TDIFest Families Club -for the non-car people in our group

Zippy_car

Trouble Maker
Joined
Sep 21, 2005
Location
Farm country, Sacramento, CA region
TDI
Previously:'02 Jetta. Now: '13 Subaru XV Crosstrek!

Portland Visitor's Guide

Want to get away? Here are 10 things to do in Portland that don’t take place at TDIfest:
1.Travel Portland Information Center
The Travel Portland Information Center offers regional brochures, maps and knowledgeable travel consultants who provide directions, recommendations and itinerary suggestions free of charge. Sharing the space with the center is the TriMet ticket office, which sells light rail, bus and streetcar passes. Across the square is KGW’s (Portland’s NBC affiliate) window-on-the-world television studio. Open: Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sundays (May-October) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Pioneer Courthouse Square
701 S.W. Sixth Avenue
Portland, Ore. 97204
503.275.8355

Public transit from Airport MAX Station:
  • MAX RED LINE TO CITY CENTER
  • STOP: PIONEER SQUARE

2. Take a boat ride
Enjoy a high speed river adventure aboard the 35-passenger Outrageous Jet Boat. Travel to one of three destinations — Portland Bridges Tour on the Willamette River, Historic Astoria or the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Excursions operate June to September. Please call for schedule and availability. Passengers must be 40 inches tall to ride.
110 S.E. Caruthers Street
503.224.3900 | 800.224.3901
www.portlandspirit.com
(Please call to make reservation – they are required.)
Public transit from Airport MAX Station:
  • Board MAX Red Line to City Center & Beaverton TC
  • Get off at Rose Quarter TC MAX Station
  • Board 4 Division/Fessenden to Gresham TC via Portland City Ctr
  • Get off at SE 7th & Grant
  • Walk 0.4 mile southwest to 110 SE Caruthers St

3. Portland Art Museum
Find out why the oldest museum in the Northwest, the Portland Art Museum, is internationally renowned for exciting art experiences. Located in the heart of downtown’s cultural district, the Museum’s campus includes an outdoor sculpture court and historical interiors.
Each Sunday features activities for families. Visit www.portlandartmuseum.org for a schedule of lectures, tours and special events.
1219 S.W. Park Avenue
Portland, Ore. 97205

503.226.2811
www.portlandartmuseum.org
Public transit from Airport MAX Station:
  • MAX Red Line to City Center & Beaverton TC
  • Get off at Galleria/SW 10th Ave MAX Station
  • Walk 0.3 mile south to 1219 SW Park Ave
4. Oregon Zoo
Trek through the tropics amid the sounds of birds, monkeys and other creatures. You’re not in West Africa; you’re in Portland at the zoo’s African Rain Forest exhibit. After you’ve survived the steamy tropics, dry off in the savanna, where giraffes, rhinos and hippos graze. From the crest of the Cascade Mountains to the coastal waters of Peru, travel around the world in an afternoon. Open daily at 9 a.m.; closing hours are seasonal. Admission charged; children two and younger free. Five minutes from downtown on Hwy. 26 West, or take MAX light rail.
Washington Park
4001 S.W. Canyon Road
Portland, Ore. 97221
503.226.1561
www.oregonzoo.org
Public transit from Airport MAX Station:
  • MAX Red Line to City Center & Beaverton TC
  • Get off at Washington Park MAX Station
  • Walk 0.4 mile southwest to 4001 SW Canyon Rd

5. International Rose Test Garden
Visit one of the largest and oldest rose test gardens in the country — for free. The International Rose Test Garden, just minutes from downtown Portland in Washington Park, has 7,000 rose bushes, spectacular views of the city and an onsite Rose Garden Gift Shop (call for hours). The garden is open daily, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Washington Park
400 S.W. Kingston Avenue
Portland, Ore. 97205
503.823.3636 | Gift Shop 503.227.7033
www.portlandparks.org/gardens/introsetestgarden.htm
Public transit from Airport MAX Station:
  • MAX Red Line to City Center & Beaverton TC
  • Get off at Washington Park MAX Station
  • Board 63 Washington Park to PGE Park
  • Get off at SW Fairview & Kingston
  • Walk 0.1 mile southeast to 400 SW Kingston Ave

6. Portland Japanese Garden
Nestled in the city’s scenic west hills, the Portland Japanese Garden is a haven of tranquil beauty which has been proclaimed one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan. Encompassing five and one half acres and offering five separate garden styles, the Garden includes an authentic Japanese Tea House, meandering streams, intimate walkways, and an unsurpassed view of Mt. Hood. Open daily, April 1–Sept. 30, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Oct. 1–March 31, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Open Mondays at noon. Offering events, workshops and cultural holiday celebrations.
Washington Park
Portland, Ore. 97205
503.223.1321
www.japanesegarden.com
Public transit from Airport MAX Station:
  • MAX Red Line to City Center & Beaverton TC
  • Get off at Washington Park MAX Station

7. Pittock Mansion
Nestled high in the West Hills of Portland, Pittock Mansion soars 1,000 feet above the city’s skyline. A century old symbol of Portland’s dramatic transformation from a small lumber town to a bustling city, it’s an architectural wonder. With picture perfect views of rivers, forests, bridges and mountaintops—and 23 storied rooms teeming with treasures—no other place in town offers a more breathtaking view and more revealing glimpse of Portland’s past. Open daily 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (February through June and September through December) and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily (July and August).
3229 N.W. Pittock Drive
Portland, Ore.
97210 503.823.3623
www.pittockmansion.org
Public transit from Airport MAX Station:
  • MAX Red Line to City Center & Beaverton TC
  • Get off at PGE Park MAX Station
  • Walk north to W Burnside & NW 19th
  • Board 20 Burnside/Stark to Beaverton TC
  • Walk 0.2 mile north to 3229 NW Pittock Dr

8.Portland Saturday Market
A distinctive Portland Experience at the nation’s largest weekly open-air arts and crafts market. Stroll down row upon row of unique arts and crafts created by the people who sell them. Listen to live local music and enjoy a plethora of exotic foods in our international food pavilion. Open rain or shine, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March through December 24th. Located in Portland’s historic Old Town at S.W. Ankeny and Naito Parkway and at the Skidmore Fountain MAX station. Make a $25 purchase and receive a free TriMet ticket or a two hour parking validation at any Smart Park garage.
S.W. Ankeny & Naito Parkway
Portland, Ore. 97209
503.222.6072
www.PortlandSaturdayMarket.com
Public transit from Airport MAX Station:
  • MAX Red Line to City Center & Beaverton TC
  • Get off at Skidmore Fountain MAX Station

9. PSU Farmer’s Market
Portland is known for its greenmarkets, and this one’s the biggest and the best. Hit the Portland Farmers’ Market on Saturday, located in the South Park Blocks. Each week the market boasts organically grown produce, fresh-baked breads, seafood and seasonal flowers. The market opens at 8:00 a.m. – get there early for best selection and least crowds.
Public transit from Airport MAX Station:
  • MAX Red Line to City Center & Beaverton TC
  • Get off at Gateway/NE 99th Ave TC MAX Station
  • Board MAX Green Line to City Center/PSU
  • Get off at PSU/SW 5th & Mill St MAX Station

10. Portland Chinese Garden
The Chinese Garden is one of Portland’s greatest treasures—a powerfully inspiring experience that takes you through time, offering a window into Chinese culture, history and way of thinking. Ever changing, Lan Su always has something new to offer - by the minute, by the hour, and with the seasons. Enter the wonderland.
239 Northwest Everett Street
Portland, Oregon 97209
503.228.8131
MAX Red Line to City Center & Beaverton TC
3:30pm Get off at Old Town/Chinatown MAX Station
Stop ID 8378
Walk 0.1 mile northwest to 239 NW Everett St
 
Last edited:

Zippy_car

Trouble Maker
Joined
Sep 21, 2005
Location
Farm country, Sacramento, CA region
TDI
Previously:'02 Jetta. Now: '13 Subaru XV Crosstrek!
mackconsult said:
I am surprised that the Gorge and the Beach are not on this list???
If you have ideas, by all means, please feel free to post them with as much information as you can, so others know what there is to do! That would be very helpful! Thanks you. :)
These are just some ideas to get started and wet people's appetites.
 

mackconsult

Veteran Member
Joined
Mar 12, 2009
Location
Vancouver, WA, USA
TDI
95 TDI Passat Wagon
No problem ...... happy to.

1) Drive out HWY 30 to Astoria then do the Seaside turn around, maybe even Cannon Beach. Come back on HWY 26.

2) Go East out I-84. Stop by Cascade Locks Marine Park, there will be a sailing small boat regatta happening run by CGRA. Continue East to Hood River, have lunch at the local hot spot our by the wind surfers. There is a small restaurant out by this hot spot called the sandbar I think, owned by a local proffesional sailor named Morgan Larson. Go across the hood river bridge and then head back west on HWY 14, one of the funnest roads in a TDI.

Zippy_car said:
If you have ideas, by all means, please feel free to post them with as much information as you can, so others know what there is to do! That would be very helpful! Thanks you. :)
These are just some ideas to get started and wet people's appetites.
 

JetPuf

Veteran Member
Joined
Sep 11, 2003
Location
Portland/Troutdale Oregon
TDI
White '98 Bug, Gray 2010 GL350
For sure smaller trips will be on a list of things to do, however these close in activities make for better family fun for those wanting to stay "close" to fest.
 

swo

Member
Joined
Jun 30, 2007
Location
Astoria,OR
TDI
2003 Jetta
mackconsult said:
No problem ...... happy to.

1) Drive out HWY 30 to Astoria then do the Seaside turn around, maybe even Cannon Beach. Come back on HWY 26.
As a native Astorian I should mention a few things to take in if you have the time/inclination while passing through the oldest town west of the Rockies... be warned, to do all of these would take most of a whole day....

1. Columbia River Maritime Museum ( Great Museum )
2. Astor Column ( One of the best views on the whole coast )
3. Flavel House
4. Uppertown Fire Fighters Museum
5. Fort George Brewery and Public House
6. Cape Disappointment across the river in WA
7. Fort Clatsop ( replica of fort where Lewis and Clark stayed during winter of 1806 )

If scrunched for time my .02 cents would be at least the Maritime Museum, the Astor Column and the Fort George Brewpub if you're into good beer ( order the sampler tray )

-scott
 

Zippy_car

Trouble Maker
Joined
Sep 21, 2005
Location
Farm country, Sacramento, CA region
TDI
Previously:'02 Jetta. Now: '13 Subaru XV Crosstrek!
More Fun things to do in Portland!

11: The Grotto (Family friendly/Adults only)
A peaceful oasis in the midst of the city, The Grotto is set among 62 acres of botanical gardens. As an internationally renowned Catholic sanctuary, The Grotto offers a place of peace and quiet reflection for all people. More than 100 beautifully sculpted statues and shrines are nestled among flower-lined pathways winding under towering firs. Peaceful reflection ponds, spectacular cliffside vistas and award-winning architecture offer inspiration for all who visit this natural gallery in the woods. Gardens and gift shop are open daily; group tours and daily Mass are also offered. Open year-round; hours vary.

Sandy Boulevard at N.E. 85th Avenue; Portland, Ore. 97294, 503.254.7371; www.thegrotto.org
Tri-Met:
  • Board MAX Red Line to City Center & Beaverton TC
  • Get off at Parkrose/Sumner TC MAX Station
  • Board 71 60th/122nd bus to Clackamas Town Center
  • Get off at NE Prescott & 87th
  • Walk 0.2 mile southwest to NE Sandy Blvd & NE 85th Ave
12: Oaks Park Amusement Park (Family Friendly)

Rides, go-karts, roller skating, picnic grounds, an historic dance pavilion and waterfront views make up this jewel of an amusement park only minutes from downtown Portland. Safe, wholesome, affordable family fun is always on the menu along with fries, hamburgers, corn dogs, cotton candy and more. Birthday parties, corporate picnics and family and class reunions are a few reasons why people visit. Families can come for a whole day of fun without breaking the bank. Bring your own picnic, order from the snack stands, or enjoy our catering department. Free parking, no admission charge and summer ride discounts. Safe, wholesome, affordable family fun—right in Portland’s back yard.
7805 S.E. Oaks Park Way; Portland, Ore. 97202; 503.233.5777; www.oakspark.com
Tri-Met:
  • Board MAX Red Line to City Center & Beaverton TC
  • Get off at Mall/SW 5th Ave MAX Station
  • Walk north to SW 5th & Alder
  • Board 35 Macadam to Oregon City TC
  • 5:04pm Get off at 8400 Block SW Macadam (Riverview)
13: Lloyd Center Ice Rink (family friendly)

Enjoy indoor ice skating at the Lloyd Center Ice Rink, located in Oregon’s largest mall. The ice rink is a fun place to skate and build memories. Those who don’t skate can shop tax-free at the mall’s 200 stores or enjoy a meal in the food court, which overlooks the rink. On Friday and Saturday nights, 7:30-10 p.m., the rink offers “Rock and Skate”, featuring a live DJ ($6 per person, including skate rental). Lloyd Center is located in the "Free Rail Zone," making it easily accessible via MAX light rail. Public skating every day; call for times.
Inside Lloyd Center Mall, Lower Level; N.E. Ninth Avenue at Multnomah Street;
Portland, Ore. 97232; 503.288.6073;
www.lloydcenterice.com
Tri-Met:
  • Board MAX Red Line to City Center & Beaverton TC
  • Get off at NE 7th Ave MAX Station
  • Walk 0.2 mile northeast to NE 9th Ave & NE Multnomah St
14: OMSI (family friendly)
One of the nation’s leading science museums, OMSI is 219,000 square feet of brain-powered fun! Five enormous halls bring science to life with hundreds of interactive exhibits and displays. You can experience an earthquake, take part in live lab demonstrations, see a movie in the OMNIMAX® Dome Theater, explore the universe in a world-class planetarium and even tour a real submarine! Dine at our riverfront Market Café and visit the Science Store for the best in science books, games and gadgets. Located on the east bank of the Willamette River. Our regular hours are Tuesday – Sunday from 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Our summer hours, beginning mid-June, are daily from 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. Visit www.omsi.edu for the most current information.
1945 S.E. Water Avenue; Portland, Ore. 97214; 503.797.4000; www.omsi.edu
Tri-Met:
  • Board MAX Red Line to City Center & Beaverton TC
  • Get off at Rose Quarter TC MAX Station
  • Board 4 Division/Fessenden to Gresham TC via Portland City Ctr
  • Get off at Hawthorne Bridge
  • Walk 0.3 mile south to 1945 SE Water Ave
15: Willamette Jetboats (family friendly)

See Portland’s waterfront and more aboard the Willamette Jetboats. Enjoy the area’s sights, history and scenic beauty while experiencing the fun and excitement found only in a jet boat. See giant ships, bridges, elegant riverfront homes, historic Oregon City and the majestic Willamette Falls. Two-hour excursions start at $35 for adults; lower prices for children. One-hour trips are also available in July and August. Reservations highly recommended.
1945 S.E. Water Avenue; OMSI Submarine Dock; Portland, Ore. 97214
503.231.1532 | 888.JETBOAT (538.2628);
www.willamettejet.com
Tri-Met:
  • Board MAX Red Line to City Center & Beaverton TC
  • Get off at Rose Quarter TC MAX Station
  • Board 4 Division/Fessenden to Gresham TC via Portland City Ctr
  • Get off at Hawthorne Bridge
  • Walk 0.3 mile south to 1945 SE Water Ave
16: Tilamook Cheese Factory (Family friendly)
Located 78 miles west of Portland on the Oregon coast, the Tillamook Cheese Factory is a must-see Oregon attraction. Take a free self-guided tour; view the cheese making and packaging processes; sample the award-winning cheese; shop for cheese, gourmet foods and unique gifts; enjoy breakfast or lunch in the café and treat yourself to delicious Tillamook Ice Cream in a freshly baked waffle cone. Visit throughout 2009 to celebrate their 100th Anniversary. Open daily (excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas): 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the summer; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the winter.

4175 Hwy. 101 N.; Tillamook, Ore. 97141; 503.815.1300 | 800.542.7290 www.tillamookcheese.com
17: Oregon Wine Country Day Trip (Adult only; all day event)
Oregon's wine country is to be savored at a leisurely pace.
Plan a day for visiting the tasting rooms of the vineyards and wineries– most are open daily. Or leave the driving to someone else: namely, the experts at Beautiful Willamette Tours, EcoTours of Oregon, Grape Escape Winery Tours, A Great Oregon Wine Tour, My Chauffeur Wine Tours, A Nose For Wine Tours, Sea to Summit Adventures or Wine Tours Northwest.Visit our online partner directory for a complete list of winery partners.


18: World Forestry Center (Family friendly)
Built in dramatic Cascadian style architecture, you'll marvel at the intricate hand carvings and grand entry outside, and delight in all new exhibits inside--hands-on, interactive exhibits designed to engage visitors to learn about the sustainability of forests and trees of the Pacific Northwest and around the world.

4033 SW Canyon Rd; Phone: 503- 228-1367; www.worldforestrycenter.org/
Tri-Met:
  • Board MAX Red Line to City Center & Beaverton TC
  • Get off at Washington Park MAX Station
  • Walk 0.1 mile southwest to World Forestry Center
19: Baseball Games (Adult only/Family friendly)
http://www.pgepark.com/eventsschedule/index.html

Timbers vs. Puerto Rico Islanders
Date: Thursday September 02, 2010
Time: 7:00 PM
*Fan Appreciation Night- Super Giveaway Day for the first 2,000 fans *Miller Lite Thursday.
Beavers vs. Las Vegas
Date: Friday September 03, 2010
Time: 7:05 PM
*Fan Appreciation Weekend - $1 tickets - Post-game fireworks *1$ Menu Friday - Zenner's hot dogs, Sierra Springs water and Fudgsicle & Creamsicle treats are $1 every Friday. Post-game fireworks on select nights.
Beavers vs. Las Vegas
Date: Sunday September 05, 2010
Time: 2:05 PM

*Fan Appreciation Weekend - $1 tickets - Kids Run the Show *Kids Sunday - Join our family for Kids Sundays, featuring Kids Eat Free prior to the first pitch, player autographs, pre-game catch on the field, face painters, balloon artists and more.



20: family Fun Center & Bullwinkle’s Restaurant

This amazing 6-acre amusement park is centrally located between Portland and Salem. The Family Fun Center & Bullwinkle’s Restaurant has something for everyone! Enjoy Go Karts, Lazer Tag, Miniature Golf, Bumper Boats, Batting Cages, Max Flight Cyber Coaster, Kidopolis Playland, Two-Story Arcade and much more! Don’t forget to visit Bullwinkle’s Restaurant for a wide selection of pizzas, hamburgers, sandwiches, salads and desserts! Open Year Round, RAIN or SHINE! Visit website for pricing, specials and current hours. Located off I-5, Exit 283–Wilsonville (20 minutes South of Portland). When it comes to FUN, we don’t “MOOSE” around!

29111 S.W. Town Center Loop West; Wilsonville, Ore. 97070; 503.685.5000
www.fun-center.com



FOOD FOR THOUGHT If you have 5 days in Portland...
http://extramsg.com/portland-food/portland-iacp-eating-itinerary/


If you are interested in Portland restaurants, you can search and post on this message board:
Portlandfood.org


And Portland has an incredible food cart scene -- cheap and fast and fun!
A great cart info source is: http://www.foodcartsportland.com/
 

tongboy

Veteran Member
Joined
May 24, 2006
Location
Portland, OR
TDI
91 Jetta TDI Swap, 97 M3 LS1 Swap
the zoo, japanese and rose gardens all belong on that family friendly list.

oaks park kinda sucks, it's really like a permanent carnival
 
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