Cross the bridge and you are led to a multitude of trails following the Wilson River, a popular spot for locals to come and hang out with picnics.   I chose to hike up to Wilson Falls, which was less of a waterfall and more of a drip in August, but it is actually on the trail, so that's kind of neat. 

Bring water and sense of adventure on some of the more advanced hikes, there are some drop off's and it's not stroller accessible, but any steady child should be ok. 

Did you know that when school is not in session, all public schools in Oregon are free neighborhood playgrounds?  That means the same place your child goes to school can be their after school and weekend playground too!​

For kids who need adaptive play equipment and access, check out the Accessible and Inclusive Playground directory.

 Beverly Beach State Park is located just north of Newport, Oregon and about three hours from the Portland Metro area.   We stayed in the tent camping area and, even though it was the height of summer, it was pretty cold at night, so pack warmly.  The campground is clean and mostly flat (with a few ADA accessible campsites and cabins).  The beach is literally steps away and the bathrooms and hot showers are like heaven.  It is also pet friendly, which our pets really appreciated!​  Prices vary from a small day use fee up to about $50.00 per night for a full hook up. 

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. 

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. 

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. ​

Driving down busy Allen or Murray roads, it's hard to imagine that only a couple blocks away is a cute park with a playground, walking trails, nature area and even a skate park!  With Access off Bonnie Brae, Erickson, or Berthold .  The easiest access is to go to the Corner to Berhold and Erickson and head about half a block down Erickson.  This will take you to a playground for little kids, and an expansive one for big kids:

Right next to the playground is a There is also a reservable picnic shelter and little path that will lead you to basketball courts, a wetland area, the skate park and community gardens.  The Evelyn M. Schiffler Memorial Park is newly renovated (2013) and provides a safe, easily accessible way for families to spend time outdoors.  

The Tualatin Hills Nature Park (and accompanying nature center)  the jewel of the THPRD's urban park system.  The park is open year round and is full of wildlife (one of the reasons no dogs are allowed).  There are paved, gravel and dirt paths snaking through this 222 acre oasis.  If you wander enough, you may find yourself staring at a pond covered in lily pads, traversing a wooden bridge over stinky skunk cabbage, or emerging suddenly to the Merlo Road/158th Max Station.  

There are two main entrances to the park:   The first is to to take the MAX to the Merlo Road/15th Max Station.  The other is located at 15655 SW Millikan Way, Beaverton, OR 97003. 

The Jackson Bottom Wetlands Nature Preserve is located about 5 minutes from downtown Hillsboro, right next to the well disguised Clean Water Services.  It is 635 acres of mostly marshlands with easy dirt and gravel trails.  


There are lots of nature lookouts to view the wildlife from and many side trails that lead to little ponds or lakes to check out.

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. 

Just hanging out with my little friend at Cooper Mountain Nature Park.