20 Free Things to Do with Kids in April

Kids are expensive. Your fun this month doesn’t have to be!

Find spring blooms. Spring has sprung! We round up the best places to spot newly sprouted blooms, including free spots like Tryon Creek, Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Happy Valley Library and Laurelhurst Park.

Fireside chat. Visit Sellwood Community House each Friday at 11:15 am for its Fireside Stories. Cozy up next to the fire, sing songs and and listen to storytellers. Perfect for those rainy April days!

Check out art. While kids ages 17 and under are always free at the Portland Art Museum, on the first Thursday of each month, everyone else can also check out the exhibits at no cost. This month, visit on April 4 for Free First Thursdays. Kids will especially love the Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks exhibition.

Instrument intro. Explore music, singing and dancing at the Craft Factory with music educator David Pollack every Friday at 9:30 am. Get there early to have your little make their own shaker!

Explore a new neighborhood. In our Neighborhood Guide, we highlight family-friendly spots to eat and play in neighborhoods across the quadrants.

Story time for littles. Every Thursday at 10 am, visit Sunrise Books on Fremont for toddler story time. Great for kiddos ages 18 months to 4 years. There’s singing, dancing and a book reading.

Roll out. Check out these kid-friendly bike paths. They’re also great for roller skates (and strollers!).

Craft something. Get crafty with the kids by checking out our Hands On crafts projects. Pro tip: Many of these crafts can be made with items you have at home. Or check our Kids Calendar for free craft times at the library. Many also have make-and-take craft kits to go!

Explore underwater. Check out the underwater viewing window at the Wildwood Recreation Site near Welches.

Fix it. The friendly folks at Repair PDX can help you get your household items and goods fixed — for free! Join them on April 6 from 9 am to 1 pm.

Totally Trillium. Usher in spring during the annual Tryon Trillium Festival. This year’s festivities are on April 6 from 9 am to 2 pm and include a native plant sale, a gardening resources fair and all-ages nature stations.

For the love of Marimba. Watch student performers of MyLinda King of Boka Marimba as they play marimba music of Zimbabwe and beyond at The 2830 venue space. There’s also a raffle for an African-inspried quilt, an African Marketplace and food and snacks.

Sing along. Join Mr. Ben on Sundays at 10 am at Wonderwood Springs for a fun sing-along time.

Celebrate Earth. Head to Multnomah Village for Earth Day. There’s live music, art, food and drink and community activities to show your love for Mother Earth.

Make your mark. The Spring Makers Market at Dennis’ 7 Dees Garden Center in Vancouver features more than 25 makers, artists and craftspeople from the Pacific Northwest. Food and drinks from local vendors will also be available.

Powwow. Enjoy Native made arts and crafts, explore information tables, enjoy food vendors and more at the Native American Parent Association of SW Washington annual Vancouver powwow. There will also be dancing and drumming!

To market. Support local and peruse clothing, jewelry, home goods and much more at the Portland Night Market on April 26.

Bake for kids in foster care. Check out this kid-friendly volunteer opportunity you can do from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Park for free. Metro Free Parking Day is April 18! Enjoy free parking at Oxbow and Blue Lake regional parks, Broughton Beach, Chinook Landing Marine Park, and M. James Gleason Memorial Boat Ramp. Plus, on April 20, get free entrance to national parks, including including Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, North Cascades National Park, and Crater Lake.

Keep teens busy. TeenForce is a free, after school program at five community centers around the city and is available for youth ages 10 to 20. The pass includes access to designated open swims, gyms and more.