Summer 2023 with Portland Parks & Recreation

Information
group of preschoolers at Peninsula Park Community Center holding up rainbow collages that they created
Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) is thrilled to provide programming with resources from the Parks Local Option Levy (Parks Levy)
On this page

How to sign up for activities, classes, and offerings

Summer activities take place from June 26 through October 1

Registration begins at 12:30pm:

  • May 17 for June 26–July 30 activities
  • June 21 for July 31–August 27 activities
  • July 26 for September 5–October 1 activities

As part of our Parks Levy commitment, we are working to improve access for underserved communities, which include but are not limited to people of color, seniors, teens, households experiencing poverty, immigrants and refugees, and people living with disabilities. PP&R provides information to local community organizations who share early registration opportunities with their community members. 50% of activity space is available during this period.

Interested organizations can email parksrecreation@portlandoregon.gov to register as partners or to learn more.

Access Pass - Reduced Pricing
Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) believes recreation is for everyone. We know that the price of programs and activities prevents some community members from being able to participate. Thanks to the Parks Local Option Levy (Parks Levy) we can offer new payment options for people who live within the City of Portland. City of Portland residents can register for a free Access Pass to receive an ongoing discount of 25, 50, 75, or 90% based on financial need. The pass is valid for 12 months from the date of enrollment. No proof of income is required.

Create an account
Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) uses an online registration system for all the amazing camps, classes, and programs available to you and your family. To register for PP&R activities, you'll first need to create an online account.

Search for a class or activity
Once you have an account, follow this video's step-by-step instructions and captions to search for and sign up for activities.


Work with Portland Parks & Recreation

Visit portland.gov/parks/jobs for information and to see all opportunities available within recreation, aquatics, environmental education, maintenance, and more. 

See employment opportunities


Summer 2023 Activity Guide

Click here to view


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 offers camps, classes, and activities onsite and across the city through Art Pods through the Summer Free For All Free Lunch + Play program. Community Music Center will offer classes and activities at our location,  plus outdoor classes at Kenilworth Park.

Community Centers
Portland Parks & Recreation community centers are open for camps, classes, and drop-in activities. 

Fitness in the Park
PP&R features outdoor fitness programs such as yoga, exercise, and Zumba classes.

5K Series Fun Runs
Portland Parks & Recreation's annual 5K Fun Run Series are family-friendly 5K races that take place monthly from May through September at parks throughout Portland. 

Gateway Discovery Park
Gateway Discovery Park provides free, equitable, and safe programming in collaboration with the community. Gateway Discovery Park is host to Summer Free For All Free Lunch + Play lunch and activities, plus free community events throughout the summer.

Summer Free For All - 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 is required.

Summer Free For All - Events
Summer Free For All has over 40 free concerts, movies, and performances this summer throughout the city. The East Portland Summer Arts Festival kicks off the summer with two days of fantastic performances at Ventura Park. The Washington Park Summer Festival returns to the Washington Park Amphitheater.

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 Open June 14, 2023 through Labor Day weekend, between 10:00 am and 8:00 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 for 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
Day camps, sports, and art camps for ages 5-12 at locations across the city. 

Swimming pools and lessons
Portland Parks & Recreations owns and operates four indoor pools and seven outdoor pools. Outdoor pools will be open for the summer season Wednesday, June 21 through Sunday, August 27, 2023. 

Portland’s Parks Bureau continues to experience the same staffing challenges as nearly all parks and recreation agencies across the country.  Specifically, the PP&R aquatics program is affected by ongoing recruitment struggles.

If you or someone you know is interested in joining our staff, we offer lifeguard certification, swim instructor training, and water fitness instructor training classes year-round to prepare and train staff.

  • Lifeguards provide safety at pools. 
  • Swim instructors teach individuals of all ages how to swim. 
  • Water fitness instructors teach well-rounded and balanced water fitness classes.

View staff training program information.


Program Changes Due to Weather

PP&R classes, activities, rentals, and sports events may be canceled due to weather. Check with your PP&R facility for the most current information, via phone at 503-823-2533, or online for updated information.

Inclement Weather Information


COVID-19 related information
Portland Parks & Recreation’s primary goal is to keep our community healthy and protect the public from the spread of COVID-19. We continue to follow guidance from public health authorities and elected officials. PP&R programming has been designed to meet public health guidance and to be flexible as conditions change.