Best Things to Do in Portland

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Photo courtesy of Meagan Wristen

Oregon Zoo

Item: Oregon Zoo
Author: Meagan Wristen

Type: Family Friendly, Sightseeing, Zoos

10Best Says

Among Portlanders with kids, spending a day at the zoo is probably the most favorite of family activities. Located up above the city in Washington Park, the zoo is home to more than 1000... Read More

Among Portlanders with kids, spending a day at the zoo is probably the most favorite of family activities. Located up above the city in Washington Park, the zoo is home to more than 1000 animals. The staff work constantly to improve the living environments and enrich the lives of the many species they house. Exhibits mimicking the environments on all seven continents add to visitors' understanding of the natural world while offering great views of authentic animal behavior. During the summer, the Zoo's main lawn is a popular live music venue with a broad range of evening concerts. During the Holiday Season, more than a million bulbs create a shimmering wonderland called Zoolights.

Address:

4001 SW Canyon Rd
Portland, OR 97221

Phone:

503-226-1561

Website:

oregonzoo.org

Hours:

Jun - Aug Daily 8am-6pm
Sep - May Daily 9am-4pm

Admissions:

Adult $10.50; Senior (65+) $9; Child (3-11) $7.50; Child (2 and under) Free;
Parking $2

EXPERT TIPS BY: Meagan Wristen
Portland Local Expert

Outdoor Activities: "Kids will love the train ride and parents will appreciate a break from walking!"
Best Attractions & Activities: "Kids love the train ride! There is an additional fee of $5 per person to ride."
Things to Do with Kids: "Pack a picnic lunch and eat during the bird show."
Things to Do in December: "Check the weather and try to attend Zoolights on a night it will not be raining or at least not as cold."
Attractions near Moda Center: "Kids love the train ride!"

Best for Outdoor Activities Because: The sprawling Oregon Zoo is a must on any visit to Portland.
Recommended as Best Attractions & Activities Because: The Oregon Zoo is simply amazing, one of the best zoos in the United States.
Best for Things to Do with Kids Because: Kids always enjoy a visit to the zoo and the Oregon Zoo features over 1,000 different animals.
Best for Things to Do in December Because: Zoolights is a unique way to experience the Oregon Zoo during December.
Best for Attractions near Moda Center Because: The Oregon Zoo is an incredible zoo that everyone loves and it just a short drive from the Moda Center.