Hit the Streets Portland is about as easygoing as it gets, so it's perfect if you want a city vacation minus the hustle and bustle. "The city's public transportation is low-cost and extensive; you can easily get to the major attractions without having to rent a car," says Linda Cabasin, editorial director of Fodor's Travel. Spend a morning at the Oregon Zoo, home for a flock of pink flamingos. ($15 for 12 and up, $10 for kids ages 3 to 11, free for younger kids). The five massive halls of the Oregon Museum of Science & Industry entice the under-8 crowd with submarine tours, a planetarium and light show, a new mummy exhibit, and live lab demos ($13.50 for 14 and up, $9.75 for ages 3 to 13, free for younger kids). And the Portland Japanese Garden is also surprisingly kid-friendly ($9.50 for adults, $6.75 for kids 6 to 17, free for kids 5 and under). "My 4-year-old is engrossed with the treasure hunt -- we scour every inch of the garden looking for hidden statues," says resident Minda Seibert. Act like you live there by biking the streets (there are many rental options in town), exploring the Portland Farmers' Market, which offers kids' cooking classes, and grabbing a meal from a local fave like The Grilled Cheese Grill (more than 18 twists on the classic) or Laurelwood Public House & Brewery (craft beer for you, play area for the kids).
Hit the Sheets The indoor heated pool at the Hilton Portland & Executive Tower make it a top downtown pick for families. (Rooms with two double beds start at $189 per night; hilton.com.) For more space, book the all-suite Inn at Northrup Station, which has a free breakfast, wine tasting on Wednesdays, and locally-made taffy in the lobby. The hotel provides free tickets to the Portland Streetcar, which offers transportation to downtown.
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