Kid Friendly Fall Activities + Library Passes
Every week, Great Life Mentoring (GLM) volunteers spend two to three hours with the youth they mentor, building relationships through quality time together. As we move into the Fall season, it’s the perfect time to explore new experiences and make meaningful memories—without spending much (or anything at all).
If you’re looking for free things to do with kids or want ideas for kid friendly activities, we’ve put together a list of fun options that fit the season. These Fall activities are a great way for mentors, families, or anyone who loves spending time with young people to get out in the community and enjoy what the Portland/Vancouver area has to offer.
And if you’re inspired to make an impact in your community, consider joining us to volunteer with youth through Great Life Mentoring.
Free Passes Through Your Library
One of the best ways to enjoy cultural and educational experiences for free is by using your library card. In Multnomah County, cardholders can access My Discovery Pass—a partnership between Multnomah County Library and local organizations that provides free tickets to museums, cultural attractions and more. Sign Up Here
How it works:
Log in with your library card number and password.
Browse available passes by date or venue.
Reserve your pass and print or download it before your visit.
This is an amazing way to make outings more affordable while still offering kids hands-on learning and fun.
What’s Included with My Discovery Pass
Artists Repertory Theatre
Enjoy powerful live theater productions from one of Portland’s longest-running professional theaters.
Pass admits two adults. After reserving your pass, contact the Box Office to redeem tickets. Tickets are not transferrable to any other performance date or ticket holder.
Boom Arts
Experience bold, contemporary performances that spark conversation and creativity.
Pass admits two people. After reserving your pass, email info@boomarts.org to confirm availability.
Five Oaks Museum
Discover exhibits highlighting the diverse history, art, and culture of Washington County and beyond.
Pass admits two adults. Youth 17 and under are always free.
Friends of Chamber Music
Enjoy world-class chamber music performances in an intimate setting.
Pass admits two adults. After reserving your pass, call 503.224.9842 at least one week prior to the date of the event to secure tickets for your reserved seats.
Japanese American Museum of Oregon
Learn about Japanese American history and culture through exhibits, stories, and community voices.
Pass admits two people. Children 11 and under are free.
Literary Arts
Attend author talks, readings, and events that celebrate literature and storytelling in Portland.
Pass admits two adults.
Northwest Children’s Theater and School
Delight kids with professional theater productions designed especially for young audiences.
Pass admits two people. After reserving your pass, call the box office at 503.222.2190, Option 1, to reserve your seats.
Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education
Explore Jewish history, culture, and the important lessons of the Holocaust through exhibits and programs.
Pass admits four people. Children 12 and under are always free.
Oregon Koto-Kai
Experience the beauty of traditional Japanese koto music performed live.
Pass admits two people. After reserving your pass, follow the instructions listed to redeem your tickets.
Portland Art Museum
Discover one of the oldest and largest art museums in the Pacific Northwest, featuring works from around the globe.
Pass admits two adults for general admission. Children 17 and under are always free. The museum also offers free admission on the first Thursday of every month from 5–8 pm, no pass required.
Portland Center Stage at The Armory
Enjoy Broadway-caliber plays and musicals in Portland’s historic Armory theater.
Pass admits two people. After reserving your pass, contact the Box Office to redeem tickets. Tickets are not transferable to any other performance date or ticket holder, and subject to availability.
Portland Columbia Symphony
Hear stunning live performances from a talented symphony orchestra right here in Portland.
Pass admits two people. After reserving your pass, call 503.234.4077 at least one week prior to the date on your pass to reserve your two General Admission tickets.
Portland Japanese Garden
Stroll through one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan, complete with tranquil landscapes and cultural exhibits.
Pass admits two adults (age 18 and up) and eight children (age 17 and under). Children 5 and under are always free. This pass is eligible for Garden admission only and does not include access to any ticketed events. After reserving your pass, please call 503.223.1321 or email membership@japanesegarden.org to confirm availability.
Portland Opera
Experience powerful opera productions that bring music and storytelling to life on stage.
Pass admits two adults. After reserving your pass, follow the instructions provided with the pass. Tickets are not transferrable to any other performance date or ticket holder.
Rose City Comic Con
Celebrate pop culture with comics, cosplay, gaming, and celebrity guests at Portland’s biggest comic convention.
Single day and three-day badges available. After reserving your pass, follow the instructions provided with the pass. Tickets are not transferable to any other performance date or ticket holder.
Other Free or Low-Cost Activities (Not on the Pass)
Even if a place isn’t included in My Discovery Pass, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy fall in the Portland/Vancouver area. Here are a few ideas:
Clark County Food Bank Volunteering
5:30-7:30pm - Give back to your community by volunteering to sort and repackage food at repack events. No prior scheduling is required to volunteer and wear closed-toed shoes as well as comfortable clothing. Volunteers must fill out a volunteer registration found at: www.clarkcountyfoodbank.org/volunteer and bring it to any regularly scheduled evening repack.
First Friday in Downtown Camas
Camas First Fridays (5-8pm) are community events that happen each First Friday of the month, every month of the year. First Fridays feature activities, art, dining, and after hours shopping—fun for the whole family! Local art exhibits, themed family games and activities, a kids Lego table, and free-to-enter gift basket raffles are part of each First Friday line-up!
We love the fall and we love a fun costume contest! Join us October 3rd, 5-8pm, for the 19th Annual “Pumpkin Pageant,” & Wizard of Oz First Friday!
First Sundays at OMSI
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is one of Portland’s most popular destinations for kid-friendly activities. Families can explore hands-on exhibits, interactive labs, and rotating special exhibits that make science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) exciting and fun. From dinosaurs and space to engineering challenges and natural sciences, OMSI offers endless opportunities for kids and adults to learn through play and discovery.
On the first Sunday of every month, you can attend the science museum at a special rate of $2.
Pearson Field Education Center
Open Saturdays from 10am-5pm, the Pearson Field Education Center is an ideal location for young people of all ages to experience STEM education through aviation. Featuring a flight simulator, vertical wind table, glider building, tinker-maker space, historic airplanes and collections on display, and various educational programs!
Pumpkin Patch on Sauvie Island
A fall favorite for families, the Pumpkin Patch on Sauvie Island is the perfect spot for kid friendly activities and classic autumn fun. Visitors can enjoy a scenic hayride out to the pumpkin fields, wander through the giant corn maze, and pick the perfect pumpkin to take home. The farm also features an animal barn, produce market, and plenty of photo-worthy fall backdrops—making it one of the best fall activities in the Portland area for kids and adults alike.
Water Resources Education Center
The first floor of Vancouver’s Water Resources Education Center is dedicated to learning exhibits. Visitors can guide themselves through the water cycle, explore how water flows through a watershed, discover the many benefits of trees, learn about the importance of waste management and so much more.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday (Closed Saturday and Sunday; call for holiday schedule)
Other Counties
Fort Vancouver Regional Library Experience Pass (WA): Offers free and discounted admission to a variety of local museums, gardens, and cultural attractions—perfect for families looking for free things to do with kids and engaging community experiences. Sign up here
Clackamas County Cultural Pass (OR): Provides free admission to a range of local museums, historic sites, and family-friendly destinations—an easy way to enjoy kid friendly activities and cultural experiences at no cost. Sign up here
If you live outside Multnomah County, check your local library’s website—many have similar programs that make family outings more affordable.
