Powell’s City of Books
No visit to the Pearl District is complete without visiting Powell’s! Book lovers will rejoice at the size and scope of the city’s largest bookstore. Filling an entire city block and multiple levels, Powell’s is full of used and new books, gifts, and games. Stop by the in-store coffee shop to sit for a while with your new read, or head down to the children’s section for fun events like storytimes and activities for the little ones.
PlayDate PDX
PlayDate PDX is the ultimate in indoor playgrounds. Three full levels of equipment to climb, play, and explore provide tons to do for kids of any age, from toddlers just beginning to explore up through 12 years old. Kids will crawl, climb, and even dance around the vast space. Plenty of space is provided for parents to sit and relax, with lots of seating to watch the kids play or even get out a laptop and get some work done. The on-site cafe offers a huge spread, including healthy, simple snacks, fun drinks, cupcakes and pastries, and full meals like pizza, chicken nuggets, and macaroni. There’s even a coffee bar for parents to enjoy! Kids can play for just $10/hour or get an all-day pass for just $14!
Jamison Square Park
If you’re in the mood to take the family outdoors, make sure to visit the beautiful Jamison Square Park. The central piece of the park is a large fountain modeled after a Pacific Ocean tidepool. The result is a beautiful structure that doubles as a fun splash pad and play space for young children looking to splash around and cool off a bit in the summer heat. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing summer picnic or just a little bit of relaxation!
The Cookie Dough Cafe
If, after running around all day, you and the family need a special snack, there’s nowhere more likely to delight and dazzle your little ones than the Cookie Dough Cafe. All kids love to eat raw cookie dough, even when parents say we’re not supposed to. Their faces will light up to see an entire cafe of just cookie dough! This (completely safe!) cookie dough is served much like ice cream, with various flavors for you to choose from and a variety of toppings you can add.
Portland Child Art Studio
The Portland Child Art Studio is where all kids can explore their creativity and express themselves! Your child can join in a single workshop or event or register for a multi-week series of classes where they can explore art more deeply. Students will get to work with paint, clay, drawing, sculpture, and more as they learn to work with various artistic mediums throughout their time. Classes are offered for as low as $20/session, with options available for special events and birthday parties to be spent making beautiful artwork!
