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Kid-Friendly Dining
Gather 'round the table at these kid-approved eateries.
These family-friendly Portland standouts combine awesome children’s menus, play areas and fun in creative ways.
Breakfast and Brunch
Challenge the family to a flapjack throwdown at this kids’ favorite with built-in table griddles. At Slappy Cakes, select your batter and toppings (like fruit, peanut butter, cheese, chocolate chips and marshmallows), and go to town on your silly, outrageous or just plain over-the-top concoctions.
A kids’ play area full of toys and books lets little ones entertain themselves at Mother’s Bistro, whose menu features classic comfort food (think pot roast, mac and cheese, and chicken dumplings), all sourced from recipes created by moms from around the world.
Tin Shed Garden Cafe is a long-running, family- and dog-friendly spot in the Alberta Arts District. They specialize in tasty takes on American breakfast and lunch classics, like scrambles, salads, sandwiches and burgers. Parents will love that they open early and take reservations. Kids will love the dedicated children’s menu and dog-watching on the patio (okay — parents might love the dog-watching too!).
Pizza Party!
Home to some of Portland’s best pies since 1974, Old Town Pizza’s Old Town Chinatown location is rumored to be haunted (will Nina the ghost join you for dinner?), and its expansive eastside Old Town Brewing location has plenty of room for kids. They’re both good bets for parents seeking a family-friendly, easy-to-access pizzeria and brewpub. (Did we mention that they brew award-winning beers?)
Part music venue and part pizzeria, Mississippi Pizza is one of Portland’s most family-friendly eateries, known for its weekly kid-centric entertainment and a bevy of pizza options, from single slices to 18-inch pies, all available with gluten-free and vegan substitutions.
Pizza Jerk — which has locations downtown and on Northeast 42nd Avenue — captures the spirit of the ‘80s and ‘90s with its classic pies, throwback dining rooms and fun desserts (think Rice Krispies Treats and soft-serve ice cream). Kids might not care as much as grown-ups about the nostalgia — but they’ll definitely care about the delicious eats.
Quick and Casual
Local chain Little Big Burger’s quarter-pound burgers are as addictive as they come — and perfect for little hands — with fresh brioche rolls, local cheese, homemade “Camden’s Catsup” and truffle fries on the side. Don’t miss the root beer floats with local Tillamook ice cream.
With locations in Southeast and North Portland, ¿Por Qué No? has you and the fam covered all across town. This popular spot features an expansive menu of Mexican-inspired favorites, including tasty, reasonably priced options for kids. Order at the counter, grab a table on the patio or in the cheery dining room, and chow down.
Healthy Options
The scene is whimsical and always fun at Portland’s many Laughing Planet cafés. Nutritious options like veggie-loaded bean burritos disappear fast as kids peruse vibrant artwork and more. The smoothies are a hit with diners of all ages.
Some children’s menus lean into hearty, meat-and-cheese-forward fare. It’s tasty, and popular for a reason, but sometimes you have to switch things up — do so with a visit to Boke Bowl, where options for kids include a peanut butter and jelly bao bun and the Bambino ramen bowl (with noodles, broth, snow peas and your choice of pork or tofu). The location is an added bonus — after filling up, you’ll find yourself just a block from eclectic, kid-friendly shops Cargo and Lippman Co, and just half a mile from the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI).
Family-Friendly Attractions
Portland is packed with attractions kids (and the rest of the family) will love.
Kid-Friendly Breweries
Portland is known for its stellar breweries, which come in all styles and sizes, and plenty of Portland pubs don’t just tolerate youngsters — they welcome them with open arms. One of Portland’s most popular breweries for all audiences, Hopworks Brewery earns rave reviews from families for its play area (fully equipped with toys and books) and a kids menu that features local, organic ingredients. Mom and Dad can enjoy stellar organic brews and grown-up menu options.
When Northeast Portland‘s McMenamins Kennedy School first opened in 1915, it was literally built for children. That’s because it was originally an elementary school that sat vacant for years before being converted into a family-friendly brewpub and hotel in 1997. The biggest draws for kids are the on-site movie theater and warm, shallow soaking pool; parents will enjoy the six restaurants and bars on the premises.
Over in North Portland, Stormbreaker Brewing is another great option that caters to kids and beer-lovers alike. Enjoy the bold brews, spacious taproom and expansive patio — the dedicated children’s menu features classics like chicken tenders, quesadillas and grilled cheese sandwiches.
Family-Friendly Portland
Once the whole family's full, it's time to have some fun.
Indoor Activities for Children
When Portland’s weather prevents kids from running around outside, families can choose from dozens of indoor activities.
What to Do When It Rains
Yes, it’s true — it rains in Portland. Locals don’t let that stop them, and neither should you! From kid-friendly indoor activities to parks and gardens that keep you covered, Portland will keep you busy rain or shine.
Kid-Friendly Regional Attractions
Trips outside the city promise all-ages entertainment. Here are four must-see attractions within two hours of downtown Portland.
Sweets and Espresso Drinks
Treat yourself to a wide array of delicious baked goods at Posies Bakery & Cafe, including cinnamon rolls, pastries, cookies and slices of decadent cake. While the littles get out some energy in the dedicated kids room, boost your energy with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or an espresso drink. For another kid-friendly coffee shop, try Slow Pour Coffee + Bar in Sellwood-Moreland, a friendly neighborhood spot that also has a children’s area equipped with toys, books and more.
In the heart of the downtown Portland’s West End, Petunia’s Pies & Pastries offers a great selection of gorgeous baked goods, all of which are 100% gluten-free and vegan — making ideal treats for the children that so often miss out on sweet goodies because of dietary restrictions. For more special-diet-friendly desserts, Tiny Moreso offers vegan, gluten-free treats that don’t skimp on flavor.
Any day’s a good day for a cupcake — pay a visit to Saint Cupcake for decadent, made-from-scratch creations. They also have cakes, cookies, pies, pastries and more, all baked daily right here in Portland.
Events for Kids
Take a look at the calendar — there's sure to be a family-friendly event happening soon.
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