PORTLAND, Ore. - If you're scratching your head over what to do with the kids this summer, we've got a list of free, or nearly free, family activities that can get you started.

Learning Experiences

• Oregon Zoo - second Tuesday of the month: $2/person; kids under 3 are always free
  
• The Children’s Museum - first Friday of the month: FREE admission between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
• Oregon Museum of Science and Industry - first Sunday of the month: $2/person
• Portland Art Museum - kids under 17: FREE, free day for everyone - July 19, 2009 
• Discovery Village - June 21: Dads free with one paid child admission from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Playgrounds

This may seem obvious, but playgrounds are a great place to spend a summer afternoon.  But you need to branch out beyond your neighborhood.  Try exploring a different playground every week.  My favorites include: 

• Washington Park near the International Rose Test Garden
• Ibach Park on SW Ibach Street in Tigard
• Pirate-themed park off a pathway on NW Graf Streetin the Bethany section of Washington County . 
• And don’t forget to seek out a park with a water fountain on hot days like Jamison Park in the Pearl District, Salmon Street Springs in Downtown Portland and the Commons fountain in Tualatin, or a public pool.

Parks

• Oaks Park - two for one Tuesdays - buy one thrill ride bracelet, cotton candy or hot dog and get one of the same for free - no coupon necessary
• Portland Parks and Recreation - Summer Free for All
• Portland Public Parks
• Traveling Rock Wall in Portland Parks
• Vancouver Public Parks
• Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation
• Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation
• North Clackamas Parks and Recreation
• North Clackamas Aquatic Park

Libraries

With free entertainment, free story time and free passes, public libraries are a great place for families on a budget. At Washington and Clackamas County libraries, you can check out tickets to area attractions.

Passes

Passes available from Washington County libraries

• A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village
• Childr en's Museum
• Chinese Classical Garden
• Japanese Garden
• Oregon Sports Hall of Fame & Museum
• Pittock Mansion
• Portland Art Museum
• Rice NW Museum of Rocks and Minerals
• Washington County Museum

Passes available from Clackamas County libraries

• Portland Classical Chinese Garden
• Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
• Japanese Garden
• Museum of the Oregon Territory
• Stevens-Crawford House
• Oregon Garden
• Pittock Mansion
• Portland Art Museum
• Children’s Museum
• Oregon Sports Hall of Fame      
  

Summer Reading Programs

• Multnomah County - begins Friday, June 12
  
• Washington County - started June 1
  
• Clackamas County - various days and times – check website
  
• Clark County - started June 1

Museums

It can’t hurt to learn a little something over the summer, and many museums are full of Northwest history.

• Fort Vancouver - kids 15 & under: FREE; Adults: $3, $5 per family
• Oregon Historical Society - every third Saturday of each month: Up to 2 children (age 18 & under) free with each paid adult admission. Free day: June 21st (Father’s Day)
• Oregon Museums

Entertainment

• Oregon Ballet Theater Exposed - public rehearsals in the park blocks: FREE during week of August 25
• At numerous parks around Portland , you can listen to free evening concerts, including performances by the Portland Festival Symphony.
  • Concerts in the Park
  • Portland Festival Symphony
• Free flicks
  • Free Family Film Festival at Regal Cinema - Every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10 am: FREE kid movies starting in June – check website for locations and movies - OREGON | WASHINGTON
  • Summer Movies in the Parks

Sunday Parkways

Sunday Parkways are 7-8 mile "temporary parks" along city streets connecting neighborhoods and residents in North, Northeast and Southeast Portland. Streets are open to walking, bicycling, rolling and roller blading - without having to watch out for cars!

• Dates - June 21 in North Portland, July 19 in Northeast Portland and August 16 in Southeast Portland / 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Great Outdoors

• Oregon State Parks Camping Deal - From now through Sept. 30, you can camp at one of Oregon's 20 first-come, first served state parks during the week and get three nights for the price of two.
• Visit a national park for free - Entrance fees will be waived at 147 national parks and monuments during three weekends this summer.  The weekends are June 20-21, July 18-19 and August 15-16.