Outdoor Activities

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53rd Street Park

A park in central hillsboro with a cool splash pad for kids to play in.

"B" Street Trail

A mile-long trail from 16th and A street to hwy 47. Paved, with a foot bridge over Gale's Creek. Nice and shady on hot afternoons. Some kids made a dirt bike course by the river that's pretty cool, but probably a little too intense for children.

Banks-Vernonia Trail

A paved, even walking/biking trail (that's even ADA accessible). It's nice all year round, but the fall colors are especially fantastic!

Forest Grove Farmer's Market

Open every Wednesday from 4-8pm from mid May to mid October on Main St. and 21st in Forest Grove. Also has fun kid's club activities/crafts each week. Accepts Snap and WIC, get tokens at the Adelante Mujeres booth.

Hagg Lake

Just a few minutes from Forest Grove. Activities include boating, fishing, hiking, picnic areas, swimming, and a disk golf course. $5 per car (or $30 for a year pass)

Horning's Hideout

Admission for the day is four dollars a person.

• 3 disk golf courses (including a night course)
• Paddle boat rentals
• Fishing - pole rentals are including with your admission. You pay by the pound for the fish you catch ($5.50) and their fish are usually 1/2-2 pounds. Unfortunately you can't throw them back. 

horningshideout.com

Japanese Gardens

5.5 Acres of tranquil beauty in this authentic japanese garden. Adults- $9.50, with a college student ID- $7.75, Children 6 to 17- $6.75, Under 5 Free. Free family passes available through the Forest Grove Library. 

Magnolia Park

The water feature has boulders with water jets, which are on in the summer. The play equipment features two structures, one for children under five years old, and one for older children.

McMenamin's

Besides being really cool to just walk around and explore, McMenamins has lots of cheap and free activities:

• Frisbee Golf- Go to the front desk and ask to check out frisbees
• Soaking Pool- free with card
• Concerts and Events- Sometimes including outdoor movies or festivals. Check the calendar here. They have free Friday night concerts in the summer.

The Grand Lodge also has a spa, restaurant, several bars, and room reservations that you can check out at their website.

Oregon Zoo

The zoo is open every day except Christmas. Hours vary by season so check their site. Admission is normally $10.50 for 12 and older, $7.50 for 3-11 and free for kids 2 and under. Parking is $4, but free if you print your ticket at home. You also get free parking AND save $1.50 per ticket if you ride the MAX. The second Tuesday of each month all tickets are just $4. 

Peachy Pig Farm (Duycks)

You pick farm produce (everything from blueberries to eggplant to rhubarb). You can also meet the animals and farmers. Has a grassy area with lots of outdoor toys that is great for kids. Takes SNAP.

www.peachypigfarm.com

Pirate Park (Rock Creek Greenway formerly called Bethany Meadows Park)

Hidden in a subdivision off the 185th exit from 26 is a cool park with two structures built to look like pirate ships. The Play structures have some cover and there are palm trees all around it. Warning: There is a sandbox with a little "stream" water feature, so come with your beach toys, and towels because you will have a happy mess on your hands.

Rood Bridge Park

A 61 acre park in Hillsboro with a play structure, nature trails, streams, rock bridges and flower garden. We'd assert it's the most beautiful park in the area.

Rose Garden (International Rose Test Garden)

This is where Portland's "Royal Rosarians" test out new Rose Hybrids. It's beautiful and completely free. The Rose Garden Children's Park is one of the coolest playgrounds in the area.