Riding the Max Train Downtown in Portland, Oregon

My three year old son loves trains. When we pass by trains or see them across the river, he gets really excited and says "Look Daddy, train!"

One of his favorite activities is riding the Portland Light Rail system. And what I really enjoy about the Portland Max, is that there is an area, which encompasses most of downtown which they call "Fareless Square." That means riding the train is free in that area.

Because we live on the East side of the Willamette river - what my son and I do is usually drive to the Lloyd Center Mall on 11th avenue and Holladay, and park in the mall lot for free. From there, the NE 11th Ave and Lloyd Center Max station is a half a block walk.

We get on the train there and ride it across the river - which is exciting for my son because then he gets to see his other favorite thing, boats. We ride it across the river and go through the Pearl District of Portland all the way to Pioneer Square.

We usually get out and explore Pioneer Square for a while which has a neat shopping mall inside, and a great big open square outside which is filled with all sorts of interesting characters playing music or selling various items.

We'll spend a while there and either walk someplace else downtown or grab some lunch in one of the many downtown restaurants - generally a pizza parlor when my son gets to make the decision. Sometimes we'll venture all the way down to the waterfront which in itself is an adventure. There are all sorts of fountains and people relaxing and enjoying the beautiful waterfront - and plenty of grass and open areas for the kids to run around.

Generally, by the time we get back on the Max Light Rail, my son is pooped out. We take the short ride back over the river and eventually end up back at the Lloyd Center where we parked the car.

If you're feeling extra adventurous you can even take the Max out Washington Park and the Zoo - though there will be a small fare - a couple of bucks - if you ride that far. But the real pluses of the Portland train system is that they are easily accessible, free in places downtown, and fun for kids of all ages. As a fun thing to do with kids in Portland, the Max Train is an easy and enjoyable adventure.