How long has it been since summer break started? If you’re running out of ideas to keep your kids busy, there are some great free and inexpensive activities throughout Portland.

These activities take place every week and some every day. Make it a whole summer of fun by planning these events into your weekly routine.

Free and Cheap Summer Activities for Kids 

Get Free Tickets to Portland Attractions

Free cultural passes from local county libraries allow you to visit some of the best attractions throughout the Portland area. Once you are a library card holder, you can reserve a pass to a local attraction via the library’s website. Claim your cultural pass.

Go to the Movies for $1

Regal Cinemas is offering $1 movies. Selected G- or PG-rated movies show at 10 a.m. (at most locations) every Tuesday and Wednesday. Tickets are just $1 each. Here are the 14 participating locations in and around Portland.

Go Bowling

Kids Bowl Free is a program that offers complimentary bowling to kids all summer long. Kids who are registered for the program get two free games of bowling each day of the summer. Start and end dates vary by bowling alley. Find a participating bowling alley near you.

Cool Off at Splash Pads and Fountains

Find a splash pad or fountain at a Portland park near you. Make a whole day of it. Pack a lunch, some chairs, a blanket and plenty of cool water. Portland pools offer free days and times to get to most out of splashing around.

Visit an Urban Park

You don’t have to drive far to enjoy nature in Portland. These five urban parks have lots of parking, family-friendly trails and beautiful sights. The Leach Botanical Garden even has its own scavenger hunt. All of these parks are free to visit.

Read and Earn Prizes

Portland libraries and national companies offer summer reading programs for kids, teens and adults. Best of all, you can win prizes for participating in these free reading programs. Find the right summer reading program for you and your kids.

Attend Nature Events at Hoyt Arboretum

Take your family to Portland’s museum of trees. Hoyt Arboretum hosts many fun outdoor events every week. Two you may want to attend with your family are Tree Time! Preschool Walks and Family Forest Days.

Ride the Free Shuttle at Washington Park

While you’re at Hoyt Arboretum, take a ride on the Washington Park free shuttle. The shuttle runs every day in the summer on a continuous loop throughout the park, arriving at designated stops every 15 minutes. See the route and park activities. 

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