It’s the last hurrah before the end of summer, and you’ve even got an extra day. Celebrate it fully with a range of fun activities, whether your family likes to head outside or beat the heat indoors. We’ve rounded up some of the best ideas to celebrate the long weekend.
photo: yewchan via flickr
Dahlia Festival
The Annual Dahlia Festival is a rainbow of color and blooms for every flower lover. Indoor pavilions showcase hundreds of floral arrangements, while the fields outside burst with botanical fireworks. Learn how to grow your own, or bring some cut flowers home with you from this free event.
995 NW 22nd Ave. Canby
Online: dahlias.com
Ready Set GOrge!
Get out and play in Portland’s backyard, the Columbia River Gorge! It’s bound to be a popular weekend, so plan ahead and travel smart with Ready, Set, GOrge! The new travel planning site has maps, trailhead information, shuttle options, and more to make it a fabulous trip. Tip: head north or further east to beat the crowds and find spectacular scenery.
Online: gorgefriends.org
Art in the Pearl
This free three-day festival has been named one of the best art fairs in the country! It combines over 100 artists showcasing their work alongside original songs, great food, and hands-on activities for kids.
The Northwest Park block of Portland between W Davis and NW Flanders at NW 8th Ave.
Online: artinthepearl.com
Find Ice Cream
Because a sweet treat is always a good idea, here are five spots to find the best ice cream around town. Try them all and vote for a favorite?
photo: by Mitchell Friedman via flickr
Vaux Swifts
Every year in late summer these birds pass by on their migration pattern, and they’ve chosen an unassuming elementary school in Northwest Portland to spend the night each year since the 1980s. Catch their roosting pattern from the lawn an hour before sunset every evening. Tip: bring chairs or a blanket, and be prepared for a busy event.
Chapman Elementary School
1445 NW 26th Ave. Portland
Miniature Golf
Take a swing at a miniature golf course! Get ready to yell “fore!” while you explore some of the best courses, like a Hawaiian course, a homemade course, a mini-professional one, and even a glow-in-dark option!
Sauvie Island
Sometimes all you need is a dunk in the river. Or some late season berries to snack on. Or some farm animals. Or fishing. Or a lighthouse! Find all these and more at Portland’s favorite isle, the easy-to-reach yet feels-so-far-away Sauvie Island.
Head to the Playground
Make it a memorable weekend with a new-to-them playground, and maybe a new-to-you neighborhood! You’ll find climbing ropes, pirates, oversize xylophones, and more! Bring a picnic (or grab a local goodie) and spend the day exploring.
Go to Oaks Park
Labor Day and amusement parks just make sense, so take your brood out to the historic Oaks Park for some fun! Rides for all ages, a carnival, and a train make for every day awesomeness. Cotton candy not required, but encouraged.
photo: Ano Lobb via flickr
Find a Swimming Hole
Cool off with a dunk in the water at one of these natural spots around town.
Go Fishing
Cast your lines into some of the best family friendly fishing holes around. Maybe you’ll catch something for the grill!
Get Hiking
Being outdoors has proven benefits for kids and adults. Even if your little ones have just started toddling, there are fun trails they’ll love to explore. And if they’re older, these options have plenty of wildlife to spot and twisty trails to guide you down.
Discover the Oregon State Fair
The eleven days of the Oregon State Fair finish off with a bang over Labor Day Weekend. Chock full of livestock competitions, cook-offs, six stages of live music, dog shows, and plenty of baby animals, this is the place to be for any future farmer, carnival-lover, foot-tapper, or animal-friend.
Online: oregonstatefair.org
photo: via pixabay
Go on a Bike Ride
The holiday weekend makes a great time to perfect the family bike ride! Pump up your tires and get cycling with these easy beginner trails. Bring a picnic and plenty of water!
Throw a Movie Marathon
Too hot to go out? Stay in and make it a movie marathon weekend. Make it a themed marathon, like this 90s inspired round-up.
Science Experiments
Is your child a budding scientist? Of course so! Encourage the exploration with some classic science experiments like making rock candy, a vinegar-powered boat, and of course: plenty of slime.
BBQ and Backyard Games
Fire up the grill and get ready for a weekend full of fun with these backyard game ideas.
—Katrina Emery
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