‘Summer of Surprises’ list of things to do with my kids (Portland Edition)

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but summer is NOT the time for spontaneity without a plan. If you don’t schedule the fun, you’ll blink, and suddenly it’s October, and you’ve spent your entire summer wondering why everyone else seems to be living their best lives while you somehow ended up reorganizing the junk drawer for the fourth time.

So, here’s my trick: I created Summer of Surprises—a master list of outings for my own reference as a mom who's a creative spirit and whose kid loves surprises. When my schedule allows, we jump in the car, and he doesn’t find out where we’re going until we get there. It’s part magic, part adventure, and always fun because the mental work of coming up with the ideas is already done. Pro Note; If you're searching for a list of "What to do for Fathers Day," this list works for that also! Bookmark it to make it easy to reference over and over. I don't know about you, but I don’t have the bandwidth to brainstorm fresh ideas every time we manage to squeeze in an outing. When my son was 10 years old, I didn't think I'd have many more summers where he wanted to hang out with me so I created this back then, and he loved it so much that he continues to ask for it. We'll see how many "extra" years of quality time I can get!

Why This Works (and Why You Should Save this Page to Reference)

As an experiential interior designer in SE Portland, I live for spaces that make you feel something. I love unique experiences. I believe that well-designed outings—just like well-designed interiors—should evoke curiosity, joy, and the occasional “OH WOW.” Often, summers get away from us and Fall can leave us thinking thoughts of "I wish I would have made more time for making memories."

Creating a list of things to do with my kids in Portland that are adventure-worthy spots means I can match our outing to my available time, mood, and (let’s be real) the ever-finicky Portland weather. It also means I don’t waste precious creative energy trying to think of something fun on the fly over and over.

The Oregon State Fair happens annually at the end of August.

The Ultimate list of things do with my kids in Portland (summer edition)

For the Detail-Obsessed, Pinterest-Board-in-Human-Form Folks:

• Wonderwood Springs: Part art gallery, part restaurant & bar with putt-putt golf too! Coffee shop, themed drinks and ice cream and board games. Yes PLEASE! WEBSITE

  Coffee Shop & Restaurant: 8811 N Lombard St, Portland, OR 97203

  Mini Golf & Restaurant: 7410 N Chicago Ave, Portland, OR 97203

• Yacht Tubs: cruise around the Willamette in a boat that is also a hot tub. Reservations required. We did this for Father's Day and it was a HIT! (great summer birthday idea for a teen!)

• McMenamins Kennedy School – Because where else can you drink a craft cocktail in a former elementary school while ogling vintage murals? I always enjoy the vibe and a Ruby.

• Paxton Gate – This store is equal parts gorgeous and weird—think taxidermy, botanical oddities, and things you didn’t know you needed but now must have.

• Oaks Park - 7805 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland, OR 97202

  Portland Saturday Market\ the Portland Saturday Market is open Saturday’s (10am to 5pm) and Sunday’s (10am to 4:30pm) from March to December.

• Bullwinkles: 12pm - 7pm  $43.00  3 HR Unlimited Pass: Unlimited Attractions, plus 20 arcade chips (bowling not included) 29111 SW Town Center Loop W, Wilsonville, OR 97070 Some Rides like bumper cars, bowling, an aerial ride, Putt-Putt WEBSITE  (a great place to meet up with other families)

Yacht Tubs makes for a memorable afternoon!

Wander, People Watch and be Entertained:

• Saturdays at PSU Farmers Market – It’s like a living mood board of colors, textures, and Pacific Northwest characters. Plus, snacks.

• Multnomah Days // August

  9 a.m.–6 p.m. SW Capitol Hyw between SW 31 Ave and SW 37, Portland, OR 97219  This beloved annual event incorporates a one-day open-air, family-friendly street festival with scheduled musical acts, a community parade, an art fair and over 125 vendor booths, and food and beverage services available via outdoor street dining and food carts.

  
  

Feed Me:

• Slappy Cakes; a restaurant where you get to make your own pancakes

  4246 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97215

• Oregon City Brewing and Ranch Pizza along with food carts for taking a few people who like VERY DIFFERENT THINGS. They are all in one location. If you like tasting different kinds of pizza's, our favorite is Pepperoni with mushroom and olives. They use a variety of kalamata olives and it's nothing like what you might expect!

• Speaking of unique pizza, Mighty Munch Mountain has a few locations and curry pizza with a zillion five star reviews? Yes please. You must. We LOVED it.

• Also Pizza; Mississippi Pizza is an all-ages pizzeria and lounge that also have vegan & gluten-free pies. Go when "The Druthers" play their once-a-month set. You'll feel something through the big soulful voice of Erin Adkisson. Moving lyrics and harmony by Kirk Duncan along with keys, a trumpet and more. If you appreciate good folk music and talented musicians with moving original lyrics; they are who you'll wanna see.

• Imagine your favorite summer appetizer just got a glow-up. At ¿Por Qué No? Taqueria, where the vibes are as bright as the tacos are delicious, they’re serving up fresh, homemade flour tortillas stuffed with all kinds of goodness. And let’s be real—no taco situation is complete without a margarita (or a beer, if that’s your thing). Now, here’s where things get extra refreshing: next time you order guacamole for the table, ditch the chips (gasp, I know) and go for crisp cucumber slices drizzled with fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of chili salt. It’s like a spa day for your taste buds—cool, zesty, and just spicy enough to keep things interesting. Plus, you can totally justify that second margarita. It’s basically health food. 3524 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97227 / Opens daily at 11am

• Eb & Bean: organic frozen yogurt. They offer frequently rotating flavors, dozens of toppings and a wide variety of vegan options. Three locations.

• Lunch at Watershed Cafe + walk the shops on Main Street in Oregon City. It's a destination experience that's so close. (Outside the door, walk to White Rabbit Book store, Vintage shops, a record store, clothing stores, and a nail salon etc) 709 Main St, Oregon City, OR 97045

  
  

  

  White Rabbit books & coffee shop on Main Street in Oregon City

For the “It Feels like Quintessential Summer” Days:

• Go hang at George Rogers park then to Salt & Straw in Lake Oswego 12pm-11pm // This park contains two baseball fields, a soccer field, access to the Willamette River, a memorial garden area, restrooms, a playground, and two outdoor tennis courts.

  George Rogers Park: 611 S State St, Lake Oswego, OR

  Salt & Straw: 100 A Ave, Lake Oswego, OR 97034

• Suavie Island: Beach day, take shovels, pail, lunches, sunblock, earbuds for my audiobook, blankets for sand, chairs, sun umbrella, water guns, change of clothing for everyone. Also, pick berries, run through flower fields, or just lie dramatically in the grass pretending you’re in a period drama. Address for Navigation: 38798 NW Reeder Rd, Portland, OR 97231

• Corner 14 Food carts with fire pits, optional axe throwing, boba tea & great options for beer, cider, wine and mixed drinks. 508 14th St., Oregon City, OR 97045

• Portland Pickles Baseball game: WEBSITE 

  Hillsboro Hops Baseball game: WEBSITE

• Putt Putt Golf at Sah-Hah-Lee Golf Course: 17104 SE 130th Ave, Clackamas, OR 97015

  Putt-Putt Golf at Aerie / Eagle Landing: I absolutely love the vibe here. 10220 SE Causey Ave, Happy Valley, OR 97086

• Bring your baseball / softball gloves and Play Catch + Picnic at Memorial Park in Wilsonville: 8300 SW Memorial Drive, Wilsonville, OR 97070

• The Willamette Shore Trolley is a heritage railroad or heritage streetcar that operates along the west bank of the Willamette River between Portland and Lake Oswego. Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day thru Labor Day.

  Departure Times: Noon, 1 pm, 2 pm & 3 pm

• Willamette Jetboat Excursions: Feel the need for some speed, spins and splash? I love this idea for tweens and teens. See Portland's scenic waterfront, bridges and more on the quick and exciting adventure. Options ranging from 30 minutes to 3 hours. (A good Father's Day idea!)

• The last horrah: I plan this as our last outing of summer: The Oregon State Fair 

  usually the very end of August. You can buy tix in advance on 24 hour “Cheap Ticket Day” usually around May 30th.

  
  

  

  Putt-Putt at Aerie Golf Course.

Let's include the grandparents:

• Hop aboard the Portland Aerial Tram. In just four minutes, this sky-high ride between South Waterfront and Marquam Hill serves up some seriously Instagram-worthy views of the city—like, pause mid-conversation to take a photo level good.

  But let’s be honest, the real scene-stealer here is Mount Hood, casually showing off in the background like it owns the place (because, let’s face it, it kind of does). And if the skies are feeling extra generous, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount St. Helens making a cameo. Kids will love the whole “floating in the sky” thing and pairing this with lunch and a walk on South Waterfront is perfection. It's a scenic pathway right along the Willamette River, perfect for a relaxed walk, people-watching, or just soaking in those riverside views. 3303 S Bond Ave., Portland, OR 97239

• Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden – A lush, hidden oasis perfect for bringing grandparents along for some quality connection time. (Also: ducks.)

• Leach Botanical Garden 6704 SE 122nd Ave, Portland, OR 97236 Admission $5

  a 16-acre botanical garden located in outer southeast Portland. WEBSITE

  they have tours, music etc. too outside of just admission

• Festival of Balloons: June  $15

  Cook Park 17005 S.W. 92nd Ave., Tigard, OR 97224

  More than a dozen brightly colored, colossal hot-air balloons to the sky every June. Enjoy balloon rides and a fair-like atmosphere, including a beer garden, live music, and kid-friendly activities. Look for exact date this year on their website.

• Portland Japanese Garden: If you have plant lovers, or people who love to experience culture, there is much beauty to experience here.

• Portland River Tours: Discover and Explore the Willamette River by boat: Choose from Bridge Tours to a tour of the falls, wildlife tours and more. Best for older kids because, well, you have to sit still and enjoy it. Might be ideal for when you're hosting guests from out of town!

• Canby Rodeo: held traditionally the 3rd week in August. https://canbyrodeo.com

  
  

For Animal Lovers or those who don't have pets but like them:

• Donkey Sanctuary and take a friend. Who doesn't love donkeys?! WEBSITE

  15900 S Thayer Rd, Oregon City, OR 97045 

• Goat Yoga: You'll need an appointment and it's worth it. I also love this for a special birthday outing. WEBSITE 

• Frog Pond Farm - Closed seasonally so check the website. Open Wednesday-Sunday

  Visit the farm and meet nearly 60 animals of 12 species. Play in the farm zone with 14+ activities. Animals include- llamas, camels, alpacas, goats, pigs, sheep, cows, tortuous, emu, donkeys and chickens. Admission is $12 per person, 2 years of age and older. Visit the gift shop/ they also have birthday space areas available for reservation. Address- 2995 SW Advance Rd, Wilsonville, OR

Let's move our bodies:

• Do the Bridge Loop Walk/Run/Bike downtown Portland - so much beauty (you can rent bikes on the downtown side of the loop...see next bullet for details) and be spontaneous about food afterwards.

• Rent a Surrey from Kerr Bikes at Tom McCall Waterfront Park (take our own bike helmets!) 1020 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204  (503) 808-9955

  Double Surry $45 for one hour. THEN get lunch at Elephants Deli.

• PickleBall at Hillendale Pickleball courts in Oregon City or

  The Peoples Courts 270 NE 82nd Ave., Portland OR 97220 WEBSITE

• Hike at Newell Creek Canyon Nature Park 485 Warner Milne Rd, Oregon City, OR 97045 then go to Oh My Gelati just two minutes away 1630 Beavercreek Rd C, Oregon City, OR 97045

• Hike to Witches Castle in Washington Park have your kid bring a friend - take picnic lunch in a backpack / 400 SW Kingston Ave., Portland, OR

• Golf at The Campbell Course, Home of The Children's Course: (adults can play too.)

• Bike Lake Oswego Loop (7 miles) : A circular route around Oswego Lake (take a compass!) This is the most popular loop in Lake Oswego. The beautiful waters of Oswego Lake are visible from many vantage points as the route weaves west from Stafford Road along South Shore Blvd. At Lakeview Blvd. you can branch west to the Bryant Road path or take the main loop route east to the stairway on the north side of Lakeview. Go up the stairs to Upper Drive and continue east to the Lake Oswego Hunt Club. Proceed along Iron Mountain Blvd. to Chandler Road, and then to A Avenue. Turn east and continue to State Street. Head south on State Street to McVey Avenue and follow McVey to South Shore to complete the loop.

• Half off @ Top Golf every Tuesday, no coupon necessary. Reserve a Bay in advance.

Newell Creek Canyon easy hike in Oregon City.

For us Artsy Fartsy types:

• Fused Glass & Ceramic Instruction – Sweet Lomy Art, Gladstone Oregon. I love supporting female owned small businesses and this is one of them!

• Hopscotch; a Lit-up art Museum  - might be fun to take a friend // 1020 SE 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97214  MONDAY-TUESDAY: Closed, Wed Sunday  12pm - 10pm

• Make Pottery at Greentree Art Studio in Lake Oswego is another female owned small business. It's a light-filled studio stocked with seven pottery wheels, a slab roller, an on-site kiln, and sturdy stainless steel work tables (because let’s be real—ceramics can get delightfully chaotic). Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, it doesn't matter. Individualized instruction is available in wheel throwing and hand-building, tailored to your artistic whims and wildest pottery dreams. Join an ongoing class, or sign up for a private group lesson. Not quite ready to commit to the wheel? No problem. Karen’s handcrafted stoneware pieces are ready for you to paint—glaze them up, and voilà! You’ve made something stunning (or at least charmingly handmade). BYOB and snacks are encouraged. Oh, and aprons are provided—because no one walks away from a good pottery session without a little clay on their clothes.

• Alberta Arts District Murals – Free. Inspiring. And if you don’t take a picture, did it even happen?

Bike rentals at Kerr Bikes on the Portland Waterfront.

For Rainy Days (Because, Portland):

• Wonderwood Springs: (on this list in two categories because it's that cool) Part art gallery, part restaurant & bar with putt-putt golf too! Coffee shop, themed drinks and ice cream and board games. Yes PLEASE! WEBSITE

  Coffee Shop & Restaurant: 8811 N Lombard St, Portland, OR 97203

  Mini Golf & Restaurant: 7410 N Chicago Ave, Portland, OR 97203

• Go to Vintage bowling alley Milwaukie Bowl 3056 SE Harrison St Milwaukie, OR 97222 and then nearby Sweet Treats at VooDoo Doughnuts 14620 SE McLoughlin Blvd, Milwaukie, OR 97267

• Studio One Theater// 3945 SE Powell Blvd., Portland OR 97202  See what is playing today. (Maybe take a friend?)

• K-1 Racing (indoor go carts)  with a friend: Note adult cannot race at the same time that kids can so if you go, know you cannot race with them and often there is more than an hour wait. Helps to call ahead to see how busy they are. With that said, my son LOVES IT! Also noteworthy; Top Golf is right next door. 5579 NE Huffman St Suite 2, Hillsboro, OR 97124

• Indoor Wave pool and water slides at North Clackamas Aquatic Park (with a rock wall too!) I love that the pool is just like a beach without sand, there are no steps; just wade in.

• The Circuit Bouldering Gym – My kid thinks this is a game. My arms think it’s an Olympic event. 3 locations in Portland / must make reservations.

• Ground Kontrol – Vintage arcade meets moody lighting meets I will absolutely destroy you at pinball. 115 NW 5th Ave., Portland OR 97209

• The Skeleton Key Odditorium can be paired with Powells Books because of it's close proximity. My 12-year-old kid loves Halloween and this is something sure to delight him. It's BOTH a retail shop and a museum. 19 local gothic and macabre artists showcase their one-of-a-kind creations and treasures. If you and your older kid delight in all things disturbing and scary, this may be for you! 939 SW 10th Ave., Portland OR 97205

  

  K1 Racing in Hillsboro includes helmets with your indoor go cart rental.

  Pro Tip: Treat It Like an Appointment

If there’s something you REALLY don’t want to miss, put it on your calendar like a work meeting. "Future You" will be so grateful. Questions to ask yourself "Do I have a girlfriend with a summer birthday?" This list would be outstanding for planning that. "Do I have a parent that we need to hang out with more?" This list would be great for that. "Do I have a lonely elderly neighbor that I want to get out into the world more?" This list would also be good for that!

So, whether you’re a fellow designer/mom looking for inspo, a Portlander trying to ensure your summer is memorable for you and your child, or just someone who loves a well-curated experience, I highly recommend bookmarking this list so you can come back to it. Your future self (and your Instagram feed) will thank you.

Now, who’s up for a spontaneous adventure without a crap ton of planning?