Activities for Kids

Downtown Public Art Kids Will Love

Head downtown to discover public art sculptures to climb, paintings to admire and fountains to play in.

By Marianne Walters March 18, 2015

Photo courtesy of the Regional Arts & Culture Council. © Michael Stutz

Unexpected, eclectic, aesthetically pleasing and typically larger-than-life, public art sculptures, murals and fountains give kids of all ages the chance to admire, climb (where permitted), and photograph outdoor art that is built to stand the test of time. Read on to discover six cool pieces are perfect for a downtown family scavenger hunt or for discovering and enjoying one at a time.

Facing the Crowd

Location: Providence Park, one is at 18th Ave. and the other is at 20th Ave. at SW Morrison

Challenge your youngsters to find the differences between these two bronze statues that greet visitors to Providence Park. They were designed by Michael Stutz and installed in 2001, and they're truly larger than life; your kids will want to put their faces inside to see how well they fit. One is a laughing man and the other is a smiling boy - can they tell which is which?

photo: Regional Arts & Culture Council © Michael Stutz

Good to know: To find more public art, use the search tool provided by the Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC). You can also check out TriMet’s Green Line Public Art Tour for a fun trip on the MAX that will expose your cultured kiddies to more than 50 sculptures.

What is your family’s favorite sculpture in town? Let us know in the comments below!

—Marianne Walters