Free Summer Fun in Portland, Oregon: Laurelhurst Park

Portland, Oregon has a great park system, and Laurelhurst Park is one of the largest (almost 27 acres) and best-equipped. There's free fun for all ages in this park, especially during the summer! You'll find Laurelhurst Park in Southeast Portland, near SE 39th Avenue and SE Stark Street.

Like to picnic? There are plenty of picnic areas in Laurelhurst Park, in both sunny and shady locations. Many have barbecues. Some picnic areas are reservable for picnics, weddings, reunions and other events.

If you want to play frisbee, volleyball, or badminton, you can find plenty of open space to set up. There's also a soccer field and basketball, tennis and handball courts near the playground, with horseshoe pits across the street.

The playground itself includes an accessible play structure intended for children ages two to five, plus swings, bars and teeter-totters for all ages. It's a popular spot for playdates in the toddler and preschooler sets. Picnic tables are available nearby.

On hot summer days, the wading pool is open as well! The wading pool is right next to the playground. It's usually in full sun by afternoon, so be sure to bring and use sunblock and wear sun hats. Parents also must supervise children closely while they are in the wading pool.

Laurelhurst Park has an extensive network of paved walking and biking trails (plus a few unpaved trails). Take a family bicycle ride, an energizing jog around the perimeter, or a stroll by the duck pond. Paths wind through both sunny and shady areas, and are comfortable even on hot days. An off-leash area is available during certain time periods for dog-walkers.

Speaking of the duck pond, yes, it's always fun to see the ducks swimming around. But feeding the ducks is no longer allowed, and children should not touch or wade in the water, because it may expose them to harmful bacteria. The pond is also home to thousands of fish, which stir up sediment from the bottom. Efforts to reduce the duck and fish populations in order to decrease the murkiness of the pond have unfortunately been unsuccessful.

During the summer months, Portland Parks and Recreation often has free activities and craft projects available near the Laurelhurst Park playground. Free outdoor movies are shown at the park on some evenings. Also, dance and movement classes are available for a fee in the Laurelhurst Dance Studio. For more information, visit the Portland Parks and Recreation website.