirds stop to rest, refuel, and raise their young.
Tryon Creek State Park 11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd., Portland 503-636-9886	Nature Trails and Guided Nature Hikes for different levels of hiker
Order a Portland Bike/Walk Map	Portland Transportation Bureau offers a variety of walking and biking maps, as well as other literature and resources to help you walk, bike, and use transit in Portland and surrounding areas.
REI Kid Friendly Hikes	This list gives great info on 5 family-friendly hiking spots in the Portland Area.
Historical Sites Visiting Historical Sites can not only be educational but fun too!
Baker Cabin	Baker Cabin is in Canby Oregon. Check out the website for history and location hours.
The Historic Belmont Firehouse  900 SE 35th Ave.  PORTLAND | 503-823-3615	Tours are easily self-guided or, for a $1 donation, take the Audio Tour, which lasts 30 minutes and employs wonderful sound effects to supplement your tour.  As always, firehouse staff will be on hand to assist in your tour or answer any questions. Visits are free, but donations to the Jeff Morris Fire & Life Safety Foundation are always accepted.  Pay a visit and enjoy the history and heritage of the fire service in Portland, Oregon.  Find the menu link under "Fire Museum" to enjoy photos and to learn how to schedule a tour.
Fort Vancouver	The main area for trade in the 1830s and 40s, was run by Dr. John McLoughlin. Located in Vancouver, Washington.
Phillip Foster Farm	Open Mother's Day (Mother's Day Brunch) to Late September (Cider Squeeze). Suggested  donation for entry. Open daily 11-4 with period-dressed volunteers.
The Pittock Mansion	Portland's Pittock Mansion Tour the historic Pittock Mansion, typically decorated to match the holidays!
Libraries Besides the Summer Reading program, and Cultural Passes, listed above; the library is a great place to spend an afternoon. In addition to books, they have fun schedules of activities, arts & crafts, CDs, Videos, magazines, DVDs, and downloadable audiobooks for checkout. Some libraries are even adding a Library of Stuff, so you can check out games, tools, baking equipment, and all kinds of neat things.  If you live in Multnomah, Washington, or Clackamas County you can have a card with all 3 counties! There are endless possibilities at the library.
Clackamas County Library
Multnomah County Library	A large number of libraries in the Portland Area!
Washington County Cooperative Library Services
Miniature Golf There are a few mini-golf courses around the area/
Best Little Roadhouse and Mini Golf Salem, OR	Restaurant and 18 holes of golf.  Less expensive before 3pm. Outdoors.
Bullwinkle's Family Fun Center Wilsonville, OR	Fun course with caves, a tiny town, waterfalls, and a great view of the freeway! :-)  Outdoors. All kinds of other family fun!  Batting Cages, Rides, Ropes Course, Laser Tag and more.
Eagle Landing Mini Golf and Golf Course Clackamas, OR	Eagle Landing Golf Course also has a mini-golf course on site. No windmills or castles, more of a nature-themed course. Also lighted at night. Outdoors.
Glowing Greens	Miniature Golf - Hilton Hotel Portland Oregon Blacklight min golf is a relatively new phenomenon and it looks pretty cool. This course has a pirate theme and is the only black light mini golf course in Portland. Ahoy matey!  Indoors.
Lazer Blasters Vancouver, WA	Glowing safari-themed mini golf & laser tag on site as well. INDOORS
Milwaukie Wunderland Glowing Mini Golf	Super fun mini-golf course with lots of special effects.  Volcano themed!
Mountain Air Miniature Golf, Sandy, OR	This is located at a landscaping company and has a fun pioneer theme. Outdoors.
Oaks Park Portland, OR	Golf Course just off the midway.  Decorated with nature, rocks and waterfalls.  Sorry, no windmills or clown faces here. Outdoors.
Ski Bowl Adventure Park Mount Hood, OR	Literally TONS of activities here during the summer with limited weekend hours in late Spring and early Fall. Outdoors.
Sunset Golf Center Beaverton, OR	18 hole course connected with a regular golf course.  Recently refurbished, according to the website.   Outdoors.
Ten Tiny Tees Seaside, OR	Ten tiny tees is located on the main drag in Seaside.  Yes, at the beach, and a fun course to visit when you are there.  It's around $5 and is typically busy in the summer.  Brightly painted course with a rocket ship, clowns and more!  Indoors.
Tualatin Island Greens Tualatin, OR	The course looks like a real course.  There are water hazards, sand traps, and three acres of course. Outdoors.
Movies There are lots of opportunities for you to enjoy movies as a family. Go to FREE Movies in parks all over the Portland and outer areas, listed below, with a picnic. Go to the FREE movies provided by Regal Cinemas. Check out a movie for free from the library. Or, go to the Drive-In Movies in Newberg on highway 99W, which is a perfect time to talk to your kids about your fond childhood memories.
Drive In Theaters	99W Drive-In - The nearest local Drive-In is in Newberg on 99W! This is a great family activity. Bring your lawn chairs and sit out in front of the car. Bring snacks, the kids in PJs, and have a blast.
	M-F Drive-In - Located in Milton Freewater, Oregon. La Grande Drive-In - Located in La Grande, Oregon
First Run Theaters	Cinemark - Mega theaters with pretty high ticket prices. Cheaper on Tuesdays.
	AMC - Three locations in Beaverton and Vancouver.  These theaters have restaurants, and special theaters with BIG comfy chairs and pillow piles so it feels like you are watching a movie in your own living room.  Nice, but pricey!  They even serve drinks and food in some theaters.
	Columbia Theatre - St. Helens historic theater built in 1928 but fully restored with top-of-the-line digital and 3D technology.
	Lake Twin Cinema - 106 N. State Street, Lake Oswego OR 97034 First run, usually not the blockbusters.   Only two screens. They also serve food and drinks.
	Living Room® Theaters   - Art Films and General Release films.  Environmental and sustainable.  Smaller theaters with cushy chairs.
	Oak Grove Cinemas - First run movies at cheaper prices!!!  $5 before 6pm and $7 after for adults.  Kids always $5.  The regular price is cheaper than the matinee price at Regal or Cinemark.  Nice theater and the popcorn is cheaper too and tastes better!
	Regal Cinemas - These are all over town, general prices run from $6-$9. All shows that begin before 6 are at a reduced price. Sign up for the regal card and earn points towards free popcorn, soda, and movie tickets.  Tuesdays are $5.
I-Max Theaters	Evergreen IMAX® Theater - Located at the Evergreen Aviation Museum
	OMSI Imax Theater - With a five-story domed screen and 30-degree, stadium seating, the OMNIMAX® Dome Theater is a cinematic experience unlike any other. .Located at OMSI.
Independent Films	5th Avenue Cinema - Portland State University student-run theater.  Open weekends only.  Free for PSU students.  $2 for other students and seniors. $3 everyone else. They show classics, independents, and art films.
	The Academy Theater - No Minors after 8pm. $3 Adults $2 Kids. Second Run and Art/Independent Films. Babysitting is available on some nights.
	Cinema 21 - Special Events, classics, and indies.
	Clinton Street Theater- Rocky Horror every Sat at Midnight.
	Hollywood Theater - Art/Independent films, special features, festivals, and more in a very ornanate theater.
	nwFilmCenter  - Local Filmschool.  Plays local filmakers, festival movies, independents and more.
	Laurelhurst Theater - $3 for all movies, vintage, second run, and art films. Pizza and beer too! 21 or over after 3pm.
	Living Room Theaters - Art and Independent Films with fine dining.
Second Run Discount Theaters Second Run are movies that are not in current runs at big theaters, or classic movies that haven't been shown in years.	5th Avenue Cinema - Portland State University student-run theater.  Open weekends only.  Free for PSU students.  $2 for other students and seniors. $3 everyone else. They show classics, independents, and art films. FREE POPCORN!!!
	The Academy Theater - No Minors after 8pm. $3 Adults $2 Kids. Second Run and Art/Independent Films This is a fantastically restored theater that opened re opened recently after 35 years.
	Laurelhurst Theater - $3 for all movies, vintage, second run and art films. Pizza and beer too! 21 or over after 3pm.
	Cine Magic Theater - Small theater that shows second run films. Real melted butter!
	McMenamin's Theaters - These theaters are second-run films in McMenamin's restaurants and pubs.  Pizza and beer during your movie.  Some theaters have first run movies as well as special events. Bagdad, Edgefield, Grand Lodge, Kennedy School, St. Johns Pub
	Moreland Theater - Neighborhood theater from 1926. Single Screen. 6712 SE Milwaukie Avenue, Portland, OR 97202
	Mt. Hood Theatre - Fun theater with great food specials.
	Jubitz Cinema - Actually a nice new theater with stadium seating and comfortable seats.
	Wunderland Cinemas - The Avalon Theater, Gresham Theater, Beaverton Theater and Milwaukie Cinemas.  Most have some first and second-run theaters now.
Museums There are tons of museums in this area that are lots of fun.   Oregon Museums Association has a list of all museums in Oregon.
3D Center of Art & Photography 1928 NW Lovejoy St. | NW PORTLAND | 503-227-6667	The only museum in the US dedicated to antique and contemporary 3D Art. Interactive exhibits change monthly. On First Thursdays admission is free. Thurs - Sat 11 - 5 pm, Sun 1 - 5, First Thursday 6 - 9 pm, Adults ($15 and older) $5/ Youth (14 & Under) Free.
The Historic Belmont Firehouse  900 SE 35th Ave.  PORTLAND | 503-823-3615	Tours are easily self-guided or,  take the Audio Tour, which lasts 30 minutes and employs wonderful sound effects to supplement your tour.  As always, firehouse staff will be on hand to assist in your tour or answer any questions. Visits are free, but donations to the Jeff Morris Fire & Life Safety Foundation are always accepted.  Pay a visit and enjoy the history and heritage of the fire service in Portland, Oregon.  Find the menu link under "Fire Museum" to enjoy photos and to learn how to schedule a tour.
End Of The Oregon Trail Interpretive Center	1726 Washington St., Oregon City, 503-657-9336 Covered wagon-shaped buildings off of the freeway.
Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum	500 NE Capt. Michael King Way (Hwy. 18) Home of Howard Hughes's giant wood plane, The Spruce Goose.  They have a water park now too!
Kidd's Toy Museum	Toys from as far back as the 1840's.) 1300 SE Grand Ave 503-233-7807
The Hat Museum  Located in Ladd's Addition | SE PORTLAND | 503-232-0433	800+ Hats The Museum is by Appointment Only
McLoughlin House Oregon Trail, old Oregon Territory Museum	713 Center Street  Oregon City, Oregon  97045   U.S.A.  503-656-5146     FREE admission. Wednesday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Mount Hood Cultural Center - Ski Museum	88900 E Hwy 26 Government Camp 503-272-3301
OMSI	1945 SE Water, 503-797-OMSI (6674) OmniMaz Theater, Planetarium, Blueback Submarine
Oregon Historical Society	1200 SW Park, Downtown Portland, 503-222-1741
The Oregon Maritime Center & Museum	The Museum is located at the foot of Pine St., at the Seawall in Tom McCall waterfront park. This museum is partially in a boat!
Oregon Sports Hall of Fame	321 SW Salmon 503-227-7466
Pearson Air Museum	1115 E 5th, Vancouver, WA, 360-694-7026 Oldest air museum in the West. Highlights the development in aviation in 1920's and 30's. FREE
Portland Art Museum	1219 SW Park Ave. 503-226-2811
Portland Police Museum	Portland Police Historical Society & Museum 1111 SW 2nd Avenue - 16th Floor Portland, Oregon (503) 823-0019
Rice NW Museum of Rocks & Minerals	Rocks and minerals are on display!
Washington County Museum - 5 Oaks Museum	17677 NW Springville Rd 503-645-5353
World Forestry Center	Located in Washington Park next to the Zoo. (Daily 10-5) $8 Adults, $5 Kids)
Yamhill County Museum - Lafayette Historic Site	605 Market Street, Lafayette, OR 97127 Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 am - 4 pm
Yamhill County Museum - Yamhill Valley Heritage Center	11275 SW Durham Lane, McMinnville, OR 97128 Fridays - Saturdays 10am-4pm
Picnicking Any nice day is a great time to go on a picnic. Work together to make a nice lunch, or snacks, grab a Frisbee or ball, and head out to your nearest park or green space.
Reading What a great way to bond with your child! Either reading together or reading the same book and sharing thoughts.
Spaghetti Factory	has brought back its reading program. Print out the bookmark, read 5 books and bring it in with you for a free kids meal.
Roadside Attractions www.RoadsideAmerica.com
Oregon Tourist Attractions and Oddities Index	Oregon has a lot of really odd stuff, check out the site and take a day trip to see something truly weird and cool! You can see Paul Bunyan, A Giant Rabbit, Living Rock Studios, Ship Wrecks and MUCH MORE!
Washington Tourist Attractions and Oddities Index	Washington has some great Roadside Attractions too! A tree with a bicycle growing out of it, Big Foot Statues, Space Needle replicas, Giant Yard Birds, and MUCH MORE!
Rodeo
St. Paul Rodeo	Saint Paul Rodeo is held the week of the Fourth of July each year in St. Paul, Oregon.
Scenic Drives
Canby Ferry	The Canby Ferry crosses the Willamette River between Canby and Wilsonville. The drive to the ferry is very nice, and there are picnic areas nearby.
Skating
Ice Skating A great way to cool down in the summer is to ice skate!
Lloyd Center Skating Rink	In the center of Lloyd Center Mall.
Sherwood Skating Center	Located in Sherwood, Oregon.
Roller Skating Fun and great exercise!
Mount Scott Community Center - They only have open skate a few times a week.  Also available for rental.
Oaks Park Skating Rink - Located within Oaks Amusement Park.
Skateboard Parks SkateBoardingInPortland - Has a map of parks, shops and groups.
Holly Farm Park	Includes paths – paved, picnic tables, playground, and skatepark.
Oregon City Skate Park	Located in Clackamette Park West of Hwy 99E. Special "Slow Skate" hours for inexperienced skaters and kids under age 10. M-W-F 9-11am
Portland Parks & Rec Skateparks	PP&R runs 8 Skateparks in the Metro Area.
Stronger Indoor Skate Park	Located in Milwaukie, this is an indoor, climate-controlled park.
Tualtin Hills Skate Park	NW 158th Ave Beaverton, OR 97006-4105 503-629-6330
West Linn Online | Skate Park	Skate Park at Tanner Creek Park  l 3456 Parker Road l West Linn, OR  97068 l Skate Park Hours: Opens - 9:00 a.m. Closes - Dusk or 8:00 p.m., whichever is first.
Skiing
Mt Hood Meadows
Ski Bowl
Sporting Events Portland has a wide range of sports events to go to. Portland Trailblazers Basketball is the best known, but don't forget Portland Pickles Baseball, Hillsboro Hops Baseball, Portland Winter Hawks Hockey, Timbers Soccer, Portland Thorns Soccer,  Defy Wrestling, DOA Wrestling, Scottish Highland Games, Rose City Rollers Roller Derby and MORE!
Portland Winter Hawks
Train Take a train trip!
Mount Hood Railroad	Travel aboard the Mount Hood railroad. They have 3-4 hour fun family adventures all year round. In summer witness an old west train robbery. During the holidays travel aboard the Polar Express in your PJ's, or travel to Parkdale Oregon, and cut down your own Christmas Tree.
Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad	Coastal Excursions between Rockaway and Garibaldi.  Steam or Diesel engines.  Open-air and closed cabins. Specials excursions on the Fourth of July, Christmas, and Halloween.
Thrift Stores Go to Goodwill and get a board game, which can give hours of entertainment to the family.  Check to see if all of the pieces are there before you buy. There are some super thrifts stores around: Goodwill, Value Village, Red White and Blue, and Desert Industries.
Walking Tours
Northwest Ghost Tours	Walk with the Spirits tours are around the Oregon City area in the evenings. The tour guides take you through history and legend about the first city in Oregon.
Portland Walking Tours	They offer several different Portland tours. $30 or less.
Order a Portland Bike/Walk Map	Portland Transportation Bureau offers a variety of walking and biking maps, as well as other literature and resources to help you walk, bike, and use transit in Portland and surrounding areas.