Enough with the video games and screens. Summer's flying by, pack up the car and take a fun family field trip. If you have enough room, have the kiddos bring a friend and make a whole day of it.
Go berry picking! Smith Berry Farm is one of our favorites in the Tualatin Valley. It's Summer At The Farm: over 20 varieties of berries with ripening dates from Late May through September…which means there are delicious, fresh berries to pick all summer long! They also grow tons of other fruits and veggies. Check out the current list of what's in season. PRO TIP: if you're into canning, this is the spot to grab the freshest of the fresh!
Tryon Creek. A beautiful lush, forested getaway just minutes from downtown Portland and surrounding suburbs like Lake Oswego. They've got a visitor center with kid-friendly exhibits, touch tables, and educational programs that help kids connect with nature. Dogs are welcome, there are bathrooms on site and free parking. They still have summer camp openings as well!
Portland has some pretty amazing parks, 200 in fact. But only one of them is built on top of a volcano, Mt Tabor! Mt Tabor's views are spectacular, it's got great trails, a basketball court, horseshoe pit, playground, volleyball and tennis courts, and an outdoor amphitheater. A fenced, off-leash dog park is also located at the base of the hill. It's also got ADA-accessible picnic areas, play areas, and restrooms throughout the park. Mt Tabor is open daily from 5 a.m. to midnight.
The Oregon Zoo. Stop by Elephant Lands to catch a glimpse of Tula Tu, the baby elephant born there this year. Take a ride on the The Oregon Express that circles the zoo, ride the Conservation Carousel featuring endangered species figures. Don’t miss the restored “Warren Iliff” sculptures near Wildlife Way—hippo, bear, mouse, camel and more—fun for climbing and pics for kids of all ages. If you can, go on a Friday night to enjoy the whole zoo with live music, food and drinks. ZOO Nights are every Friday through August 22. PRO TIP: Ride the MAX light rail straight to the zoo to avoid parking headaches and add a little adventure.
Dinosaur fans must make time for a day at OMSI. Jurassic World by Brickman is pretty AWEsome, 6 million LEGO bricks in the making. After head over to see the latest Jurassic Park movie; Jurassic World Rebirth showing on the biggest movie screen in Portland. Plus all of the hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and an immersive theater. PRO TIP: It's right on the river, so you can walk the Eastbank Esplanade afterward or grab lunch at food carts nearby.
Where in the PNW have you made fun summer memories?
Stacey Lynn's Summer Fun Family Field Trips are Sponsored by Oregon Charter Academy, an award-winning, tuition free, K-12 online school. Offering students over 50 clubs and countless activities like student clubs, and access to OSAA sanctioned activities like sports, band, orchestra, and choir. Explore more at www.oregoncharter.org