10 Free and Fun Family Things To Do Near Me This Summer in Portland

We are excited to announce the Summer Play Days series, a new program designed to support families in keeping kids engaged and entertained throughout the summer months. From July 8 to August 28, Tuesdays through Thursdays, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., we will be hosting activities in our backyard for families to participate in. 

This is a drop-in program, so no registration is required. Parents are required to stay on site to supervise their children, but we will have partner organizations leading activities and two recreation leaders facilitating participation. 

To keep the spirit going all summer, we've added a few more things to round out our list of 10 favorite free things to do in Portland. These activities provide fun, free ways to spend time with your family this summer in Portland.

Whether you’re cooling off in the shade, dancing to live music, or getting your hands dirty in a garden bed, there’s something for everyone. Here are ten of our favorite no-cost ways to connect, play, and celebrate community across the city:

1. Summer Play Days at The Rosewood Initiative

Tuesdays through Thursdays, 11:00 am–3:00 pm 📍 The Rosewood Initiative – 14127 SE Stark St

Summer Play Days are here! Drop in for outdoor games, art projects, gardening, storytime, and more. Perfect for kids ages 4–12 and their families. No registration needed—just come ready to play and stay awhile. Parents must supervise during activities, and everything is completely free.

2. Sunday Parkways

The streets come alive in Portland’s car-free celebrations! Sunday Parkways invites neighbors to walk, bike, roll, and play along routes filled with music, activities, and community organizations. Each event highlights different neighborhoods—find one near you.

3. Attend Parkrose Summer Nights

🎉 Event info here

This free summer series brings music, food, and family fun to the heart of East Portland. Enjoy performances, kids’ activities, and a welcoming space to connect with your neighbors. It’s a perfect way to spend a warm evening outdoors while supporting local talent and community spirit.

4. Volunteer in the Rosewood Garden & Food Forest

🧤 Sign up here

Get your hands in the soil and connect with nature right in the heart of East Portland. Every other week, we host garden volunteer days where people of all ages can help maintain the Rosewood food forest. It's a beautiful way to build skills, contribute to your neighborhood, and enjoy some sunshine.

5. Summer Free For All – Parks Concerts & Movies

Enjoy music under the stars and movies on the lawn through Portland Parks & Recreation’s Summer Free For All program. Check the full schedule for family-friendly events in parks across the city.

6. Cathedral Park Jazz Festival

📍 Cathedral Park (under the St. Johns Bridge) 🎷 Festival details here

This three-day celebration of jazz is the longest-running free jazz festival west of the Mississippi. Bring a blanket, pack some snacks, and enjoy world-class music with a riverfront view.

7. Participate in Portland’s Bike Summer

🚲 Explore the ride calendar

From glow-in-the-dark bike parades to nature-themed rides, Bike Summer is full of joyful group rides for all skill levels. Many are family-friendly and costume-encouraged—just bring your wheels and your sense of adventure.

8. Jade International Night Market

🌏 Event details here

Celebrate Portland’s rich cultural diversity at the Jade District’s signature summer event. Enjoy music, food, dance, and community organizations representing cultures from around the world. It’s vibrant, delicious, and free to attend.

9. The Rosewood Initiative Black Family Block Party

📅 September 6th, 12pm-3pm

As a community celebration and resource fair, this event focuses on bringing together the Black community in East Portland. Join us at The Rosewood Initiative to share a meal, learn about resources, and connect with the community. This event is specifically focused on reaching Black neighbors, but all are welcome. 

10. Take a Community-Led Tour of East Portland

Whether you're new to the neighborhood or have lived here for years, there’s always something new to discover. Visit  rosewoodinitiative.org to find upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and local resources. There’s something happening every week.

Summer is a time for connection, creativity, and community joy. We hope this list inspires you to explore new corners of Portland, meet new neighbors, and make lasting memories with your family.

Do you know of another free, family-friendly event happening this summer? Please let us know, and we may continue to add to this list. We love spreading the word about what makes East Portland shine.