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Things to Do in Vancouver, Washington
There’s something for everyone in Vancouver. The city is full of quaint shops, pop-ups and farmer's markets offering locally-made goods. Check out the Pearson Air Museum dedicated to aviation history, or even the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, a great spot to learn more about regional history. Take a peaceful stroll along the waterfront Renaissance Trail, play beach volleyball at Frenchman's Bar, or enjoy one of our great breweries or taphouses. Plus, Portland is just ten minutes away with a ton of great day-trip attractions!
Things to Do
Kids' Activities in Vancouver
Are you looking for some things to do with the kids in Vancouver, Washington? Rain or shine, here's a local guide that's familiar with all of the family-friendly activities this city has to offer. From parks and indoor attractions to blow off some steam, to places that stimulate your littles' minds, there's something here sure to entice your whole crew. Big Al's Kids and adults alike will enjoy Big Al's bowling lanes and arcade. With a lengthy list of beer and cocktails, a full menu of pizza, burgers, salad, and more, spend a whole afternoon or evening here with friends or family. Big Al's FUN Card can be used to purchase anything in the building, including bowling, food, drinks, and arcade play which gives young ones freedom to enjoy all that they have to offer. Drip Drop Art Studio Spare your home of creative messes and drop in to Drip Drop Art Studio for classes, camps, parties, and open studio hours! I adore watching what they're up to with the littles on Instagram, catering from 18 months all the way to 10 years old. One of the things I love most is their imagination-driven concepts; no fancy tools or ideas here... can you collaborate with other littles to make a space ship out of a box at Space Camp? Or drop in for Architect week to make a city skyline? From beads, to paint, to glitter and felt, your mini makers will come home with a unique treasure that sparked their creativity. Sky Zone It's a rainy day and your kids have cabin fever? Jump over to Sky Zone, Vancouver's only trampoline park. From freestyle jumping to a foam zone, a bouncy game of dodgeball, skyhoops, battle beams, climbing, and even a dedicated toddler zone, this is the perfect place to grab a year round membership to or host your next party or group event. City Play for Kids The Pacific Northwest winters call for imaginative indoor playgrounds to keep little ones engaged all year-round. A whole tiny city, from a school bus, to a restaurant, vet clinic, firehouse, park, and more, are all there for your kiddos to interact with. Based on the foundation that children learn from play, your children can enjoy the space with a one-time drop-in fee or save with a play pass if you plan to go regularly. City Play is open seven days a week, from 8AM-4PM. Dizzy Castle Looking for some indoor fun for a birthday party, special event, or family outing? Dizzy Castle is the place to be! With over 13,000 square feet of play space for kids to explore, it’s the Northwest’s latest and greatest indoor playground! They can let their imaginations run wild as they conquer our massive indoor castle or set sail for adventure on our spectacular 70-foot pirate ship. Little heroes can save the day in our snake pit, or slide in style down one of our triple-wave slides. The littlest of heroes can also take part in the adventure. Toddlers can enjoy their own miniature pirate ship, slides, and age appropriate toys. Columbia Play Project Dedicated to creating exploratory play spaces for the young and young-at heart, the Columbia Play Project is just getting started and could use community support as they venture through their five-year expansion plan to create an exploratory play space. In the meantime, they have themed play kits, a mobile museum, and builder boards; a set of wooden pieces designed to offer children an opportunity to design and build their dream house. Book them for your next party! Nikkei Park Honoring Japanese American heritage and its history of farming in east Vancouver, this prehistoric dinosaur themed park is one of the most noteworthy parks in the city. The park at 52nd Street and 137th Avenue opened to the public in July, 2021. Children can dig for fossils, and adults can get some exercise in, plus enjoy a half-court basketball set-up and more than enough grassy spots to bring cornhole or croquet sets or just about any other yard game. Learn more about the Japanese heritage in Clark County Today. Laser Tag, Mini Golf & Axe Throwing Located within the Vancouver Mall, this is an attraction for all ages. With a blacklight lit Safari-themed mini golf course, laser tag, and even axe throwing, this is the perfect location for families to spend a Saturday with package deals on multiple activities, or to host your kid's next birthday party or group event.
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5 Beautiful Waterfalls Near Vancouver WA
We have no shortage of incredible waterfalls and hikes around Vancouver, WA, ranging in difficulty and elevation gain. I've collected a few below that I believe are family friendly. Remember that weather and seasons can change the terrain dramatically, so do some research on each trail within the last 2-4 weeks for up to date conditions. Round Lake Loop & Pothole Falls in Lacamas Lake Regional Park For the lowest impact and nearest waterfalls to Vancouver, just venture down the 14 into Camas. It’s just a 1.6-mile outing with 200 feet of elevation change and totally doable for kids. There are a number of junctions where you can extend your hike and explore more, varying terrain, such as the Camas lily fields, in the summertime.Distance from Vancouver: 25 Minutes, depending on traffic. Latourell Falls This is another low impact, quick (under a quarter mile?) walk that’s even accessible by stroller, off Oregon Highway 30. If you’re unfamiliar, hiking through the Columbia Gorge offers two paths–one on the Oregon side and one on the Washington side; the river being the stateline. The bright green moss over the rocks under Latourell Falls is vibrantly instagrammable, and the mist floating off the waterfall is fun for kids. The accessibility of this one makes it a bit busier than the others to come, but still worth a quick stop.Distance from Vancouver: 40 Minutes, depending on traffic. Siouxon Creek The Gifford Pinchot National Forest is one of my favorite day trips from Vancouver, and Sioxon Creek is a great place to start exploring. The pools that the waterfalls pour into are majestic green and blue jewel tones. Depending on how far you want to go, you can see four waterfalls, Horseshoe Creek Falls, Siouxon Falls, Chinook Falls, Wildcat Falls, and the hike can range from 4-9 miles. Try checking out AllTrails for specifics on each route.Distance from Vancouver: 1 hr, 30 Minutes, depending on traffic. Covel Creek Falls and Angel Falls Trail With all kinds of varying terrain and things to see, including forest, waterfalls, caves and grottos. Portions of it can be overgrown and some reviewers stated it was easy to get off the planned route and extend the hike way longer than planned. There are two to three streams to cross and steep inclines, so make sure you have appropriate footwear for this one, but it is doable for the whole family. It’s been stated toward the end of summer 2021 that the waterfalls aren’t as full as some expected. Spring may be ideal for this location.Distance from Vancouver: 2 hours, 20 Minutes, depending on traffic. Panther Creek Falls One of my faves in the Pacific Northwest because of the little wispy divergent paths of water running down bright green mossy rocks creating a breathtaking view of one of the most unique waterfalls around. This hike is short but requires a bit of rock-climbing off-trail experience to reach the bottom of the falls. The trails have recently been restored by Forest Service and are manageable for most ages. The trailhead is unmarked and hard to find and conditions are wet but the view is worth it. To extend your adventure, check out the nearby Ramona Falls.Distance from Vancouver: 1 hr, 30 Minutes, depending on traffic.
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Shop Small, Shop Local
With a goal of always reducing my footprint, and supporting friends and our community, I choose to shop small whenever I can. I'll keep adding to this list because there are way more than I've mentioned here, but here are some of my favorites for casual browsing, and finding local gifts. Kindred Homestead Supply I believe this is Vancouver’s only bulk refillery for home and personal care products. They also have a variety of sustainable home goods, local makers’ products and artwork, and host great events such as monthly flea markets, shibori dyeing classes, and clothing swaps. I adore basically every initiative they launch. Suburban Succulents Crazy plant people, stop with the bananas prices at the trendy Portland plant shops, and drop in to Suburban Succulents, a hidden gem in a residential neighborhood in Vancouver. They’re by no means only succulents–in fact, Adriane, the owner, will happily try to source your wish list of houseplants at super reasonable prices. She’s also ultra-helpful in diagnosing what’s wrong with any of your suffering plants, and nursing them back to health. A wealth of knowledge and very chill individual, I’m happy to call her one of my first friends when I moved to Vancouver and highly recommend you pay her a visit. Vancouver Night Market and Pop-Local The Night Market is essentially a flea market of local makers hosted through the summer months in Vancouver. But, the community loved it so much, that Pop-Local is currently being launched down by the Waterfront, so we’ll have brick-and-mortar year-round access to shop small, locally made products! I’m super excited about this. 1709 Records A broad selection in a small old-school style shop, with passionate, knowledgeable, friendly owners, is basically all you could want out of a record store. It’s clean and well-organized, this Google reviewer put it perfectly: “Prices are great for the common titles, and an abundance of rarer discs at appropriate-yet-reasonable cost. Throw in some new vinyl, cassette tapes, and shelves of vintage hi-fi gear..you've got 1709. Magnifique.” Birdhouse Books I will never not want real, printed books. Birdhouse has a small, cozy selection of used books, just upstairs from Rosemary Cafe. It honestly feels like perusing a friend’s book collection, and I love that intimacy. It’s definitely intended for casual browsing rather than an intentional search for a specific title. They also have poetry readings, literary discussions, and book signings!
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Museums, Gardens, and More!
We're lucky to have beauty in every direction from Vancouver, and these specially curated and beautifully maintained museums, gardens, and more are truly destinations people visit from around the world. In order from closest, to furthest away: International Rose Test Garden, Portland, OR: The oldest continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States, featuring more than 10,000 roses in bloom from late spring to early fall is truly breathtaking. It’s set in Washington Park along with the Hoyt Arboretum and the Japanese Garden (see those below!). There’s no entry fee, but it does get busy, so plan accordingly! Distance to Vancouver: 20 minutes. Portland Japanese Garden, Portland, OR: A place to let go of worldly thoughts and see oneself as a small but integral part of the universe. Not just a garden, but also home to the Cultural Village where visitors can immerse themselves in traditional Japanese arts through seasonal activities, performances, and demonstrations in the Atsuhiko and Ina Goodwin Tateuchi Foundation Courtyard. Distance to Vancouver: 20 minutes. Hoyt Arboretum, Portland, OR: Home to 2,300 species of trees and shrubs from six continents, 12 miles of trails, and 189 acres, it is the perfect place to clear your head and walk solo, or with a family. It’s worth a visit in every season to see what’s blooming. Distance to Vancouver: 20 minutes. OMSI, Portland, OR: The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is intriguing for all ages. With seasonal exhibits including my favorite, “Exquisite Creatures”, a wonderful display of bugs and small, colorful animals, and the very popular traveling “Body Worlds” showing you inside the human body, keep an eye on their website to see what’s current. For adults, OMSI After Dark is a monthly event for 21+ with food trucks, drinks, and music. Distance to Vancouver: 20 minutes. Rice NW Museum of Rocks and Minerals, Hillsboro, OR: If you’re into crystals, gems and prehistoric petrified wood and fossils, this place will “rock” your world (I had to.) My mind can’t even really fathom the age of some of the specimens and how it could have possibly been determined. The collection of 20,000 rocks and minerals was started by Richard and Helen Rice, who eventually turned their world class collection into a 501c3 and made it available for all those interested in the earth sciences. Distance to Vancouver: 40 minutes.Wildlife Safari, Winston, OR: A 600 acre Drive-Thru animal park with dozens of threatened species like the quirky Cotton-top Tamarin, Brindled Wildebeest, and literally, lions, tigers, and bears, (Oh my!). Driving your own vehicle, It takes about 1-1/2 hours to complete your tour. Distance to Vancouver: 3 hours, depending on traffic. Evergreen Space and Aviation Museum, McMinnville, OR: More than fifty vintage aircraft, rockets and aviation equipment, with optional bonus tours, including the famous Hughes Flying Boat Spruce Goose. No reservations are required, but you may have to wait if you don’t make one. Distance to Vancouver: 1 hr 15 Minutes, depending on traffic.
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Guide to River Floats Around Portland and Vancouver
Floating down rivers in the Pacific Northwest is an iconic summer activity that you won't want to miss. Grab a cooler and a cord to tie your inner tube to your friends', park cars at both ends, and enjoy the views along literal 'lazy' rivers! Barton Park to Carver Park Float, Boring, OR The float is about 6 miles long from Barton Park to Carver Park down the Clackamas River. Depending on how fast you go & how much you stop, the float takes roughly 3-5 hours, but you can extend your experience by starting at Milo McIver. Everyone is invited to the annual "Big Float". Check out the dates for this coming summer!Distance from Vancouver: Approximately 37 min, depending on traffic. East Fork Lewis River, WA This float is best to be done in June or July as the river gets a little shallow in August and you may need to walk some portions. Lewisville Park to Daybreak Park is around 2 hours. Pullouts between Daybreak and La Center are rare, so if you want to do the whole thing expect to make a day out of it. Estimated float time is 7 hours.Distance from Vancouver: Approximately 1 hr 10 min, depending on traffic. McIver to Barton, Estacada, OR Enjoy the 3-4 hour float from McIver to Barton. While the drive to get to McIver is a little further you’ll deal with less traffic and people. There is a $5 day-use permit which you purchase at the kiosks at the front gates.Distance from Vancouver: Approximately 40 min, depending on traffic. Dabney to Lewis and Clark or Glenn Otto, Corbett, OR This Sandy River float actually has a couple more routes to choose from, with Dodge to Oxbow / Dabney being Class II+ rapids for the more experienced adventurers, and can range from 2-5 hours. The river speed and water level depths change quickly from beginning of summer to end and can be unpredictable from year to year. Distance from Vancouver: Approximately 30 min, depending on traffic. Don't forget sunscreen and of course life jackets for kids and any adults who aren't confident swimmers; you're not guaranteed to stay aboard your tube the whole time! Floating alone isn't recommended!
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An Ever-Growing List of Camping Spots Near Vancouver WA
From state parks to dispersed BLM campgrounds and private land, there are so many camping opportunities in the Pacific Northwest, it would be impossible to name them all. Here are a few, but for more ideas check out The Dyrt, Hipcamp, and local camping Facebook groups and Subreddits! Private: Cedar Creek Farms If you want a nearby camping getaway that's easily accessible from the Portland metro, incredibly serene, dog-friendly and free of the noise of state park camping sites, I cannot recommend this Hipcamp spot enough. It's coincidentally hosted by one of my closest friends, so I may be biased, but it's set amidst 37 private acres of creeks and trails, just a few minutes from the small town of Sandy, OR, and is absolutely my favorite last-minute camping location. Don't expect running water or electricity, but they can definitely accommodate excursion vans, tents, and RVs. Click the header above to check availability. Distance from Vancouver: Approximately 45 min, depending on traffic. Camp Dakota Camping and Adventures, Scotts Mills, OR Activities offered include ziplining, a high ropes challenge course, paintball, treasure hunting and much much more! Not in the mood to camp in a tent? No worries because Camp Dakota offers the option to stay in a yurt, a teepee, a cabin tent and even RV parking. They’ve even got your large parties covered by selecting the group camp site. Heads up: Many GPS devices will lead you to a dirt road that you do not want to be on. Use Google Maps for the most accurate directions.Distance from Vancouver: Approximately 1 hr 10 min, depending on traffic. Silver Falls, Sublimity, OR People call it the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system, and once you visit, you know why. At Silver Falls you can find tent camping, yurts, RV spaces and cabins. There are tons of picnic tables and a day use area. While visiting, definitely take hikes around to see the 10 different waterfalls, including the famous South Fall which has a trail to walk directly behind it. For specific hikes, check out AllTrails.Distance from Vancouver: Approximately 1 hr 15 min, depending on traffic. Ike Kinswa State Park, Silver Creek, WA Ike Kinswa State Park offers 46,000 feet of freshwater shoreline on the north side of Mayfield Lake in Southwest Washington. Check out the Cowlitz river across the street from the campground. Stay in a cabin, tent or your RV with the option of a full hookups site, a water & electric hookup site or one of the standard sites. Outdoor activities include boating (boat ramp available), canoeing, kayaking, fishing, water sports, mountain biking, hiking and picnicking. One of the many perks is also the wildlife viewing!Distance from Vancouver: Approximately 1 hr 25 min, depending on traffic. North Waldo Campground, Oakridge, OR North Waldo Campgrounds is a favorite spot in Oregon. It is great for hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, paddle boarding, stargazing, and just reading and napping on the beach. Trails are beautiful and the water is so clear you can see the bottom from the middle of the lake. You'll be off the grid with minimal to no cell service, so plan accordingly.Distance from Vancouver: Approximately 3 hr 30 min, depending on traffic. Use google maps for the most accurate directions. While you're in the area, don't forget to check out my favorite waterfalls and local landmarks!
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Local Landmarks Around Vancouver WA
Whether you're into nude beaches, casual strolls with coffee, or shopping local produce and native-caught fish, places to visit on a day off are just a short drive from Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR. Columbia Springs This is such a little natural, hidden gem including 2 miles of trails and 2 lakes, off the Old Evergreen Highway right in the center of Vancouver. Go there to enjoy a picnic or nature walk. It has total summer camp vibes, with so much to learn and explore, and includes 100 acres of lush, forested green space, plus a trout hatchery!Distance to Vancouver - None! Moulton Falls Bridge You’ve probably seen images of this iconic footbridge over the Lewis River in your Vancouver research. It’s an easy out-and-back hiking trail, with divergent routes to waterfalls (look out for Lucia Falls and Big Tree Falls). Avoid crowds by going early in the morning.Distance from Vancouver - 40 minutes Kelly Point Park (Portland) Enjoy a paved loop for a walk or bike ride and drop down trails in a number of areas to the river’s edge, where you can let your dogs run and soak up a little sun watching ships go by. Located where the Willamette and Columbia Rivers merge, it feels a little remote driving there but it’s a somewhat hidden beautiful sandy beach with plenty of shade from towering trees.Distance from Vancouver - 20 minutes Sauvie Island (Portland) From a nude beach, to U-pick fruit and berries, to pumpkin patches and corn mazes in the fall, there is something for everyone during every season in Sauvie Island. I love Bella Organic Farm which offers an indoor “farmers market” open daily to get local organic produce and goods.Distance from Vancouver - 30 minutes Vista House (Multnomah County) Vista House is a historical museum at Crown Point along the Columbia Gorge on the Oregon side, with gorgeous and accessible panoramic views of the Columbia River. If you can make it at sunset on your way back from a hike deeper in the Gorge, the reflection on the river is stunning. Check hours if you want to go inside for your history lesson.Distance from Vancouver - 40 minutes Waterfront Renaissance Trail A 5-mile paved trail along the waterfront in Vancouver, from Wintler Park all the way to the Kaiser Viewing Tower. You can start in the center, by parking and grabbing a coffee at Savona, and head either right or left, depending on how far you want to go. This is also the most direct access to the tiny, “Surprise Beach.”Distance from Vancouver - None! Bridge of the Gods A toll bridge over the Columbia River in Cascade Locks connecting Washington and Oregon, east of the 205. Observe the phenomenal views, and check out the fruit stands under the bridge, as well as the Umatilla tribal member-owned Brigham Fish Market that sells fresh Columbia River-caught salmon and other fish in season throughout the year. For more information about buying fresh Indian-caught salmon in season, visit the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC) website at www.critfc.org.Distance from Vancouver - 50 minutes If you're visiting during summertime, check out the top River Floats in the area, and if you need to feast after your adventures we've got some great restaurants in Vancouver!
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