Portland Living on the Cheap

Your local guide to the best of what's affordable in Portland, Oregon.

Sports & Recreation

50+ Portland Area Thrift and Consignment Stores

Portlanders love thrift and consignment stores. Thankfully, our city caters to this affinity and is chock full of places where bargain hunters thrive. Whether your style is a pair of Levi's jeans and a secondhand flannel or a vintage dress with like new Dr. Martens or Frye's, you'll find it at these … [Read more...] about 50+ Portland Area Thrift and Consignment Stores

Where to Go Ice Skating In and Around Portland

You can go ice skating all year round at these Portland ice rinks. If you're looking to try a new activity or wanting to experience some nostalgia from your childhood, plan a day to go ice skating. All of the ice rinks have public skating, also called open skate, times throughout the week. Be … [Read more...] about Where to Go Ice Skating In and Around Portland

Family Forest Days at Hoyt Arboretum

Take your family on a stroll through Portland's museum of trees. This summer, Hoyt Arboretum is hosting Family Forest Days.  This beautiful nature oasis features 2,300 species of trees and plants from around the world along 12 miles of trails. Hoyt Arboretum is free to visit with lots of … [Read more...] about Family Forest Days at Hoyt Arboretum

Free Open Play Swim Sessions at Portland Pools

The summer heat wave is here. Cool off at one of our city's outdoor pools for free during open play swim sessions. All of Portland Parks and Recreation's outdoor pools are offering free open play swim sessions this summer. No registration is required to swim. Admission is available on a first … [Read more...] about Free Open Play Swim Sessions at Portland Pools

The Big Float X at Waterfront Park

Bring your favorite floatie to the 10th and final year of The Big Float at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. The Big Float is a celebration of the Willamette River.  The annual event benefits the Human Access Project, a local nonprofit that helps people connect with their river. Here are the … [Read more...] about The Big Float X at Waterfront Park

Chehalem Ridge Nature Park Grand Opening

A new nature park has opened in the Willamette Valley. Attend the grand opening this weekend and partake in fun family-friendly activities. Chehalem Ridge Nature Park, located in Gaston, has more than 1,260 acres with 10 miles of trails providing views of the Tualatin River Valley and the Coast … [Read more...] about Chehalem Ridge Nature Park Grand Opening

Dash for Doughnuts at the Fremont Fun Run

Enjoy a fun jog through the neighborhood and get a tasty treat for your achievement during the Fremont Fun Run.  The Beaumont Business Association is hosting a 3k fun run with obstacles through the Beaumont Village. This neighborhood's main drag is Fremont Street, which has a bunch of great … [Read more...] about Dash for Doughnuts at the Fremont Fun Run

Budget-Friendly Glamping in an RV Delivered to You

Some of the links in this post are special! When you make a purchase through our links, we might earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Sponsored by RVshare.com For those of us who define "roughing it" as packing our own road-trip food until we arrive at our hotel, camping has never held much appeal. "Glamping" in an RV, on the other hand, seems like a great compromise: Enjoy the beauties of nature without giving up hot showers, … [Read more...] about Budget-Friendly Glamping in an RV Delivered to You

Free Admission, Camping and Fishing on Oregon State Parks Day

Oregon State Parks Day is June 4, 2022. Make the most of the 100th anniversary celebration with free admission, camping and fishing across the state. A hundred years ago, a 5-acre donation by Sarah Helmick created Oregon’s first official state park. Today, the state park system has 254 park … [Read more...] about Free Admission, Camping and Fishing on Oregon State Parks Day

Escape to Portland’s Best Urban Parks

  Find a great urban park in your neighborhood Finding a place where you can escape the city may be easier than you think. Many of us leave Portland to enjoy nature and find it isn't quite what we expected. I am sure many of you have experienced the dread of driving an hour to a hiking … [Read more...] about Escape to Portland’s Best Urban Parks

Need Tools? Borrow Them at Portland’s Tool Libraries

Use these Portland tool libraries to save on your next home improvement project. I don't know about you, but my toolkit consists of a random assortment of screws, a hammer and a butter knife that I used to assemble my IKEA bookcase. Buying tools is not in my budget, but in Portland I don't have … [Read more...] about Need Tools? Borrow Them at Portland’s Tool Libraries

Planet Fitness Gives Teens Free Summer Membership

  Free gym membership? Yes, please. Planet Fitness has locations all over Portland metro offering deals on gym memberships. This summer, the gym's commitment to low-cost memberships is about to get even sweeter for your teenager. Planet Fitness High School Summer Pass From May 16 … [Read more...] about Planet Fitness Gives Teens Free Summer Membership

Looking for Wildflower Hikes? Use This Bloom Map

Get out and enjoy our region's beautiful flora on a wildflower hike. You'll always know what's in bloom with this map. Spring has sprung in the Northwest. We've already seen many of the best springtime blooms filling our neighborhoods and parks with vibrant colors. If you enjoy hiking and want to … [Read more...] about Looking for Wildflower Hikes? Use This Bloom Map

Tax Day Freebies and Discounts in Portland

Have you ever celebrated Tax Day? Take a deep breath. Tax Day 2022 is upon us. Instead of dwelling on what you might owe, or counting down the days till you get your refund, take a break and have some fun. There is so much to look forward to on Tax Day 2022 in Portland. On Monday, April 18, … [Read more...] about Tax Day Freebies and Discounts in Portland

National Park Week: Free Entrance Day and Virtual Activities

During National Park Week, April 16-24, 2022, you can explore our country's most stunning national parks, both in person and from home. The National Park Service is helping us connect with nature through a free entrance day and digital opportunities that bring the national parks to … [Read more...] about National Park Week: Free Entrance Day and Virtual Activities

Newell Creek Canyon Nature Park Grand Opening

A new nature park has opened in the heart of Oregon City. Attend the grand opening this weekend and partake in fun family-friendly activities. Newell Creek Canyon Nature Park is a 236-acre forested park featuring a multiuse trail system that provides more than 2 miles of walking paths and nearly … [Read more...] about Newell Creek Canyon Nature Park Grand Opening

Self-Guided Tour of Portland’s Monkey Puzzle Trees

Looking for a fun, outdoor activity like no other? Let me tell you why a self-guided tour of Portland's monkey puzzle trees should be your next adventure. Monkey puzzle trees, Araucaria araucana, are one of the most unique looking species in our city. I remember the first time I noticed one I … [Read more...] about Self-Guided Tour of Portland’s Monkey Puzzle Trees

Where to Buy and Sell Used Outdoor Gear and Sporting Goods in Portland

Ready to upgrade your gear or embark on a new adventure this year? Before you buy new, swing by one of these Portland stores and save on used outdoor gear and sporting goods. You might be able to save even more by selling or consigning your old gear while you're there.  There are so many … [Read more...] about Where to Buy and Sell Used Outdoor Gear and Sporting Goods in Portland

Dungeness Crabbing on Free Public Docks

King crab from Alaska gets a lot of supermarket shelf space, but remember we have some pretty plentiful pots of crustacean gold right here in the waters of Oregon. Not only is Dungeness crabbing from public docks super easy – it’s also free. No boat required. Spring for a shellfish license ($10 … [Read more...] about Dungeness Crabbing on Free Public Docks

Best Places to See Fall Colors in Portland

The crisp air, cloudy skies and intermittent rainstorms mark the changing of the season in Portland. As we transition from hot to cool weather, our city shines with pops of red, yellow, orange and gold around every corner. Fall colors in Portland reign supreme.  Starting in October, the … [Read more...] about Best Places to See Fall Colors in Portland

Yoga in Nature at Hoyt Arboretum

Yoga in Nature is returning to Hoyt Arboretum. If you're ready to improve balance, flexibility, strength and calm in a beautiful outdoor setting, claim your spot for an upcoming yoga session. This class is a great addition to the arboretum's nature-themed weekly events such as Tai Chi and … [Read more...] about Yoga in Nature at Hoyt Arboretum

Winter Roller Skating at Lloyd Center

Looking for a fun outdoor activity this winter? Head to the Lloyd Center parking structure for special winter skating events. Rose City Rollers, Portland’s roller derby league, is hosting this pop-up skate in the open air, covered third level of the Lloyd Center parking garage.  The Rose … [Read more...] about Winter Roller Skating at Lloyd Center

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