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Arts & Theater

🎭 Arts & Theater for Kids in Portland, OR

15 children's theater, art studios, and performing arts rated and reviewed by families.

Activities & Venues in Portland

Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum museum in Portland, OR🎨 Museum
Photo: Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum

Home to Howard Hughes' legendary Spruce Goose, the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum is a paradise for kids fascinated by flight and space exploration. Children can explore over 200 aircraft and spacecraft, climb into cockpits, experience flight simulators, and get hands-on with interactive exhibits that bring aviation history to life in an exciting, kid-friendly way.

🕑 3-4 hours

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Sherwood Center for the Arts point of interest in Sherwood, OR🎭 Theater
Photo: Tammy Steffens
4.8(232)$14 mi · Sherwood

The Sherwood Center for the Arts brings culture and creativity to life for families in the Portland metro area. This welcoming community theater offers an impressive lineup of family-friendly performances throughout the year, from Broadway-style productions to youth theater showcases where local kids take the stage. With its stellar 4.8-star rating and diverse programming, it's become a beloved destination for introducing children to the magic of live performing arts.

🕑 Most performances run 1.5-2.5 hours including intermission; plan extra time for pre-show arrival and post-show discussions

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Pittock Mansion historical landmark in Portland, OR🎨 Museum
Photo: Andrew
4.7(8,128)$

Pittock Mansion offers families a perfect blend of history, nature, and breathtaking views of Portland and Mount Hood. Kids can explore the grand 1914 French Renaissance-style mansion with its fascinating period rooms, then burn off energy on the surrounding hiking trails while enjoying some of the city's most spectacular panoramic vistas.

🕑 1.5-2.5 hours (30-45 minutes for the mansion tour, plus time for grounds exploration and hiking)

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Gresham Center for the Arts Plaza point of interest in Gresham, OR🎭 Theater
Photo: Tyler
4.9(34)$12 mi · Gresham

The Gresham Center for the Arts Plaza is a welcoming community hub where families can experience live performances tailored for young audiences, enroll kids in creative youth theater programs, and explore hands-on art classes together. With an impressive 4.9-star rating, this locally-loved venue offers an affordable alternative to big-city theater while fostering your child's appreciation for the performing and visual arts.

🕑 1.5-2.5 hours for performances; art classes typically run 60-90 minutes

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Kiggins Theatre movie theater in Vancouver, WA🎭 Theater
Photo: Jason W.
4.7(613)$8 mi · Vancouver

Step back in time at the Kiggins Theatre, a beautifully restored 1936 cinema in downtown Vancouver that offers a refreshingly affordable alternative to modern multiplexes. This single-screen gem shows a mix of family-friendly new releases, beloved classics, and special events in a charming historic setting that gives kids a taste of old-fashioned moviegoing complete with vintage décor and a welcoming community atmosphere.

🕑 2-3 hours (including pre-show arrival and the movie)

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Northwest Children's Theater performing arts theater in Portland, OR🎭 Theater
Photo: Northwest Children's Theater

Northwest Children's Theater brings professional-quality theatrical productions designed specifically for young audiences to Portland's downtown arts district. With carefully curated plays and musicals that captivate children while entertaining adults, this beloved theater company has earned rave reviews for introducing kids to the magic of live performance in an age-appropriate, engaging environment.

🕑 1.5-2 hours including pre-show arrival time

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Walters Cultural Arts Center cultural center in Hillsboro, OR🎭 Theater
Photo: Gregory Burnett
4.7(287)$15 mi · Hillsboro

The Walters Cultural Arts Center brings the magic of live theater and arts to families in historic downtown Hillsboro. This welcoming community venue offers family-friendly theater productions, concerts, and hands-on art classes in a beautifully restored building that makes culture accessible and fun for all ages.

🕑 1-2 hours for most theater productions; art classes vary from 1-3 hours

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Portland Art Museum art museum in Portland, OR🎨 Museum
Photo: Jimmy Goddard
4.6(6,211)$$$

The Portland Art Museum welcomes families with thoughtfully designed kid-friendly galleries and hands-on art activities that make exploring fine art accessible and fun for young visitors. With rotating exhibits spanning diverse cultures and time periods, plus dedicated family programs, this museum transforms art appreciation into an interactive adventure that sparks creativity and conversation.

🕑 1.5-2.5 hours

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Lakewood Center for the Arts/Lakewood Theatre Company performing arts theater in Lake Oswego, OR🎭 Theater
Photo: Shelley Aisner

Lakewood Center for the Arts brings the magic of live theater to families in Lake Oswego with a delightful mix of community productions, children's performances, and hands-on arts education programs. This beloved community theater offers kids their first taste of the performing arts in an intimate, welcoming setting where they can see high-quality shows and even participate in classes and camps.

🕑 Typical children's theater performances run 60-90 minutes, while full-length productions may be 2-2.5 hours including intermission

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Portland Japanese Garden garden in Portland, OR🛝 Playground
Photo: Dave Matthys

The Portland Japanese Garden offers families a serene cultural experience with stunning traditional gardens, koi ponds, and authentic tea house. This peaceful 12-acre hillside sanctuary provides an excellent opportunity to introduce children to Japanese culture, mindfulness, and the beauty of nature through winding paths, tranquil water features, and seasonal blooms.

🕑 1.5-2 hours

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Sugarpine Drive-In restaurant in Troutdale, OR🎭 Theater
Photo: Sugarpine Drive-In
4.5(1,917)$$14 mi · Troutdale

Sugarpine Drive-In brings back the magic of classic Americana with a family-friendly twist in Troutdale. This outdoor theater lets kids experience the novelty of watching movies from your car under the stars, complete with concession stand treats and double features that make for an unforgettable evening out.

🕑 4-6 hours for a full double feature experience (plan for 10 PM-midnight finish), or 2-3 hours if just staying for the first movie

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Oaks Amusement Park amusement park in Portland, OR🎢 Amusement Park
Photo: Oaks Amusement Park
4.4(7,421)$$

Oaks Amusement Park is a beloved Portland treasure that's been delighting families since 1905, offering a perfect blend of nostalgic charm and classic amusement park fun. With everything from thrilling rides and a wooden roller coaster to an indoor skating rink, arcade games, and miniature golf, there's something to keep every family member entertained without the overwhelming crowds of mega theme parks.

🕑 3-4 hours

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Also in Portland Metro