TriMet Free Rail Zone: Portland has great public transportation, and the MAX Light Rail and Portland streetcar are free all day, every day within downtown Portland, the Rose Quarter, and the Lloyd District. Just look for the Free Rail Zone emblems at rail stations. The ride in itself is great entertainment for kids. Stop off in Pioneer Square to browse the upscale shopping center, grab something to eat, or catch a street performance. If you are sports fans, head to NikeTown on SW 6th to see the latest in shoes and apparel. You can also use the Free Rail Zone to catch a professional sporting event at PG&E Park or to see a show at the Keller Auditorium.Today's guest post comes from Amy Whitley, a mom and writer whose blog, Pitstops for Kids, is all about great places to stop with kids on car trips. She lives in Oregon and shares five of her favorite free things to do with kids in nearby Portland.
Portland Saturday Market: Located under the Burnside Bridge (SW Ankeny and Naito Pkwy), the Portland Saturday (and Sunday) Market is the place to enjoy the (rare) sunshine, do some peoplewatching, and shop for local treasures in Portland. Open March 6 to December 24, the market showcases every sort of artisan and food vendor in a colorful, fun atmosphere. There's also a stage featuring live entertainment from local bands and performers.
Crown Point Vista House: Built in 1916, Vista House is an observatory and a historic tribute to Oregon's pioneers. Located minutes outside Portland along the Historic Columbia River Highway at the western entrance to the Columbia Gorge, it sits atop Crown Point, 733 feet above the river. (From I-84, take Exit 22 and drive east for three miles.) Kids love exploring the castle-like building, taking in the views (bring binoculars!), and imagining how the river and valleys below them would have looked to Oregon's early explorers and travelers. Open mid-March through October. If you have time, Multnomah Falls is only 8 miles further east, and well worth a visit.
Mt. Tabor Park: Kids love that this park sits on top of a volcano. Located on an extinct volcanic cinder cone (SE 60th and Salmon St), Mt. Tabor Park comprises of almost 200 acres of picnic areas, wooded trails, playgrounds, public art space, and sport courts. Its grassy open spaces and winding paths afford beautiful views of the city. Note: No motor vehicles are allowed in the park on Wednesdays.
Portland Art Museum (PAM): Though perhaps best known for its blockbuster temporary exhibitions, this museum also has a wonderful permanent collection of contemporary and modern art. Kids, it seems, especially love the collection of Native American artifacts. Children 17 and under can always visit for free, but adult admission normally costs $12. The museum is free for everyone on the fourth Friday of each month from 5pm to 8pm, and four Sundays a year for Museum Family Day.
More Oregon with kids:
Land of the Free: 5 fab freebies in Portland
Columbia River Gorgeous! 3 big Northwestern family vacations
