Not Just for Hipsters: Portland, Oregon, With Kids
Famous for its eco-loving hipsters, artisans and third-wave coffee obsessives, Portland, Oregon, has been a tad pigeon-holed as a destination for hip young people. And while it is a rather cool place, that doesn’t mean kids and families aren’t welcome. In fact, the Pacific Northwest city makes for an excellent family vacation.
The outdoors-focused hub is full of kid-friendly activities and attractions — from the beautifully landscaped Portland Japanese Garden to the tree-focused World Forestry Center Discovery Museum — while the city’s reputation for makers of all stripes means funky toy stores and one-of-a-kind souvenirs. And Portland’s overall casual vibe means it’s easy to bring kids to many of the city’s renowned restaurants and even breweries. Here are some of our favorite ways to do Portland with kids.
Take the MAX Light Rail from the Airport
Your visit to Portland can begin with a cool train ride. In fact, the easiest, cheapest and most fun way to get from the airport to downtown is via the MAX Light Rail. Kids will love the sleek train that glides through the streets, giving everyone a great tour of the Portland metro area along the way. Trains run about every 15 minutes. Buy tickets before you board at one of the machines at the airport station. You'll be on the MAX's Red Line but you can ride and transfer to any of the other lines as well. Tickets valid for 2.5 hours of transit are $2.50 for adults 18+ and $1.25 for kids 7–17. Day passes are $5 for adults and $2.50 for children.
Explore Washington Park and Everything In It
Portland is bursting with outdoorsy activities, and the epicenter of the family friendly ones is the massive Washington Park, home to the impressive Portland Japanese Garden, where kids and grown-ups alike can explore the winding paths, water features and zen gardens. There is also the animal-packed Oregon Zoo; the 20,000 square-foot World Forestry Center Discovery Museum, which features a range of interactive, forest-focused exhibits; the Portland Children’s Museum, which is one of the oldest in the world; and the International Rose Test Gardens, which have hundreds of rose species on colorful display. (A terrific spot for a family photo.) The park also has ballfields, tennis courts, picnic areas and a large playground.
Take a Hike
Hiking is especially accessible in Portland, and there are plenty of trails that children can handle — we like Tryon Creek and Forest Park for older kids, while Laurelhurst Park has a cute duck pond that is perfect for younger tykes to walk around.
Amuse Yourselves
Hidden in Southeast Portland is Oaks Amusement Park, one of the country’s oldest continuously operating amusement parks that dates back to the early 1900s. And, if you're in Portland over a weekend, stop by the Portland Saturday Market (open Saturdays and Sundays), featuring about 300 local artisans, for the ultimate handmade Portland souvenir.
What To Do When It Rains (and It Probably Will)
Given the Pacific Northwest's typical weather patterns, a rainy day in Portland is likely. When that happens, head to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, and be sure to check out the USS Blueback, a retired US Navy submarine that you can even spend the night on (with prior reservations).
Any readers in the family will appreciate a visit to the famous Powell’s City of Books, the world’s largest new and used bookstore that takes up an entire city block. SpielWork Toys is a great place to discover well-crafted toys that promote imaginative play.
Eat It All — and Even Grab a Drink
Portland is known for its stellar food scene, and just because you’ve got kids in tow doesn’t mean you can’t chow down on some of the country’s most innovative cuisine. Thanks to the city’s generally relaxed vibe, stuffy dining rooms are rare and kids are easily catered to in most places — even at some of the city’s hottest spots like Tusk, Nostrana and Hat Yai (if they can handle a little spice). Lovely’s Fifty-Fifty makes some of city’s best pizza and homemade ice cream, while stops at inventive doughnut shops like Blue Star, Pip’s and the famous Voodoo's are fun for the whole family. Plus, the food cart culture is especially strong here, making it easy (and affordable!) to grab a tasty, international food-focused lunch on the go.
Because Portland is known for its craft beer scene, it would be a shame to miss out on trying some brews because of your littles. Luckily, there are breweries like the family-owned Hopworks, which happily welcomes kids and even has dedicated play areas sponsored by local toy stores.
Sleep It Off
Portland is full of funky hotels, which means not all of them are great for families (accommodations with shared bathrooms and hotels that also house music clubs are a thing here). Thankfully, there are plenty of Airbnbs and hotels that welcome kids with open arms, like the Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel (bookable with IHG Rewards points), which has a bedtime butler that delivers treats — for adults and kids — and children’s books several times a week, and the Inn at Northrup Station, which features brightly decorated family-friendly suites complete with pull-out beds and mini-kitchens. There are plenty of points hotel options in the downtown area, including the Hilton Portland Downtown, Hyatt House Portland / Downtown and Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront.
The stylish boutique Hotel Modera recently added its Colosseum — a multipurpose space with a pool table, darts, shuffle board, a giant Connect 4 and classic board games.
Bottom Line
While you're flying into or out of Portland International Airport (PDX), be sure and use your Priority Pass card to enjoy free food and drinks in the airport or even catch a free movie. Probably not coincidentally, PDX is ranked as the #3 airport in the United States by TPG.
Have you been to Portland with your kids? What attractions did they like best?
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.