Red Tricycle Portland

Meal delivery services are a parent’s best friend, especially this time of year. You can put in as much or as little effort as you’d like and still get dinner that’s mostly homemade on your table (or your lap—let’s be honest!). We asked the country’s savviest moms to dish on the best meal delivery services so you can find one that’s right for you. Most deliver throughout the United States. Read on for amazing meal planning ideas so you can cut down on the time in the kitchen and spend more time where it counts: with your family.

Portland kids are heading back to school, and this year classes will take place in person. It’s time to freshen up that quarantine wardrobe and get your young learners ready to look sharp for the first day. Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to break the bank as these resale options have everything you need. Read on to find out which consignment stores we recommend.

Summer may be fading into the distance, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t time to take one last Pacific Northwest road trip with the kids before school starts. In fact, there’s no better time to hit the pavement with the family in tow than late summer, especially in the PNW, when we can count on gorgeous sunshine to guide us from one scenic destination to another. From Washington’s famed Olympic Peninsula all the way down to Ashland and its small town vibe, these Pacific Northwest road trip destinations along the I-5 corridor (and beyond) are what summer is all about.

While we know there are tons of things to love about Portland, one of our favorite things about the city is how easy is it to get kids into nature. Whether you’re enjoying a sunset from a hilltop or lounging in a city river, the great outdoors is always just a hop, skip and a bridge crossing away. So let’s make hay while the sun is still shining (because the rain will be back before you know it) with a family hike. Our picks for the best hikes near Portland for kids include everything from simple forest strolls to winding rock climbs to waterfalls you’ll want to find right away. Grab your water bottles and load the day pack with snacks—these summer hikes are all short, fun, easy and come with great payoffs.

The crash of pins is one of many familiar bowling alley sights and sounds that brings back those special childhood family outings to the bowling alley. Whether you are escaping Portland’s summer heat, rainy fall days or simply celebrating a birthday party, the bowling alley is still an entertainment staple for families. If you are wondering which Portland-area lanes are worth their rental shoes, read on to find family-friendly bowling alleys that offer affordable pricing and additional entertainment options that will engage the non-bowlers in the family as well. Ready, set, roll!

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.

As the temperature continues to creep up this summer, there are number of ways to beat the heat—kayaking with kids in Portland is one option, escape town and hang out in Sauvie Island, or you can find your way to one of Portland’s popular natural swimming holes nearby. But if your looking for a quick way to beat the heat, head to one of these local splash pads where little and bigs can cool down for free! Fortunately, Portland Parks have loads of interactive fountains and splash pads throughout the city that are just begging to be splashed around in—and guaranteed, no matter what quadrant you’re in, one is bound to be nearby.

From casual to extravagant, restaurants across the city embraced outdoor patio dining options—and families are here for it. Where else can your kid talk loudly or run around without other patrons batting an eye? And with the summer weather holding strong, now is the perfect time to enjoy dining al fresco around town. Here’s our list of Portland restaurants with patios that are not only family-friendly but offer excellent bites to boot!

Looking for a much-needed break this summer that won’t wreck your budget? While an international epic vacation may be out of reach for most us, we can still have a ton of memorable fun, just a short drive away. And as we know, summer in the Pacific Northwest is truly magical (there’s a reason most people visit here Jun.-Aug!). From mountain retreats to high desert adventures, to sweet getaways right on the ocean, here are some of our favorite roadtrip destinations—all under three hours from downtown.

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.

Berry picking season in Portland is on and it’s time to get picking! A day on the farm is the perfect way to spend your summer vacation afternoons. From strawberry picking in Portland to U-pick blueberries, there are plenty of awesome options open and opening soon. Get your little farmers ready to play in the dirt, because berries aren’t all these special spots have to offer, some of these spots have petting farms, play areas and more. Read on to find our favorites and don’t forget to check the websites for safety restrictions, berries that are ripe for the picking, and more.

Waiting for that one big vacation that takes you oversees or across the country can be real hard once summer rolls around. Ease the longing by planning out a bunch of smaller staycations that allow you to take in Portland like a tourist. From outdoor excursions to winding wine country experiences to urban adventures, we’ve put together the best Portland staycation experiences for every type of family.

Fourth of July celebrations are back with a bang this year, and Portland families are ready to celebrate. With warm weather finally here, spend your day swimming at a sandy spot, then cooling off with some of the city’s best ice cream before heading out for festivities. From rodeo roundups to parades and fireworks, we’ve put together a list of some of the area’s best Fourth of July activities and events to be found. Read on to find out more.

Who doesn’t love a doughnut? There’s nothing quite like starting a day that is sure to be filled with play, with a tasty morning treat. Whether you call them doughnuts or donuts, prefer them round or bar-shaped, chocolate or plain, cake or classic—there’s no wrong way to enjoy these treats for breakfast. And Portland offers a treasure trove of yummy goodness for every taste bud (including vegan ones!). Read on for our top picks!

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.

Spring is winding down and summer is on its way. There’s no time like the present to get out and about and see great art. Did you know you can enjoy family-friendly art without spending a single cent all while enjoying fresh air? Portland is known for its next-level street art so we put together a list of murals and walls throughout the city that has some of the most inspiring art to be found. Read on for where to go on your Portland street art tour.

It’s hard to believe, but with the rainy spring season winding to a close, it’s time for warmer days, red juice-drenched chins and pales full of berries! Heading out to the U-Pick fields is one of the hallmarks of summer around here, so get your garden gloves and five gallon pale ready! We’ve rounded up some of the best farms for the whole crew to pick their own—read on for more!

Dad: a guy that deserves the world, at least. This Father’s Day, show him how much he means to you by planning an activity or event with our round-up of exceptional Father’s Day activities. From outdoor adventures to brunches and lunches, our handpicked list of events is sure to satisfy Dad with a heap of fun, memories, and quality time. Read on to see what we’ve picked out!

It’s been a while since Portland families have been able to enjoy our area’s family-friendly festivals. But they are back! Old and new celebrations are rolling back in along with Oregon’s warm summer weather, and you don’t want to miss out on the festivities. Hang with Robin Hood, watch hot air balloons take flight and get down with local musicians. Read on to find out more.

Portland is gearing up for some serious summer fun. To set the mood, it’s queueing up some iconic events and festivals. From the beloved Rose City Fair to farm festivities to Stars on Ice, your crew will have a hard time decided what to do. For all the Portland-y details, continue reading below.