Categories > Guides and Tips
Try These 6 Best Indoor Activities in Portland for a Good Time, Rain or Shine
Sometimes the weather just isn’t on our side, or maybe we’re just in the mood to stay cozy inside. But hey, that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop!
From art museums to cozy comic shops, Portland’s got plenty of indoor spots with something unique to offer.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through some of the best indoor activities in the city. I’ll highlight what makes each place special and why it might become your new favorite hangout!
1. Wander through the Portland Art Museum
Media credit: portlandartmuseum
Location: 1219 SW Park Ave
Contact: 503-226-2811
Operating hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cost: $25 for adults, $22 for seniors 62+ and college students, and free for children 17 and under
Website
Walking through the Portland Art Museum feels like stepping into a new world each time, and I’ve got to say, it’s always a great experience!
One of the exhibits I was most excited about was Monet’s Floating Worlds at Giverny, which showcases the restoration of his iconic water lilies. Seeing the piece up close was incredible, and the colors really popped in a way that photos just can’t capture.
Then, there’s the Psychedelic Rock Posters and Fashion of the 1960s exhibit. The posters are wild, and it’s a deep dive into the creativity and free-spirited vibes of the 60s.
The museum always has something new lined up, so there’s something fresh to check out every time.
Pro tip: On the first Thursday of every month, enjoy free admission to the Portland Art Museum from 10 AM to 8 PM. If you’re planning to visit, be sure to reserve your tickets online one week in advance for guaranteed entry!
2. Get wild at Playdate PDX
Media credit: playdate_pdx
Location: 1434 NW 17th Ave
Contact: (503) 227 – 7529
Cost: $10 all-day play weekdays, $15 all-day play weekends and holidays (including non-school days), adults play free! (must wear socks in the structure)
I had such a blast at Playdate PDX! I couldn’t help but join in on the interactive dance floors, and let me tell you, it was a workout.
The Ball Cannon Area was another fun spot where I got in on the action (socks on, of course)—way more fun than I expected!
While the kids were busy playing, I got to relax in the dining area with the other parents. I treated myself to a latte and margherita pizza, and I was pleasantly surprised by their gluten-free options.
It was a nice way to recharge while keeping an eye on the little ones. It definitely felt like a party in some ways, but I never felt left out as an adult.
Pro tip: For a fun and interactive family experience, check out the free Friday Night Puppet Show! It’s a great break from playtime, with engaging performances for everyone.
3. Taste the unexpected at Voodoo Doughnut
Media credit: voodoodoughnut
Location: 1501 NE Davis St
Contact: +15032414704
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 6:00 AM – 3:00 AM
Cost: $24 classic dozen, $32 voodoo dozen, $33 vegan dozen
Website
The scent of sugar and fried dough hits before you even step inside Voodoo Doughnut. The place has a retro vibe, funky pink walls, and over-the-top doughnuts that are just as fun to look at as they are to eat.
I’m talking about things like Bacon Maple Bar (yep—actual bacon on a doughnut) and the Cherry Cola that’s stuffed with cherry filling and finished off with a cola frosting and fizzy candy.
They’ve got vegan-friendly options too, so pretty much everyone can get in on the fun. With over 40 unique doughnut varieties, it honestly felt like I could come back ten times and still find something new each time.
Pro tip: Craving a doughnut that’s all your own? Customize it! Pick your flavors, fillings, and toppings, and let the team create your perfect treat.
4. Flip through hidden gems at Books with Pictures
Media credit: bookswpictures
Location: 1401 SE Division St
Contact: (503) 841-6276
Operating hours:
- Monday – Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
What really warms my heart about Books with Pictures is that this Eisner-Award-winning shop was built from the ground up with inclusivity at its core.
The shelves celebrate all kinds of voices, from queer stories and fierce heroines to beautifully illustrated kids’ comics. I especially loved stumbling across Berserk by Kentaro Miura, the dark,
gripping manga about a swordsman battling demons in a brutal world.
Another favorite was Suncatcher by Jose Pimienta, a graphic novel about a young musician who finds out her grandfather’s soul is trapped inside his old guitar. The selection pulls you in, and I lost track of time flipping through shelves, then walked out with a stack of new reads.
Pro tip: To make the most of your visit, join regular events like “Book with Pals”, where they dive into a new graphic novel each month. They sometimes hold events with special guest authors and artists, so you’ll surely have loads of fun.
5. Catch a show at Aladdin Theater
Media credit: aladdintheater
Location: 3017 SE Milwaukie Ave
Contact: 503-234-9694
Operating hours: Tuesday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cost: $30 to $60 general admission (depends on the artist and demand), $100 to $200 premiums seating/VIP packages
The Aladdin Theater in Portland is one of those places that really sticks with you. While it mostly hosts live music performances, it occasionally screens films too.
I love how the place feels so intimate. With about 600 seats, it’s big enough to draw big-name performances but small enough that you never feel lost in the crowd. I had a blast catching Sun Kuti and Geordie Greep live with my friends—the energy that night was something else!
The vibe is chill, yet feels like a party. And what’s a party without great food? I went for the Double Mountain pizza and soda—no regrets. They’ve also got snacks, wraps, salads, and local craft beer.
Pro tip: As much as our foodie selves crave particular snacks, no outside food drink is allowed (except from their food bar). You can, however, bring in empty refillable water bottles to fill up inside!
6. Sip and chill at McMenamins Kennedy School
Media credit: mcmenaminskennedyschool
Location: 5736 NE 33rd Ave
Contact: +15032493983
Operating hours:
- Check-in: 3:00 PM
- Check-out: 11:00 AM
Cost:
- Rooms: same rate for single or double occupancy ($25 per additional person after double), kids 6 & under stay free
- Movie theater: $6 per person, $4 for kids 12 & under, free for kids 2 & under
McMenamins Kennedy School is one of the coolest places I’ve stayed in Portland. It’s a 1915 elementary school turned hotel where the schoolhouse charm still lives on in the art-lined halls.
There’s so much to do without leaving the building. I started my evening with dinner at the Cypress Room (a former classroom!). I then watched a movie in their old-school Kennedy School Theater, where you can sink into a comfy sofa with a drink in hand.
Of course, we grabbed drinks at the Boiler Room and explored a few of the other bars tucked around the place, each with its own vibe. It’s one of those places that feels like its own little world.
Pro tip: Wander through hallways filled with murals, photos, and artwork on their History & Art Tour! Tickets are just $15, available on their website. If you prefer to go solo, you can grab a guided pamphlet at the front desk or download a digital copy.
