I have compiled this list of the top 25 FREE things to do in Portland, Oregon to help you take on this unique city. Feel free to comment with your own fun, free things to do that I missed!

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Top 25 FREE Things To Do in Portland

1. Park Plays

The first stop on our list gives us a look into the Portland theater scene. These actors love doing Shakespeare and put on FREE shows in the park! Find your favorite play, sit back, and relax as you watch these plays come to life.

2. Portland Saturday Market

Every weekend Portland’s Old Town neighborhood morphs into an amazing market filled with 252 booths of local artists and vendors showcasing some amazing work. It’s a great place to walk around and is dog friendly.

3. Farmer’s Markets

Portland does Farmer’s Markets the right way! They have eight that serve the Portland area. This is a great way to learn about Portland agriculture and learn more about the city.

4. Rose Festival Events

Portland has beautiful roses and have dedicated a whole festival to them! The festival kicks off in summer and lasts throughout the season. There are tons of free events to catch so look at the calendar and pick which one suits you best!

5. Forest Park

Forest Park is filled with lush, green vegetation and plenty of wildlife. It also has a 30 mile trail and the park is considered a natural air purifier.

6. Explore the Pearl

The Pearl District is leading Portland in urban renewal and is an amazing place to visit. Filled with shops, places to eat, parks and much more the pearl should keep you busy!

7. Portland Bridges

Portland has some truly unique bridges all over the city. These are fun stops to give the kids a mini architecture lesson!

8. Washington Park

Washington Park is a family friend park with playgrounds, shelters, paved paths and much more. Be sure to check out the Chiming Fountain located in the main circle. Also there is a great Holocaust memorial in the park as well.

9. Hoyt Arboretum

Dubbed the museum of living trees this Arboretum was created in 1928 to help preserve endangered species. Oregon shows off its beauty at this stop. Must pay to park.

10. The Coast

If you want to take a day off from touring the city and the parks make the drive to the beach! It’s only about an hour and a half from downtown Portland and could be a fun side trip. The view is also pretty incredible.

11. City of Books

Powell’s City of Books is an amazing place to get lost for a couple hours reading some amazing literature. The store has many locations in Portland and is home to most books you can think off.

12. The Portland Troll Bridge and Troll

These are two weird local landmarks any one will find entertaining. Note that the bridge and the large troll are in two separate locations.

13. International Rose Test Garden

If you’re not in town during the Rose Festival, you can still check out the beautiful gardens in Portland.

14. Art Walks

Check out this site for all off Portland’s cool art walks. Check out the local talent and see what they have been working on!

15. The Simon Benson House

Simon Benson was a logger and philanthropist who built this Queen Anne style in 1901. The house remained where it was built for nearly 100 years before it was moved to the Portland State University campus. It has an amazing attention to detail and is a great spot to visit.

16. Movies in the Park

Catch some awesome flicks outdoors in the parks for free! Bring a blanket and enjoy the film, there are even movies in Spanish! Make sure to check the list so you can choose your favorite to see.

17. Free Concerts

Portland’s Parks and Rec Department are putting on some awesome, free concerts in their parks. This is a great place to bring the kids for some summer fun.

18. Pioneer Courthouse Square

Better known as Oregon’s “living room” Pioneer square is great place to people watch and rest for a little bit. There are also a lot of fun events that happen so be sure to check out the calendar.

19. Oneonta Gorge

This Oneonta Gorge is an amazing view. The hike to the trial is pretty easy and is only 2.7 miles round trip. The gorge is a great place to visit for the nature lovers in your family.

20. Splash Pads

Check out this list of free interactive fountains and splash pads in the Portland area.

21. Multnomah County Library

This library is filled with books upon books and is a fun place to walk around. There are usually fun events going on for kids all year round as well!

22. Sellwood Riverfront Park

This is a great park loved by the locals. It is a leash free park for dogs too! The park is right on the river, as the name suggests, and is fun to get your feet wet and explore.

23. Alberta Main Street

Alberta street is a great place to hang out, walk around, and see the culture of Portland. If you happen to be in Portland in August make sure to check out the street fair, a day long celebration of Portland and its people.

24. Fountains!

Portland is home to lots of unique fountain designs. They are scattered all around the city and it is fun to try and find them all! My personal favorite is the Ira Keller Forecourt Fountain.

25. Take a Dip

All this running around and touring the great city of Portland got you sweaty? Check out this list of free pool times and make sure to come cool off and enjoy the sun!

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