Portland

[Minnie]

I was going to suggest Multnomah as well. Check it out closer to your visit, perhaps a few things will be open again. It's very worth the trip if it's reopened. The Gorge is a beautiful beautiful place. I second Knalus' on Cannon Beach as another option.

If not driving too far is what you want and your 10 year old will go, there is/was a zoo in Portland that we went to back in the Stone Age as kids, that was fun. Gallione might have better info but it's always a good standby with kids, if you don't want to travel far and don't have gobs of time. Vancouver (WA) is just across the bridge/river from Portland and I'd imagine there is transit available to get across. It's been ages since I've been there so not too familiar anymore BUT it may give you more options of things to do?

[nik-]

If you like Thai food portland has a Mecca

https://pokpokpdx.com/

[direwolf]

Check out Powell's Books on W. Burnside Street. It's basically Disneyland for book lovers. Amazing store.

[Knalus]

Honestly, Portland is home to some of the best Pizza I've ever had. Apizza Scholls, Sizzle Pie, even a place like Escape from New York is great.

If you like books, the bookstore downtown, Powells, is also awesome. Almost more like a big library, but it's all for sale.

If you like movies, the theater at McMenamins Bagdad Theater and Pub on Hawthorn is really cool too - good microbrew beer, same company that did the Kennedy School pub/hotel.

The Ground Kontrol arcade, not far from Powells, allows minors till 4:30pm. Tons of classic arcade games.

I could keep going - I love that city, and I go as often as I can.

[Muta]

Originally Posted by Knalus

I love Cannon Beach, it's such a cool spot. Was thinking about proposing to someone there at one point. Definitely a gem on the west coast.

[gallione11]

Originally Posted by Minnie

I was going to suggest Multnomah as well. Check it out closer to your visit, perhaps a few things will be open again. It's very worth the trip if it's reopened. The Gorge is a beautiful beautiful place. I second Knalus' on Cannon Beach as another option.

If not driving too far is what you want and your 10 year old will go, there is/was a zoo in Portland that we went to back in the Stone Age as kids, that was fun. Gallione might have better info but it's always a good standby with kids, if you don't want to travel far and don't have gobs of time. Vancouver (WA) is just across the bridge/river from Portland and I'd imagine there is transit available to get across. It's been ages since I've been there so not too familiar anymore BUT it may give you more options of things to do?

I haven't been to that zoo since... '93 or so, but I don't have kids. It's a pretty popular place though, routinely see signs on the nearby freeway that the parking lot is full so if you choose to go, go early or take the Max (Light rail). Max lines runs right to it.

[Knalus]

Originally Posted by gallione11

I haven't been to that zoo since... '93 or so, but I don't have kids. It's a pretty popular place though, routinely see signs on the nearby freeway that the parking lot is full so if you choose to go, go early or take the Max (Light rail). Max lines runs right to it.

I have been to the zoo, about two years ago. It's a fine zoo - similar in quality to ours, but with different animals. Biggest bonus with that zoo is the hiking trails and park surrounding it. Washington park, and Forest park a little ways further north are really nice places to spend some time.

And yeah, take the Max. Unless you are planning on going to Forest Park also. If you don't take the train, then go during a weekday.

[dirk diggler]

Originally Posted by Muta

I love Cannon Beach, it's such a cool spot. Was thinking about proposing to someone there at one point. Definitely a gem on the west coast.

would love to go there, need to convince him to do the drive. he is your typical kid who is always wondering how much further is it. looks great.

[Knalus]

Originally Posted by dirk diggler

would love to go there, need to convince him to do the drive. he is your typical kid who is always wondering how much further is it. looks great.

It's the beach from the Goonies. Just watch the movie first.

In fact, Astoria is the town from the Goonies, too. Not too too far, but Cannon Beach is the real draw.

[Knalus]

Oh, and my wife always says the drive is better with a box of Voodoo Doughnuts.

[Wormius]

Originally Posted by Knalus

Oh, and my wife always says the drive is better with a box of Voodoo Doughnuts.

They're good, but too long of a line up when I went!

[snootchiebootchies]

Originally Posted by Wormius

If you're going to be renting a car, drive up to Mt. St. Helens and visit the Ape Caves. They're pretty spectacular and they go on for a long way. We went a few years ago and it was a lot of fun.

If you have a car, driving up to Mount Hood is fun too. The hotel at the top (Timberline Lodge) is the hotel from The Shining (for the exterior shots anyway). That entire scenic loop that goes through Multnomah Falls and Hood River and around Mount Hood is a beautiful drive.

[GGG]

Originally Posted by Wormius

They're good, but too long of a line up when I went!

They have a location east of the river that is much less busy.

The donuts are pretty gross though. Way to sweet. Kids love them though.

[MRCboicgy]

Originally Posted by nik-

If you like Thai food portland has a Mecca

https://pokpokpdx.com/

+1

Get the spicy duck (it's hot!) and the chicken wings

Also, blue star has better donuts than voodoo.

[mikephoen]

Portland is a great city, maybe my favorite US city (probably second to Seattle if I had to rank them). It has a bit of a homeless problem which is a bit depressing, but other than that, it's really nice. And the Oregon coast is spectacular if you have time to check it out.

I also stayed in Hotel Eastlund last year and second the recommendation. The rooftop restaurant was really great on nice summer nights. I've also stayed at the Monaco Portland by Kimpton. Kimpton hotels are always great. They have kind of a goofy retro/kitsch style that your kid might like. A bit more expensive though, but I really enjoyed it.

I know you said you're flying, but I also recommend the drive from Calgary. It's a nice drive and because the interstates line up well, it's only about 13 hours. As long as it's not a holiday weekend, the traffic is always light, so it's quite relaxing (I love road trips though, so I'm biased).

[Ben_in_Canada]

Originally Posted by Knalus

Oh, and my wife always says the drive is better with a box of Voodoo Doughnuts.

Came in to mention Voodoo doughnuts.
We went late in the afternoon, no line up. The variety was unreal.

[afc wimbledon]

Originally Posted by Knalus

It's the beach from the Goonies. Just watch the movie first.

In fact, Astoria is the town from the Goonies, too. Not too too far, but Cannon Beach is the real draw.

And Kindergarten Cop, lets not forget that classic bit of prime Arnie work, Astoria is a lovely town actually

[direwolf]

Originally Posted by Knalus

It's the beach from the Goonies. Just watch the movie first.

In fact, Astoria is the town from the Goonies, too. Not too too far, but Cannon Beach is the real draw.

I agree, it's a beautiful town and surrounding area (especially Cannon Beach). The Oregon Film Museum is pretty fun. It's located in the old jail building which was featured prominently in the movie. They even have the Fratelli's jeep parked outside. If you're a fan, they also sell tons of Goonies merch there as well.