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15 Fun Things to Do on Your Birthday in Portland

15 Fun Things to Do on Your Birthday in Portland

| Last Updated: January 2024

Ever feel like celebrating your birthday at home is just a replay of last year’s routine? If that déjà vu vibe hits you too, it’s time to spice things up and explore unique fun options right here in Portland! 

The city has loads of cool stuff to offer, so the real question is, what’s gonna make your special day feel, well, special?

Don’t worry – we have a list below that’s sure to stir up some ideas for your epic birthday bash!

Grab a birthday cake at Jaciva’s Bakery and Chocolatier

Website: http://www.jacivas.com/ 

Address: 4733 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97215, United States

Contact Details: +1 503-234-8115

Operating hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Kick off your birthday by getting a cake from Jaciva’s Bakery and Chocolatier – it’s one of the coolest things to do for your birthday, especially if you’re a fan of tasty treats! They have all sorts of cakes that not only look amazing but also taste delicious. 

But the best part is that you can even get a custom-made birthday cake. Just make sure the details are all set so they can bring your vision to life.

Now, aside from cakes, you can also load up on other goodies like chocolates and baked treats. It’s truly the perfect spot if you’re looking to sweeten up your special day.

Check out the Portland Art Museum

Website: https://portlandartmuseum.org/ 

Address: 1219 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97205, United States

Contact Details: +1 503-226-2811

Operating hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

If you’re into art, the Portland Art Museum is a great spot to hit on your birthday. 

This fantastic museum boasts an extensive and diverse permanent collection spanning various periods in history. You’ll even find works by renowned artists, including Van Gogh, Monet, and Cezanne.

And here’s an extra perk: if your birthday happens to fall on the first Thursday of the month, you and your whole family can enjoy free admission to the museum – courtesy of their free days program!

Enjoy a meal at Chart House

Website: https://www.chart-house.com/location/chart-house-portland-or/ 

Address: 5700 SW Terwilliger Blvd, Portland, OR 97239, United States

Contact Details: +1 503-246-6963

Operating hours: Monday – Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Wednesday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM | Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Why not treat yourself and your buddies to a good meal at Chart House? The place has a bunch of great options, like seafood, steaks, and seriously yummy desserts, including our favorite Lava Cake.

One cool thing about this spot is that you get to enjoy a nice view while you eat. Imagine sitting there, looking out at the Willamette River, with a view of Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, and Mt. Adams on a clear day!

And for your special day, you can have that whole view to yourself in their private dining area, whether you’re planning a small get-together or a bigger celebration.

Shop til you drop at Pioneer Place

Website: https://www.pioneerplace.com/en.html 

Address: 700 SW 5th Ave, Portland, OR 97204, United States

Contact Details: +1 503-228-5800

Operating hours: Monday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 P

For a birthday bash in Portland, shopping is definitely a fun must-do. Whether you’re flying solo or bringing along your best pals. Portland has some awesome shopping spots, and one gem is Pioneer Place. 

It’s an indoor shopping mall boasting over 100 stores, making it a paradise for a shopping spree. Plus, there are loads of restaurants around, so you can pair your shopping extravaganza with some good eats. 

After you and your crew grab a bite, why not keep the shopping party going? It’s your birthday, after all!

Go for a dinner cruise on the Willamette River 

– Media by sonironi76

Website: https://www.viator.com/tours/Portland/Sunset-Dinner-Cruise/d5065-74031P2 

Address: Portland, OR, USA

For your special day, consider a unique activity like a 2.5-hour dinner cruise on the Willamette River. It’s a blast: you get awesome views, live music, and some seriously tasty food – all perfect for hanging out with your buddies!

In this tour, you’ll catch the city skyline from the water, which is always a spectacular sight. Along the way, you’ll also spot some of the city’s top landmarks, making it a perfect activity for some sightseeing. 

Plus, when you book this tour, it comes with a private reserved table (window seating is not guaranteed though!). This lets you have an intimate birthday dinner experience.

Treat yourself to a book at Powell’s City of Books

Website: https://www.powells.com/locations/powells-city-of-books 

Address: 1005 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209, United States

Contact Details: +1 800-878-7323

Operating hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Are you a book lover? Then, you definitely have to swing by Powell’s City of Books!

It’s this big independent bookstore with a massive collection of both new and used books as well as some rare ones. You’re sure to find the perfect gift for yourself here with such vast options. 

Now, here’s the cherry on top – the bookstore now has the Guilder Cafe open. After grabbing a book, you can chill there with a coffee – nice spot if you want a laid-back birthday with just yourself.

The place also often hosts events. Going to one of these can also be a fantastic way to celebrate your birthday in Portland – if you don’t mind being alone or having a small company, that is!

Website: https://www.thecookiedoughcafe.com/ 

Address: 120 NW 13th Ave, Portland, OR 97209, United States

Contact Details: +1 503-477-7985

Operating hours: Monday – Tuesday: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Wednesday: 12:30 PM – 9:00 PM | Thursday and Sunday: 12:30 PM – 10:00 PM | Friday – Saturday: 12:30 PM – 10:30 PM

For the birthday guy or gal with a sweet tooth, check out The Cookie Dough Cafe – a great spot to satisfy your dessert cravings on your special day! They serve up delicious treats, but it’s really their cookie dough that takes the spotlight.

With various flavors like strawberry, cookies & cream, and more, you’re in for a delightful experience. And yes, you can go for more than one scoop!

They also sell ice cream here, so if you’re torn between cookie dough and ice cream, opt for the half-and-half. Here’s a quick tip: the vanilla ice cream pairs exceptionally well with any cookie dough flavor you choose, so you might want to start with that. 

Learn new things at OMSI

Website: https://omsi.edu/ 

Address: 1945 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR 97214, United States

Contact Details: +1 503-797-4000

Operating hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Looking to add a bit of learning to your birthday celebration? Consider checking out the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). 

It’s a museum dedicated to science and technology, featuring a variety of permanent exhibits. These exhibitions cover a range of disciplines, from natural history to modern industry.

Here, you can discover the USS Blueback submarine or catch captivating planetarium and theater shows. There’s a cafe inside too if you need a quick bite (which you’ll need if you’re planning to take the whole day at the place!).

And before you go, swing by the science store; you might just find a quirky birthday gift to remember your OMSI celebration.

Have a luxurious stay at Jupiter Hotel

Website: https://www.jupiterhotel.com/ 

Address: 800 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214, United States

Contact Details: +1 503-230-9200

For a touch of luxury on your birthday, consider treating yourself to a stay at the stylish Jupiter Hotel in Portland. This boutique hotel promises a relaxing experience with its fancy rooms, boasting sweeping views from the historic Central Eastside to the glittering West Hills.

When it comes to dining, their on-site restaurant, Hey Love, serves up one of the best local bar bites and late-night eats. And here’s a bonus – the hotel features a music venue where you can enjoy live music most nights of the week until 11:30 PM.

Throw a memorable birthday bash at Topgolf

Website: https://topgolf.com/us/hillsboro/ 

Address: 5505 NE Huffman St, Hillsboro, OR 97124, United States

Contact Details: +1 503-549-5197

Operating hours: Monday – Thursday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Friday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM | Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM | Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Looking for a fantastic spot to host a fun birthday party with your friends? Topgolf is the place to be if you’re into golf mini-games. They welcome all kinds of parties and events, including birthday celebrations, of course!

Here, you get to play with special golf balls that a computer keeps track of. It’s a blast for small groups or larger gatherings with 13 or more players. 

And here’s the best part – their all-inclusive packages cover game play, food, full-service bars, and a dedicated staff to ensure your birthday party runs like clockwork. 

Spend the day at Oaks Amusement Park

Website: http://oakspark.com/ 

Address: 7805 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland, OR 97202, United States 

Contact Details: +1 503-233-5777

Operating hours: Monday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Tuesday – Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM, and 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM | Thursday: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Friday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM | Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM | Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM – 11:30 PM

If you’re a fan of attractions, spending your birthday at Oaks Amusement Park is an absolute must. Despite being a smaller amusement park, it offers a wide variety of rides and attractions that promise a day full of fun. 

From two roller coasters to a Ferris wheel and more, there’s no shortage of excitement. It’s one one the things we recommend if you and your pals would love some adrenaline rush for your big day.

For those who love roller skating, consider checking out their roller skating birthday party package. The package allows up to 12 guests, yourself included  – just note that prices vary depending on the package.

When you get their package, birthday celebrants are in for a treat with a gift that includes a refillable souvenir cup, a free skating pass, and, of course, a cake. If that sounds all good to you, then definitely check it out!

Catch a movie at Living Room Theaters

Website: http://pdx.livingroomtheaters.com/ 

Address: 341 SW 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97205, United States

Contact Details: +1 971-222-2010

Watching a movie is also a fantastic way to celebrate your special day, and Living Room Theaters is the perfect spot for it. This independent movie theater showcases both mainstream and indie films, offering a diverse selection for every movie buff.

But here’s what makes it even better – forget about just popcorn and pizza; they have an impressive menu featuring salads and burgers. Not to mention offering wine that can be delivered right to your seats!

Now, if you’re looking for some film-viewing privacy with just your family and closest friends, you can even reserve a theater. It will come at a pretty hefty cost but hey, it’s your birthday!

Have a gaming extravaganza at QuarterWorld Arcade 

Website: https://quarterworldarcade.com/ 

Address: 4811 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97215, United States

Contact Details: +1 503-548-2923

Operating hours: Wednesday – Friday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM | Saturday – Sunday: 1:00 PM – 1:00 AM

How about an old-school hangout with arcade games and pinball machines to celebrate your birthday? If that’s the kind of fun you’re looking for, QuarterWorld Arcade is the place to be!

You have options here – celebrate with your friends in the shared space or rent the entire arcade for an extravagant gaming birthday celebration. 

You can even bring a bit of the arcade home with you by renting their pinball machines and arcade games for your private spaces. While home rentals might be a bit pricey, it’s guaranteed to be a gaming blast on your birthday. 

Experience indoor skydiving for your birthday

Website: https://www.iflyworld.com/portland/?utm_source=G&utm_medium=local&utm_campaign=google-local 

Address: 10645 SW Greenburg Rd, Portland, OR 97223, United States

Contact Details: +1 971-803-4359

Operating hours: Monday: 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Wednesday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Add a thrilling twist to your birthday celebration with indoor skydiving at iFly. It’s a perfect activity for those looking to try something new without the intensity of traditional skydiving. 

In iFly’s state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnels, you’ll hover over a stream of air, simulating the sensation of real skydiving without the need to jump out of an airplane.

Parents, take note – this could be an excellent birthday experience for your kids. There’s no falling feeling, and the experienced instructors ensure a safe and enjoyable time. 

The good news is that iFly welcomes birthday parties, offering an indoor space that captures the excitement of an outdoor adventure, minus the rain!

Break the boredom with an escape room adventure

Website: https://escapismportland.com/ 

Address: 10505 SW Barbur Blvd #302a Portland OR 97219 | 910 NW Joy Ave Portland OR 97229 | 10340 NE Weidler Portland OR 97220

Contact Details: 503-389-3101

Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM

If you’re finding everything a bit dull, why not try an escape room? Add this thrilling activity to your birthday to-do list for a fantastic way to bond with your buddies and figure things out together.

For this, head over to Escapism and dive into a variety of great escape games. With six unique immersive adventures spread across three locations in the city, there’s something for everyone. 

Escapism welcomes large parties too, making it an excellent choice for birthday celebrations. Plus, their prices are per group rather than per person, so the more, the merrier!

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