Place to Play on Rainy Day?

This is an alternative suggestion, and take it with a grain of salt if that suits you.

I run a preschool and we go outside every day. Unless it's 100% dumping from the sky, we are out. Consider investing in rain boots, rain pants, a rain jacket, a fleece jacket for underneath, and warm socks (and possibly a warm hat to put on under hood.) Then duplicate this ensemble for yourself, and get outside to the park or wherever it's fun to run. Dr. Spock (the old-school pediatrician, not Mr. Spock from Star Trek, ha ha) said that kids need about an hour of time outside every day. After working with kids for over 19 years, I totally agree with this. Of course, if it's very rainy, send them out for a shorter time, but it's good for kids to go out and run in the rain, stomp in puddles, even if it's a neighborhood walk for a half-hour. You'll both come in refreshed and ready to be indoors, and the fresh air and puddle-stomping will do your son a world of good!

For what it's worth, my son's preschool, and a few others I know of, do this too. In Europe, there are "outdoor schools" in which the preschool children are outside for most of the day, unless the weather is inclement. Years ago, I nannied two families of four girls, and we were outdoors in all weather. The day I heard them singing "We are Oregon Girls!" as they splashed in puddles was a wonderful one. We have to raise hale and hearty creatures in our soggy town!:)

guess it depends on how far you want to drive and whether you're looking for a free place or willing to spend $. i'm not that familiar with PDX there but i know there is an indoor play area called noah's ark near downtown vancouver. you could also find the drop-in kid playtime at your local community center. there's a place in beaverton, if that's not too far for you to drive: http://www.munchkinplayland.com/.

there's jjjump in clackamas too.

playdate PDX is awesome! And the stamp is good all day! I really encourage you to check it out. How old is your son?

Cafe Sip-n-Play in Vancouver is awesome, but it may be further than you want to travel, they charge a play fee, and your child has to be under six years old to play. I don't know if any of those are limiting factors for you. I've heard that there are similar places in Portland, but I've never been to any of them and don't know their names. Some of our favorites are to go to libraries--obviously, they can't run and jump, but there are usually lots of great toys and it's a nice warm, dry, FREE outing--and we get to take home "new" books afterwards! We also sometimes go to the play areas at local shopping malls. My son loves being able to play with the other children and he can work out some of his physical energy, also. Of course, this is only free if I can resist shopping while there!

Here are some from a list I have:

West End Building Indoor Playground 4101 Kruse Way in Lake Oswego
Tigard Indoor Play Park at Tigard United Methodist Church
Conestoga Recreation Center ###-###-####
Garden Home Indoor Play park ###-###-####
Cedar Hills Rec Center ###-###-####
The Play Boutique in Lake Oswego ###-###-####
Munchkin Playland in Hillsboro
Out of This World Pizza in Hillsboro
Safari Sam's in Sherwood

You can google the ones I don't have the phone #'s for, and call for times at the rec centers. I have 3 very busy little ones and know I'd go stir crazy without some of these places. Have fun!

I haven't been here yet, but I'm dying to try a new place downtown called PlayDate PDX. This place looks awesome! I, too, was bummed about Burger King's demise - and you couldn't be the $1 price! This place is more expensive, but you don't have to contend with the fast food issue - and it seems like there is a place for parents to sit and observe while maybe enjoying a latte?! Good luck!

http://www.playdatepdx.com/about%20us%20PDX.htm