The Portland Japanese
Garden in Washington Park
is widely considered one of
the most authentic Japanese
gardens outside of Japan.
Top 5 Attractions
for Summer Visitors
Got visitors? Be sure to take them to these local favorites to highlight
why we love the Portland metro area so much!
1. Washington Park: This local gem embodies everything that puts Portland among the most family-friendly cities in the
world. The Oregon Zoo (oregonzoo.com), Portland Children’s Museum (portlandcm.org) and World Forestry Center
Discovery Museum (worldforestry.org) share a parking lot and MAX station. A short jaunt down the road, you can view
more than 1,100 species of trees from around the world at the Hoyt Arboretum (hoytarboretum.org). The park also
features the elaborate Rose Garden Children’s Park, with massive play structures and sand and water features – but
remember, there’s no zoo train to the playground this summer as the train system undergoes renovations – as well as
the International Rose Test Garden and the Portland Japanese Garden (japanesegarden.org). You could easily spend
several days in the park and still not see and do it all. As a summer bonus, TriMet’s line 83 – which loops around the park
through Labor Day, stopping at many of the most popular attractions – is free thanks to Portland Parks & Recreation!
Learn more at portlandparks.org.
2. aks Amusement Park: The oldest continuously operating amusement park in the country, Oaks Park will charm and
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exhilarate visitors of all ages. In addition to kiddie rides, thrill rides, arcade games and more, Oaks Park features a mini
golf course and historic roller skating rink. If your visitors have preschool-age children, don’t miss Chipper’s Preschool
Rides, with unlimited kiddie rides, cookies and milk for only $7.50 per child (adults ride free!) every Tuesday and
Wednesday morning during the summer. Check their website for hours and prices. (7805 SE Oaks Park Way, 503-2335777, oakspark.com)
3. regon Museum of Science & Industry (OMSI): An exemplary hands-on science museum, OMSI offers exhibits
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and activities for all ages. From the Science Playground for the youngest explorers to physics and chemistry labs for
more advanced scientists, there are interactive labs and activities to match every interest and ability. The museum also
features special exhibits (Dinosaurs Unearthed is on display through Sept. 2); a renowned planetarium; a recently renovated state-of-the-art digital theater with a giant, 4-story screen and 3D capability; tours of the historic USS Blueback
submarine (the US Navy’s last non-nuclear fast-attack sub); and more. During the summer, OMSI is open from 9:30 am7 pm daily. Tickets are $13 adults, $9.50 ages 3-13 and seniors; parking is $2. (1945 SE Water, 503-797-4000, omsi.edu)
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July 2014
metro-parent.com
PHOTO BY DENISE BOBER, COURTESY OF THE PORTLAND JAPANESE GARDEN
T O P AT T R A C T I O N S