Spring Break is finally here! And whether you have visitors in town, kids out of school, or you and your friends are just looking to take in the energy of the long holiday week, there’s no shortage of things to do around town! So get out in that sunshine and have some fun!

For Families

Museums & More

If a few rain clouds threaten to darken your visit, never fear! There are plenty of indoor activities to keep your youngsters entertained. Families can spend the entire day exploring the Oregon Museum of Science & Industry (OMSI), and ample children’s theaters, and indoor activities ensure that you’ll never run out of warm, dry and family-friendly fun.

Tiptoe Through the Tulips

Head to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm in Woodburn, located south of Portland, for their annual springtime Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival. This kid-centered fest features 40 acres of gorgeous blooms, plus plenty of children’s activities. Kiddos love the hay wagon rides, duck races, tire swings and cow train rides, along with plenty of food and drink offerings.

Whale Watching at the Oregon Coast

Oregon beaches may not fit certain spring break stereotypes (for example, you’re unlikely to stumble into a wild college party or game of beach volleyball). They are, however, perfect for peaceful whale watching. Every spring, as many as 20,000 gray whales pass through Oregon waters while migrating between Mexico and Alaska. Locals celebrate the springtime migration with Whale Watching Week, when trained volunteers are stationed at more than 20 locations along the Oregon Coast to help you spot and learn more about these majestic creatures.

Kid-friendly Hikes

Portland has numerous kid-friendly hiking spots with trails under 4 miles (6 km) close to the city and bursting with natural beauty.

Career-oriented Kid Events

At these family-friendly Portland attractions, kids can walk in the shoes of the heroes they idolize: firefighters, astronauts, airplane pilots and sailors.

For Couples

Portland Japanese Garden

This 12-acre Japanese garden is one of the most authentic gardens outside of Japan. In the scenic West Hills above downtown Portland, the garden includes a variety of foliage styles, a tea house, meandering streams, peaceful walkways and views of Mount Hood.

Lan Su Chinese Garden

This garden has covered walkways, bridges, pavilions and richly planted landscapes frame a picturesque lake in this authentically built Ming dynasty-style garden. Tours are available, and a tea house offers snacks and traditional teas.

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

Don’t miss the lush Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, where the flowers reach peak bloom in late April.

Hit the Slopes

It may surprise you to learn that March and April offer excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions near Portland. (In fact, Mt. Hood Skibowl keeps lifts running through May and Timberline is open year-round.) A quick 90-minute drive will deliver you to Mount Hood for an exciting day of snow sports. Make it a full weekend with a stay at cozy Timberline Lodge.

For Friends/Solo Adventurers

Skating Fun

For old-school fun, head to Oaks Amusement Park. One of the oldest continually operating amusement parks in the country, Oaks Park blends old-time charm with modern excitement, offering thrill rides, children’s rides, mini golf, carnival games and the largest skating rink west of the Mississippi. Roller Rink in Southeast Portland. The rink hosts frequent DJ and themed nights, and is the only roller skating rink in the country to still house a traditional Wurlitzer pipe organ.

Cruise the City on a Bike!

Itching to explore the city? Portland’s Biketown program makes it easier than ever to rent a bicycle. With 1,000 eight-speed, bright orange bikes spread across 100 locations, you’re never far from Biketown station. Once you’ve saddled up, map your route on the city’s 350 miles (563 km) of designated bikeways and start pedaling!

Shop Like a Local

March marks the return of the Portland Saturday Market, America’s largest weekly outdoor arts and crafts market. After perusing the 250 booths of handcrafted goods, take MAX light rail to the Portland Farmers Market at PSU. This massive open-air market overflows with fresh flowers, seasonal veggies and artisan-made snacks.

Enjoy some TLC

There are plenty of ways to practice self-care in Portland, including treating yourself to a luxurious spa day – and bring a friend!

If you’re facing a DUI (or DUII) charge in Oregon, call Reynolds Defense Firm today. Our team has the expertise to handle your criminal case and the understanding to help you on the human-side as well. We hope that you never need to call us, but if you do, we are here. You can contact us for your free consultation by filling out the form on our website or by calling us at 503-506-4863.