Summer is heating up in Portland and so is the temperature. When the thermometers rise, finding a place where you and the kids can chill out while still having lots of fun may become a challenge. To help, we’ve rounded up some of our coolest, not-so-usual activities and special events around town that will get your family through the dog days of summer. Read on to learn more.
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photo: courtesy of The Craft Factory
Get Artsy at The Craft Factory
Have a young artiste (or two) in the family? Then head to this hands-on art studio, located in Multnomah Village upstairs from Annie Bloom’s Books, where you can spend hours creating your own unique masterpiece using new, recycled, and re-purposed materials. There’s also special drop-in hours offered almost daily in the summer. Your first craft base is $12/each, then $6/each additional one.
7832 SW Capitol Hwy, Suite B
503-577-4310
Online: craftfactorypdx.com
Travel Back in Time with the Oregon Museum of Science & Industry
Starting June 24, experience one of the most cataclysmic events in the ancient Roman world—the destruction of the city of Pompeii in 79 A.D. by Mount Vesuvius. Along with a 4D theater experience, the exhibit features nearly 200 artifacts, such as frescoes, mosaics, full body casts, and artifacts. Exhibit prices range from $16-26/adult; $12-$22/ages 63 and older; $10-17 ages 3-13.
1945 SE Water Ave
503-797-4000
Online: omsi.edu
photo: courtesy of McMenamins
Catch a Matinee at McMenamins
There’s a reason the Kennedy School’s mommy matinees are a family staple—where else are you and your youngsters (babies too) welcome to kick back in an air-conditioned room with some snacks and watch a big screen movie in a room filled with comfy chairs and couches? Mommy Matinees are usually the first showings each week Tue.- Thurs. Tickets are $4/adults and $2/ages 11 and younger.
5736 NE 33rd Ave.
503-249-3983
Online: mcmenamins.com/kennedy-school
Jump for Joy at G6 Airpark
When your rambunctious kids are figuratively bouncing off the walls, take them to one of this indoor park’s locations so they can literally can bounce, jump, flip, and more off the G6’s wall-to-wall trampoline courts. There’s a smaller, separate court for the little ones. G6 will offer special pricing and events over the summer, check the website for more details.
10414 SE Washington St.
503-255-3334
2200 NE Andresen Rd Ste. J, Vancouver, WA
360-828-1444
Online: g6airpark.com
photo: Tony Crescibene via flickr
Hit the Lanes for Free at KingPins
Home to 40 lanes, daily open bowling, and a 4,000-square-foot arcade, this stylishly modern bowling alley is another great place to play the day away while escaping the heat. And to make it even more affordable for families this summer, KingPins is participating in the Kids Bowl Free program, which sends you coupons every week for free games from now through September. (Show rentals not included). Prices are $4.29-$5.29/game or $24.99-$29.99/hour; shoe rentals run $3.59-$2.99, depending on size.
3550 SE 92nd Ave.
503-788-7889
Online: mykingpins.com
Chill Out with a Sweet Treat at Salt & Straw
This June, dig into the Salt & Straw team’s inventive, limited edition ice creams inspired by— and made with—rescued food. Flavors include spent grains and bacon s’mores and toasted baguette PB&J. A portion of the month’s sales will be donated to Urban Gleaners to help reduce food waste and food insecurity. And don’t forget to check back in July and August for new flavors!
838 NW 23rd Ave.
971-271-8168
3345 SE Division St.
503-208-2054
2035 NE Alberta St.
503-208-3867
126 SW 2nd Ave
503-384-2150
Online: saltandstraw.com
What does your family do to beat the heat in Portland? Tell us in the comments below!
— Carrie Uffindell
