ML Interest Tag: nude-beach

Take a Dip in the City’s Most Relaxing Lakes & Rivers

by Annette Benedetti

Get back to nature with a dip in one of Portland’s many swimming holes—no crowded splash pad necessary

No offense to Portland’s many splash playgrounds, but when it comes to chill vibes on a sunny day, it’s hard to beat dipping your toes in a scenic Portland lake or lazy river. Lucky for parents, the Portland area has tons of awesome swim spots that are just a short drive from the city and offer welcoming water and amazing views you’ll want to enjoy again and again before school starts in the fall. So grab your swimsuits, sand shovels and sunscreen, it’s time to hit one of our favorite nearby swimming holes. And for the littlest toe-dippers, don’t forget those water wings!

Related: 100 Must-Try Summer Adventures in Portland

High Rocks Park
While jumping off rocks might not be a parent’s idea of wholesome summer fun, you can rest assured because this spot has lifeguards posted from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Consider it the perfect spot for kids to be a little daring. On the Clackamas River in Gladstone, right off Highway 205, High Rocks Park a popular spot and is often busy during the hottest parts of the day. While the lifeguard makes it a safer swimming hole, please make sure your kids are strong swimmers and stay close by, as the river's currents and rocky terrain has risks.

E. Arlington St.
Gladstone, OR
Online: ci.gladstone.or.us

Hood River Waterfront Park
For a change of scenery, take your swimsuits to the Gorge. This swimming spot on the Columbia in Hood River is not only great for dipping, but kids will love the playground when they dry off. It’s beautifully landscaped and maintained, full of unique play structures. Plus it’s right across the street from some of the best dining Hood River has to offer.

650 Portway Ave.
Hood River, OR
Online: portofhoodriver.com

Glen Otto Community Park
These sandy stretches along the appropriately-named Sandy River make excellent summer destinations. The wide river banks offer slow moving and shallow water, and further back you’ll find picnic grounds, barbecue pits and a playground. The easy access from Portland means that this spot is popular (read: gets really busy), but the water’s always fine.

1102 E. Historic Columbia River Hwy.
Troutdale, OR
Online: troutdaleoregon.gov

Battle Ground Lake State Park
This beautiful forested lake holds the promise of an escape from the city, even while being super easy to get to. With miles of hiking trails to explore you can make the kids earn that swim. They’ll splash and dip in the sapphire water while surrounded by the pines and firs. Just remember, kids under age 4 are not allowed to swim here.

18002 N.E. 249th St.
Battle Ground, WA
Online: parks.wa.gov

Related: Cast Your Lines at These Kid-Friendly Fishing Holes

Lost Lake
A perfect view of Mt. Hood graces your every splash at this lake deep in the woods. Grab a campsite for the night or come on a weekday to beat the crowds. Trust us, the jewel-tone water is irresistible. Rent a paddle boat or canoe (with life jackets) and get out on the water. When you dry off, an easy hike around the lake is a fun way to see it from another point of view.

Insider tip: While families can access Lost Lake for day use, spending time at the Lost Lake Resort turns this day trip destination into a full-blown weekend getaway.

Imani Rd.
Hood River, OR
Online: fs.usda.gov

Moulton Falls Regional Park
This collection of deep pools is more than just a picturesque spot—it’s one of the best local swimming holes around. The falls itself are beautiful, and they’re surrounded by big flat rocks that make it a perfect spot to soak up the sun in between dips. With an easy hike, a two-story bridge, picnic spots and that deep blue water, you can see why it’s so popular with Portland families. Our advice? Arrive early to claim your rock.

27781 N.E. Lucia Falls Rd.
Yacolt, WA
Online: clark.wa.gov

Silver Falls State Park
Home to some of Oregon’s most majestic waterfalls, you can find plenty of opportunities to get wet at this park. Dip in the lazy river, wade in the deep pools or just put your arm in the splash-zone of the tumbling falls. For a whole day of fun, explore the hiking trails, then grill up a delicious dinner on the picnic grounds.

20024 Silver Falls Hwy. S.E.
Sublimity, OR
Online: oregonstateparks.org

Walton Beach
For a classic beach day without the drive to the coast, Walton Beach on Sauvie Island is the ticket. Spend a day on the river watching for eagles, counting cargo ships and splashing the sand away. It’s a popular spot that doesn’t usually feel too crowded—there’s still plenty of room to fly a kite. Keep in mind that it’s still 9 miles once you get to the island, and roads can be busy on sunny weekends. A $10 daily parking pass is available at the Cracker Barrel Store right off the bridge to the island. Psst...if you’ve heard rumors of a clothing-optional beach, they’re true. Collins Beach is also at the north end of the island, but it’s much further north, so there’s no risk of accidentally ending up there if you don’t want to.

38378-38798 N.W. Reeder Rd.
Portland, OR
Online: sauvieisland.org

Related: 10 Places to Get Your Feet Wet in PDX

Sellwood Riverfront
Make sure to fit in an end-of-summer trip to this awesome swimming spot. Decades ago you might never have thought to swim in the Willamette, but it’s been cleaned up a lot and is now just fine for water play. One of the closest access points is the Sellwood Riverfront. The beach is more of a pebble-sand thing, and you might have to share it with some pooches, but for a quick afternoon dip’n’splash, it can’t be beat.

S.E. Spokane St. at Oaks Pkwy.
Portland, OR
Online: portland.gov

Oxbow Regional Park
On the banks of the Sandy River, Oxbow has plenty of sandy areas to enjoy. Because of the wide swaths of beach and the calm, shallow river, it’s a great choice for kids who want to play and splash. Combine a trip with some of the trails through the nearby forest, or cast off your kayak for a float. But please leave your pups at home (this is a no dogs park), and remember the day use fee is $5.

3010 S.E. Oxbow Pkwy.
Gresham, OR
Online: oregonmetro.gov

George Rogers Park
This wide Lake Oswego beach on the Willamette River keeps very popular with families on the hottest days of the year. While it’s not huge, there’s plenty of space to fit in, and the nearby park with amenities like a playground, restrooms, picnic areas and sports fields means there’s something for everyone.

611 S. State St.
Lake Oswego, OR
Online: ci.oswego.or.us

Dabney State Park
Downriver from Oxbow, Dabney makes a fun day trip with kids. Sand dunes, clean water and a small river offshoot practically beg kids to come explore. Because it’s such a calm spot on the river, it’s very popular to launch inner tubes from and can get crowded when the weather is pitch perfect. But you can always escape to the rest of the park, with an old orchard, ponds, disc golf and forest hikes waiting. There is a $5 day use fee.

30174 E. Historic Columbia River Hwy.
Troutdale, OR
Online: stateparks.oregon.gov

Related: Best Portland Swimming Pools For Babies

Henry Hagg Lake at Scoggins Valley Park
A human-made lake with lots of beaches to choose from, Henry Hagg is surprisingly big, and the water is pleasantly warm. Tucked outside of town on the west side, it’s a beautiful area. The beaches are well-used and offer grills and boat ramps, as the lake is a popular boating destination. If your first beach choice is too crowded, you can drive around the lake until you locate your perfect spot. There is a $7 entrance fee.

50250 S.W. Scoggins Valley Rd.
Gaston, OR
Online: washcoparks.org

Broughton Beach
Located off Marine Drive in the north end of Portland, this popular beach offers unparalleled access to the Columbia River as jets fly by overhead. The beach may fill up with families on hot days, but as it stretches 1.3 miles, there’s plenty of space to share. It makes an excellent option for a no-plan day at the beach.  There is $5 day use fee.

4356 N.E. Marine Dr.
Portland, OR
Online: oregonmetro.gov

Blue Lake Regional Park
This beautiful vibrant swimming lake near Portland is popular with the whole family. Explore the wetlands, reserve a picnic shelter, rent a paddleboat or play on the sports fields. While the littlest kids can’t swim in the lake, they can enjoy the nature discovery garden or play in the gushing, dumping, spraying splash pad. There is a $5 day use fee.

21224 N.E. Blue Lake Rd.
Portland, OR
Online: oregonmetro.gov



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Everything You Need to Know About Getting Away to Sauvie Island

by Annette Benedetti

You don’t need a plane ticket to spend your summer days on a gorgeous island with long stretches of sandy beach. Sauvie Island, located just a short 20-30 minute drive from downtown Portland, is about to become your family’s favorite local summer getaway. It features a kid-friendly beachfront, along with and abundance of U-Pick farms with petting zoos, play spaces and more. If you are looking for a spectacular day or staycation, now’s the time to head to Sauvie Island for an epic family adventure that won’t soon be forgotten. 

a dad and daughter catch a fish
istock

Go Fishing

Nothing says Pacific Northwest fun like fishing! Check out one of the many small ponds or lake areas for practicing your hand at beginner-level fishing. Hit Haldeman Pond, Aaron's Lake, Steelman Lake or Mud Lake for a day of reeling them in. All of these spots provide excellent fishing holes throughout the summer season. Your little angler will enjoy trying their hand at catching the small perch, crappie, and catfish that can be found in the waters of Sauvie Island.

Online: sauvieisland.org

Splash & Sun

Sauvie island has some of Portland’s best beaches, for good reason. It is close enough for easy access, wild enough to go free (super free if you want—the nude beach is farther up the island!) From May through the end of the summer families can count on Sauvie Island beaches to provide a perfect spot for water and sand play with enough shade and sandy beach area to set up a base camp for a full day away from the house. 

Walton Beach is your best bet for a sunny day on the water. Watch for eagles, count cargo ships, build a sand castle, then splash the sand away. It’s a popular spot, but doesn’t feel too crowded—there’s still plenty of room to fly a kite! A $10 daily parking pass is available at the Store right off the bridge to the island.

Collin's Beach: For free-spirited families this particular beach begins about a quarter of a mile after Reeder Road turns to gravel), is clothing optional so you and your kiddos can wear your birthday suit all day long. Just be sure to bring the sunscreen! You don't want to get burned!

LGBTQ families can head even further down Collins where they will find a stretch of beach filled with members of the LGBTQ family. Here too, clothing is optional. So bring the sunscreen and go early enough to grab some shade in advance. Sun umbrellas and tents are advised.

38378-38798 NW Reeder Rd.
Online: sauvieisland.org

Hike to a Lighthouse

Portland families love to hike, and Sauvie Island features a gorgeous 5-mile moderate and flat trek to Warrior Rock Lighthouse that the whole family will enjoy. Fun fact: it happens to be Oregon’s smallest lighthouse! Stop along the way to look up for bald eagles, Canada geese, swans, and cranes. You may even see sea lions as you walk along the Columbia River! To get there, pass through the entry gate at the end of Reeder Road and follow the trail. There is a porta potty at the trail head as well. For more hiking information, check out All Trails writeup here.

Pick Produce

Get your buckets and bags ready to be filled. The Island is home to several awesome U-Pick farms that your kids are sure to love. This summer, check out Columbia Farms U-Pick for: strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, marionberries, boysenberries, and blackberries. They also seasonally have tomatoes, peppers, flowers, pumpkins, and fall decor items, depending on when you visit. Don't forget to bring containers to place your freshly picked berries in, and maybe a picnic to enjoy at the tables under their gazebo while taking in the scenery. Pro tip: visit the website in advance to find out which berries are in season. They update their site regularly,

Online: columbiafarmsu-pick.com

More local farms to check out include:

Topaz Farm
From berry picking to petting animals to buying goodies at the farm store, there's just so much to do when visiting this Sauvie Island farm. Your kids will love picking ripe strawberries and then petting the mini goats and donkeys! It's a perfect pitstop after a day of beach play.

17100 NW Sauvie Island Rd, Portland, OR 9723
503-621-3489
Online: topazfarm.com

Bella Organics
Berry picking, wine tasting and delicious eats are all available at this beloved Sauvie Island Farm. You can even stop in their courtyard and enjoy prepared farm products cooked to order and served for consumption on the farm as you enjoy the gorgeous scenery while dining at one of their picnic tables.

16205 NW Gillihan Rd, Portland, OR 97231
503-621-9545
Online: bellaorganic.com

The Original Pumpkin Patch
Do not forget to stop at  The Original Pumpkin Patch, where you will find the Big Red Animal Barn, which typically has goats, rabbits, and perhaps a turkey or peacock or two. It's sure to get an excited squeal out of your little one. But, that's not all this special spot has to offer. There's a coffee cart that will help you perk up if you are wearing down and a market, gift shop and even a patio cafe.

Online: thepumpkinpatch.com

Where to Stay on Sauvie Island

After all of these activities, you and your little one(s) may be ready for some rest. Settle in for a night or two stay at the family-run Croft Farm, a working fruit, vegetable and honey farm. The Croft's 300 square-foot guest suite is surrounded by acres of farmland and wildlife, as well as a friendly hound dog! Wake up to a view of Mt. St. Helens before nuzzling their rabbits and chickens goodbye and departing back for home, refreshed.

Online: thecroftfarm.com

The Details
The island takes about 30 minutes to get to via a single bridge from US 30, and another 30 minutes to get across. There are no gas stations there, so be sure to fill up before you arrive. Restrooms can be scarce: most farms have options, many are porta potties. Note that all wildlife areas on the island require parking passes for $10/day, which can be purchased at the Cracker Barrel store just to the left of the bridge when you arrive, or at the Oregon Dept. Fish and Wildlife further down. (The pass is not required to visit any farms.)

Pro Tips
Parking: A parking permit is required to park at beaches or natural areas along the island (but not at business parking lots). A daily permit is $10, and an annual permit is $30. Tickets can be purchased online through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, most Portland-area Fred Meyer stores, or at The Cracker Barrel Store, located at 15005 NW Sauvie Island Road.

 

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Launch into Summer at These Sandy Beach Spots

by Annette Benedetti

With summer rolling in, it’s time to scout out some great sandy spots by the water.  Head to a river or the beach for an afternoon filled with splashing, sand castles and nature adventures. It’s the stuff a kids’ summer dreams are made of. There are tons of beautiful beaches near Portland that are just a short drive away from the city and we’ve rounded up our favorite spots for kids together for you. Read on to find out more.

two moms with kids on shoulders on beach vacation
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Glen Otto Community Park

These sandy stretches along the appropriately-named Sandy River make excellent summer destinations. The wide river banks offer slow moving and shallow water, and further back you’ll find picnic grounds, barbecue pits, and a playground. The easy access from Portland means that this spot is popular (read: gets really busy), but the water’s always fine!

Online: outdoorproject.com/

Walton Beach

For a classic beach day without the drive to the coast, Walton Beach on Sauvie Island is the ticket. Spend a day on the river watching for eagles, counting cargo ships, and splashing the sand away. It’s a popular spot that doesn’t usually feel too crowded—there’s still plenty of room to fly a kite! Keep in mind that it’s still 9 miles once you get to the island, and roads can be busy on sunny weekends. A $10 daily parking pass is available at the Cracker Barrel Store right off the bridge to the island.

(If you’ve heard rumors of a nude beach, they’re true: Collins Beach is also at the north end of the island, but it’s much further north—there’s no risk of accidentally ending up there if you don’t want to.)

Online: sauvieisland.org

Sellwood Riverfront

Decades ago you might never have thought to swim in the Willamette, but it’s a favored spot that Portland families head to for fun. One of the closest access points is the Sellwood Riverfront. The beach is more of a pebble-sand thing, and you might have to share it with some pooches, but for a quick afternoon dip’n’splash, it can’t be beat.

Online: portlandoregon.gov/parks

Oxbow Regional Park

On the banks of the Sandy River, Oxbow has plenty of sandy areas to enjoy. Because of the wide swaths of beach and the calm, shallow river, it’s a great choice for kids who want to play and splash. Combine a trip with some of the trails through the nearby forest, or cast off your kayak for a float. No dogs allowed, day use fee is $5.

Online: oregonmetro.gov/parks

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Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is one of the most popular beach towns on the Oregon coast. People travel from all over Oregon to hang out on this gorgeous stretch of beach. Just offshore, the glorious Haystack Rock is a magnet for beachgoers, providing great photo opportunities and tide-pooling possibilities, and the wide, sandy beach stretches for miles. Spend a day, or stay over night or for an entire weekend! It's a great location for a summer getaway.

Online: cannonbeach.org

George Rogers Park

This wide Lake Oswego beach on the Willamette River keeps very popular with families on the hottest days of the year. While it’s not huge, there’s plenty of space to fit in, and the nearby park with amenities like a playground, restrooms, picnic areas, and sports fields means there’s something for everyone. Check the website for specific restrictions due to COVID-19.

Online: ci.oswego.or.us

Dabney State Park

Downriver from Oxbow, Dabney makes a fun day trip with kids. Sand dunes, clean water, and a small river offshoot that makes for fun explorations with the little ones. Because it’s such a calm spot on the river, it’s very popular to launch inner tubes from, and can get crowded on a hot summer day. But you can always escape to the rest of the park, with an old orchard, ponds, disc golf, and forest hikes waiting. $5 day use fee.

Online: oregonstateparks.org

Henry Hagg Lake/Scoggins Valley Park

A man-made lake with lots of beaches to choose from, Henry Hagg is surprisingly big, and the water is pleasantly warm! Tucked outside of town on the west side, it’s a beautiful area. The beaches are well-used and offer grills and boat ramps, as the lake is a popular boating destination. If your first beach choice is too crowded, you can drive around the lake until you locate your perfect spot. $7 entrance fee.

Online: recreation.gov/camping/gateways/1146

Andrew Dawes

Broughton Beach

Located off Marine Drive in the north of Portland, this popular beach offers unparalleled access to the Columbia River as jets fly by overhead. The beach may fill up with families on hot days, but as it stretches 1.3 miles, there’s plenty of space to share. It makes an excellent option for an easy, nearby day at the beach. $5 day use fee.

Online: oregonmetro.gov/parks

Honorable Mentions

Their sandy spots are a bit smaller, and no kids under 5 are allowed in the waters, so these places are not quite top picks but still great for other reasons.

Blue Lake Regional Park

A beautiful vibrant lake popular with the whole family! Explore the wetlands, reserve a picnic shelter, rent a paddleboat, or play on the sports fields. While the littlest can’t swim in the lake, they can enjoy the nature discovery garden or play in the gushing, dumping, spraying, splash pad. $5 day use fee.

21224 NE Blue Lake Road
Portland, OR
Online: oregonmetro.gov

Battle Ground Lake State Park

Nestled amid a Washington state forest, Battle Ground Lake is a bit colder than it’s river counterparts, but beautiful. It’s surrounded by trees, picnic spots, restrooms, a few hiking trails, and you can even fish for trout in the lake! Requires Washington Discover Pass ($11.50/day, $35/annual).

18002 N.E. 249th St.
Battle Ground, WA
Online: parks.wa.gov

—Annette Benedetti

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Take Your Wild Child to Paraglide Over the Pacific & Hike Torrey Pines

by Cherie Gough

Got a little daredevil on your hands? If your stuntman/woman in training is ready to graduate from jumping off the back of the sofa across the ‘hot lava’ floor below, head to the Torrey Pines Gliderport for a paragliding adrenaline rush that even the youngest thrill seekers can experience. Once their feet are back on the ground, fuel up at Cliffhanger Cafe and then take a hike around picturesque Torrey Pines. Read on to see where to make the leap to end up somewhere over the rainbow… literally.

Photo: Torrey Pines Gliderport

Fly High at Torrey Pines Gliderport
Treat the kids to an epic afternoon at Torrey Pines Gliderport. Just a few miles south of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, this is one of the county’s best spots to watch a sunset, enjoy a meal and experience the adventure of a lifetime. Your family will have a spectacular time at the Gliderport, watching people run, then leap off the cliffs with vibrant sails carrying them like rainbows toward the ocean.

Photo: Helen Y. via Yelp

Take the leap
Anyone of any age can paraglide tandem with an expert instructor. Really! Check the gliderport’s website for photos and videos of brave kids (and adults) who took the leap on this daring adventure.

Before You Go:

  • Ready? Reservations are not possible. Since flights depend on ideal wind condition, you’ll need to call ahead of time and see if flying is available on the day you’re interested. Be patient… you’ll have to wait your turn––which can take hours on a busy day.
  • Set! You will sign a waiver that releases the company of any liability, then meet your pilot who will give you some basic instructions and help you into gear. Their helmets are equipped to mount a Go-Pro. If you own one, bring yours for a terrific memory of your flight.
  • Jump! Your paragliding flight will give you 20-25 minutes of pure exhilaration over the magnificent serene coastline. Check that one off the bucket list!

Good to know: Blacks Beach, a nude beach, is beneath the paragliding area. Explain the naked factor to young gliders ahead of time should low winds cause them to have to land on the beach.

Torrey Pines Gliderport
2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr.
La Jolla Ca 92037
Phone: 858-452-9858
Online: flytorrey.com

Open daily 9 a.m.-sunset
Cost: $175, $165 cash; Photos $40

Photo: Torrey Pines Gliderport

A Meal with a View
Enjoy cool ocean breezes, panoramic views and an unforgettable meal at the Cliffhanger Cafe. Open air patio seating offers a picturesque vantage point of the Pacific. The cafe serves gourmet soups & sandwiches including our fave: The Torrey Pine sandwich piled high with chicken breast, Swiss cheese, mayo, mustard, lettuce and tomato. On weekends from May-Sept., you can also order from the grill and listen to live bands here. Want to bring a picnic instead? No problem. There are plenty of grassy spots and some benches and tables where you can set-up your feast.

Good to know: The only restrooms are porta-potties… and dirty ones at that.

Cafe open 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Online: flytorrey.com/the-cafe/

Photo: Girl Gone Child

Parking on the Path to Your Hiking Adventure
Based on your kiddos’ stamina, choose the parking set-up that best suits your clan. There are two options for parking before you start out on your hike.

  • The Easy Road: Park in the lot at The Visitor Center. You’ll avoid walking the steep grade that leads up from the beach.
  • A Steep Climb: Park at the beach. Lucky ducks will find free spaces along the road. Otherwise, park in the lot and pay at the booth. Walk up the steep service road to the top of the bluffs. This is the most strenuous part of the hike.

Parking Lot Fee: $15/day

Starting Point : A Visit to the Nature Center
A good first stop is the Visitor Center, which is a museum housed in a unique adobe building. Take a peek at exhibits showcasing animals, plants and insects native to the region. While there you’ll learn about the rare Torrey Pines that made this reserve possible. The Scripps family recognized the beauty and significance of the pines and bought the land to preserve their wild beauty. They grow only here and off the coast of Santa Rosa Island. Knowledgeable docents who work with kids each day at the reserve are glad to share their expertise and answer questions.

Photo: Beth Shea

For a Lovely Leisurely Wander: Guy Fleming Trail
Just up the way to the right, you’ll find the Guy Fleming Trail, a 2/3 mile loop that winds toward stunning ocean views. The nearly flat trail is wide and well-marked, perfect for pint-sized hikers. Stroll through the tree lined path and arrive at a beautiful vista point. There aren’t too many cliff sides to worry about, but always be aware of children’s proximity to the edges during your hike. Soak up majestic views, take photos and look for whales during migration season Dec.- April. Docents can give you tips on how to spot other wildlife here too. Free public guided walks for families and small groups are offered on weekends and holidays at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center entrance.

Photo: Erin Buss 

For Sure-Footed Hikers: The Beach Trail
Older kids and families who hike regularly will enjoy the Beach Trail. Past the Guy Fleming Trail, this popular path takes you further up the hillside, then leads you down through chaparral beauty which is covered in wildflowers during spring. The trail ends up at steep stairs that lead down to the lovely shoreline.

Insider’s Tip: Check the tide table before you begin this walk. During high tides, there may not be enough room to walk safely between the cliffs and the ocean. The beach is rocky.

Hiking Tips: Be aware of and follow the preserve’s rules to help keep it pristine for all hikers.

  • No food allowed along the trail. There are no trash cans, so they want to keep it trash free. Eat a snack beforehand and bring one in your bag for afterwards.
  • No dogs allowed on trail.
  • Stay on the marked trail to avoid trampling native plants.
  • Do not pick or collect anything.

Good to know: Restrooms are available at the beach level entrance and there are portable toilets in the west parking lot at the top level, across the street from the Visitor Center. Water fountains are available at the Visitor Center, the restrooms and on the Guy Fleming Trail.

Open Daily 7:15 a.m.–sunset

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
12600 N. Torrey Pines Rd.
San Diego, Ca 92037
Online: torreypine.org

Have you gone paragliding or hiking at Torrey Pines? Share your experience in the comments below.

–– Cherie Gough

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16 Reasons To Be Thankful You’re a Portland Parent

by Kelley Gardiner

Family is at the top of the list of things we are thankful for. And closely following that is the fact that we live in this incredible city. Even though there are somewhere in the neighborhood of 101 reasons to be thankful that we’re Portland parents, here are our top 16. Feel free to add yours to the list in our Comments below.

photo: Laurelhurst Park by Scott T. via Yelp

1. Portland Parks
We have miles and miles of beautiful natural beauty and a wide range of outdoor activities – all within the city limits, including roller skating along Tom McCall Waterfront Park, hiking and biking miles of forest at Forest Park, skateboarding at Pier Park and playtime on the inner city volcano, aka Mt. Tabor.

photo: Seven Virtues Coffee by Betty F. via Yelp

2. Coffee Shops with Kids’ Areas
Many of us busy parents are thankful for coffee. Portland has plenty of delectable coffee shops, and some of them even have kids’ play areas to give us a few minutes of peaceful with our sweet, sweet caffeine. Here’s a link to our favorite coffee shops with kids’ areas around town.

photo: HUB play area by Dayana J. via Yelp

3. Kid-friendly brew pubs
We love breweries with play areas for kids, like Hopworks Urban Brewery and Laurelwood Brewing Company. It’s the best of both worlds when you can order a kid-friendly meal, along with great adult food, then sip a brew while the kids play and you wait for food. These folks get us. They really get us.

photo: McMenamins Kennedy School movie theater via Yelp

4. Mommy Matinees at Kennedy School
Ah, those McMenamin brothers and their genius ideas. You can take your baby to the movies without worrying about your little angel waking up from their nap and yowling at the top of his lungs. You can even order beer and have food delivered to your seat.

photo: Cotton Babies by Lily M. via Yelp

5. Cotton Babies
If you’ve ever tried to figure out cloth diapers, surely you’ve given up and thrown your hands over your head at least once, exasperated at all the options. Portland parents have experts just across the river in Vancouver, who will gently guide you in choosing the best pocket diapers, all-in-ones and brands that suit your family. (Whew.)

 photo: Sauvie Island berry picking by Katrina Br*?#*!@nd via flickr

6. Sauvie Island
This rural getaway to farm country is close enough for a morning excursion, and families love going berry picking, checking out fall activities at the pumpkin patches, bird-watching, and exploring the beaches. (Just steer clear of the nude beach unless you’re up for a bracing lesson in anatomy.)

photo: Slappy Cakes by Claire and Amy A. via Yelp

7. Brunch Options
We love our brunch in this town and there’s a hot spot in just about every neighborhood. One of the gems in southeast, is Slappy Cakes, where everyone, including kids can get involved cooking their cakes right at the table. Squeeze shapes from batter bottles and add your own items, like chocolate chips or blueberries, without any of the grocery shopping or cleanup. The younger set is a lot less likely to get fidgety and fussy when they’re participating in making their own meals. Another one is Helser’s on Alberta with their uber kid-friendly atmosphere and giant, fluffy German pancakes – breakfast is served all day.

photo: Farmers Market by Matt Kowel via flickr

8. Farmers Markets
We have bountiful farmers’ markets in nearly every neighborhood, and they offer so much more than just-picked, seasonal produce. They also have oodles of fresh-baked breads, sweet jams, creamy chocolate and more from local artisans, as well as live music and cooking demonstrations.

photo: Green Bean Books by Jennifer G. via Yelp

9. Independent bookstores
What better way to spend a gray and drizzly afternoon than surrounded by dozens of enticing books? Many of these bookstores, like Green Bean Books, create community hubs for their neighborhoods by featuring cool craft and story times for tots.

photo: Multnomah County Central Library by Padraic via flickr

10. Libraries
All of the libraries around town play host to story times, crafts and cultural events for all ages, every week, all over the city – all for free!

photo: Oregon Coast by Loren Kerns via flickr

11. Day trips to the beach
Packing light and heading off for a carefree day at the beach is a simple and attainable joy for most Portlanders. Head west for about 2 hours, park it and you’re set for a relaxed day filled with crashing waves, sea breezes, shell-collecting and sand-digging.

photo: Mt. Hood Territory via flickr

12. Day trips to Mt. Hood
Usually, it’s pretty safe to assume that when it’s raining in Portland, it’s snowing on Mt. Hood. Head east for about an hour and a half to do a little – or a lot – of sledding in Government Camp. Don’t forget to stop at Joe’s Donut Shop in Sandy for coffee and treats on the way.

photo: Columbia Gorge by Chris Murphy via flickr

13. Columbia Gorge
The Gorge is filled with spectacular waterfalls only about 30 miles away. Multnomah Falls is the biggest and most popular, of course, but there are plenty more waterfalls and hikes in the area. Stop at Tad’s Chicken ‘n Dumplins on the way home for gigantic dumplings to warm your little ones up after a drizzly hike.

photo: Sunday Parkways by Sam Beebe via flickr

14. Sunday Parkways
Portland is a great place to ride bikes with your kids. No time is better than over the summer at Sunday Parkways. These monthly events, in a different section of town each time, close off 7-8 miles of roads to car traffic to let mountain bikes, trailers, tall bikes, Xtracycles, unicycles and cargo bikes through.

photo: Oaks Amusement Park by Mark S. via Yelp

15. Oaks Amusement Park
So much good old-fashioned fun, you won’t know where to start! This park’s been around since 1905 and offers up kiddie rides, thrill rides and mini golf in the summer, and roller skating year-round.

photo: Jamison Square Fountain by Sam Beebe via flickr

16. Other Portland parents
With baby groups, mompreneurs, thoughtful guidance at the playground and volunteers to make cool events happen, we’re thankful to have each other.

What are you thankful for as a Portland parent? Let us know in the comments!

—Kelley Gardiner

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