Free Library Fun:
Summer Reading
Read for fun and to win prizes this summer. Our theme this year is finding your voice!
Makerspace
Teens entering grades 6-12 are welcome to come hang out, create independent projects with art supplies, get to know the makerspace equipment, use the tablets and laptops, and more!
Events & Programs
Keep an eye on our Events page for upcoming summer programs for the whole family!
My Discovery Pass
Visit museums and other cultural institutions for free with this program available for Multnomah County Library cardholders.
Free activities throughout Multnomah County:
Fairview’s Flicks in the Park
Free family movies at Fairview’s Community Park
Gresham Arts Festival
Celebrate the arts at the annual Gresham Arts Festival in downtown Gresham, featuring artists from the Pacific Northwest, a Kids Village, local cuisine, treats and beverages.
Gresham’s Summer Kids in the Park (SKIP)
Free activities and lunch in three Gresham parks.
Interactive Fountains and Splash Pads
All of Portland’s interactive fountains should be on by mid-May. Also check out Gresham’s Children’s Fountain.
Kids Bowl Free
Sign up your kids for two free games of bowling each day this summer at one of the participating bowling centers.
Parks & Rec
Visit parks in Fairview, Gresham, Portland, Troutdale and Wood Village. A couple of parks we want to highlight are Gabriel Park with its inclusive playground for all abilities, and Verdell Burdine Rutherford Park with its renovated playground area.
Portland’s Summer Free for All
Portland Parks and Recreation is back with a full schedule for 2023: concerts, movies, performing arts, plus free lunch and play.
Portland’s Sunday Parkways
Series of free events opening Portland’s streets to walk, bike, roll, and discover
Troutdale’s Movies in the Park
Family movies shown at Troutdale’s Imagination Station
Summer lunches and other food resources:
Free Summer Lunches for Kids
Each summer, Oregon offers summer meal sites for children ages 1 to 18. Some programs offer learning activities for children before and after meals. There are several ways to find places to eat in your area. Find a site near you.
Meals 4 Kids
This site helps qualifying children and families within the City of Portland. Please visit their website to complete the form.
Oregon Food Bank
Find food near you with this interactive map
Reasonably priced summer fun:
Come Thru Market
Open on first and third Mondays from May to October, this farmer’s market centers Black and Indigenous farmers and makers.
Farmers' Markets
Who knew an ear of corn or fresh tomato could improve your health, your community and the environment, all at the same time? Buying local foods is a simple way to do all three!
Ladybug Walks
Walks for kids ages 0-6 are held on various mornings at different locations and cost $5 per child (with discounts available). Walks feature age-appropriate environmental science education, and kids get to borrow a cute ladybug backpack for the walk.
Portland Indigenous Marketplace
Features art, jewelry, fashion, food, and wellness and is holding several events throughout the summer.
Preschool Rides at Oaks Park
Oaks Park is open especially for children ages 6 and under on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from June 20-August 30 (excluding July 4 and 5). Admission for preschoolers is reduced from the usual rate, and parents can ride free.
RACC Arts for All Program
Show your EBT/Oregon Trail card to get $5 tickets to arts and cultural events at places like OMSI, Oregon Children's Theater and Portland Art Museum.
This article was written for our Family Newsletter, available in English and Spanish. Please sign up here and you can email us at learning@multcolib.org with any questions.
