Rain goes with Portland the way peanut butter goes with jelly. From December through April, you can count on lots of wet weather140 days, on average. The simplest way to enjoy the rain with little ones is to put on boots and Muddy Buddies and head out for puddle-jumping through neighborhoods and forests. For mostly indoor fun, take your pick from our ultimate list of rainy-day activities! Splash on, Portland!
Grab Coffee and Treats
Were a caffeinated, food-obsessed city, with artisan coffee shops and bakeries on every corner. Kick things off with an early start at one of these kid-approved breakfast and coffee spots. Youll want to fuel up for the full day ahead!
1. Slappy Cakes
Start the day at a Portland standby where breakfast is the main attraction and the entertainment. Let your kids make the meal, with griddles set into the table and customizable pancake batters to pour, flip, and top just the way they like.
4246 SE Belmont St.
503-477-4805
Hours: 8 a.m. 2 p.m. daily
Online: slappycakes.com
2. Pips Original Doughnuts & Chai
Tucked into a bustling section of shops on NE Fremont, this gem turns out perfectly crisp mini donuts in tantalizing, constantly-evolving flavors. Pick up a dozen and order a chai for yourself (in a variety of homemade blends), then choose a table near the window to watch the rain fall. There are high chairs for the littlest foodies and kids books near the counter to keep em busy while you wait. Be prepared for a line on weekends!
4759 NE Fremont St
503-206-8692
Hours: 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. daily
Online: facebook.com/PipsOriginal
3. Posies Bakery & Cafe
Looking for a mix of bagels, baked goods, and heartier fare? This homey coffee shop, bakery, and cafe has got the goods, plus a play area in back. If your kids been up since 5 a.m. and is ready for lunch by 9, not to worry: the kids menu offers grilled cheese, PB&J, and cinnamon toast, with a side of chips or cucumbers.
8208 N Denver Ave.
503-289-1319
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 6:30 a.m. 6 p.m.; Sat. & Sun. 7:30 a.m. 6 p.m.
Online: posiescafe.com
Photo: Powells Books, Leah E. via yelp
Get Cozy with Books
Reading is a classic rainy-day activity. Maybe thats why the rainy City of Roses has one of the most well-used libraries in the country, and a plethora of excellent independent bookstores. Cuddle up with your kids with a pile of books and get lost in a completely different world, through the power of story.
4. Storytime at the Library
The Multnomah County Library is a national leader among libraries. Besides its large collection of circulating items, its well-known for storytimes, with daily offerings geared toward different age groups and in a range of languages. Its free, fun, and a great way to make new friends for kids and grown-ups alike. Afterward, stick around to load up your book bag with more books to take home.
Days, times, and age ranges vary by branch
Online: multcolib.org
5. Powells Books
Head downtown to the City of Books a whole city block with room after room of both used and new volumes. You can snuggle up in the pink room downstairs, where childrens books are organized around a reading area with cozy rugs and low tables with small chairs. A cafe near the yellow room serves up hot drinks and treats. Or, visit one of the smaller (but still impressive) Powells branches to get your book fix.
Powells City of Books
1005 W Burnside St.
Powells Books on Hawthorne
3723 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
Powells Books Cedar Hills
3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd.
Beaverton, OR
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
503-228-4651
Online: powells.com
6. Green Bean Books
This childrens bookstore offers weekly storytimes and musical events in multiple languages, in addition to a well-curated selection of kids books, all in a bright and cozy red house. Check out their bank of vintage vending machines and bring a stack of books to the green couch to read together.
1600 NE Alberta Street
503-954-2354
Hours: Mon.-Thurs 11 a.m.6 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.6 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.5 p.m.
Online: greenbeanbookspdx.com
7. Fort Vancouver Community Library
Our neighbors to the north have a great library, too! Hop on the freeway and spend an afternoon exploring the top floor of the Ft. Vancouver Community Library. Its entirely dedicated to kiddos, with a hands-on learning area, dress-up bins, interactive literacy-focused tech stations, and daily storytimes. You could easily spend hours here. Pop down to the first floor to refuel at the coffee cart. And psst! Multnomah and Washington County residents can get a free Reciprocal Library card to check out materials from the FVRL system.
901 C Street
Vancouver, WA 98660
360-906-5000
Hours: Mon- Thurs. 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri- Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Online: fvrl.org
Photo: William Daigneault via Unsplash
Pet Some Furry Friends
Rainy day blues got you down? Studies show that even 10 minutes of petting an animal can significantly improve mood and reduce stress. Its just science. Head to one of these fun spots to get cozy with bunnies and kitties.
8. Purringtons Cat Lounge
Nothing says Portland quite like Purringtons, a cafe with cats! Sip a latte while you and your crew get to know the resident snugglers, all adoptable from Portlands Cat Adoption Team. For kids under 13, there is a required ratio of one adult per two children. Reservations are recommended but not required, and note that weekends tend to be busiest.
3529 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.
503-334-3570
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (Closed Mon.)
Fees: $6/ 30 min.; $12/ 60 min.
Online: purringtonscatlounge.com
9. Bunnies in Baskets
This unique nonprofit offers a variety of ways to snuggle with therapy bunnies. Purchase a ticket online and stop by on Saturday afternoons for their popular Bunny Buffet. Or, plan ahead for the more comprehensive Bunny Tea, where an assortment of desserts and teas are followed by one-on-one time with therapy rabbits.
201 N. Alberta St.
Portland OR
info@bunniesinbaskets.org
Pet-a-Bunny: Sat. 2-3 p.m. and 3:30-4:30 p.m. $5/person
Bunny Tea: Last Sun. 2-3:30 p.m. (check calendar), $20/person
Online: bunniesinbaskets.org
10. The Pixie Project
A no-kill animal rescue and adoption center, The Pixie Project fosters both dogs and cats for adoption. While you must make an appointment to visit with the dogs, the cattery is open to the public, so you and your little ones can stop by during business hours to pet resident cats and kittens. Consider making a donation with your visit to support this non-profits good work.
510 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.
503-542-3432
Hours: Tues.-Fri. 11 a.m.- 6 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m. 4 p.m.
Online: pixieproject.org
Photo: Spark Art Center via yelp
Make Some Art
Get creative at one of Portlands many kid-centric art studios. Check our favorites below, then read our full write-up for even more great ideas.
11.Vibe Studio
At their locations on both SE Division and in St Johns, Vibe Studio offers a wide range of drop-in creative arts classes for toddlers all the way through the teen years. Check their website for a full list of offerings. (Choosing preschool or youth classes will send you to an online schedule, then click the drop-in tab to sort by location.) Most drop-in classes for toddlers are on Friday and Saturday mornings, while older kids can select a class during after-school hours almost every day of the week.
SE Vibe Studio
5633 SE Division St.
St Johns Vibe Studio
7441 N Leavitt Ave
Fees: $16/ child drop-in
Online: vibestudio.org
503.560.3592
12. Spark! Messy Art Studio
This art supply store offers a drop-in messy art time for children ages 2-5 every weekday morning, with a special storytime on Tuesdays and Thursdays that links the story with an art project. Smocks and aprons are provided for both kids and caregivers, so you can both enjoy full freedom to let your creativity lead you. Take a break in the seating area for a quick snack, or wander down the street to Fleur de Lis bakery afterward.
1805 NE Chesar E Chavez Blvd.
503-281-6757
Hours: Drop-in Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. -12 p.m.
Fees: $9/ hr or $11/unlimited
Online: sparkartscenter.com
13. Live Laugh Love Art
In addition to guided classes for makers of all ages, Live Laugh Love Art offers daily walk-in creative time in the studio. $10 gets you unlimited access to the studio and a technician on hand to offer guidance, plus the cost of materials. Choose from canvas painting, wood signs, pottery, or glass arts. Check out the family pass to make art time a regular thing for you and your kids.
9160 SW Hall Blvd.
503-244-7811
Fees: $10 walk-in studio fee
Hours: 10 a.m. 6 p.m; Closed Tues.
Online: livelaughloveart.com
Photo: Soro Soro Coffee + Dessert via yelp
Pit Stop: Lunch + Snacks
14. Laughing Planet
Dinosaurs at every table, an extensive menu with kid favorites like quesadillas, smoothies, and the trifecta of three side dishes served in separate (not touching!) bowls, its no surprise that there are 10 Laughing Planet locations in the Portland area. Find one near you and stop in for quick, friendly service and happy kid bellies.
Various locations
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m.-8 or 9 p.m.
Online: laughingplanet.com
15. Soro Soro Coffee + Dessert
Kitten cheesecakes, rainbow cakes, animal-themed latte art, and matcha tiramisu? Sign us up! This recently-opened Korean coffee shop serves up seriously cute desserts alongside Stumptown Coffee and Steven Smith Tea. Perfect for a quick sugar rush before you hit the indoor playground.
2250 E Burnside St.
503-265-8236
Hours: Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Mon.
Online: facebook.com
16. Two Sisters Play Cafe
This Milwaukie bakery and cafe serves up healthy fare (including gluten-free and vegan options) alongside a play room with a play structure, toys, games, and puzzles. Choose from paninis, sandwiches, salads, and a simple kids menu, then let the kids loose.
11923 SE McLoughlin Blvd.
Milwaukie, OR
503-344-4883
Hours: Tues.-Fri 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat. & Sun. 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; Closed Mon.
Play Area Fees: $2 for 1st kid; $1 for 2nd kid; $5 for 3 kids
Online: twosistersplaycafe.net
Photo: The Wiggle Room, courtesy Lyle Poulin
Run, Jump, and Climb Indoors!
For especially wet days, Portlands got you covered with a host of indoor parks. Weve put together a comprehensive list of affordable options in every neighborhood. Here are some of our stand-out favorites.
17. The Wiggle Room
Tucked into a corner of the Hollywood neighborhood, and within walking distance of the library and Laughing Planet, the Wiggle Room is a thoughtfully-designed playspace for kids from 0-7. Everyone can find their groove, with a larger structure for big kids, a padded play area for kids under 2, and a coffee bar for grown-ups. Natural light and a low-key color scheme keep things simple for people with sensory sensitivities.
1925 NE 42nd Ave, Suite C
Portland, OR
503-877-9233
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.; Sat. & Sun. 9 a.m.- 1 p.m.; Closed Tues.
Fees: 1st Child $11; Sibling $8; Crawlers $5
Online: thewiggleroom.com
18. The Nest
Drop in for open play or take a class at this multi-purpose indoor playground and cafe. A large play structure, soft play area, and a rock-climbing wall are all available during open play hours, recommended for kids 12 and under. Try out yoga or an art class and get free admission to open play. Bring socks to play in, and enjoy treats from the cafe (outside food and drink not allowed.)
6517 NE Sandy Blvd
971-229-0963
Hours: Tues.-Fri. 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat. & Sun. 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (Closed Mon.)
Fees: $8/child weekdays; $10/child weekends.
Online: nestplayground.com
19. Hammer + Jacks
We love this toy shop and play space in the rapidly-changing Foster-Powell neighborhood. Stop by to check out the toys, then drop-in for open play. Spend $10 for free play time, or get a punch card and become a regular. Check the website for open play hours and special events like kindie musicians, art classes, and storytimes.
6416 SE Foster Rd.
503-894-9150
Hours: Sun.Tue. 10 a.m.5 p.m.; Wed.Sat. 10 a.m.6 p.m.
Fees: $5/child; $3/sibling
Online: hammerandjacks.com
20. Playdate PDX
This is the ultimate indoor playground, with a three-level playstructure for kids up to age 12, a selection of beverages for grown-ups, and a separate play area for toddlers. Make sure you have socks for playing inside the playstructure! Work up an appetite? Hit the cafe for lunch and snack items.
1434 NW 17th Ave
503-227-7529
Hours: Sun.-Thurs. 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Fees: Weekdays $4/ age 3 & under; $8 age 4 & up; Weekends $8 & $14 respectively
Online: playdatepdx.com
21. The Playground Gym
Kids ages 1-12 can make their own fun in an open play area with moveable parts, designed to encourage creative physical play. Adult supervision is required, and grown-ups are encouraged to join in the fun! Grab a punch card for discounts on future visits.
505 NE Grand Ave.
503-235-7529
5215 N Lombard St #3
503-894-8503
Open Play hours vary. Check schedule
Fees: $8 for one child, $12 for two. $3 each additional child
Online: theplaygroundgym.com
Photo: Portland Childrens Museum via yelp
Hands-On Learning at Museums
On days when the weather promises to pour nonstop, a visit to the museum is the perfect way to stay active, happy, and dry. Portlands got ten museums within city limits! Here are our top three for families.
22. Portland Childrens Museum
When its too wet for the zoo, cross the parking lot to the Portland Childrens Museum, where theres plenty of indoor adventure to be found, from building in the construction zone to running their very own pint-size grocery store. Make things in the maker space, put on a show in the theater, or squish some clay in the ceramic studio. For free admission, visit on the first Friday of every month from 4-8 p.m.
4015 SW Canyon Rd.
503-223-6500
Daily, 9 a.m. 5 p.m.
$10.75/person; $9.75 ages 65 & up and military; Free for 1 & under and members
Online: portlandcm.org
23. Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
At this waterfront museum, hands-on science displays, motion simulators, and a planetarium supply a whole days worth of exploration. You can even tour a submarine! For kids 6 and under, check out the Science Playland. Plan your visit on the first Sunday of the month to get in for just $2.
1945 SE Water Ave.
503-797-4000
Tues. Sun., 9:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.
$14.50/adults; $9.75 ages 3-13; $11.75 ages 63 & up; Free for members
$5 parking
Online: omsi.edu
24. Portland Art Museum
If you think an art museum is too refined for little kids, think again! With family tours and Baby Mornings, the Portland Art Museum welcomes and encourages even the littlest citizens to become patrons of the arts. Bags and large backpacks must be checked upon entry, so pare down to the essentials. Strollers are allowed, but littler ones might do better in a carrier.
1219 Southwest Park Avenue
Portland, Oregon
503-226-2811
Fees: $20/adults; kid under 17 free
Hours: Family tours every Sun. at 12:30 p.m.; Baby Mornings on 1st Thurs. at 10 a.m.
Online: portlandartmuseum.org
Photo: Mt. Scott Community Pool via yelp
Swim, Splash, and Skate!
For especially energetic kids, theres nothing like a pool or skating session, and a rainy day is the perfect excuse to head indoors for some active fun. Portlands got several indoor pools and skating rinks to choose from.
25. Oaks Bottom Roller Rink
In addition to afternoon and evening open skate sessions, Oaks Park has a preschool skate on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 10-11:30 a.m. just for kids 6 and younger. The session includes skates, cookies and milk, a group lesson and games. Adults are free with one child admission, and shoes and strollers are welcome on the rink. ($7.50/child.) Theres also a Saturday morning Kids Skate for ages 10 and under that includes skates, fun games and a visit with Chipper. ($7.50/child, and one free adult with paid child admission.)
7805 SE Oaks Park Way
503-233-5777
Open skate admission: $7.50
Skate rental: $2-$5, depending on skate style
Online: oakspark.com
26. Lloyd Center Ice Rink
Take to the ice at the Lloyd Center Ice Rink, open daily in the mall. Rent skates and join public open skates during the day, or enjoy live DJ music during Rock n Skates on Friday and Saturday evenings.
953 Lloyd Center.
503-288-6073
Hours: Mon. 11:30 a.m.5 p.m.; Tues., 10 a.m.8 p.m.; Wed., 10 a.m.5 p.m.; Thurs., 11:30 a.m.8 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Sat., 1 p.m.8:30 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.6 p.m.
$15-$17/person; skate rental $4 (Skates free for 5 & under or 50 & up)
Online: lloydice.com
27. McMenamins Kennedy School Soaking Pool
This ceramic, heated outdoor soaking pool is filled with chlorinated saltwater, in a private outdoor courtyard surrounded by gardens, on the spectacular Kennedy School grounds. Yes, we said outdoor, but hear us out: on a day when light rain or showers are predicted, it can feel pleasant and cozy to be outdoors in a warm pool. After soaking, grab a bite at the restaurant or catch a flick in the theater in this elementary-school-turned-hotel. Supervised minors welcome; bring your own towel! Note that during the rainy season, the pool is closed every 1st and 3rd Tuesday for cleaning.
5736 N.E. 33rd Ave.
503-249-3983
Fees: $6/person per hour
Hours: Daily 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Online: mcmenamins.com/kennedy-school
28. Portland Parks & Recreation Indoor Pools
You know what they say when kids get cranky: put them in water! Portlands public indoor pools are open year-round for open swim, family swim, and preschool swim. Check the website for the closest pool to your neighborhood. Swim times vary by location.
Multiple locations; Days and hours vary
Fees: $6.25/Adults; $5/teens 13-17; $4.50/kids 3-12; 3 and under free
Online: portlandoregon.gov/parks
Photo: McMenamins Kennedy School via flickr
Dine Out
After a long rainy day full of adventure, let someone else do the cooking while you unwind with the family. Here are our top picks for easy, delicious meals in a family-friendly setting. Need even more ideas? Weve got you covered.
29. McMenamins Kennedy School
Wander the halls of this former elementary school, now turned into a playland McMenamins style with a hotel, bars, movie theater, soaking pool (see above!), and restaurant. Your little ones can choose from a range of kid-approved favorites like pizza, tater-tots, and french fries, while the grown-ups enjoy a well-deserved pint.
5736 NE 33rd Ave.
503-249-3989
Online: mcmenamins.com/kennedyschool
30. Mississippi Pizza Pub
With fantastic pizza and a family-friendly atmosphere, this neighborhood fave could have had us at Hello. But add in performances from favorite local kids bands on Friday nights? Next-level. Let your kids get out any last wiggles with a dance party while you kick back.
3552 N. Mississippi Ave.
503-288-3231
Online: mississippipizza.com
31. Hopworks Urban Brewery (HUB)
Theres a reason why this brew-pub is packed around 5 pm: it has several fully stocked play areas where kids can entertain themselves with toys while you enjoy your brew. Kids can chow down on mac n cheese or a Little Brewers Burger, and grown-ups can take their pick from a range of burgers, salads, pizza, and more. (Psst: Theres even organic baby food available for $2 a jar.)
Hopworks Urban Brewery
2944 SE Powell Blvd.
Creston-Kenilworth
503-232-4677
17707 SE Mill PlainBlvd., Vancouver
360-828-5139
Hopworks Bike Bar
3947 N. Williams Ave.
503-287-6258
Online: hopworksbeer.com
-Melissa Poulin
Classes and Camps for Children