 The International Rose Test Garden, part of the larger Washington Park area in Portland is a great place to walk, picnic or just check out the award winning roses. The garden, which was first envisioned by Georgiana Burton Pittock, socialite and rose lover in 1888 when she wanted to show off her roses. As things usually do, when the wealthy decide something is worth doing, funding follows. Roses became a craze in Portland and by 1912, the Royal Rosarians had formed and continue to this to be "ambassadors of goodwill" for Portland Events, particularly the annual Rose Festival.  There gardens within the main Rose Garden, including a Shakespeare Garden (originally located Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden) which was installed in 1945 and designed to only include plants found in Shakespeare's plays. There is also a Miniature Rose Garden, which is one of only 6 test gardens for miniature roses in the country. We visited in the morning and were rewarded by lots of urban wildlife, including two bunnies and a swarm of hummingbirds. The garden is free, but you need to pay to park, unless you take public transit.
However, there is a an amazing beauty to this 30 mile trail that runs from the Portland Zoo to the farmlands. Although you can do the trail in one day as this guy did, most people break it up into several sections. The majority of the trail is not for young kids, and make sure you pack plenty of food and water. 
Westmoreland Park, located at SE McLoughlin Blvd & Bybee Blvd in Portland is part of naturescape movement taking over in the Pacific Northwest. Although the park was originally acquired in 1927, and has been in continuous use since the 1930's and has a fascinating history. The park began with lots of concrete but by the early 2000's city planners decided to restore much the natural wetlands and creek bed of crystal springs, which runs through the park. The park was revamped in 2014 and 42.01 acres is now a mix of play area, ponds, stream and wetlands.
This 2.10 mile in and out is a fun way to spend the day with the family (you can also do a 5 mile in and out hike if you start at at Lower Macleay Park and get a glimpse of the Witch's Castle). Start at Upper Macleay Park parking lot and hike across Cornell up to the Pittock Mansion . You can also hike down from the park to the but that's a hike for another day. It's a steep for little ones and there are no guardrails and plenty of drop off's, so unless you are taking a toddler in a backpack, families with toddlers should probably skip this one.  View of Cornell Rd. from the trail.  A slimy new friend. I like to start out in the early morning when it is not too crowded, as this trail gets a lot of traffic. You can also bring your dog on this trail, so long at it's on a leash. The lush tree canopy is quite amazing and we saw and heard many woodland creatures along our trek. Make sure to bring water and snacks, as it does take a bit to get up to the top. When you reach the parking lot, turn left (we accidentally went a little farther on the trail than we meant to, and had to loop back.) Once you get to Pittock Mansion, you will be rewarded with excellent views of Portland and some of the most beautiful architecture in the city. Although it does cost $7.00 to $10.00 to take a tour, you can wander the grounds outside and use the bathroom for free).
Technically not a park, and technically not free (although you can absolutely apply for the family access pass which gives you admission all year round for only $15!), the Portland Children's Museum has just completed an amazing outdoor area for kids to run, frolic and get wet in! Located in Washington Park (sharing a parking lot with the Oregon Zoo), the Portland Children's Museum offers hands on outdoor and indoor exhibits, mainly for the 10 and under set.  Outdoor waterfall area. According to their website, "In 1946 visionary Portlander, Dorothea Lensch, founded the 'Junior Museum and Adventure House,' as part of Portland Parks and Recreation. Lensch, who served as Portland’s recreation director from 1937–1972, was particularly dedicated to meeting the needs of Portland’s underserved communities. She developed innovative programs for children with special needs and for economically disadvantaged families, a legacy that lives on in our mission and core values." While the steep price of $10.75 per person (including adults) doesn't scream helping the "economically disadvantaged" the family access plan and family access admission ($1) does help. The museum has rotating exhibits along with static ones such as a clay room, the "twilight forest," a construction area and an area for babies that will keep your little ones entertained. When we went, they were having a circus themed exhibit, and it was hit with the kids. All in all, it's a great way to spend your Saturday.
 Because I live in Oregon, I am contractually obligated to visit and then post a trip to Multnomah Falls at least once a year.
Even though the falls are a popular tourist destination, it does not diminish the beauty of this 620 ft. year round waterfall. You can hike to the top of the falls, but it's not recommended for young children (there are no guard rails and there are lots of switch backs). However, young kids can still go up the Benson Bridge and feel the freezing water hitting their little faces. There is a gift shop, a fancy restaurant and most importantly, clean restrooms at Multnomah Falls. To get to the falls, head out on I-84 towards Cascade Locks. It's just past Troutdale and impossible to miss. |
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