Living in such a beautiful place gives us the ability to explore it from all angles. If you are short on money, that is no problem when it comes to outdoor entertainment in and around the city. With rushing rivers, winding trails and countless amazing things to see, Portland will keep you busy on a budget.
- Bike Sauvie Island
Doug Geisler / Flickr You will feel miles away from it all when you head to this farming community on the edge of town. Bring your bike and a packed lunch and make a day of the adventure.
- Smell The Roses at The International Rose Test Garden
Rebecca Bollwit / Flickr Washington Park has many interesting places to explore, and at the top of the list is the beautiful and fragrant rose garden.
- Hike The Gorge
Bret Vogel / Flickr There are several waterfalls between here and Multnomah Falls, and if you haven’t hiked them yet, what’s stopping you?
- Explore Forest Park
Katarina / Flickr Our sprawling outdoor area is Pacific Northwest defined. Hike the Wildwood Trail for a true taste of the park or take one of the many shorter trails for a great experience outdoors.
- Relax Among The Trees of Hoyt Arboretum
Mary Anne Thygesen / Flickr While you are at Washington Park, head over to the arboretum to explore the trees. With over 200 species of trees, this is the perfect hangout for nature lovers.
- Watch a Movie In A Park
Randy Kashka / Flickr Summers in Portland are great, and free movies add to the fun. Check out Portland Parks and Recreation for listings of the free movies in your area and bring a blanket for the twilight showing.
- Take A Fountain Tour
brx0 / Flickr When the weather heats up, the perfect way to entertain your brood is to embark on a fountain tour. We have loads of great play fountains and splash pads across the city, and hitting two or three in a day is an adventure waiting to happen.
- Enjoy a Concert in a Park
Matthew Nenninger & Tracy Andrews / Flickr Like movies in the park, concerts in the park make our summer days a little brighter. Get the listings early and mark your calendar for these fun events all around town.
- Visit the Bonneville Dam Fish Hatchery
Lisa Norwood / Flickr Hit the road to the Bonneville Dam and Fish Hatchery for a fun day in the sun. Feed the fish and learn some interesting information about sturgeon, trout and salmon at the same time.
- Browse the Wares At Saturday Market
Keith Ewing / Flickr There is no activity more Portland than heading to the Saturday Market. Though the name indicates otherwise, you can stroll this expansive market Saturday and Sunday for most of the year.
- Wander the Grotto
InSapphoWeTrust / Flickr In Northeast Portland, the Grotto is a sanctuary worth a visit. The main grounds are free, while the upper area requires a small fee to enter. There is plenty of space to stretch out and explore in the free area, and if you haven’t been lately, a visit is just what you need.
- Stroll A Street Fair
Alex / Flickr Come summer, our neighborhoods like to celebrate. Get in on the fun by attending a street fair. Featuring live entertainment and plenty of booths to explore, this rite of summer is a must-do for every Portlander.
What is your favorite free outdoor activity in Portland? Let us know in the comments below.
Doug Geisler / Flickr
You will feel miles away from it all when you head to this farming community on the edge of town. Bring your bike and a packed lunch and make a day of the adventure.
Rebecca Bollwit / Flickr
Washington Park has many interesting places to explore, and at the top of the list is the beautiful and fragrant rose garden.
Bret Vogel / Flickr
There are several waterfalls between here and Multnomah Falls, and if you haven’t hiked them yet, what’s stopping you?
Katarina / Flickr
Our sprawling outdoor area is Pacific Northwest defined. Hike the Wildwood Trail for a true taste of the park or take one of the many shorter trails for a great experience outdoors.
Mary Anne Thygesen / Flickr
While you are at Washington Park, head over to the arboretum to explore the trees. With over 200 species of trees, this is the perfect hangout for nature lovers.
Randy Kashka / Flickr
Summers in Portland are great, and free movies add to the fun. Check out Portland Parks and Recreation for listings of the free movies in your area and bring a blanket for the twilight showing.
brx0 / Flickr
When the weather heats up, the perfect way to entertain your brood is to embark on a fountain tour. We have loads of great play fountains and splash pads across the city, and hitting two or three in a day is an adventure waiting to happen.
Matthew Nenninger & Tracy Andrews / Flickr
Like movies in the park, concerts in the park make our summer days a little brighter. Get the listings early and mark your calendar for these fun events all around town.
Lisa Norwood / Flickr
Hit the road to the Bonneville Dam and Fish Hatchery for a fun day in the sun. Feed the fish and learn some interesting information about sturgeon, trout and salmon at the same time.
Keith Ewing / Flickr
There is no activity more Portland than heading to the Saturday Market. Though the name indicates otherwise, you can stroll this expansive market Saturday and Sunday for most of the year.
InSapphoWeTrust / Flickr
In Northeast Portland, the Grotto is a sanctuary worth a visit. The main grounds are free, while the upper area requires a small fee to enter. There is plenty of space to stretch out and explore in the free area, and if you haven’t been lately, a visit is just what you need.
Alex / Flickr
Come summer, our neighborhoods like to celebrate. Get in on the fun by attending a street fair. Featuring live entertainment and plenty of booths to explore, this rite of summer is a must-do for every Portlander.
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