Union Station (Amtrak) - This is a pretty cool place! It reminds me of the pictures of New York's Union Station only on a much smaller, cleaner, and friendlier scale. I liked the marble floors and the old benches that remind me of church pews. Mom says: Jonny mans an infomation stand just outside the entrance with maps, directions, and any help you might need. Great tour guide for free!
OMSI - This is a really good science museum. It's smaller than the Pacific Science Center, but I like it a lot. There's a lot to do, and the exhibits change so every time we go, there's something new.
Backspace - Portland's "hip uncool place". Games and internet cafe. Mom says: Yes, this right-wing, Bush-loving, conservative Christian mom enjoyed Backspace. This is a very casual and large space, and I'd call it a beatnik hangout for the new millenium. It's comfortable. There's local 'artwork' on display; not the stuff you're likely to find in most galleries. The computers are semi-enclosed so that you can't see (thankfully, I'm sure!) what's on them unless you're right there. Access is $6/hr and wi-fi access is free for customers. The X-box [and all the latest games (including some E-rated ones)] is $6/hr +$2 each additional controller. Their coffee is superb! Let the boys play for an hour while you sip a cuppa joe and catch up on your reading on one of their comfy couches. They have a large selection of board games for their customers. Yes, including chess-- and even chess tournaments . You have to be able to look past all the left-wing political statements and graffiti, and realize that the guy with the orange pony-boy and multiple piercings behind the counter is a co-owner and trying to make a fair living. The bathrooms have been "decorated" by patrons and you'll need to tell the kids to close their eyes if they know how to read. They were, however, clean. You'll run into some real interesting characters here, and I wouldn't leave the kids out of sight, but it's definitely an experience. Just realize that the majority of patrons are young and idealistic without the facts. If you are unable to see them in that light, you probably don't want to go here.
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round the corner from Backspace is Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade - At night, this isn't really a place for kids, but during the day, your older ones can play all the old arcade and pinball games while you have another cup of coffee.
Powell's Book Store - This was big and interesting for about 15 minutes. Then it was boring. Mom says: I was expecting this to be some grand, old building with lots of character. Yes, it's huge, but it felt an awful lot like a college bookstore on steroids, very functional without much ambience.
Chinatown - There are a lot of restaurants here, and it smells really good walking through it. I thought there would be more shops and things to see like in San Francisco's Chinatown. Mostly there were restaurants and homeless people. It's a good place to take a picture at the huge gates. Other than that, we'll probably skip it except to eat. Note from Mom: I saw junkies, drunks, and prostitutes, along with porn shops. You might want to steer around it if you're just browsing.
The park at Everett and 8th - There's some neat Chinese statues here, including a big elephant with a snake for a tail. There is grass and trees, and a playground in the middle for the littler kids. A good place for a picnic or just to rest your feet.
