Photo by Adam Sawyer
The Summer Free for All is a series of free family-friendly outdoor activities and events put on by Portland Parks and Recreation with the help of some generous sponsors. The program reaches out to all areas of Portland and provides something for just about everybody.
Many Portland parents are familiar with the free movies and concerts in the park as cornerstones of the Summer Free for All, but did you know you can also take the kids swimming or rock wall climbing? For free! It’s true. Here’s a quick rundown of the programs offered:
Movies in the Park: Shows start when the sun goes down and run from June 26th –September 10th. Many showings are closed captioned and wheelchair accessible.
Photo by Adam Sawyer
Concerts in the Park: These run from July 5th through late August with a couple of designated rain dates, just in case. Most concerts are wheelchair accessible and each show features a different act from a different musical genre.
Washington Park Summer Festival: Every day, from August 4th – 13th at 6pm, the family can attend a free festival in Washington Park. The festivals include everything from musical and theatrical performance to comedy and cultural presentations.
Playgrounds and Free Lunches: On weekdays from June 20th – August 26th there will be organized sports, games, and crafts at parks all across the Portland area. Free healthy lunches will also be provided to kids at most sites.
Rock Climbing Wall: How cool is this one? Throughout the summer a rock climbing wall will be showing up at Portland parks. Sometimes the wall will be a part of a Movies in the Park or Sunday Parkways event, but more often than not, all by itself. Trained staff and safety equipment will be on hand.
Swim Programs: From June 20th – September 2nd there will be free swim lessons and open play sessions at 13 different Portland area pools.
With something free, fun, and close happening just about everyday this summer, the Portland Parks and Recreation folks have given us parents even more ways to get the kids outside. Thanks guys!
-Adam Sawyer
Photo by Adam Sawyer
