Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) is thrilled to restore summer programming in 2021 with resources from the Parks Local Option Levy (Parks Levy)! Due to the ongoing global pandemic, the summer will look different this year to protect public health.
Summer Safety and COVID-19
In summer 2021, Portland Parks & Recreation's primary goal is to keep our community healthy and to protect the public from the spread of COVID-19. PP&R designed outdoor summer programming to meet public health guidance and to be flexible as conditions change. Due to public health guidance, some PP&R sites and programs may need to operate at reduced capacity or change locations.
Visit our COVID-19 Safety Practices for Youth Participants materials to learn more about Portland Parks & Recreation's protocols.
How to register for camps, classes, and offerings
- Registration opens on May 24, at 12:30 pm for programs that begin between June 21 to July 25.
- Registration opens on June 28, at 12:30 pm for programs that begin between July 26 to August 29.
- Registration opens on August 2, at 12:30 pm for programs that begin between August 30 to October 2.
Summer Programming Activities are available to browse and register for online.
Beginning June 21 (Registration opens May 24)
- Summer Free For All's Free Lunch + Play (Free, drop-in program. No registration required.)
- Fitness in the Park
- Lap Swim and Water Fitness (indoor pools opening for mornings only, and outdoor pools)
- Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation (AIR) Summer Camps
- Nature Day Camps
- TeenForce Activities
- Virtual classes - AIR, Lifelong Recreation, Arts & Culture
- In-person classes - Lifelong Recreation, tennis, and music classes
Beginning June 28 (Registration opens May 24)
- Swim lessons at outdoor pools
Beginning July 6 (Registration opens May 24)
- Summer camps at Community Centers, SUN CS, Arts & Culture
Summer Free For All will present small, surprise, "pop-up" performances by local artists at Free Lunch + Play sites and other parks around the city (No registration required.)
Work with Portland Parks & Recreation
Thanks to Portland voters and the Parks Levy, PP&R is hiring for seasonal work and for year-round employment. Please visit portland.gov/parks/employment for information and to see all opportunities available within recreation, aquatics, environmental education, maintenance, and more.
Summer programs and offerings
Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation (AIR)
Offering camps and activities specially designed for children, teens, and adults who live with disabilities.
Arts classes and camps
Multnomah Arts Center will offer outdoor camps and virtual classes. Community Music Center will offer outdoor classes at Kenilworth Park and virtual classes.
Community Centers
Community centers will support outdoor COVID-19-responsive programming this summer. Community centers will not be open to the public this summer, regardless of public health guidance. PP&R looks forward to the centers reopening in the fall of 2021.
Fitness in the Park
PP&R has ten parks (twice the amount of last year!) featuring outdoor fitness programs such as yoga, exercise, and Zumba classes.
Free Lunch + Play
Free nutritious meals for youth ages 1-18. Plus free, drop-in activities and special events including art and music activities, pop-up performances, book/reading events, sports, games, and more. No registration required.
Pop-up Performances
Summer Free For All will present small, surprise, "pop-up" performances by local artists at Free Lunch + Play sites and other parks around the city.
Interactive Fountains and Splash Pads
Interactive fountains are open during park hours starting in mid-May, remaining on through early autumn. Splash pads are open daily from June 11 through September 6, between 11:00 am and 7:00 pm.
Ladybug Nature Walks
Guided family programs to connect Portlanders to the natural environment.
Lifelong Recreation (formerly known as Senior Recreation)
Virtual programs and outdoor activities available to Portlanders ages 60 and up.
Nature Day Camps
Summer day camps for kids to hike and explore nature.
Virtual Programs
Free Stay and Play videos help Portlanders stay active and connected to PP&R throughout the summer. Videos are available at youtube.com/pdxparksandrec/videos. A limited number of registered, virtual classes will also be available.
Summer Camps
Outdoor day camps, sports, and art camps for ages 5-12 at 20 locations across the city. Camp group sizes are limited and campers will remain with other participants of similar ages.
Swimming pools and lessons*
All seven outdoor public pools and five indoor pools will open on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, if health conditions and staffing allow. Pools will have swim lessons and water exercise classes by reservation only, and limit other offerings to protect public health. Lap swim and water fitness reservations at indoor pools are available between 5:30 am and 12:30 pm.