{"id":41574,"date":"2015-06-04T14:34:19","date_gmt":"2015-06-04T21:34:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/blog\/?p=41574"},"modified":"2015-06-04T14:34:19","modified_gmt":"2015-06-04T21:34:19","slug":"things-to-do-in-portland-free","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-portland-free\/","title":{"rendered":"30 Best Free Things To Do In Portland"},"content":{"rendered":"

1. Wander Around Forest Park<\/h2>\n

\"couple-hiking\"<\/p>\n

Source: Flickr User eliduke<\/div>\n

With over 5,000 acres to explore, Forest Park in Portland<\/a> is one of the largest city parks in the country, featuring around 70 miles of trails. It\u2019s the perfect way to get out in nature without really leaving the city.<\/p>\n

2. Swing By The Saturday Market<\/h2>\n

\"portland-street-musician\"<\/p>\n

Source: Flickr User Misserion<\/div>\n

Nearly every warm weekend throughout the year, hundreds of vendors flock to Old Town\u2019s Saturday Market to sell their one-of-a-kind sell handmade goods.
\nWith all the live entertainment, including musicians and street performers, you don\u2019t even have to buy anything here to have fun.<\/p>\n

3. What\u2019s Happening In Portland\u2019s Living Room?<\/h2>\n

\"family-at-pioneer-courthouse-square\"<\/p>\n

Source: Flickr User LWYang<\/div>\n

The Pioneer Courthouse Square, also known \u201cPortland\u2019s living room,\u201d hosts tons of free events throughout the year. A few past events include a Mother\u2019s Day Artisan Market and a number of footraces. Upcoming events are always listed on their website.<\/p>\n

4. Washington Park Has It All<\/h2>\n

\"family-on-swing-set\"<\/p>\n

Source: Flickr User Rosewoman<\/div>\n

It\u2019s no surprise that Washington Park is one of the most famous parks in the Portland area\u2026it\u2019s got everything you could ever want.
\nAside from the standard playgrounds and picnic areas, attractions here also include a zoo, amphitheater, and even an archery range.<\/p>\n

5. Stop And Smell The Roses <\/h2>\n

\"white-roses\"<\/p>\n

Source: Flickr User JessyeAnne<\/div>\n

Another awesome attraction in Washington Park, the International Rose Test Garden is one place in Portland you have to check out. With an enormous garden dedicated to developing various types of roses, many of which you\u2019ve probably never seen before, a trip here is a perfect way to spend a warm and sunny day.<\/p>\n

6. Get Lost In The Stacks<\/h2>\n

\"powells-city-of-books\"<\/p>\n

Source: Flickr User bandita<\/div>\n

Free entertainment in Portland isn\u2019t restricted to exploring nature. Next time you\u2019re looking for something to do on a rainy day, a trip to Powell\u2019s City of Books will never let you down.
\nYou can entertain yourself for hours here simply by wandering around. Plus, they\u2019ve also got good deals if you think you can afford to splurge a few bucks on an awesome read.<\/p>\n

7. Splash Around At The Waterfront<\/h2>\n

\"tom-mccall-waterfront-park-fountains\"<\/p>\n

Source: Flickr User dsgetch<\/div>\n

The Tom McCall Waterfront Park is a great way to spend a sunny day with family, with plenty of areas to explore. As an added bonus, the fountain will bring out your inner child in a second.<\/p>\n

8. Explore The Local Breweries<\/h2>\n

\"friends-at-brewery\"<\/p>\n

Source: Full Sail Brewing Company via Facebook<\/div>\n

The best way to experience a few of the local favorite breweries around Rose City is by taking a tour. These tours are often free, like at Full Sail Brewing Company, which offers an inside look at their brewing process every afternoon.<\/p>\n

9. Be A Tourist<\/h2>\n

\"tourist-couple-reading-map\"<\/p>\n

Source: Flickr User pedrosimoes7 (cropped)<\/div>\n

Regardless of whether you grew up in Portland or just moved here, you probably haven\u2019t had a chance to explore every nook and cranny of this city yet.
\nTake a moment to put on your fanny pack and spend a day in the shoes of a tourist, simply walking around in areas of town you might not be so familiar with.<\/p>\n

10. Visit The Children\u2019s Museum<\/h2>\n

\"child-stacking-blocks\"<\/p>\n

Source: Flickr User Jason Lander<\/div>\n

With free admission on the first Friday of each month from 4-8pm, it\u2019s hard to find an excuse not to visit the Portland Children\u2019s Museum. Here, your kids will experience one-of-a-kind hands-on exhibits sure to excite.<\/p>\n

var googletag = googletag || {};
\ngoogletag.cmd = googletag.cmd || [];
\n(function() {
\nvar gads = document.createElement(‘script’);
\ngads.async = true;
\ngads.type = ‘text\/javascript’;
\nvar useSSL = ‘https:’ == document.location.protocol;
\ngads.src = (useSSL ? ‘https:’ : ‘http:’) +
\n‘\/\/www.googletagservices.com\/tag\/js\/gpt.js’;
\nvar node = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0];
\nnode.parentNode.insertBefore(gads, node);
\n})();<\/p>\n

googletag.cmd.push(function() {
\ngoogletag.defineSlot(‘\/1014900\/M_Blog_300x250_Inline’, [300, 250], ‘div-gpt-ad-1425403311834-0’).addService(googletag.pubads());
\ngoogletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest();
\ngoogletag.enableServices();
\n});<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n
\n

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-1425403311834-0’); });<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

11. Take A Bike Ride<\/h2>\n

\"uphill-mountain-bicyclist\"<\/p>\n

Source: Flickr User Rainier Mountain Bikes<\/div>\n

If you\u2019re not spending a little time on two wheels in this city, you\u2019re doing something wrong. It\u2019s basically free entertainment every time your tires touch the road.
\nCheck out the Big Eastside Loop if you\u2019re looking for something longer (51 miles) or take a 13 mile tour through the Southeast neighborhoods if you\u2019re not quite as intense.<\/p>\n

12. Be A Little Artsy<\/h2>\n

\"woman-taking-picture-of-drawing\"<\/p>\n

Source: Flickr User Peat Bakke<\/div>\n

The Portland Art Museum opens its doors to anyone on the fourth Friday of every month from 5-8pm. Here you\u2019ll see famous works and you\u2019ll walk away feeling like you did something enriching with your Friday night.<\/p>\n

13. Brush Up On Your State Knowledge<\/h2>\n

\"seahawks-super-bowl-display\"<\/p>\n

Source: Oregon Historical Society via Facebook (cropped)<\/div>\n

The Oregon Historical Society is the perfect place to catch up on 150 years of history in only a few hours and has free admission every day for Multnomah County Residents.
\nA visit here will give you a look at what life used to be like in the Portland area. They\u2019ve also got some cool rotating exhibits as well, like a past display featuring the Super Bowl trophy the Seahawks won a couple years ago.<\/p>\n

14. Bring Out Your Inner Artisan<\/h2>\n

\"woman-painting\"<\/p>\n

Source: Museum of Contemporary Craft via Facebook<\/div>\n

A trip to the Museum of Contemporary Craft will give you a great look at how artisan craftsmanship has evolved over time.
\nPlus, it\u2019s free the first Thursday of every month. If you love creating things with your hands, you can\u2019t miss out on what this place has to offer.<\/p>\n

15. Make Friends With Trees At The Arboretum<\/h2>\n

\"kids-climbing-trees\"<\/p>\n

Source: Flickr User JeremyMcWilliams<\/div>\n

The Hoyt Arboretum has enough unique paths to keep you busy, including 3 trails ranging from less than an hour to two hours. Make a date with nature and soak in some beautiful scenery.<\/p>\n

16. Take A Gander At This Grotto<\/h2>\n

\"stone-statue-at-the-grotto\"<\/p>\n

Source: Flickr User a L p<\/div>\n

Stretching over 60 acres, the Grotto, also known as the \u201cNational Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother,\u201d is a Catholic shrine in Portland filled with spectacular sculptures and breathtaking gardens.
\nThere\u2019s even a huge meditation hall. It\u2019s free to enter the plaza level, but you\u2019ll probably be charged a couple bucks to check out some of their more hidden areas.<\/p>\n

17. Find Some Live Music<\/h2>\n

\"woman-playing-guitar-and-singing\"<\/p>\n

Source: Flickr User Ctd 2005<\/div>\n

The Rose City being one of the best places for live music in the country, so it\u2019s not too shocking that tons of bars and restaurant feature local artists on a nightly basis.
\nIf you\u2019re looking to save some money, find a show at a place without a cover charge, like the Candlelight Caf\u00e9. You might want to buy a courtesy beer or two, but this is the perfect way to rock out on a budget.<\/p>\n

18. Stroll Through The Farmers Markets<\/h2>\n

\"couple-weighing-apples\"<\/p>\n

Source: Flickr User Parker Knight<\/div>\n

For the perfect combination of entertainment and grocery shopping, take a trip to your closest Farmers Market. A few of the most popular markets can be found in Shemanski Park and in Pioneer Courthouse Square on various days throughout the week.<\/p>\n

19. Culture It Up At Shakespeare In The Park<\/h2>\n

\"old-shakespeare-manuscript\"<\/p>\n

Source: Flickr User Ben Sutherland<\/div>\n

Always exciting and always free, the Shakespeare in the Park program puts on live shows in outdoor venues around the city of Portland. Check their website for specific dates and performances.<\/p>\n

20. Climb A Mountain<\/h2>\n

\"hikers-climbing-up-mountain\"<\/p>\n

Source: Flickr User daveynin (cropped)<\/div>\n

Only an hour and a half away, if you want to explore Mt. Hood, all you\u2019ll really need is gas money to get there.
\nIf you\u2019re really feeling adventurous, try the 6.4 mile Cooper Spur Hike, the highest hike on the mountain. It\u2019s pretty intense, as you\u2019ll gain over 3,000 vertical feet throughout a relatively short trip.<\/p>\n

var googletag = googletag || {};
\ngoogletag.cmd = googletag.cmd || [];
\n(function() {
\nvar gads = document.createElement(‘script’);
\ngads.async = true;
\ngads.type = ‘text\/javascript’;
\nvar useSSL = ‘https:’ == document.location.protocol;
\ngads.src = (useSSL ? ‘https:’ : ‘http:’) +
\n‘\/\/www.googletagservices.com\/tag\/js\/gpt.js’;
\nvar node = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0];
\nnode.parentNode.insertBefore(gads, node);
\n})();<\/p>\n

googletag.cmd.push(function() {
\ngoogletag.defineSlot(‘\/1014900\/M_Blog_300x250_Inline2’, [300, 250], ‘div-gpt-ad-1425403275176-0’).addService(googletag.pubads());
\ngoogletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest();
\ngoogletag.enableServices();
\n});<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n
\n

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-1425403275176-0’); });<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

21. Admire The Architecture<\/h2>\n

\"portland-city-skyline-at-night\"<\/p>\n

Source: Flickr User rayterrill<\/div>\n

Enjoying Portland can simply be as easy as taking a step back and admiring how cool it looks. Home to tons of awesome architecture, especially when it comes to bridges, take a day to lead yourself on a self-guided tour.<\/p>\n

22. Have A Day Out On The Beach<\/h2>\n

\"woman-and-child-at-beach\"<\/p>\n

Source: Flickr User Kirt Edblom (cropped)<\/div>\n

While Portland might not be a coastal town, a shoreline isn\u2019t far. The drive is less than 2 hours, so a trip to the beach is always worth the gas money, especially when they\u2019re as beautiful as they are in Oregon.<\/p>\n

23. You\u2019re Never Too Old To Play With Toys<\/h2>\n

\"kid-looking-at-toys\"<\/p>\n

Source: Finnegan\u2019s Toys and Gifts via Facebook<\/div>\n

It might sound like an odd recommendation for adults, but if you\u2019re looking for a quirky way to spend a little time in Portland, head to Finnegan\u2019s Toy Store. It\u2019s filled with interesting toys that are even entertaining to just look at.
\nBut be warned, even if you\u2019re a thrifty person, it\u2019s hard to leave this place without making some sort of purchase.<\/p>\n

24. Appreciate Art And Exercise, Both For Free<\/h2>\n

\"guy-looking-at-art-on-wall\"<\/p>\n

Source: Flickr User Parker Knight<\/div>\n

Portland has four distinct art walk celebrations in the city, including the First Thursday Art Walk in downtown Portland. Heading to these art crawls will give you a taste of the artists in the local area.<\/p>\n

25. Catch A Flick In The Park<\/h2>\n

\"outdoor-movie-screen-in-park\"<\/p>\n

Source: Portland Parks & Recreation via Facebook<\/div>\n

Catch one of the free outdoor movie screenings that rotate around various parks in the city, featuring films both old and new that everyone loves, like The LEGO Movie and The Princess Bride.<\/p>\n

26. Breathtaking Views Don\u2019t Have To Cost A Thing<\/h2>\n

\"river-running-through-gorge\"<\/p>\n

Source: Flickr User jeffgunn<\/div>\n

One of the prettiest hikes in the area, a trip to the Oneonta Gorge hiking trail will deliver some of the most memorable nature scenes you\u2019ll ever encounter.<\/p>\n

27. Tour The Old Town District<\/h2>\n

\"made-in-oregon-sign\"<\/p>\n

Source: Flickr User Photos by Mavis<\/div>\n

Portland\u2019s Old Town District is a blast from the past, and definitely has a heartbeat of its own. DIY a walking tour through this historic area and check out the many old buildings that line its streets.<\/p>\n

28. Don\u2019t Miss The Alberta Street Fair<\/h2>\n

\"alberta-street-sign\"<\/p>\n

Source: Flickr User Tony Webster<\/div>\n

The Alberta Street Fair is an awesome free annual fair with an eclectic mix of events and activities. With tons of entertainment, music, and food, there\u2019s a reason this fest attracts over 25,000 people each year.<\/p>\n

29. Relax By A Fountain<\/h2>\n

\"people-reading-at-fountain\"<\/p>\n

Source: Flickr User radworld<\/div>\n

Let the musical and meditative sounds of one of Portland\u2019s many fountains wash over you. Try it once, and it may become part of your routine. The Ira Keller Forecourt Fountain is a great place to start.<\/p>\n

30. Escape The City Rush<\/h2>\n

\"woman-walking-dog-in-forest\"<\/p>\n

Source: Flickr User davidburn (cropped)<\/div>\n

Only 5 miles outside of Portland, Tryon Creek State Park is a place to round out a day outdoors. Bring your dog along and take some deep breaths of that fresh air.
\nLike This Post? You\u2019ll Definitely Love These:<\/b><\/p>\n