portland

Nature-Filled Places in Portland, Oregon to Check Out With Your Family

There are plenty of places you can visit with your family. However, for a more serene experience, you ought to visit somewhere that is surrounded by nature. You can enjoy plenty of benefits when you surround yourself with nature. Apart from feeling at peace with yourself, there is also the aesthetic side of things. A bit of greenery will always give your mood the boost it needs to carry on with the week. So here are a few nature-filled places for you to check out with your family in Portland, Oregon.

Forest Park

The Forest Park includes 70 miles of trails located in the northwest corner of Portland . Runners and hikers take to this park as an escape from the busy city life. People are also allowed to bring their dogs, as long as they keep them leashed. 

The Forest Park is known to the locals as a natural air purifier, thanks to its green landscape full of trees. The park supports over 150 species of birds and various animals.

The Wildwood Trail and the Macleay Park Trail are two of the most popular trails at Forest Park. Ideally set up for hiking and jogging, you can visit the park with your family just to hang around. However, before you do so, you should check up on the Portland, Oregon weather

The best time to visit Portland is from early July to late August. During this time, the skies are clear and sunny, with little chance of rain. Even then, stay updated on the weather app, preferably one that uses real-time data to provide you reports on the latest weather conditions.

Washington Park

Washington Park has everything you could want from a family recreational spot. This 410-acre park has gardens, memorials, museums, and a zoo too. It also houses one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan. The park is surrounded by Forest Park. So you can check out both these places on the same day if you have time. 

One of the most popular tourist attractions at Washington Park is the Oregon Zoo. Kids love visiting the zoo and they will surely enjoy this one too. Oregon Zoo is home to over two thousand animals. Not only is it a great sight to feast your eyes on, but it also allows your children to see some new animals and learn new things about them.

The Portland Japanese Garden is another attraction at Washington Park that you cannot miss. As mentioned before, it is one of the most authentic Japanese gardens away from the land of the rising sun. That is because it manages to accurately incorporate all the elements in these types of gardens in a picturesque manner. From the quiet streams to the arrangement of the walkways, everything here is made to look exactly like the real thing.

Lan Su Chinese Garden

The Lan Su Chinese Garden opened in 2000 and is a garden built in the Ming Dynasty style. It incorporates 2000-year-old Chinese traditions in its architecture and design. 

The Portland garden is surrounded by nature. In it, you will come across beautiful koi ponds. There is plenty of fish in these ponds that can entertain you for hours. You and your kids can spend an entire day just by watching the koi play around in the water.

Besides koi ponds, you will also find some beautiful walkways and bridges placed all around the garden. These paths have been designed beautifully using traditional Chinese techniques. The goal here is to make you feel peaceful while you take a stroll around the Chinese Garden.

You can also meditate inside the garden if you want. Later on, feel free to enjoy a warm cup of tea at Tao of Tea which is an authentic tea house situated inside the gardens. 

The garden also hosts various events that you can attend while in Portland. Among them, the Chinese New Year celebration is one of the most intriguing ones. This event will let you and your family explore the rich culture and history of China. 

For entry into the Lan Su Chinese Garden, one has to purchase tickets. Adult tickets are priced at $12.9. Seniors (61+ years) have to pay $11.95. Students need only pay $9.95, while kids under 5 can enter for free.

So do check these places out with your family if they seem interesting enough. One thing is for sure, you will not be disappointed once you visit.