Stepping out of the house to stretch your legs, or to run around the park with the kids and dog is a great and easy daily thing to do, especially in Portland. Getting out of the house for daily outdoor activities, whether it is for biking, hiking trails or even stepping into the water on the coast is a great way to keep your body going and when it is fun and you enjoy it, everything can be enjoyable. What’s better than finding activities to do by yourself that are free, than when you can enjoy with others for free? It is not necessary to break the bank when you can enjoy physical outings that do not cost you a dime. Grab your phone, the kids, the dog, or your bike, and hit the town. Here are 16 places in or around Portland that you should try.
1. Washington Park
Washington Park is a beautiful place to visit! Whether you want to briskly walk around the park to reach your step count for the day or practice your running skills, either is available for you to do on a daily basis. All 410 acres that the Park provides, give natives and visitors alike the opportunity to get out and get moving. Open from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm, stop by the park when it is most convenient for you, and breathe in some fresh air.
2. Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Tom McCall Waterfront Park, open from 5:00 am until midnight, offers a few different options to visitors. Paved paths, and trails for biking, walking, and running are offered to you on any day of the week. Tom McCall Waterfront Park would be a family-friendly place to spend on any given day, especially when the sun is out and calling your name. Grab the water bottles, sunscreen, kids, dog, and spouse and hit the concrete; enjoy the day outside instead of being inside working on chores or taking phone calls.
3. Portland Children’s Museum
The first Friday of every month from 4 pm – 8 pm, the Portland Children’s Museum offers you a chance to enter without paying the normal fee. Some exhibits include Building Bridgetown, Maker Studio, Groundwork, Pet Hospital, Twilight Trail, Vroom Room, Zany Maze, and many more. The kids yourself included will enjoy the time spent at the Museum and can reminisce on what you all learned.
4. Best Rides Around Portland
For you bicyclists out there who are looking for a new and exciting place to explore, Big Eastside Loop is a place that you may want to check out. Even if you are not a pro bicyclist, grab your bike and start peddling. Varying from 11 miles all the way up to 51 miles, the Portland Bicycle Rides has something for everyone. The Waterfront Loop starts at 11 miles and The Big Eastside Loop is 51 miles; any of the nine places that are given are great opportunities to get out and enhance those leg muscles as well as see the town and what it offers. Being a native is not a bad thing; it may give you a new perspective on the beautiful state as well as the opportunity to explore new areas of Portland that you have never been to before.
5. Hoyt Arboretum
During the months of April until October, tours and walks are offered at the Hoyt Arboretum. Although it is offered as ‘Free’, there is a $3 donation that they ask which supports the programs and plant maintenance. Maple Collection Tours and Tall Tree Tales are two of the tours that they offer and they start around noon. Enjoying the fresh air learning about the trees and spending time outdoors is a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
6. The Grotto
A botanical garden with more than one level is a place where one can visit and spend time. Whether you feel like spending time in either the Grotto, chapel, Gift Shop, or Visitor’s Center, taking your time and relaxing is important. The hours of operation for a regular week are 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. The Grotto offers those who come and visit a place of prayer, peace, and solitude.
7. Neighborhood Farmer’s Market
Who doesn’t love a good Farmer’s Market? They are one of the best things that come around in the summertime. A weekly outdoor appointment is calling your name and exists in an area that may be near your home. Fresh fruit, veggies, potatoes, honey, and even desserts. Letting the kids loose on a beautiful summer day to pick out healthy foods as well as taking on the town by foot or by bike is worth every minute. PSU, Pioneer Courthouse Square, Shemanski Park, Buckman, Northwest, Kenton, King, and Lent’s International are places to stop by on any given weekend, but make sure that you know which areas are open and who accepts animals.
8. Cooper Spur Mt. Hood
Calling all adults! Approximately 23 miles outside of Portland, Tilly Jane Campground and Cloud Cap Campground are located for your hiking pleasure. Even though they are not family-friendly hiking trails, feel free to grab your hiking gear, water bottle, and snacks and head on over to Mt. Hood in the summer months. You will reach about 6000 feet in elevation and your calves will be giving you grief after, but during those summer months, the view is breath and it will all be worth it.
9. Cannon Beach
When you want to enjoy a Saturday that takes place out of town, think about visiting Cannon Beach. Whether you want to feel the water wash over your toes or you want to listen to the waves crash on the shore, this beautiful place should be on your bucket list. Grab the dog and a picnic basket filled with yummy foods and enjoy your day on the water.
10. Oneonta Gorge Hiking Trail
At 1.2 miles, the trail is heavily trafficked by those who are out viewing the beauty and taking in the scenery. If you are not in a hurry to get in and out of the 1.2-mile trail, this is a great place to visit. Make sure to wear tennis shoes as well as to bring the dog and keep it on the leash; take pictures, even if people are invading your space. Enjoy your time outside and take in the fresh and misty air.
11. Tryon Creek State Park
Hiking, bike paths, and horse trails are all available at Tryon Creek State Park. The location is about 15 minutes outside of downtown Portland. Whether you’re in the mood to hike the 8-mile trail, the 3-mile bike path, or even get up the nerve to try out the 3.5-mile horse trail, go for it. Grab the kids and get down to the State Park, there’s something for everyone.
12. Free Fitness in the Park
From June to September, there are 12 weeks of free fitness in the park that is off Fifth Ave. What’s better than exercising in the park, free of charge, trying something new, or sticking to what you love? Whether you are interested in Cardio or Boot Camp, Family Fitness or Just Kids, Low Impact Fitness or even Yoga or Zumba, with more possibilities possible, you most likely will find something for yourself and your family.
13. Powell Butte Nature Park
Opening at 5:00 am and closing promptly at 10:00 pm, the park offers visitors: hiking and biking trails, natural areas to view the wildlife that decide to show themselves, horseback trails, and even restrooms, your time outside will be spent in nature. No matter the time of day that you decide to stop by and visit, it will be beautiful and you will enjoy yourself and your time spent there.
14. Portland Head Lighthouse
Located just outside of Portland, Portland Head Lighthouse, also known as For Williams Park, the 90 acres of land provides visitors with the possibility to do many different things. Whether you’re in the mood for a picnic on the water, the kids want to fly their brand-new kite, or the strolling paths are calling your name, what is offered doesn’t stop there. The Cliffside loop offers you a walking area, searching the rocky beach to see if you can come across anything that is precious and unique. Lastly, stop by and check out the playground- let the playground bring out the inner kid in you.
15. Sellwood Riverfront Park
Located on almost 8 miles of acreage, the Sellwood Riverfront Park is a great place to have a picnic either after spending time doing something or just having a relaxing picnic. Whether you want to start with walking or jogging the unpaved or paved paths that are provided, bring the canoe and spend time on the water, or even get some extra time with your dog off-leash, this park is a great place to be. The park is open at 5:00 am and closes at midnight, but keep in mind that if you drive, the parking lot closes at 10:00 pm.
16. Keller Fountain Park
Located on SW 3rd Ave & Clay St., Keller Forecourt Fountain is a peaceful place to stop by. The fountains flow in a formal manner and there are paths for walking that include statues of fountains and public art. The park is open from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm; whether you want to be at the park early and have some time by yourself, or you want to meet up with friends at the end of the day and walk around and talk about your day, the time is yours.
