Mar 21, 2025 - Things to Do

6 things to do for spring break in Portland

Kale Williams

A brightly colored field of tulips is seen with a snowcapped Mount Hood in the background. — You don't have to travel far for a memorable spring break. Photo: Craig Tuttle/Design Pics Editorial/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Monday marks the first day of spring break for many parents and children in Oregon, and though we may not be a traditional destination like Miami or Cancun, there's plenty to do in Stumptown.

Here are a few ways to get your spring break on locally.

🔬 Take in some science

Ever want to see the creatures of "Jurassic World" remade with 6 million Lego bricks? How about watching Bong Joon Ho's latest sci-fi thriller, "Mickey 17," on one of Portland's biggest screens? Maybe you'd like to learn about the quiet mysteries hidden in the world's boreal forests?

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry has you covered on all fronts.

⛱️ Plan time outside Tuesday

The weather gods will bestow the warmest day of the year smack in the middle of spring break. It'll be in the mid-70s and sunny. Head to the coast! Head to a park! Just head somewhere outside.

Yes, but: It's not summer yet, so lakes and rivers are still likely to be dangerously cold.

🌷 Go tulip peepin'

Lose yourself in a field of technicolor tulips at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival. The flowers are expected to start taking on color soon and you can use the bloom tracker here to see if the time is right for a visit.

🐋 Spot a whale

It's that time of year when migratory gray whales, and their calves, pass by Oregon on their journey from Mexico to the Arctic. Starting Saturday through March 30, the Oregon Whale Watch program will have volunteers stationed at 14 of the best spots to spot some spouts along the coast.

Depoe Bay's Whale Watching Center is one of our favorites.

📚 Drop into a library

The Multnomah County Library has a plethora of offerings over the coming week: from teen craft workshops to Lego engineering challenges to kids' science classes.

🛍️ Go shopping

March marks the return of the Portland Saturday Market, recognized as the longest continuously running arts and crafts market in the country, right under the west side of the Burnside Bridge. Grab some knickknacks, doodads or something delicious to munch on while you shop.

You can never have too many scented candles.

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