As the weather in Oregon gets warmer and we ditch our heavy snow jackets for t-shirts, outdoor activities get in full swing. We are fortunate to live in a state that has incredible indoor and outdoor activities year-round to prevent boredom. It is particularly exciting as these activities shift based on the season. Just as I start to lose enthusiasm for whatever seasonal activity I am participating in, there is a new one right around the corner. With Spring Break behind us, Oaks Amusement Park is now open. Born and raised in the Portland metropolitan area, Oaks Park has been a staple activity, almost even a rite of passage. With wild rides and entertaining games, spending a family outing here is more than worth it. There is enough nostalgic charm in Oaks Park to feel a connection to Portland’s history, while having enough modern aspects to keep you engaged.
Oaks Park has a remarkable and historic legacy in Oregon. Opening in May 1905, it is the oldest continuously operating amusement fairground in the United States. Its opening was initially for the Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition and was built by the Oregon Water Power and Railway Company. Its first season attracted an astonishing 300,000 visitors, which cemented its Oregon legacy. A very popular dance hall was located there, and it brought in major attractions such as the Boston Symphony Orchestra. In its early years, steam locomotives and other historic railway equipment were stationed near Oaks Park. In 1985, it became a non-profit in an effort to preserve its history and still operate as a safe and affordable family-centered attraction. Sitting on around 44 acres of land, it contains many carnival games, roller coaster rides, and a skating rink. Also, the famous Herschell–Spillman Noah’s Ark Carousel, built in 1912, is still in operation for you and your family to ride.
There are many attractions at Oaks Amusement Park, and spending an entire day there playing games and going on rides is easy. Some of their more intense rides include Adrenaline Peak, which has three unique inversions that move at an incredible speed. Another one is their Disk’O, which is a colorful track that takes you up and down with some speedy spins. Those not looking for as much of a heart-pounding ride can go on the Big Pink Slide or make some crashes with their Go Karts. For years, my personal favorite ride at Oaks Park has been their Rock ‘n Roll. This classic ride plays excellent rock music while the ride continuously gains speed, only to then surprise the riders by moving in reverse.
There is so much more to do at Oaks Park than just going on rides. They truly have something for everyone. Located on their grounds is their historic Roller Rink. Built the same year as Oaks Park in 1905, it is the oldest roller rink in the country and the largest skating floor west of the Mississippi. If you want to feel like travelling back in time, they play their antique Wurlitzer pipe organ every Thursday night at the rink. Oaks Park also has fun games, including an 18-hole mini golf course. In addition, they have many classic carnival games for you to play and win prizes. Some of these amusement park games include Balloon Bust, Basketball Toss, and the Wrath of Willamette Willy. Another cool attraction here is their own indoor arcade filled with all of the classics. This amusement park also has an escape room that families will certainly enjoy. Run by The Shaky Grounds Cafe Mobile Escape Room, this 60-minute interactive escape room is recommended for ages 12 and up.
There are several food options here as well. Some include George’s Grill, serving up burgers and fries, and Sugar Rush with ice cream and funnel cake. If you are worried about the summer heat, you should know that in addition to the indoor locations here, plenty of naturally shaded areas are fit for a picnic. For the months of April and May, they are open mainly on the weekends, but as we enter the summer season, they are open most days. They offer various ticket options, such as their unlimited ride pass on Standard Days for $44.45 and their Companion Bracelet for $23.45, which is meant for an adult supervising a child under 48″ tall on rides. Many other ticket options are available. Oaks Amusement Park is a classic Oregon-based activity, and with so much to do in this state, it can be easy to overlook. There is so much to see and do here; it is worth checking out for your family and yourself.
Alex is a devoted husband and father born and raised in Portland, Oregon. He is a professional artist, author, and advisor for both Yale and Harvard University’s arts departments. His book, ‘Selling Leonardo: The Art World’s Greatest Scandal’ is available wherever books are sold.