Portland may be a smaller metropolitan city, but there is never a lack of weekend activities to choose from. One day you might take a stroll through the serene Japanese Gardens and the next may take you up to Mount Hood for a day of skiing. Portland has a rich culture and there’s no doubt that there is a multitude of ways to spend your time.
However, if you have been in Portland outside of its sunny summer then you will be familiar with its rainy weather – especially from October to May when the city receives 88% of its precipitation.
While tourists understandably prefer to visit in the summer, there is no denying that the rainy season comes with a charm of its own. Those who enjoy venturing out in the rain can go hiking to enjoy the lush greenery and spectacular waterfalls all year round.
But what about those days when you just want to stay warm and dry? You don’t have to remain cooped inside the house because Portland offers plenty of fun attractions indoors too.
Here are five fun ways to spend a rainy Portland day out of the house, but dry and inside.
1. Portland Art Museum
As one of the largest and oldest museums in the country, Portland Art Museum boasts of over 35,000 pieces of art that showcase permanent collections of American, European, Asian, Native American, and contemporary art. It houses a diverse range of rare and exquisite pieces that are displayed wonderfully for onlookers to enjoy while featuring rotating collections as well.
Portland Art Museum is a family-friendly museum, so you do not need to be worried about keeping your children occupied. The museum hosts various educational and cultural programs along with family programs such as Miller Family Free Day, Family Tours, and Baby Mornings.
The museum also has a coffee shop, a comfortable library for visitors to get more information, and a museum store, in case you wish to take home a souvenir.
With so much to offer, the Portland Art Museum has enough to keep your family entertained for the entire day. Planning to make a trip to the museum? See our current schedule and admissions fees here.
2. Bullwinkle’s
Don’t mind getting in the car to head to some fun attractions? Then head over to Bullwinkle’s as this six-acre amusement park is a delightful place to spend some quality family time.
It offers an exciting mix of outdoor activities such as Bumper Boats, Sky Trail, and Soaring Eagle Zipline if the rain lets up, as well as great indoor activities like Lazerxtreme, Kidopolis Playland, arcade games, and a 16-lane bowling alley on the way.
This is also a perfect venue for birthday parties, company outings, private parties or any other after-hour functions owing to the wide range of enjoyable activities it houses for anyone who wants to have some fun.
Need a break from the games? Just head over to Bullwinkle’s Restaurant for a wholesome, delicious meal with options that include pizza, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and wraps – something for any appetite.
And, if you’re only taking advantage of the indoor fun and games due to the rainy weather, you get a discount when you purchase just the Indoor Pass.
3. Oaks Park Roller Skating Rink
Another fun attraction to experience is a classic: roller skating. The thrill of skating your way through the rink while maintaining your balance and remaining focused is wonderful. So, the next time it rains in Portland, why not lace up some skates for the day?
Try your hand at roller skating at the Oaks Park Roller Skating Rink. This indoor wooden skating rink has been around since 1905 and is considered to be a ‘crown jewel’ of the iconic Oaks Park.
This famous rink is open all year round for kids and adults to have some skating fun.
Not only is it the largest skating rink on the West Coast, but it is also the only rink remaining in the country that features live music from a Wurlitzer pipe organ in the ceiling. Now, that’s a one-of-a-kind experience?
Oaks Park Roller Skating Rink also offers skating classes for every age and ability. It’s never too late to learn a new skill.
4. Powell’s City of Books
There is nothing more comforting than settling in with a good book to read while it rains outside. Founded in 1971, this bookstore is rated as one of the best in the world by CNN.
Spanning over 68,000 square feet with nine rooms, three floors, and 3,500 sections, it’s easy to get lost in the world of books at Powell’s. But don’t you worry as there are detailed maps located at various sections and the bookstore also has a free mobile application to help you navigate with ease.
Wander with your kids through the stacks and then head over to the coffee shop to read through your favorite together.
There are daily readings and events that take place at Powell ’s and the bookstore offers a free 45-minute guided tour every Sunday to let visitors learn more about this gigantic bookstore.
5. Pittock Mansion
Pittock Mansion is a historic house museum that was home to two of Oregon’s most important pioneers – Henry Pittock and his wife, Georgiana.
This 100-year old mansion is characterized by an incredible architecture in the midst of lush, green fields, oozing old-world charm. With 23 artifact-filled rooms, every section in the mansion has a fascinating story to tell.
You can also visit the hidden areas of the mansion like the basement area and Henry Pittock’s private den by taking the Behind the Scenes tour.
The mansion is open daily and gives visitors an interesting peek into Portland’s past. And, if it stops raining, walk through the grounds and take a hike along the nearby Forest Park paths.
So, go ahead, don’t let the rain ruin your plans. With all these fun attractions that Portland has to offer there is still a lot you can do with your family and make memories in the process no matter what the weather brings.
