Portland with Kids

Portland is one of those American cities that doesn't feel American. Some visionary urban planners got their hands on the city's blueprints and turned its Pearl District into a kind of modern European city with outdoor cafes, plazas, fountains, bars, gardens, lofts and a trolley and light rail system that takes you everywere. Admittedly, it feels a bit utopia-like, with barely a sighting of any riff-raff or homeless person. It's a new city and it's small, population around 500,000. But it's funto explore for both adults and kids.

DAY ONE

You're immediately on vacation as soon as you park your car for the weekend at the retro chic boutique hotel, The Inn at Northup Station, in Portland's NW cafe district. The hotel is whimsically decorated with a trolley theme in bright, playful colors. Once you've rid yourself of your car, jump on the trolley and you're good to go! And if your kids are like my two boys who LOVE trains, riding the trolley is part of the fun.

First Stop: Jamison Square in the Pearl District. This is a beautiful park surrounded by outdoor cafes, trees and a really COOL fountain-waterfall-wading pool. The kids loved it! While your husband watches the kids frolic in the water, go for a quick stroll and check out the Pearl District's many cool boutiques. When the kids are tired and hungry, grab homemade ice cream at Cool Moon opposite the square or sit outside on the patio of Fenouil and enjoy delicious French food. Happy hour prices before 6:30pm are half off and more kid-friendly. My kids enjoyed the salmon and the grilled shrimp!
Second Stop: Bar-hopping in the Pearl District. Bring your kids back to the hotel and book a sitter with Homewatch Caregivers, (503) 254-8343, a babysitting service in Portland that will send a babysitter to your hotel. Then with your spouse, check out the cool bars and breweries of the Pearl District! My husband and I went to Bluehour, a ultra-modern white bar and restaurant and Vault Martini for drinks afterwards. But just walk around the Pearl District on a warm summer night and you'll find tons of hip bars, outdoor patios and breweries. Then jump back on the trolley back to your hotel. No drinking and driving involved.

DAY TWO

Breakfast at an Outdoor Cafe in the NW District: From the hotel, walk to the Vivace Coffee House and Creperie at 1400 NW 23rd Street and sit in their outdoor patio among leafy trees and enjoy some delicious crepes. The kids loved the nutella crepes with strawberries! After breakfast, check out the cute old houses and boutiques on the street.

Day at the Portland Zoo and the Japanese Garden at Washington Park: Ride the trolley and MAX light rail to the deepest tunnel and station in America at Washington Park. My eight year old kid, a science geek, loved this detail! Kids can see a sample of the layers of rock at the station. Walk around the beautiful Japanese Garden and let the kids participate in the scavenger/treasure hunt game. There is also a kids train that takes you to and from the Japanese Garden to the zoo.


Dinner at the Bridgeport Brewpub and Bakery in the Pearl District: Portland is famous for its brewpubs so you just have to check one out! This is another great restaurant that's kid friendly but also fun for adults. Order a sample of the brewery's beers. They also have great chocolate cupcakes for dessert at the adjoining bakery.

DAY THREE

Day at the Oregon Science and Industry Muesem (OMSI). After you check out of your hotel, drive to the OMSI on your way out. This science muesem is one of the best I've ever seen. Kids can touch and see real dinosaur fossils/bones in the paleontology lab or build dams and rivers in the large sand/water play table. There is also a great ball room where kids can build their own ball shooters with all kinds of tubes and a whole indoor science playground. If that wasn't enough, there is also a planetarium and tour of a real submarine. decomissioned from the 1950s. There is so much to do, you need a whole day. The muesem is along the riverfront and has a great cafe with plenty of good adult food too.

After a great three days in Portland, we drove off and my five year old son started to cry. He said he felt sad he was leaving. He had such a good time!

Where to Stay: Inn at Northup Station, retro chic boutique hotel decorated in whimisical trolley theme, located in Portland's NW cafe district. Prices are good too, $169 per night for a large studio with balcony and full kitchen. It has a pull out couch for the kids. The trolley stop is right out infront of the hotel and they give you free trolley tickets.

When to Go: Summer, summer, summer. With all its outdoor cafes and public transit, it's the best time to visit Portland. You'll want to avoid the rain and cold of winter, spring and fall. Yeah, that's the rest of the year.