Watching the emergence of every imaginable shade of green – and the bursts of color in fresh Spring blooms – is a potent call to take advantage of all that the Portland area has to offer this season.
With most of winter’s cold, grey, and wet behind us, Spring in Portland has certainly sprung, and it is a wonderful time to get outside and spend quality time with your family, not to mention real-time learning fostered by your children’s innate curiosity about what they see and observe.
8 Great Ways to Get Active With Your Family This Spring Season
Here are some of our favorite things to do with our families when the temperatures start to rise and there’s a break in April and May showers (and of course, we invite you to visit our post about The Best Indoor Play Spaces & Activities in Portland) to weather the inevitable springtime showers.
And if you really want to focus on family time, consider dedicating phone- and tech-free time for specific activities, outings, or trips (such as shorter to mid-length drives, meals, hikes, or walks) to foster more opportunities for connection. Even quiet time together and just being in the moment without distractions is valuable.
1. Catch the majestic Grey whale migration
There is hardly anything more moving or breathtaking than seeing the majestic grey whales as they swim, breach, and blow water while migrating along our beautiful Oregon coastline. The first surge of Grey whale sightings as they make their way to Alaska from Baja, Mexico, begins in late March, and continues through June – with April and May being the peak months.
According to the Oregon State Parks’ Whale Watching page, the Neahkahnie Mountain Overlook provides the best whale sighting spots near Portland. This spot offers several turnouts and a low wall for elevated viewing. Families may find it best to visit the Cape Meares Lighthouse, where there are intentional lookouts, staff to answer questions, and lots of educational materials to view and read while you’re there.
If you have a child who is particularly enthusiastic about whales, it might be worth the 2.5-hour drive to Depoe Bay’s Whale Watching Center, with year-round staff and ample binoculars on hand (although we recommend bringing your own if you have them), and where visitors can see as many as 15 whales, even on a slower day.
2. Hop on your bikes (or walk, scoot, rollerblade) whenever you can
One of our favorite things about Portland and the surrounding area is the commitment to safe bike lanes, pedestrian paths, and more. As the weather clears up, start thinking about the places you can access on bike, on foot, with scooters, or roller skates/blades. Or, pack the bikes and roller accoutrement and use them in the various parks or public spaces you visit.
Before you strap on the helmets and hop on your bikes, watch Dr. Hassan’s videos on bike safety to get the family ready to roll. His first video focuses on biking with your baby or toddler; the second bike safety video focuses on older kiddos and teens; and his third video wraps things up with Dr. Hassan’s personal favorite places to bike in the Portland Metro area to get you started. And remember, while long or adventurous rides are always great, short regular evening rides around the neighborhood are a great way to foster community right where you’re at.
You can also visit the Bike Portland website for even more places to ride, walk, roll, or jog, which include some of our other favorite places like:
- Springwater Corridor
- Fanno Creek Greenway
- Westside Regional & Rock Creek Trails
- Trolley Trail in Milwaukie
- Burnt Bridge Creek Trail in Vancouver
- Faraday Road near Estacada
3. Take a trip to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm
We love Portland’s cherry blossom season, but its symbolic, fleeting nature means the ephemeral blossoms are gone in just a few short weeks. Tulips, however, are more lasting and give families a wider window to plan a trip to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm.
While they’re famous for their annual Tulip Festival, you and your family (and friends) can plan a trip there to take advantage of their dining opportunities, gorgeous views of Mt. Hood, and even purchase tickets for a hot air balloon ride.
Tips from the farm to enhance your visit include:
- Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and smaller crowds.
- Wear weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
- Bring your camera – our fields are photographer-friendly.
- Consider weekday visits during peak bloom for a more peaceful experience.
- Sign up for our newsletter, follow us on social media, or visit our Bloom Status page for bloom updates to plan your visit during peak colors.
And, if you don’t have time to visit this spring, they keep beautiful flowers growing year-round (and let you cut them for your own bouquets), so consider putting them in your summer calendar if that works best.
4. Pick up seasonal produce at PSU’s Farmer’s Market
Visiting PSU’s Farmers Market is a win-win in our book.
It supports local farmers markets boosts healthy eating habits, supports local food growers, and fosters community food security. This particular market is located at SW Park and Montgomery, and takes place every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. However, if weekly visits feel overwhelming, a single visit here and there is a fun way to get out and explore. Plus, you’ll have the chance to connect with local farmers, and can sign up for CSA opportunities that may have delivery options or more accessible pick-up locations.
We also recommend checking out the larger list of local Portland Farmers markets to visit one closer to you or making a “trip tic” map with your child and setting a goal to check each one out over the spring and summer months.
Other spring destinations for Portland families
Other great places to explore (or things to do) with your family this spring include:
- Taking weekend or evening hikes at any number of our area’s state and regional parks.
- Visiting the Portland Japanese Gardens, which is particularly striking in spring and offers both contemplative and interactive opportunities.
- Trying to see as many of our area waterfalls while they’re in peak flow.
- Visit the International Rose Test Garden (the roses bloom best from March to June – so it’s fun to visit a few different times and see how things change in just a short amount of time).
- Your local library; every season is the right season to visit the local library and learn more about the places you’re going, dive into a new book, and keep a love of literacy at the forefront!
Finally, these spring months are the perfect time to begin thinking about summer water safety. Blow bubbles or practice floats in the tub, start talking about swimming rules and safety, and enroll your child in a local swim class as soon as possible so you’re ready for the warmer weather’s pools, rivers, and lakes.
Pediatric Associates of the Northwest Wishes You a Joyful Spring Season
The team at PANW wishes you a joyful spring season and hopes you can take advantage of all that Portland has to offer in the spring.
We’re also reminded that allergies abound this season. Don’t hesitate to give us a call or schedule a visit if all of your spring activities have brought on worse-than-usual allergy attacks. We’ll help you get your kiddos back in balance so they can breathe deep and enjoy the great outdoors with greater ease.
