New job in Portland? Summer Activities for Kids - And Their Parents
You’re considering an awesome Ruby programmer job in Portland, and you’re wondering what the city has to offer for families with kids.
You’re in luck, especially if you’re flying into Portland with the family for your interview. We’re here to tell you that kids and summer go together in Portland like bacon and doughnuts. You might wonder what a Portland technical staffing agency knows about summer activities for kids…but we’re family people, too! We’ve tried almost every family summer activity option in and around Portland, and we’re happy to share some of our favorites.
Head downtown to Director Park 
Portland is full of great parks. This urban park is a win-win for the whole family: kids get to play and parents get to eat and have an actual conversation. You’ll often see people focused on their laptops in Director Park – evidence that many Portland tech jobs offer leeway on working outside the office. (Yes, Portland technical staffing people like to work outside, too!)
Located in the heart of downtown Portland, Director Park boasts a fountain, plus Portland gourmet deli Elephants Delicatessen just a hop, skip and a jump away. Grab a table, grab some delicious, healthy grub, and let the kids play. Then head down the street to Tartberry a Portland frozen yogurt shop with toppings galore.
Pick berries on Sauvie Island 
Sauvie Island is a little piece of rural life, located in the Willamette River at the northern edge of Portland. It’s a perfect day trip and a one-stop shop for all the delicacies of summer. Head to Sauvie Island every summer month for something new: in June for melt-in-your-mouth Hood strawberries; July for raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries; and August for peaches. Be sure to seek out Sauvie Island’s sandy beaches along the Columbia River to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labors. You can even catch an evening concert at Kruger Farm if everyone’s not too tired. Note of caution: There is a clothing-optional beach on Sauvie Island – something for parents to keep in mind when choosing where to settle for the afternoon.
Splash in the Jamison Square Fountain
Kill an afternoon, Portland style. Located in the Pearl District of Northwest Portland, Jamison Square Fountain is all about relaxation and location. Small children love the fountain’s wading pool, and older ones enjoy climbing on the water-spewing rock wall. The grassy area next to fountain is a great place for parents to relax while keeping an eye on the kids.
The park is a perfect urban picnic spot, with pizza, burritos, and microbrews available just a few steps away from locally-owned Laughing Planet and Hot Lips Pizza. They’re located in the beautifully restored historic Ecotrust building, a well-known Portland landmark that’s also a popular wedding spot. Note: Hot Lips has an awesome happy hour with specials on pizza and delicious beer. Technical recruiters love beer, too ;-)
Concerts in Mt. Tabor Park
Pack a picnic supper and get ready to boogie! Mt. Tabor Park is just one of several Portland parks that host free summer concerts –
but it’s a special one. What other park can boast a natural amphitheater created by volcanic eruption? Yes, Mt. Tabor really is an extinct volcano – you can throw your picnic blanket on the ground, right next to the cinder cone.
Before or after the show, climb to the top of Mt. Tabor. It’s an easy hike for anyone of any age, and you can watch catch the sun setting behind downtown. For more excitement, take a spin on the merry-go- round beneath the mature-growth Douglas firs.
This is just a short list of all the great things you and your family can enjoy during a mild Portland summer. Want to know more about living in Portland? Please email us – we’re happy to answer your questions, and who knows? We may even have the perfect tech job for you.