Father's Day Race Car Activities in the Portland, Oregon Metro Area

Kid-Friendly Racing with Dad!

Lyn McCallister
If you are looking for a fun outdoor activity for Father's Day in the Portland, Oregon area, then look no further than race cars! There are two great venues in the Portland suburbs that offer kid-friendly race car attractions. I've taken my family to both locations, and I've had positive experiences with each facility. In this article, I provide a side-by-side comparison of the two locations so you can choose the best Father's Day experience for your family.

Malibu Raceway, A Thrilling Race Car Experience

Malibu is located along Highway 217 in Beaverton. Malibu Raceway offers 3 different race car types on a ½ mile course.

Quick Stats:

Location: 9405 SW Cascade Avenue , Beaverton (near Washington Square Mall )

Cost: varies depending upon number of laps purchased from $2.39 to $3.45 per lap

Attractions: race track , batting cages , indoor game room, food available

Website: yes

Malibu Raceway offers a more thrilling race car experience than Bullwinkle's, but has fewer overall attractions. If your children are older and dad enjoys the fast pace, then this location will be the perfect Father's Day experience.

Children greater than 4' 6" tall can drive the one-seater, Sprint race car. Children at least 14 years old can take a car control clinic and drive the sportier Grand Virage, two-seater car. Children 3' 6" tall can ride as a passenger with dad in the Grand Virage. Children less than 3' 6" tall cannot ride as a passenger in any of the cars at Malibu.

For the best deal, choose the 10 lap package on any car. This package brings the cost down to $2.39 per lap. In addition, Malibu frequently offers printable coupons on its website for free laps.

After racing, head indoors for pizza and soft drinks.

Bullwinkle's Family Fun Center, An Exhilarating Go-Kart Experience

Bullwinkle's is located just south of Portland along I-5 in Wilsonville, Bullwinkle's offers 1 go-kart type on a fun course.

Quick Stats:

Location: 29111 SW Town Center Loop West in Wilsonville

Cost: go-karts are $7 per driver/$3 per passenger or buy a value package in various amounts

Attractions: go-karts, miniature golf , bumper boats , batting cages, rock wall, sky trail, indoor game room, food available

Website: yes

Bullwinkle's offers a gentler go-kart racing experience than Malibu Raceway. However, this location offers more attractions and may be the perfect choice for younger families or for dads that want to experience multiple outdoor attractions on Father's Day. If you choose to ride the bumper boats, you will get wet so be sure to pack extra clothes, if needed.

The go-karts at Bullwinkle's are a great option for younger children. Passengers do need to be 3 years or older to ride, and drivers must be 18 years or older. Dad can take a spin in the go-kart with each child for a special Father's Day treat. Afterwards, the entire family can play a round of miniature golf or choose from a variety of meal options at the restaurant.

For the best deal, choose an extreme all-day pass. The pass costs $33 for those 58" or taller and $28 for those under 57". This pass will give dad the opportunity to race the go-karts with each child as well as participating in many other attractions for one price.

Published by Lyn McCallister - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle

Lyn is a freelance writer who specializes in crafting, parenting, pets, and travel articles. She makes and sells cold process soap at local events and on the web. In addition, she is an avid quilter who love...  View profile

5 Comments

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  • CJ Mathis5/5/2011

    I have never cared for Bullwinkles my kids and grand kids have always called it Boney rinkles. Not sure why they started that name but it stuck.

    The kids love the place just not set up for us big folks who are boring ;)

    Good article.

  • T L Wilson5/5/2011

    Sounds like great fun!

  • Delicia Powers5/4/2011

    Great and thanks!

  • Catherine Spencer5/4/2011

    Fun stuff! What a great time for Dads & kids!! :)

  • John Myers5/4/2011

    Very cool!

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