Make this Memorial Day Weekend one to remember with tons of family fun! Celebrate the start of summer by getting outside, being creative, and spending time with your loved ones. If you can’t figure out where to start, or need a bit of inspiration for this year’s long weekend, we’ve got you covered! Read on for 10 ways to spend your Memorial Day Weekend in Portland!
Farmers Market: Portland State University
Perhaps your family is no stranger to the farmer’s market at PSU – regardless of your familiarity, make sure to hit up the vibrant stands selling a wide range of goods on Saturday, May 28th! This farmer’s market runs yearlong, but summer is surely the sweet time to get in on the action. Incorporate a visit to the PSU market into your plans this memorial day weekend!
Where: 1831 SW Pedestrian Trail, Portland OR
When: May 28: 8:30 a.m. – 2p.m.
Online: here
OMSI
Head to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry this Memorial Day Weekend to explore the museum’s headliner exhibit: The World of Leonardo da Vinci ! You can spend time in their invention room, where you can build masts on boats to see what designs work best or head upstairs to learn about the anatomy of the human body! Check out their gift shop for fun toys and gadgets that will keep your little scientists wanting more!
Where: 1945 SE Water Ave., Portland OR
Hours: Tue.- Sun. 9:30a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Online: here
The Arboretum
Take a stroll in nature, not too far from the city center! The Hoyt Arboretum, founded in 1928, has served as the perfect weekend getaway for nearly a hundred years. Whether you and the family are taking the beloved dog for a stroll, or planning a picnic, or simply out to enjoy nice weather, the Hoyt Arboretum is the right play to go. Relax with nature this Memorial Day Weekend when you and the family spend some time at Hoyt!
Where: 4000 SW Fairview Blvd., Portland OR
Hours: 5a.m.- 10 p.m.
Details online at: hoytarboretum.org
The Rose Garden Children’s Playground
Are the kids bursting with energy? Let them tucker themselves out while you lounge on a bench of the Rose Garden Children’s Playground! This multi-level, imagination-abundant play space is exactly how your kids want to spend their Memorial Day Weekend. So let them go sliding down the various slides, swing on every swingset, and wipe themselves out with games of tag – just remember to bring a book for yourself!
Where: 1700 SW Sherwood Blvd., Portland, OR 97205
When:
Daily: 5AM – 10PM
Details online at: https://explorewashingtonpark.org/
The Oregon Zoo
The Oregon Zoo is a great way to spend a day of this Memorial Day Weekend! Supporting our local zoo means everything to the animals and the community that supports them. So grab the kids and head up to the zoo to meet the penguins, wave at the elephants, and see if you can catch a glimpse of the sea otters as they tumble about in their pool! Reserve your tickets online in advance, as timed entry is required.
Where: 4001 SW Canyon Rd., Portland OR
Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 a.m.
Online: oregonzoo.org
Pittock Mansion
Built in 1914, Pittock Mansion overlooks tremendous views of Portland that your family will want as the background of this memorial weekend photo op! Take the kids up to the hill on which the mansion sits to look over our beautiful city, and pack a lunch if the weather is nice! Afterward, take a stroll along some of the ground’s beautiful walkways or head into Washington Park’s network of trails for an afternoon stroll.
Where: 3229 NW Pittock Dr., Portland, OR
Hours: Wed. – Mon.:10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Tue. 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Online: pittockmansion.org
The Vietnam Veterans of Oregon Memorial
Spend an afternoon reflecting on the great sacrifices made by past neighbors, parents, and children alike. The Vietnam Veterans of Oregon Memorial was built in 1987 to honor those who have given themselves to protect us and the country we all call home. This semi-circle memorial offers space for reflection, appreciation, and understanding, and is a beautiful space to do such work this memorial day.
Where: 4000 SW Canyon Rd., Portland OR
Hours: Daily: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Online: .portland.gov
Saturday Market
Get the family up-and-at-em on Memorial Weekend Saturday by heading down to the Saturday Market to support Portland’s local artists! Filled with stands selling delicious foods, wellness goods, home decor goods, clothing – you name it! – the Saturday market is a great way to inspire creativity or just spend some time outside. Plus, you can learn a few things from the friendly artists about how they make what they’re selling and how they got started!
Where: 2 SW Naito Pkwy., Portland, OR
Hours: Every Sun. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Online: Here
Forest Park
Need a bit of escape from the city? Take a drive to one of the many trailheads at Forest Park! Portland’s Forest Park is one of the biggest urban parks in America and has over 90 miles of trails. Fun fact, you could run a marathon on the Wildwood Trail! Start your trek at the beginning of the Wildwood, or stop in by McClay Park in northwest Portland. Either way, bring the right pair of shoes, a water bottle, and get ready for an awesome walk in Portland’s urban nature scene.
Hours: Daily: 5 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Online: forestparkconservancy.org
McMenamin’s Kennedy School
We have to include an activity for the adults, too! Luckily, McMenamin’s Kennedy School, located in northeast Portland, has things to do for the whole family. Grab a bite to eat, and a beer, at one of their breweries on campus, or explore the seemingly endless halls of the converted elementary school! Depending on the schedule, the Kennedy School routinely hosts live shows, and has a soaking pool so you can relax if the weather outside isn’t to your liking! Head online to check out what they have going on and plan your trip today!
Where: 5736 NE 33rd Ave., Portland, OR
Online: mcmenamins.com
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