This waterfront recreation area is one of Portland's most popular parks. Located just a few miles south of downtown, the park features tennis courts, a soccer field, playground and plenty of hiking/biking trails. The boat ramp launches most of Portland's Willamette River traffic. The park and its parking lot get pretty full in the summertime, so this really isn't a place to look for peace and quiet. However, in the off-season, the recreation area is a prime spot to get close to the Willamette.

This beautiful, open floor-plan gallery leads immediately downstairs to crisp white walls. With no distraction you can easily browse for quite some time over exquisite artwork and sculptures. Subtle lighting brings out the beauty in each piece of work. Highlighting the colors of oil paintings are details of metal sculptures. Exhibits are held often for new artists or those presenting new work. Details of schedules can be obtained by calling the gallery directly.

This 35-acre nature park was named for an early Oregon historian and anchors the southern end of the Terwiliger Parkway. Acquired in 1903, established paths are laced throughout the wooded ravines. The natural area contains no more than trails, making it one of the most primitive of the city's developed recreation areas. Strikingly beautiful all year, the forest is most colorful in the fall when deep evergreens contrast with the turning leaves of autumn. There are no fees to use the park.

William Lair Hill, a Portland pioneer, was a lawyer and an editor. This park is named after him because he wrote many of Oregon's early laws. Just south of Downtown, the four-acre community park offers a playground, wading pool, art center, tennis courts and the shade of old trees. In 1927, Multnomah County gave the plot to the City of Portland. Lair Hill Park has remained a popular neighborhood interest and its proximity to the Terwilliger Parkway makes it exceptionally attractive.

There are plenty of things for children to touch, grab, tinker with and pull here. They will know this museum is for them with all of the activities. Lots of exhibits are designed for little ones under 10 years old. There is also a play shop for kids 10 and older. Theater workshops are held for children to make them grow intellectually. Admission is reasonable.

Located at the Southwest Community Center, this aquatic facility is the cutting edge of water fitness and entertainment for the family. The pool house includes a six-lane lap pool, leisure pool with wading entry, water slide, splash pool and whirlpool. Swim classes are offered to all ages and levels. Passes are available for multiple visits. Call for admission.

The Public Art Gallery, located inside the Michael Graves' Portland Building, holds information about the city of Portland and many of the artistic endeavors featured throughout the streets. The most notable element of this gallery is the display of molds for the immaculate and controversial Portlandia, a bronze statue of a goddess-like woman with a trident and a stoic facial expression. Visitors can certainly marvel at the incredible size of these molds, but also read about the history of the statue and its artist. Each corner of the marble-floored gallery offers another opportunity to learn about the city of bridges. The gallery is free and open to the public during normal business hours. -Cathryn D. Blue

The Hillsdale Community Church is a beautiful church located in the city of Portland. This charming structure is compact but extremely tranquil. The main aims of the church is to spread the word of Christ, encouraging all to see the beauty of his words and to make a difference in the world. This community church is a family for all.

Express yourself freely! Located smack dab in the middle of the historic Multnomah area, this center allows people of every age a chance to express themselves creatively with inexpensive classes or simply by browsing through the galleries. Multnomah Art Center is located in an old, renovated grade school, which lends itself well to the frequently held workshops. You can experience everything from painting and sculpting to dancing and photography. A fun time is in store for all.

This neighborhood retreat is just north of Southwest Capitol Highway (also known as Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway) and only minutes off Interstate Highway 5. Since DeWitt Park is only a little larger than half an acre, and the play equipment is akin to a backyard swing set-you might feel like you are picnicking at home. Rolling hills and wonderful old trees add to the hometown feel. The park is named for a German immigrant, Francis DeWitt, who arrived in Oregon in 1847 by boat.