Search Indoor Activities in Portland
Don't let a rainy day (or a hot one!) stop you from having fun in Portland.
It’s a well-known fact that Portland is a top-notch city for getting outdoors — but it’s a great place to head indoors, too, whether you’re trying to get out of the rain or escape into air conditioning on a hot summer day. Read on for a slew of fun indoor activities in Portland, no matter what you’re into or where you are in the city.
Museums and Art Galleries
Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Portland, discover the traveling exhibitions and permanent collection at the Portland Art Museum, the largest museum in Oregon and the oldest art museum in the Pacific Northwest. Learn more about Oregon’s past and present at the Oregon Historical Society, or take in art by living artists at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art (JSMOA) on the campus of Portland State University. All three of these great options are located on the South Park Blocks, so you can explore without too much exposure to the elements.
Meanwhile, the plentiful art galleries in the central city offer great escapes from sudden cloudbursts. The Pearl District, which was traditionally the city’s arts district, has a multitude of galleries to explore, making it a perfect place to start — try the Elizabeth Leach Gallery, PDX Contemporary Art or Blue Sky Gallery.
More Portland Museums and Art
Find more Portland museums and galleries and explore the arts, science and history.
Shopping
Whether it’s the dead of winter or a summer heatwave, shopping is a fun way to spend some time in Portland. It’s just a short walk from store to store in the compact shopping districts of the central city, including downtown, the Pearl District and Northwest/Nob Hill. Another great option is Union Way, a European-style gallery of shops. And if you prefer to stay entirely out of the elements, Portland has you covered with two major indoor shopping centers: downtown’s Pioneer Place and Lloyd Center, just across the river. Both malls are served by MAX Light Rail.
More Shopping
Find more great spots to shop in Portland, all 100% tax-free.
Downtown and Central City Shopping
Downtown Portland boasts a wide array of shopping options, from major national and international retailers to locally owned boutiques and specialty shops.
Vintage Shops in Portland
Vintage shopping in Portland is a delight, with an abundance of top-notch vintage shops and thrift stores offering clothes, accessories, antiques and other treasures.
Portland Streetwear Shops
Portland’s laidback-yet-chic aesthetic makes it an ideal home for streetwear shops — browse small boutiques, world-famous brands, online stores and more.
Portland Rain Gear
Upgrade your rain gear with these Portland-based makers and national stores.
Bookstores and Libraries
Rain or shine, spending countless hours inside Powell’s City of Books is easy. Covering an entire city block, the world’s largest independent bookstore contains more than 1 million books in 3,500 different sections, plus an in-store coffee shop to help fuel your browsing session. And Powell’s is just the start — Portland boasts a wealth of exceptional bookstores, so there’s probably one near you now (try Annie Bloom’s Books in Multnomah Village, Third Eye Books in Division/Clinton and Broadway Books in Northeast Portland, to name just a few).
Explore more than 17 miles of bookshelves in downtown Portland’s Central Library, which houses a remarkable 875 tons of books. The Multnomah County Library system’s main branch, which opened in 1913, is housed in a three-story, Georgian-style building with stunning architectural details. You’ll also find the volunteer-run Friends Library Store, where they sell used books, stationery and gifts, all of which help sustain the library’s community programming.
More Books and Bookstores
Portland is packed with literary destinations that are worth a visit in any weather.
A Booklover’s Guide to Portland
From coffee houses with community libraries to writing workshops and a book festival, bookworms rejoice; this is for you.
Powell’s City of Books
Covering an entire city block, Powell’s City of Books is more than a great bookstore: It’s a microcosm of Portland, packed with smart and eclectic books, gifting options, and passionate people. And, like Portland, it’s open 365 days a year.
Portland Bookstores, Beyond Powell’s
Don’t stop with the largest independent bookstore in the world; these seven other shops offer an abundance of literary riches.
Arcades and Games
It’s always important to take time to play, for kids and adults alike — and a day when you want to get out of the weather can be a perfect excuse to do just that. Wunderland, a family-owned chain of local arcades, is a great place to start: Check out their locations in Belmont, Milwaukie, Gresham and Beaverton.
For a grown-up take on arcade fun, try one of Portland’s popular bar arcades, like Ground Kontrol, QuarterWorld, Standard Tavern or Retro Game Bar. Portland is also known as one of the world’s top destinations for pinball, with a wealth of options for flippers and bumpers: WedgeHead, Next Level Pinball Shop & Museum, and C-Bar should get you started.
More Arcades and Games
Find more fun places to play, with plenty of options for kids, teens and adults.
Sports and Recreation
Portland has plenty of opportunities to get active, even if the weather outside is frightful. Pickleball has taken the nation by storm, and Portland is no exception — The People’s Courts in the Parkrose neighborhood provides a place to play indoors (they also have bocce, ping pong, cornhole and more). Bowling is a classic pastime, and Portland has lanes all across town — options include Grand Central Bowl & Arcade, Punch Bowl Social and KingPins, among others.
Roller skating is another timeless indoor activity that’s fun for the whole family, whether you’re a seasoned pro or strapping on skates for the very first time. The skating rink at historic Oaks Amusement Park, which has operated continuously since 1905, offers year-round nostalgic fun. Lace up your skates and roll around the large, meticulously maintained wooden floor beneath the mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ.
If you prefer putters and balls to skates and pads, Portland has you covered with plenty of miniature golf courses — indoor options include Glowing Greens, Birdie Time Pub and Wonderwood Mini Golf.
More Indoor Options
Find activities and attractions for kids, or check out our guide to an ideal day indoors.
Indoor Activities for Kids
Portland offers a broad array of indoor activities for kids and families, including story times, indoor playgrounds, arcades, skating and more.
Perfect Itinerary for Portland Indoor Activities
Whether you’re escaping the weather or just feeling “indoorsy,” here’s a guide to enjoying Portland’s dynamic cultural scene while barely setting foot outside.
Comfort Food for a Rainy Day
Sometimes a cold day demands a warm meal — find comfort food, hot beverages and other treats.
Soaking Pools and Spas
Need to warm up and recharge? A visit to a soaking pool or a spa may be just the ticket. Popular spas include Blooming Moon Wellness Spa, Common Ground Wellness Cooperative and Zama Massage Therapeutic Spa. Go for a communal soak at spots like McMenamins Kennedy School and Everett House Healing Community. For an elevated take on the soaking experience, try CASCADA, Knot Springs or Root Whole Body.
Movies and Events
Whether it’s raining cats and dogs or it’s just too hot to bear, not-so-wonderful weather provides the perfect excuse to visit one of Portland’s historic and independent movie theaters (many of which serve locally brewed beer). Northwest/Nob Hill’s Cinema 21 shows a mixture of independent, international, classic and mainstream films. In downtown’s West End, find Living Room Theaters, showing independent films in small theaters with recliners, gourmet food and wine delivered right to your seat. The grand facade of the historic Hollywood Theatre makes you feel like you’re stepping back into the height of arthouse theater, though they fill their screens with new releases of mainstream and independent films, as well as many specialty screenings from local filmmakers and festivals.
More Indie Movie Theaters
Find historic Portland movie theaters, some of which may be near you now.
Of course indoor options for entertainment and events extend way beyond going to the movies: Catch bands at venues ranging from neighborhood dive bars to elegant concert halls. Take in a show at one of Portland’s historic theaters. Or head to the Rose Quarter and root on the home team.
Live Music
Find hot upcoming shows in Portland, from rock to rap to country and more.
Biamp Portland Jazz Festival
The Portland Jazz Festival returns every February with a stellar series of concerts and events celebrating Black…
Karaoke From Hell
The Northwest's original live karaoke band, Karaoke From Hell, has been rocking Portland for over 25 years and…
Darcelle XV’s Weekend Drag Show
Darcelle XV and Company have been entertaining audiences from all walks of life for over 50 years with Las…
Mardi Gras Ball
In the darkest and dreariest time of the year, the Wonder Ballroom explodes with bright lights, live music…
Performing Arts
Get out of the weather and in front of a stage — enjoy theater, dance, comedy and more.
Slamlandia
Poetry Open Mic and Slam in Portland, Oregon. It is the mission of Slamlandia to provide an open mic and poetry…
Darcelle Sunday Funday Brunch
Okay now THIS is going to be GOOD. Get your reservations for this week’s Sunday Funday Drag Queen Brunch at…
First Thursday in the Pearl District
Starting in 1986, First Thursday in the Pearl is a district-wide celebration on the first Thursday of each month.
Fertile Ground Festival
See Portland's newest theater and dance works every April at the annual Fertile Ground Festival.
Sporting Events
From the Trail Blazers to the Rose City Rollers, get in the sporting spirit.
Portland Trail Blazers
Watch the Pacific Northwest's only NBA team, the Portland Trail Blazers compete this season. Cheer along with Rip…
Rose City Rollers
The Rose City Rollers league is made up of over 400 smart, tough, accomplished women, girls and gender-expansive…
Portland Winterhawks
Come cheer on the Winterhawks, Portland's junior ice hockey team and three-time WHL champs. Winterhawks games are a…
Rose City Rollers Juniors
Bring your family to watch Junior Roller Derby. Kids and teens will love watching these youth athletes battle it…
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