Although Portland is not home to large theme parks, several waterparks and water playgrounds are available in the area. Kids can splash around the inner city fountains or you can take the whole family to a large waterpark with hotel lodging. They’re all listed here.
Fountains and Small Playgrounds
Jamison Square Fountain – Located between NW Johnson and Kearney in Portland, this fountain is perfect for toddlers and small children. My son loves it! Water pours from the large stepping stones creating a pool of water perfect for wading in before retracting back. The fountain is open from 5am to midnight and is free to visit.
Salmon Street Springs – This is a popular area for kids. It’s located on the waterfront in Portland at the east end of Salmon St. Stones have been placed in a circle and the water shoots out into the middle. This is a great place to be on hot days.
McCoy Fountain – This display of water shooting up from the ground keeps visitors guessing on which holes the water will come from next. This spot is great fun for kids. It’s located on the corner of N.Trenton Street and N. Newman Ave. in Portland.
Blue Lake Park – This park offers a “Water Spray Ground” for kids. Water sprays, dumps, crashes, and pours out of several structures. This is very similar to kid waterparks at larger theme parks and is designed for younger kids and people with limited mobility. It’s located at 20500 Ne Marine Dr. in Fairview, Oregon.
Waterparks
Great Wolf Lodge – An hour and 40 minutes north of Portland in Grand Mound, Washington is the Great Wolf Lodge. The lodge offers northwest themed hotel rooms and the largest indoor waterpark at 56,000 square feet. Complete information can be found here.
North Clackamas Aquatic Park – This swim center offers slides, wave pool, lap pool, an interactive area with all sorts of fountains, and a kiddie pool with a slide for kids under 6. This facility offers something for every age group. Complete information can be found here.
Southwest Community Center & Pool – Located at 6820 SW 45th Ave in Portland, this community center offers many ammenities including a swimming pool, leisure pool with a slide, and an interactive water playground. Fares at community centers are often less than that of larger aquatic parks. Complete information can be found here.
Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum/Wings and Waves Waterpark – Although not originally a waterpark, the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum offers dry and wet attractions. The museum is home to the Spruce Goose as well as military and space crafts and helicopters. The waterpark features several slides and inner tube rides, a few pools, and play structure for the little ones. There is also a museum about water! The Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum/Wings and Waves Waterpark is located about 45 minutes southwest of Portland in McMinnville, Oregon. Complete information can be found here.
Summer has arrived and it’s time to enjoy the water!
