A Weekend in Portland, Oregon: Waterfalls, a Zoo, Tiny Parks, and a Giant Bookstore
Now that we have settled into the Pacific Northwest, we are on a mission to explore everything within road-trip range, and Portland, Oregon was at the top of the list. The city is famous for its trees, its 90-plus neighborhoods, and its proudly weird streak, so we packed a short family weekend full of waterfalls, animals, and a few only-in-Portland moments. Here is how it went.
Is Portland worth visiting with kids?
Yes. Portland is creative, calm, and surrounded by nature, which makes it a surprisingly great family destination. In one weekend you can see one of the tallest waterfalls in the country, visit a top-tier zoo, find the world's tiniest park, and get lost in the largest independent bookstore on earth. It is quirky in the best way.
Multnomah Falls
Portland introduced itself in the most dramatic way possible before we even reached the city. Multnomah Falls, in the Columbia River Gorge, is the tallest waterfall in Oregon at 620 feet, and seeing it in person, you understand the hype instantly. The iconic Benson Bridge spans the falls and dates back to 1914, and the land was preserved early so the falls would always be free and accessible to the public. It is one of those places that makes you slow down without even trying (and yes, it is windy down there, the kids loved that part).
The Oregon Zoo
If you have followed us for a while, you know our family rule: if there is a zoo, we will be there. The Oregon Zoo, tucked inside Washington Park just outside the city, did not disappoint. Founded in 1888, it is the oldest zoo west of the Mississippi River, and the setting feels like an enchanted forest.
The zoo leans heavily into conservation and education, and it is home to elephants, polar bears, big cats, bald eagles, and tons of hands-on exhibits. The kids especially loved the little zoo train that winds through the grounds, and there is an insect zoo that is weirdly delightful.
A real parenting tip: build in breaks. As excited as kids get about a zoo, they need space to just play and decompress. We hit the playground in Washington Park right after the zoo, and it reset everyone's mood. (Also, pack snacks. Ours were "starving" two hours after a big breakfast. Every time.)
Mill Ends Park (the world's tiniest park)
Then Portland did what Portland does best: surprises. We took a morning walk to Mill Ends Park, which for decades held the Guinness record as the smallest park in the world. It is about two feet wide, a single tiny circle in a median, occasionally decorated with little objects and holiday themes. Blink and you will miss it.
One fun update for accuracy: Mill Ends lost its official "world's smallest park" title to a park in Nagaizumi, Japan in early 2025, so it is now technically the second-smallest. But honestly, it is still maybe the most Portland thing we saw, a city that builds a beloved landmark out of a two-foot patch of dirt.
Powell's City of Books
We wrapped our trip at a place that perfectly sums up Portland: creative, calm, and full of stories. Powell's City of Books, founded in 1971, covers an entire city block and claims to be the largest independent new-and-used bookstore in the world. New and used books sit side by side, and the color-coded rooms make browsing feel like an adventure. Our kids genuinely lost themselves in it. It was not loud, it was not rushed. It was the perfect way to slow down before heading home.
Tips for a Portland weekend
Stop at Multnomah Falls on the way in. It is right off I-84 east of the city and worth timing into your arrival.
Pair the zoo with the Washington Park playground. Kids need the decompression break.
Pack snacks. Portland walking plus hungry kids equals a lot of "I'm hungry."
Find Mill Ends Park for the novelty, then walk to nearby downtown spots.
Give yourself an hour at Powell's. It is a city block of books. You will want the time.
FAQ
What is Portland known for?
Its trees and parks, a creative, quirky culture ("Keep Portland Weird"), great food, and easy access to nature like the Columbia River Gorge.
What's the tallest waterfall near Portland?
Multnomah Falls, at 620 feet, is the tallest in Oregon and just a short drive east of the city.
Is Portland good for families?
Yes. The Oregon Zoo, Washington Park, Multnomah Falls, and Powell's Books are all family-friendly.
Is Mill Ends Park really the world's smallest park?
It held the Guinness record for decades but lost the title to a park in Japan in early 2025. It is still a fun, quirky stop at about two feet wide.
What is Powell's City of Books?
A Portland institution founded in 1971, it covers a full city block and is billed as the largest independent new-and-used bookstore in the world.
The Verdict
For our first visit, Portland gave us waterfalls, animals, a tiny park, a massive bookstore, and a whole lot of charm, and it already feels like we only scratched the surface. It is creative, calm, surrounded by nature, and genuinely fun for a family. There are more neighborhoods to wander and more weird little corners to find, so we will definitely be back. If you are anywhere in the Pacific Northwest, give Portland a weekend. Keep it weird.
Want to come along? Watch our Portland trip on YouTube: We Took Our Family to Portland and This Happened, and subscribe to Finding Our Forte for more Pacific Northwest adventures.
