Discovering Portland With Kids: Doughnuts, Books, Parks and More Discovering Portland With Kids: Doughnuts, Books, Parks and More
10 comment2
$$$

ITINERARY (1/2 Day)

Voodoo DoughnutBathroomStroller friendlyWheelchair friendlyFree parkingRainy-day option

Powell's City of BooksBathroomStroller friendlyWheelchair friendlyToys/kid’s activities (e.g.  crayons, books, etc.)Rainy-day option

Tom McCall Waterfront ParkStroller friendlyWheelchair friendly

nugget’s Advice

Prepare in advance
Prepare in advance

Bring an umbrella just in case, because its Portland.

Recommended day/time
Recommended day/time

We explored Portland on a weekday and it was perfect.

Save Money
Save Money

Park at Powell's City of Books; you get a discount if you purchase something at the store.

About This Day

Whether you're just passing through or spending a few days, venture out with this half-day itinerary in Portland with kids. The town's depth and unique feel is palpable. To begin, take in a sugary breakfast at Voodoo Doughnut, then read to the kids at Powell's City of Books (one of the best book stores in the country). Finally, head to Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Along the way, walk the city's charming streets and experience Portland's forward-thinking vibe. Notice the compost bins next to every trash can and the countless activists at Pioneer Courthouse Square trying to make a difference. Plus, there are numerous people biking everywhere rather than driving. This itinerary offers wonderfully fun things to do in Portland for kids. As with most visitors, the charm of Portland will certainly draw you back to explore the many more amazing family-friendly spots.  
Voodoo Doughnut
1

Voodoo Doughnut

1501 Northeast Davis Street, Portland
$$$
BathroomStroller friendlyWheelchair friendlyFree parkingRainy-day option
When that hunger comes a callin', what better thing is there to do than to grab some yummy doughnuts? Voodoo Doughnuts has some funky décor happening like no other (warning, some of it is a bit suggestive). The display of doughnuts is quite eye-catching and it might take some time to decide on the selection. Our choices were chocolate with sprinkles (nugget of course), raspberry romeo (daddy) and mango tango (mommy). These things are incredible! If you are in Portland, make Voodoo Doughnut your breakfast. Be warned that the downtown location has a long line.
TIP The parking at this location is very easy and free.
Powell's City of Books
2

Powell's City of Books

1005 West Burnside Street, Portland
FREE
BathroomStroller friendlyWheelchair friendlyToys/kid’s activities (e.g.  crayons, books, etc.)Rainy-day option
This bookstore is enormous and carries over a million books. Head to the children's department and spend some time perusing and reading to your nuggets. Our kid loved sitting at the little wooden tables and reading. Even though this place is very large, it is still very cozy and homey. The staff is very warm and friendly. Plus, there is a wonderful pizza joint across the street called Sizzle Pie. We grabbed some lunch there on our way out of from Portland.
DIRECTIONS From Voodoo Doughnuts on the east side, take the Burnside bridge to the book store. It takes about 10 minutes.
TIP Try to get there early if you plan to park in the garage. It fills up quickly, even on a weekday.
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
3

Tom McCall Waterfront Park

98 Southwest Naito Parkway, Portland
FREE
Stroller friendlyWheelchair friendly
Tom McCall Waterfront Park consists of 30 acres of paved paths with the river on one side and green areas on the other. Our daughter loved running around on the grass and seeing the water, while we took the opportunity to take pictures of the bridges. On your way here from Powell's City of Books, check out Pioneer Courthouse Square. There is usually something going on and happening there. Otherwise, the city is very peaceful during the week and enjoy the time strolling through its streets. Portland is a very green, beautiful city; everywhere you look there are parks.
DIRECTIONS From Pioneer Courthouse Square take Southwest Morrison Street all the way to Willamette River.
Airbnb - Lovely Basement digs, SW Portland's Hillsdale area
$$$$
KitchenNear grocery storeFree parkingFree Wi-Fi
WE LOVEDThis place was very cozy and extremely spacious. The host provided tea, coffee and homemade cookies. Everything was clean and very comfortable.
WE DIDN'T LIKEWe loved everything about this accommodation.
STAYED18 October, 2017 with 3 year old

Leave a Reply

  • 28 / 01 / 2019 By Irina Gallagher

    Sign me up for Doughnuts and books in Portland please.

  • 28 / 01 / 2019 By Natalia Flaherty

    Very 8nviting place by your discovery, thank you for sharing