Tanner Creek Park

Filled with rolling, grassy hills and towering trees, this West Linn gem is just as entertaining for adults and teens as it is for the littles, with tennis and pickleball, basketball courts that have adjustable hoops, a dedicated skate park, and a spiffy playground. In the summer there’s also a popular spray park for cooling off, as well as live music every Thursday evening.

Ibach Park
Located in Tualatin, Ibach Park is worth the trip for its historical-themed interactive playground that lets children clamber over fossil-themed climbing structures while learning about the region’s prehistoric, Native American, and pioneer past. There’s also a trail that meanders down to the peaceful Hedges Creek greenway, as well as basketball, tennis courts, and picnic shelters.

Nadaka Nature Park
The former Camp Fire Girls site in Gresham is now a full-fledged nature park with community gardens, nature walks, and modish public art. Children can scramble across the wooden play structures, which are modeled after a Native American longhouse and a canoe. 

Washougal Waterfront Park
Take in views of the Columbia River while strolling the almost mile-long path that encircles this Washington park. Other features include a natural play area with a Sasquatch named Eegah and an erratic boulder named Erric, a boat launch for canoes, kayaks, and other quieter boats, rain gardens, and futuristic solar-powered restrooms.