Free and Cheap Things to Explore
Free Things
North Pole Studios—inclusive art studio with exhibits & events for folks with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
514 NW 11th Ave Suite 203
Mon-Fri 10-3 Sat 10-2
https://www.northpolestudio.org/events
Farmer’s Markets—there’s one happening nearly every day of the week throughout the city. They tend to close for the winter so check the website for when they start again. They also accept SNAP for twice the dollar amount.
https://pdxparent.com/farmers-markets-portland-oregon/
Saturday Market—arts, crafts, snacks, and more all under the Burnside Bridge on Saturdays
2 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204 Saturdays
10-2 March through December
https://www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com/
Library Events & Classes—learn to sew, practice a new language, develop other skills through library events & classes. Most are free and open to the public.
https://multcolib.org/events-classes
Library of Things/Tool Libraries—Borrow tools, special cookware, crafting supplies, etc. for free through the Portland and Beaverton library system.
https://www.beavertonlibrary.org/377/Library-of-Things
https://multco.us/info/tool-lending-libraries
Rockwood Makers Space—Part of the Multnomah County Library system, the makers space is a collaborative learning environment with an emphasis on middle and high school learners, but all are welcome. Includes laptops & tablets with creative software, sewing machines, craft cutters, 3D printers. Some events require registration.
17917 SE Stark St Portland, OR
M, Th–Sat 10–6 Tue–Wed 12–8 Sun 12–6
My Discovery Pass through Multnomah County Library—offers passes to free educational and cultural experiences to various places throughout the Portland area. Requires Multnomah County Library Card
https://multcolib.org/my-discovery-pass
Free Lunchtime Concerts—Free live music concert at 12pm on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month at The Old Church Concert Hall. Beware, parking is hard to find.
1422 SW 11th Ave Portland, OR
https://www.tocportland.org/lunchtime-concerts
Cheap Things To Do:
Guardian Games Game Nights & Competitions—$5-$30
Game shop hosting various game nights and competitions for card games, board games, ttrpgs, etc. Both range from $5-$60, with the majority being under $30
345 SE Taylor St, Portland, OR
M–Sat 10–10 Sun 11–7
https://store.ggportland.com/events/
Mox Boarding House—$4 cheapest purchase; $0-$20 for game nights/competitions
Game shop that offers a stay and play option for board games with a purchase from their cafe. They also host competitions and game nights ranging from free to $20 for the most part. Keep an eye out for “open play” events for free participation. Parking can be difficult.
1938 W Burnside St, Portland, OR
M–W 11–10 Fri 11–12am Sat 10–12am Sun 10–10
https://www.moxboardinghouse.com/pages/portland
The Portland Aquarium—General Admission $14 Arts for All $5
An educational, family friendly cartoon aquarium located in downtown Portland
Free to DSPs
603 SW Broadway, Portland, OR
Daily 11–7
https://mikebennettstudios.com/pages/portland-aquarium
Wonderwood Springs—Mini golf: $14 Cafe: Cheapest purchase $4
A fantasy themed cafe and indoor mini golf with quirky decor and games available to play
8811 N Lombard St Portland, OR
cafe: daily 9–8 mini golf: M–Th 1–8, F–Sun 10–8
https://mikebennettstudios.com/pages/wonderwood-springs
Club Impact—$5
A social club for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Provides a snack and meal.
1820 NE 40th Ave Portland, OR
https://thearcpdx.org/club-impact/
Off the Couch Activity Night—$7
Organization to encourage socialization for adults with disabilities. Nights are often themed.
11560 SE Market St Portland, OR
https://offthecouchevents.org/
Adaptive: Dance Night—Resident $7 Non-Resident $10
A dance night for folks with disabilities ages 16+
5530 SE 72nd Ave Portland, OR
Adaptive: Movie Night—Resident $7 Non-Resident $10
Movie night for folks with disabilities ages 12+
6820 SW 45th Ave Portland, OR
Oregon Heritage Rail Center—General Admission $6 Senior $5
Museum dedicated to preserving Oregon’s train history. They offer train rides starting in May for $34/person.
2250 SE Water Ave. Portland OR
Th-Sun 1pm-5pm
Accessibility Note: Due to the historic nature of the coaches, all passengers must be able to climb 7 stairs to board the coaches and walk approximately 85 feet to a seat. Due to limited aisle widths, wheelchairs, mobility devices, and strollers are not permitted on the railcars. Temporary storage for devices is provided in the Center.
OMSI—Arts for all: $5 General Admission: $29.50
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. They keep rotation exhibits on various topics throughout the year. The museum includes a planetarium, a retired submarine you can tour, and a theater where they often will show movies for events. Movie events are $9/person on average.
1945 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR
Tues-Sun 9:30-5:30