Summer is a wonderful time to get out and do something fun with your children, no matter their age. However, we know that the first outing after baby is born can be tricky. Postpartum doulas can help with getting you out for your first outing - and once you master the art of leaving the house, here are some great places and events to check out.

PLAYGROUNDS & PARKS:

Jamison Square Fountain in downtown Portland’s Pearl District, offers a grassy area to relax and a super cool water fountain for your children to enjoy. Babies and children of all ages will have a blast!

Beaverton City Park offers a huge water fountain and a shaded playground. Bonus, it's right across from the library!

Irving Park, located at NE 7th Avenue and Fremont Street, has lots to offer: playground, splash pad, restroom, baseball field, basketball court, dog off-leash area, paved paths, picnic site, soccer field, softball field, tennis court, etc.

Westmoreland Park Nature Playground is a fabulous nature based playground located in the Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood. There is sand and water play and lots of stuff to climb.

Portland Parks and Recreation’s website has a great tool for finding a park near you with the amenities you’re looking for.

PLACES:

Berry Picking around Portland. What’s more fun than picking your own berries and eating them? It’s a great way for children to learn about food and get out and enjoy the sunshine.

Fit4Mom has free classes at the Zoo this summer. It’s the last Wednesday of each month July-September! After class you have free access to the zoo, so plan your day to stay.

Portland Children's Museum has a vast outdoor area that includes water play, sand and dirt digging, trails, an amphitheater and other games.

Concerts and Movies in the park. Check out a FREE concert or movie in a park near you! Grab a picnic and have some quality family fun.

Baby Hour at the Portland Art Museum. The first Thursday of every month at 10 AM, PAM welcomes caregivers with children under the age of 1 to take a slow guided walk around the museum with a docent, followed by coffee and conversation. Registration is required, and the cost is $20.

Portland Farmers Market operates at 5 locations throughout the week, including Saturdays at PSU, with tons of vendors, food options and entertainment. You and your kids will be entertained for hours. You can find your neighborhood farmers markets here.

Kruger Farms Summer Concerts are a fabulous way to get out and have a blast with the family, with music and tractor rides every Thursday evening during the summer. You can bring your own picnic or get dinner at the food carts there.

Hatfield Marine Science Center is a free aquarium geared toward children. There are tons of hands-on exhibits, educational activities, a wonderful gift shop and of course the Giant Octopus. It’s worth the drive.

Powell's Book Store: Powell's has a diverse collection of new, used, and out of print books. The children's section is no exception, and small tables in the children's section provide a sweet spot to read together.

ACTIVITIES:

Have a scavenger hunt at your local farmers market. For older children this is a great way for them to explore new foods and learn about colors, numbers and textures.

Do the 4T Adventure: Spend the day exploring Portland on trails, trolley, tram, and train

Watch the planes from IKEA. If your little loves airplanes this will be a great treat. And who needs an excuse to go to IKEA?

Water tables provide inexpensive hours of fun. You can make them out of anything you have around the house and customize to the age of your child(res); you can use an old sandbox, a plastic underbed storage bin, or a baby bathtub; toss in some unused Tupperware, a turkey baster, plastic animals from the toy collection, etc. And for older toddlers don’t forget to check out water beads for some super cool, super sensory fun.