Go on a Spring Break Adventure in and around Portland

Spring break in Portland is the ideal time to get out of the house and explore the many wonderful places our part of the Northwest has to offer.

Portland area schools will be on spring break from March 27-31, 2023. If you’re looking for a unique experience for the entire family, look no further than these spring break activities in and around Portland. 

The forecast calls for cloudy skies, light showers and mid-50s temps. Be sure to pack along  your jackets, snacks and a water bottle as you take in these breathtaking views during spring break.

Spring Break Activities in and around Portland

Stroll through tulips at Wooden Shoe Tulip Fest

Stroll through 40 acres of tulips and take in a beautiful view of Mt. Hood. The Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm has many fun activities for kids along with vendor booths and food available on site. Tickets are $15 per person Monday-Friday and $20 per person Saturday and Sunday. 

I also recommend checking out the free tulip field at Holland America Flower Gardens in Woodland.

Watch the Studio Ghibli Film Festival at OMSI

Join the month long celebration of Japanese animation during the Studio Ghibli Film Festival at OMSI. Ticket prices for each movie are $7.50 for adults, $6 for youth and $6.50 for seniors. View the schedule.

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

Go Thrifting

Does your teen have an affinity for vintage clothing and decor? Thankfully, our city is chock-full of places where bargain hunters thrive. Spend a day finding new-to-you items at Portland’s more than 50 thrift and consignment stores all over the city. 

Attend Whale Watching Week

If you have never seen a whale on the Oregon Coast, you do not want to miss this opportunity. Nearly 25,000 gray whales will be traveling from the warm lagoons of Baja Mexico to Alaska. The first surge swims past Oregon around the end of March.

There are many places to take in every spout and tail slap stretching the Oregon coastline, from Cannon Beach all the way south to Brookings. Find your ideal spot on the map.

Photo courtesy of Trackers Portland

Try Archery at Trackers Portland

Whether you’re new to archery or a seasoned archer, Trackers Portland offers a safe, fun place for community members to hone their skills. Join a community of archery enthusiasts two nights a week during open archery range: Thursday and Saturday nights. 

Admission is $10 per person and includes use of Trackers’ equipment. You can also bring your own gear. Advance registration is required.

Go to the (Cheap) Movies

Taking the whole family to the movies can be expensive. There are plenty of places where you can see a movie for $7 or less. Plan a trip to one of these Portland movie theaters that also have a great selection of food and drinks. 

Cherry Blossom Trees 

Portland is filled with one of the best signs that spring has officially sprung—cherry blossom trees. There are so many free, and beautiful, outdoor spaces where you can admire this spring’s bloom. Here are the best places to see—and smell—the flowers in Portland.

Instagram Scavenger Hunt 

There are many Insta-worthy spots around our city. I’ve collected a list of funky, picturesque and downright fun. From Paul Bunyan to the Troll Bridge, you can make a whole day out of snapping selfies around town. Plan a day to take your family or friends on a selfie hunt.

Peruse Portland’s Independent Bookstores 

There is something particularly comforting about relaxing with a new book on a rainy day. Portland has upwards of 12 independent bookstores where you can find intriguing titles to curl up and get cozy with. If the weather turns during spring break, take your family to one of Portland’s independent bookstores and let everyone pick out a new book.

Hike Urban Parks

You don’t even have to leave the city to go on a nature adventure. One of my favorite things to do on the weekends is explore our area’s awesome parks. These 6 urban parks have lots of parking, family-friendly trails and beautiful sights.

Go Roller Skating

If you’re looking for a fun indoor activity, go rollerskating! The Oaks Park Roller Rink offers year-round fun for Portlanders with skating available seven days a week. Admission is $12.

Oaks Park rides are also open during spring break. When purchasing your tickets online, use coupon code KATU22 to get 22% off ride bracelets. Keep in mind, you can ride the carousel and train at Oaks Park for free.

Get Discounted Play at Topgolf 

Weekdays are the best days to visit Topgolf. Why? Because that’s when you get cash in on all the great deals! On Tuesdays, you can cut the price in half with this Topgolf discount. No matter what time you go or how many people join you, you’re going to get a weekday deal. See all the discounts.

Ride the Free Shuttle at Washington Park 

Washington Park is the keeper of many of Portland’s best attractions. Access these attractions on the Washington Park free shuttle. In March, the shuttle is operating daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is also the location of one of Portland’s best free rose gardens, which overlooks the city for a great selfie spot.

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