Free Activities For Kids: Summer in the Portland Metro

Summer in the PNW is a magical time. Gorgeous sunny days spill seamlessly into the evening with the sun setting as late as 9pm somedays. There is a good chunk of the summer it feel like you’re putting your kid to bed in broad daylight! So how do you fill 10 weeks of long days without school? There are loads of camps and activities, childcare options etc. of course… but that adds up quickly! That’s why we’ve put together a list of free activities for your kid this summer to help make sure those sunny summer days are a little brighter.

Summer Reading Programs

Libraries across Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington Counties offer fantastic summer reading programs for kids. Participants can earn prizes for reading and attend various free events at local libraries. This is a great way to keep your child engaged and learning over the summer while having fun. Visit the following library websites for more details and to sign up:

Multnomah County Library: Programs available for kids and teens in person or virtually.

Clackamas County Library: Sign-up online to participate at one of the 11 library locations.

Washington County Library: Summer reading for kids and teens with regular events at all their libraries. Sign up at the library closet to you to get started.

Kids Bowl Free

The national Kids Bowl Free program provides up to two free rounds of bowling for kids registered to the program. There are several options of participating bowling alleys across Portland Metro. Age limits apply and adults still have to pay for their own rounds. Check out the program details and register your kid here. We listed the participating local bowls below.

Kingpins – (Portland and Beaverton): A family entertainment center with bowling, arcade games, and a sports bar.

Milwaukie Bowl – (Milwaukie): A classic bowling alley with a friendly atmosphere and snack bar.

Park Lanes Family Entertainment– (Hillsboro) Offers bowling, batting cages, and an arcade, providing a variety of activities.

Mt. Hood Lanes – (Gresham) Features 24 lanes, a pro shop, and a café

Allen Crosley Lanes – (Vancouver): Known for its friendly staff and well-maintained lanes, it’s a great place to enjoy bowling.

Please note that other activities listed at specific bowling alleys are not part of the kids bowl free program!

Summer Free For All

Parks and Recreation hosts events and activities at Parks across the city Monday-Friday from 10am-2pm (except July 4th and 5th). They provide free lunches for kids 18 and under. This is a great way for your kids to get some safe and supervised time outside. Check out the program details and schedules here.

Pedalpalooza: Family Friendly Rides

Every summer Bike enthusiasts plan themed rides around the city. Rides are of varying length and not all rides are suitable for kids. But there are some great family friend ride options and non-motorized wheels of any kind are welcome to participate. Check out their very full calendar of events through the summer. Family friendly rides are designated in the details when you look at individual rides.

Get Beachy Without Going to the Coast

Want to stick your toes in the sand but don’t have time for a full day trip to the coast? Portland has some pretty great riverfront beaches. Or you can check out our list of The Best Swimming Holes Near Portland here.

Sellwood River Front Park: Located along the Willamette River, this park features a beach area, picnic tables, a boat dock, and a large off-leash dog area.

Sauvie Island Beach: Just a short drive from Portland, Sauvie Island offers sandy beaches, swimming, and wildlife viewing, making it a perfect day trip destination. There is a section of this beach that is clothing optional but it is well removed from the main beach area.

Attend a Parade

Parades are fun, full of cool music, captivating visuals and pageantry that is contagious. Portland is home to many vibrant parades throughout the summer here’s a few to check out.

Multnomah Days Parade: A community parade in Multnomah Village showcasing local businesses, community groups, and marching bands, followed by a street fair.

Rose Festival: An iconic Portland event, the Rose Festival features the Grand Floral Parade, the Starlight Parade, and the Junior Parade, celebrating the city’s rich cultural heritage with elaborate floats, marching bands, and more.

Robin Hood Festival: Held in Sherwood, this festival includes a lively parade with costumed participants, celebrating the legend of Robin Hood with family-friendly activities and entertainment.

Portland Pride Parade: A colorful and inclusive parade celebrating the LGBTQ+ community with floats, music, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Portland Mermaid Parade: A whimsical event featuring mermaid-themed costumes, music, and activities along the Portland waterfront.

Head to the Art Museum

The Portland Art Museum offers free admission for kids 17 and under year-round. Additionally, on the first Thursday of every month, all admissions are free. For more information, visit the Portland Art Museum. The art museum offers rotating exhibits as well as permanent displays that makes each visit educational, unique, and fun!

Find a Splash Pad

Nothing says summer quite like laughing children running through water. And what’s more fun than a backyard sprinkler? The programmed splash pads scattered around the city. Water shoots up out the ground at various heights making for a delightful cool surprise to run and play in.

Jamison Square Park: Located in the Pearl District, this park features a fountain with tidal pools where kids can splash and play.

Colonel Summers Park: Situated in Southeast Portland, this park has a splash pad, playground, and plenty of open space for picnics and games.

Columbia Park: Located in North Portland, this park offers a splash pad, playground, and sports fields, and a beautiful backdrop of huge fir trees.

Spring Garden Park: This Southwest Portland park features a splash pad, playground, and picnic areas.

Portland has lot’s of summer splash pads all around town, see the full list here.

Free Art in the Park

In partnership with Portland Creative, Larry Yes brings the Free Art in the Park program to downtown Portland’s Pioneer Courthouse Square on Tuesdays and Thursdays from June 4 to July 30. Join in for free art activities! For more details, visit the event page.

Summer in the PNW is truly a magical time. We hope this guide helps you find some ways to bring some magic to the kids in your life this summer. Have some favorite activities of your own that didn’t make the list? Let us know in the comments below!