ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo

Each year the Oregon Zoo goes all out for Christmas and decorates everywhere. Everywhere you look are beautiful lights and it is the perfect place to take fun pictures with your family. 

 In past years there has been a train to take you around to see the lights, but this year the train was closed so we walked around. The zoo has it set up so you walk through certain parts ensuring you see all the lights. I found this to be a much better way to see the lights. I doubt we even ride the train next year. Even though it was 30 degrees outside we stayed warm walking around, much warmer then we ever did riding on the train! 

Even though most of the animals are put up they still keep open the viewing areas. Which means you can go see the baby elephant, Lily. When we got there she was sleeping, but the other elephants kept tapping her until she got up.

For the first time we ate at the Cascade Grill, which is the restaurant that you can go to without paying for zoo admission. Normally this restaurant closes at 2 PM during the winter, but stays up for ZooLights. They have soup, salads, Sheppard's pie, and kid's meals. You order food at the counter and then find a seat and they bring your food to you. The food was great and my kids think they have the best french fries in Portland and I would have to agree. You can get a coupon at the gate for a free kid's meal.

Cascade Grill at the Oregon Zoo

Zoo members get free admission to ZooLights for everyone else it is $10 for adults and $7 for children. Seniors get a discount as do groups of 20 or more.

Disclosure - I was offered free tickets by the zoo in exchange for this review, but opinions are my own, and we would have gone anyway.

Washington Park Playground

Washington park is a beautiful large park in downtown Portland that has a handicap accessible playground. It's also home to the Oregon Zoo and the International Rose Test Gardens.

Washington Park Playground

This is the first time for us to meet our little nephew Joey.




There's a nice size sand play area, so bring some sand toys.

Affordable Activities in Portland, Oregon

Museum of Contemporary Craft is free every 1st Thursday of each month.

Oregon Zoo is only $4 on the second Tuesday of each month.

Oregon Historical Society Museum is free for Multnomah county residents.

OMSI is only $2 per person on the first Monday of the month.

Portland Children's Museum is free each first Friday of the month after 4 PM

Portland Art Museum is free each 4th Friday of the month from 5-8 PM

World Forestry Center offers $3 admission on the 1st Wednesday of each month.

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Lily: Oregon Zoo’s new baby elephant

There’s been a lot of excitement in downtown Portland, Oregon over at the Oregon Zoo! At the end of November one of the Oregon Zoo’s Asian elephants gave birth to a baby girl named Lily. Lily was born on November 30th at 2:17 AM weighing over 300 pounds! I haven’t gotten a chance to see her in person, but I have some photos that the zoo was kind enough to share with everyone. Hopefully we will get to go see her soon. It’s pretty cold in Portland right now, so we are waiting until the zoo increases the time to see her. Right now you have to wait in line and then you get five minutes with her. I think it won’t be long before she’ll be more available to the public. In the meantime I hope you enjoy these photos.

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8 Family activities in Portland, OR

There is so much to do in Portland, Oregon. We were lucky enough to live here for and while and I think Portland is a great family vacation. It is one of those places that it never would have occurred to me to go.

Oregon Zoo - This zoo is large and will take up the whole day if you like. It is a beautiful zoo and plenty of places for a picnic so pack a lunch. For more info click here.

OMSI - This has an awesome area for younger kids as well as lots of displays for older kids. We really enjoy the kids areas and the science experiment areas! The ball room is also lots of fun. You can take a picnic here as well. For more info click here.


Multnomah Falls - I would suggest getting on Historical Columbia Highway in Troutdale, OR and taking that up to Crown Point and then hitting one waterfall after other. I believe they start with Latourell Falls which is extremely easy to get to. Just a short walk. The next it Bridal Veil which is a short hike but is steep. There are about five water falls that are very easy to get to if you just keeping going down the road. The last one is Horsetail falls. For more info click here.

Latourell Falls
Saturday Market - Vendors sell all kinds of things here. We always had fun just walking around and looking at stuff. For more info click here.

Farmers Markets - There are farmer markets all over the place. There is one in downtown Portland on Saturdays. Click here for info on that one. They also have them in every little suburb around Portland as well. Click here to find some of the others ones around the area.

Rose Garden


Blue Lake Park - This easily became one of my favorite places. You have to pay around $4 a car to get in. There is a beach area with a roped off area for the kids to swim in. There is a splash park, biking trails and more. For more info click here

Jamison Square Park - Such a great spot when it is warm. There is a water area where kids can play. The water builds up and then drains before it gets to deep. Which means as a parent you can actually relaxing and not have to worry as much! For more info click here.

Portland