Keep Your Kid Entertained All Summer Long!
Summer break is upon us. How are you going to keep your kids entertained for almost three months? Here is a list of FREE and fun (or almost free) kids’ activities and events throughout the Portland Metro.
FREE Bowling
Kids get two FREE games of bowling every day all summer at local bowling alleys. Go to www.kidsbowlfree.com to sign up. Your kids ages 15 and younger will get free coupons weekly via email. If parents bowl, they’ll need to pay, and kids will need to rent bowling shoes if they don’t already have some. This deal is valued at $500 per child.
Participating locations in Portland:
- Grand Central Bowl (until 5 p.m.)
- KingPins (until 5 p.m.)
Check here for participating bowling alleys in Portland, Gresham, Beaverton, Lake Oswego, Tigard and Hillsboro.
CHEAP Movies
Cinemark Theater
Starting on June 27, Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse features kids’ movies for $1 per show. Pre-pay or buy a punchcard online and the price drops to 50 cents.
The local participating cinema is at Clackamas Town Center (shows are Tuesday at 10 a.m.)
Adults accompanying their kids get the same low prices. The final show of the summer is August 29. See the list of movies.
Regal Cinemas
Starting on June 20-21, kids’ matinees are just $1 per show and start at 10 a.m. every Tuesday and Wednesday through August 15-16. Kids can view one of the films on Tuesday and return on Wednesday to watch the second. Check out the list of films here.
Regal Cinemas in Tigard, Wilsonville, Gresham, Sherwood, and Vancouver also offer $1 matinees. See the list of participating cinemas here.
FREE Movies
Every summer Portland Parks & Recreation shows FREE movies in pastoral park settings all over the city. From July 6 through September 8 there will be several delightful movies shown, beginning at dusk. The entertainment begins at 6:30 p.m. with live music and FREE popcorn. Check the schedule to see when and where the whole family can enjoy new and classic films, such as Sing, Moana, Zootopia, The BFG, The Jungle Book, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Storks, and more.
FREE Swimming
Kids swim for FREE on specific days and times at eight pools operated by Portland Parks & Recreation. Open swim days and times for kids vary from pool to pool, so check the schedule. FREE swims begin June 20 and end August 25.
FREE Swimming Lessons
Actually knowing how to swim really does improve the experience of swimming and lessons are FREE June 17 – 20. Walk-in registration is on Saturday, June 17, from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at your neighborhood pool.
FREE Lunch + Play
At 30+ park playgrounds and community centers throughout Portland, there are FREE organized games, crafts and activities from June 20 through August 25. Check the listing for a park near you. Lunch is FREE for kids up to 18 years old.
FREE Storytimes
FREE storytimes for kids are offered at numerous branch libraries of the Multnomah County Library system. Check the schedule for times and locations. Also, take a look at the library’s events calendar to see if there’s a group that your child might want to join, such as Chess Club, Kids Knit! or Craft Hour.
Green Bean Books hosts storytimes on Sundays and Tuesdays at 11 a.m., and Thursdays at 3:30 p.m. for themed story time and crafts. This event is FREE.
FREE Nature Activities
Local kids are lucky to have an Oregon State Park within city limits, which means they can be Junior Rangers this summer. At Tryon Creek State Natural Area kids from 6 to 12 can sign up for the FREE program, get a Junior Ranger passport and participate in fun weekend activities. For younger children there are Preschool Story & Strolls on Thursdays and Fridays.
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