This Charming Amusement Park Is A Great Stop On A Pacific Northwest Family Trip
The Pacific Northwest is acclaimed for its geographical beauty that captivates adventurers and nature aficionados. For instance, in Oregon, you'll find the best budget-friendly beach in the area, Cannon Beach. However, those with young children looking for a fun-filled day can drive into Portland for Oaks Amusement Park. While the Pacific Northwest consists of several states – including Washington, Oregon, and Idaho – this is one of the only amusement parks in the region. In addition, it's only three hours away from Seattle, the largest city in the Pacific Northwest, home to the best airport in North America.
Located in Portland's Sellwood neighborhood, Oaks Amusement Park was founded in 1905 and was created to promote Portland and other nearby cities' streetcar systems, states PDX History. It is now considered to be one of the oldest amusement parks in the country and is, in fact, the oldest amusement park in the state. Per Travel Portland, Oaks Amusement Park only consists of 44 acres. Nevertheless, it has an activity for every member of the family. Visitors can expect thrill rides, games, and much more. Likewise, compared to other theme parks, Oaks Amusement Park is incredibly affordable, meaning a visit here won't break the bank.
Oaks Amusement Park: Tiny but mighty
Oaks Amusement Park delivers an old-school ambiance, as seen in its many attractions. They include classic carnival rides such as a carousel, a fun slide (known as the Big Pink Slide), a Ferris wheel, Cosmic Crash bumper cars, a tilt-a-whirl, and more. Furthermore, the park has five rides specifically designed for young children, including Sky Fighters, which takes youngsters on a slow flight through the air. Of course, Oaks Amusement Park has plenty of rides for older kids and adults. In 2018, the park introduced Adrenaline Peak (seen above), a rollercoaster with twists, turns, and an impressive vertical drop.
Guests can hop on all 24 of Oak Amusement Park's rides for an unlimited number of times when they purchase a ride bracelet. It costs $22.95 for those under 48 inches tall and $39.95 for those taller than 48 inches. Tickets must be purchased online before visiting the park.
Needless to say, a carnival would not be complete without games. Oaks Amusement Park has a ring toss and balloon darts, to name a few, and will set back players $.25 to $10 a game. Parking for the park is available and costs $3 to $5 for the day, and must be paid via credit or debit card. However, keep in mind that the park closes its rides and carnival games for the season from November 1 until late March.
What else is there to do at Oaks Amusement Park?
Guests visiting Oaks Amusement Park will also find Chipper's Woods Miniature Golf. The 18-hole outdoor course costs $11 for individuals who are 6 years old and older. Like the rides and carnival games, the golf course closes for the winter. Don't like mini golf? What about roller skating? Oaks Amusement Park is home to the Oaks Park Roller Rink, which is said to be the oldest in the United States. It features a wooden floor and a Wurlitzer pipe organ played only on Thursdays and Sundays. Admission and a skate rental cost $12; a waiver is required.
Open skate is available every day except Monday, and the rink's hours can be found on its calendar. For added nostalgia, the rink has an arcade where each game costs $.25 to $5. If skaters get hungry, they can purchase burgers or pizza from Rick's Cafe. However, other food options exist in Oaks Amusement Park, including George's Grill, which sells pulled pork sandwiches and burgers, and pizza from Trolley Park Pizza. If none of these sound appetizing, explore Portland! In 2023, it ranked No. 2 on WalletHub's "Best Foodie Cities in America" list.