Photo by Kevin Bidwell from Pexels
Stay busy on New Year’s Day with these weekend activities.
Welcome to 2023, everyone! January 1 is full for free and cheap activities to get you moving and exploring our wonderful city this year. Whether you like to be indoors or outdoors during the holiday, there is something for you to do.
If you want to ring in the new year out on the town on December 31, I have a list of free and cheap New Year’s Eve events. You can also take the headache out of finding and paying for parking with free Trimet rides starting at 8 p.m.
What to Do in Portland on New Year’s Day
Get Free Entrance to Oregon and Washington State Parks
State parks in Oregon and Washington are encouraging people to get outside on January 1. Some parks are hosting free guided first day hikes, and all Washington park entrance fees are waived.
Go Roller Skating at Oaks Park
The Oaks Park Roller Rink offers year-round fun for Portlanders with skating available seven days a week. This is such a fun, nostalgic activity for your friend group or whole family to enjoy. The Roller Rink at Oaks Park is open 1-5 p.m. and 7-9:30 p.m. on New Year’s Day.
Visit OMSI
Portland’s science museum is open for extended hours through January 1, from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. See a movie, view the latest exhibit, or check out the planetarium. You can receive $2 general admission and discounts on exhibits and activities on OMSI this Sunday.
Go to the (Cheap) Movies
Want to see the new Avatar without paying $13+ per person? Check out these 8 movie theaters that sell $7 tickets.
Play Putt Putt at Glowing Greens
Go underground downtown for glow in the dark putt putt golf. Glowing Greens is open from 12-8 p.m. on New Year’s Day. Admission is $15 per person and can be booked online.
Peruse Powell’s Books
That’s right. Portland’s beloved bookstore is open for your perusing pleasure. The Burnside location will be open until 9 p.m. on New Year’s Day. Hours vary as all other locations.
Go Thrifting
Find a memento to decorate your home or an outfit for the new year. Portland has more than 50 thrift and consignment stores filled with treasures. Pick a Portland neighborhood you haven’t spent time in and explore a few shops.
Ride the Free Shuttle at Washington Park
Access all the awesome attractions at Washington Park is on the free shuttle. The shuttle runs on a continuous loop throughout the park, arriving at designated stops every 15 minutes. During the winter, the shuttle is open on weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This includes January 1. See a list of all the stops and attractions.
Go Whale Watching
I know this isn’t technically in Portland, but it is whale watching season on the Oregon Coast! Take a spontaneous trip to one of 17 viewing locations along the coastline.
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