Hello ladies! My two-year-old and I are accompanying daddy on a business trip to Portland, OR. We are staying near the convention center - actually near the mall (Lloyd Center?) so I know we'll have the MAX line very close by. We are planning at least one trip to the zoo and surrounding areas - garden, children's museum, etc.
Does anyone have suggestions on what else to see or do? He needs a nap in the middle of the day so we're looking for some shorter excursions. If anyone knows of a good playground near Lloyd Center I would love to hear about it. Little man also has a peanut allergy so we're looking for restaurants that don't have a lot of nuts on the menu or who have a peanut-free menu. I've done a lot of research online but I thought I'd ask you moms (and dads) too. We will be flying in and using the rail for transportation - no car. We're trying to keep expenses low. Thanks and we're looking forward to visiting your city!
There aren't a lot of play grounds on the downtown area. A great one near the Zoo and Rose Garden, is Washington Park Elephant House playground. You could do the Rose Garden and park the same day.
Omsi has a section upstairs for kids under 6.
I was also going to suggest the fountain at the Rose Garden.
Sat and Sun market are fun if you are there through the weekend.
You'll probably need more than one visit to the zoo area to enjoy it and the children's museun. Both provide a few hours of entertainment and then you won't be as rushed. It will take about 20 minutes from Lloyd Center in each direction to get their by MAX. you can rent a stroller at the zoo and they provide them free at Children's Museum.
Another option is OMSI. They have a great room for toddlers.
Also if it is warm, Portland has many outdoor fountains in the parks that are great fun for little ones. Go to Portland Parks to find out where they in locaiton to you. Jameison Square in trendy Pearl has one but there isn't any shade which is the main downside to that one. It is on the street car line so it is easy to get to.
Portland has quite a few restaurants with play areas to make eating more fun for mommy & daddy. Laurelwood Brew Pub and HopWorks Urban Brewery. We even had a really good meal with our 2 year old at Toro Bravo. (we got lucky that he was eating that day, there was no wait to get a table at 5:15pm, and the food comes out within minutes of ordering).
Have fun
The aerial tram was a blast. My two year old and 5 yr old loved it. They still talk about it and want to do it again.
If it is during this heat, bring swimming suits and go to one of the many fountains nearby. There is one at the Rose Garden (don't know how much you can play in that one) and one called Skidmore Fountain. Don't forget Omsi on the east side of the river.
Many of the rec. centers have indoor play parks or you could just go walking along the river and watch some of the boats. And we have a ton of outdoor play parks.
Have a great time while you're here.
D.
Old Wives Tales (restaurant) - has a great kids area, is economical, and is good with dietary restrictions. Plus they are on the east side somewhat near the Lloyd Center area.
Barnes & Noble at Lloyd Center has a storytime - check their web site for the exact time / day.
The pirate store at the mall also has story times occasionally.
Matt Dishman Community Center just a bit north of the convention center area has a pool and perhaps a toddler indoor play park during the summer. Depending on your preference and the use of a stroller, they may be within walking distance of your hotel.
On the same street as MDCC is the"Title Wave" Used book store. It is old library books that are for sale.Very low key, friendly folks, even if you just wanted to hang out and browse.
Yes, the fountain at the Rose Quarter. Also Jamison Square in the "Pearl" -just across the river on the west side.
Pioneer Square in downtown Portland frequently has something free going on - check their web site.
The central library downtown is also great -lots of books (of course!), story times, free shows, concerts, etc.
Enjoy this great city!!
there is a great playground near the zoo - you can even take the zoo train there, get off, play, etc...
