My wife and I love doing little day trip outings with our kids. Going just a little bit out of town means that we don’t need to pack a massive suitcase filled with all of the essentials. It is a solid, stress-free way to spend a weekend day. For me, it’s a nice reminder that we don’t need to do every outing in our own tiny suburb. There’s so much to do not just in the Portland area, but also in the smaller towns that stretch beyond it.
Another major plus with doing these types of day trips is that there is no strict itinerary. I have to say, not sticking to a strict schedule is really nice. Our kids also love traveling out a little farther to explore new parks and neighborhoods. Doing these outings just outside of our metropolitan area feels like a mini vacation, even though we are often back home before 3:00pm.
One of our favorite towns to visit as a family is Forest Grove because there is surprisingly quite a bit to do here. I went out to Forest Grove fairly frequently as a kid, usually to play baseball tournaments, but as an adult there weren’t too many reasons for me to make my way out there. However, when my wife was pregnant with our first child, we attended a car seat safety clinic at the local fire station and loved how quaint this town was. Ever since then, we have taken our kids here frequently.
Even the drive from our suburbs is calming, especially once you get out to the countryside and are driving through the never-ending farmland. Regardless of where you go in Forest Grove, finding decent parking is usually the norm. We’ve never had to park more than a block or two away from wherever we end up.
Regardless of whatever our plans are in Forest Grove, our first stop is always at Slow Rise Bakehouse. Established a decade ago, they make up some of the best baked goods you can get in Oregon. Their flour is completely organic, as well as being grown and stone-milled in the Pacific Northwest. On top of that, all of their bread is leavened with wild sourdough from a starter that is older than the bakery itself. The flavors are so complex and delicious that you’ll want to get something to eat there and bring it home.
Some of our favorite pastries here include their Buckwheat Chocolate Chip Cookie, Earl Grey Tea Cake, and Morning Bun. My personal favorite drink to get is the Espresso & Tonic. After getting some goods from Slow Rise Bakehouse, we usually hop over to Pacific University, which is right next door, to take a stroll through their shaded campus.
From there, we all go to a local park for the kids to play at. Anna and Abby’s Yard is a beautiful playground dedicated to the memory of two sisters who passed away from a tragic accident. This park, which is named after them, honors their memory by encouraging open-ended play that is accessible for children of all abilities. The park itself is just under 4 acres, which provides a great amount of land for exploration.
Another park that we love going to in Forest Grove is Joseph Gale Park. Our kids love going back and forth between the playground and baseball field there. Both of these parks provide ample shade and make for a perfect spot to lay out on a blanket for a family picnic.
Before heading back home, we also like to stop by McMenamins Grand Lodge to eat at their outdoor restaurant called Pat’s Corner. Eating outside not only allows us to enjoy the gorgeous summer weather, but it also provides the flexibility for us to walk around rather than being stuck at a table.
The hotel itself is also really cool, offering activities such as a soaking pool and child-friendly historical tours. They also have a cozy movie theater that is perfect as a family-friendly activity. Doing an overnight trip as a family and staying at the McMenamins Grand Lodge would make for a memorable weekend getaway.
In the end, a family day trip to Forest Grove offers the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and lasting memories that make it truly worthwhile. From exploring scenic parks and trails where kids can run freely to enjoying local shops and tasty eats that bring everyone together, the town creates a welcoming escape from our daily routines. Parents can appreciate the affordable activities and peaceful atmosphere, while children light up with excitement over having a picnic under towering trees.
These shared experiences strengthen family bonds and provide a refreshing break that recharges everyone. Whether laughing over silly moments or soaking in the natural beauty, everyone will enjoy their time out here. Planning a visit to Forest Grove is more than just a quick outing; it is an investment in quality time that reminds us how valuable these simple getaways can be for building happier, closer families.
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 books, ‘Selling Leonardo: The Art World’s Greatest Scandal’ and ‘Holy Ghost: Decoding Leonardo da Vinci’s Final Painting’ are available wherever books are sold.