Fun Things to Do in Portland: 5 Secret PDX Playgrounds

spring garden

Harper’s Playground

Harpers Playground

Built inclusively for all children; Harper’s Playground is one of the most fun playgrounds in town. Lots of open-ended features with ramps, a climbing wall, a xylophone, an innovative “spinner,” and a great sand and water feature that appeals to all ages. N Bryant and Delaware

 

Westmoreland Park

westmoreland

This park has been recently renovated through a pilot project for Portland Parks & Recreation’s Nature-Based Play Initiative. Kids love the nature inspired playscape where they can build, make mud pies and moats in the sand and water, and climb “trees” constructed from timber. (photos from Rebecca Andersson) SE McLoughlin Blvd and Bybee St

Blue Lake                                                                                                                                   Blue Lake

We love a trip to Blue Lake, This park located on 64-acres offers tons of recreation including fishing, plus one of the coolest playgrounds around. Excellent water features, and fun wood and rope bridges keep kids busy for hours. (photo from Pinterest)  20500 NE Marine Dr

 

Dawson Park                                                                                                                                    dawson park

This little gem on N. Williams just got a gorgeous new face-lift. The park has been around since the 1920s when it used to host a small circuses and travelling medicine shows (you can ogle over the gorgeous cupola on the gazebo!)  A misty water feature, checkers and chess on the tables, and some unique modern toys make Dawson Park a must. (photos from PP&R) N Stanton St & Williams Ave

 

Spring Garden Park

spring garden

Located near Multnomah Village; Spring Garden Park was Portland Parks & Rec’s first nature-scaped park. The open-ended design inspires kids to think creatively while getting dirty and having fun! (photo courtesy exploreportlandnature.wordpress.com) 3332 SW Spring Garden St