Updated: July 18, 2022

20 Fun Group Activities in Portland, OR

You found our list of the best group activities in Portland, Oregon.

Fun group activities in Portland are events that allow you to take a break from the hustle and bustle of work for some quality time. Examples include Oregon Zoo, Mini Golf, Escape Room, and Washington Park. These fun activities are important for forging stronger ties with your colleagues and getting to know them more personally.

These activities are examples of team bonding ideas and group activities for adults. These ideas are similar to Portland company outings and team building experiences in Portland.

This article includes:

  • small group activities in Portland
  • large group activities in Portland
  • group activities for adults in Portland
  • fun things to do in Portland as a group
  • group activities in Oregon

Here we go!

List of fun group activities in Portland

From Lan Sun Chinese Garden and Powell’s Books to Shanghai Tunnels, there are many fun things to do in Portland as a group. Some of the activities include.

1. The Art of Storytelling

Entertainers and story experts participate as instructors in this fun exercise. In this workshop, the hosts will give your team a basic yet practical framework for storytelling. Salespeople, customer service reps, marketers, managers, and HR specialists may all benefit from honing their narrative abilities. First, participants hear a breakdown of the formula to hook an audience and make messages resonate. Then, attendees break into small groups and practice the skill. Finally, the storytellers reunite to share their tales, then perfect the message based on peer and teacher feedback. This program is fun for people of all skill levels.

Learn more about The Art of Storytelling.

2. Gingerbread Wars

Gingerbread Wars is a holiday team-building activity that offers friendly competition for your group. The core event is a gingerbread home decorating competition, following which the host will push your group with short team-building events like trivia and Snowman Hustle.

You may have Gingerbread Wars in your Portland office, conference room, or a third-party venue. You may increase the fun by including “Cookie Monster,” “Deck the Halls,” or even bring your drinks and refreshments. After the event, you can feast on some of your Gingerbread creations or satisfyingly smash the houses!

Learn more about Gingerbread Wars.

3. ScavBoss

ScavBoss differs from traditional treasure hunts. This search is a puzzle game with twisty mechanics, engaging storylines, and clever riddles that may confound even the most knowledgeable player. The search is customizable to your company’s needs or a particular topic of interest. Portland has many locations to host the hunt, and designers can tweak the clues to fit the setting.

When you go on the ultimate scavenger hunt in Portland, you will have an unforgettable time. As you and your crew make your way from one well-known landmark to the next, you will encounter works of art, cultural landmarks, and historical landmarks along the way. As you search for various signs, monuments, and works of art, you will also attempt to solve multiple riddles. Hosts are on-hand to give hints when the search becomes too tricky.

ScavBoss may be perfect for your team.

4. The Great Guac Off

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The Great Guac Off is a delicious opportunity to get to know your teammates better in Portland. This activity mashes up excellent avocados with a great corporate team building event. Fun activities, a dash of avocado puns, some trivia, and a friendly guacamole-making competition will surely satisfy your group’s cravings while fostering its team-building capacity.

Any location in Portland, including your office or event space, is suitable for this private avocado event. Companies in Portland will find that The Great Guac Off is a fantastic way to bond while also satisfying employees’ appetites.

Learn more about The Great Guac Off.

5. WildCraft Studio School

A craft workshop with WildCraft is one of the fun group activities for adults in Portland. You and your team can participate in a craft session and channel your inner artist while letting your imagination run wild. You can pick a project from a menu and follow along with team members as the instructors lead you through the process of creating a unique masterpiece. In addition, you can enjoy wine, beer, and cider in between sessions. The facility will supply every resource, from crafting supplies to aprons.

While you and your team will be free to operate autonomously, there will be personnel on hand to answer any questions or address any issues you may have as you go through the experience.

Learn more about WildCraft Studio School.

6. Escapism Portland

If you want to improve your problem-solving, communication, and collaboration abilities while having fun with your coworkers, then check out Escapism Portland. Usually, you will have around an hour to figure out the room’s mysteries, but there is always the option of doing another puzzle later!

If you run out of time, the on-site experts can help answer your queries and guide you through the solution. Escape rooms are a terrific choice for both first-timers and seasoned puzzle solvers since Escapism replaces their puzzles often. Adding more rooms to your reservation allows you to bring a bigger party.

Learn more about Escapism Portland.

7. Birdie Time Pub

Mini golf is a great outdoor sport for parties seeking to unwind and have fun as a team. At Birdie Time Pub, you can enjoy snacks and drinks, including beer from some great local Portland breweries. The communal atmosphere of the mini golf center extends beyond the course itself, with dining spaces and games like cornhole and giant Jenga. This activity is great for groups of any size.

Learn more about Birdie Time Pub.

8. Washington Park

One of the most visited places in Portland, Washington Park is a favorite gathering spot for locals and visitors. The park has a wide range of activities and sights and is a great spot to unwind and rejuvenate. The park is 410 acres large, so this might be a good location for large group activities in Portland. During a sightseeing tour, you will discover fountains, flowers, and other natural elements intermingled with the museums, zoos, fields, courts, playgrounds, and archery range. Washington Park is also significant since it is one of the city’s oldest parks, having been bought in 1871 when it was still undeveloped wilderness.

Learn more about Washington Park.

9. Trackers Portland

For your group activity, you could work on your aim while learning a special skill with colleagues by taking archery training with Trackers Portland. This experience typically lasts between one and two hours and begins with a 30-minute class when a certified teacher will go over all of the necessary safety procedures and guidelines.

You will get all the necessary equipment and can bring outside food or drink so you may eat and mingle during your activity. For additional fun, you can keep score to discover who on your squad has the bet aim, or host a competition to find out! The experience comes at a reasonable price, making it a good choice for teams on a tighter budget but are nevertheless interested in trying something new.

Learn more about Trackers Portland.

10. Portland Axe Throwing

Axe throwing is a great way to hone a new skill, have fun with coworkers, and engage in friendly competition. Activities at Portland Axe Throwing typically take between one and two hours, although you can reserve extra time if necessary. The instructors will provide the items you need to participate and additional guidelines to ensure a safe and entertaining time.

Learn more about Portland Axe Throwing.

11. Lan Su Chinese Garden

The Lan Su Chinese Garden covers 40,000 square feet of land and was constructed in 2000 to engage residents with Chinese culture after the blossoming link between Portland and Suzhou. The location is supposed to replicate gardens from the Ming Dynasty.

The venue is also one of America’s few true Chinese gardens, making it one of Portland’s loveliest locations. An urban sanctuary, the Lan Su Chinese Garden has courtyards landscaped to perfection and several elegant and elaborate buildings that provide insight into Chinese architecture. The prominent feature is Lake Zither, which occupies 8,000 square feet with a beautiful overlooking tearoom called the Tower of Cosmic Reflections. The tea room serves many types of tea, including oolong,  room.

Learn more about the Lan Su Chinese Garden.

12. Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

Groups interested in history and science will immensely enjoy the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. The museum is just across the street from Portland State University. It provides an accessible and informative look into some of the most cutting-edge scientific and technological developments in recent memory.

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is a fantastic learning location, with eight laboratories and five halls full of interactive displays. The exhibits feature topics from various subjects and disciplines, including technology, paleontology, the environment, physics, engineering, and outer space.

Some fun activities at the Museum of Scientific and Industry include a riverside restaurant, a science playground, the amazing Harry C. Kendall Planetarium, and an IMAX cinema with a four-story screen. The USS Blueback submarine, which served over three decades in the Navy and was featured in the shooting of “The Hunt for Red October,” is also on exhibit.

Learn more about the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

13. Oregon Zoo

The Oregon Zoo occupies 64 acres of Washington Park and is home to about 3,000 animals representing 90 species, including 19 critically endangered. The Oregon Zoo is a natural wonderland with native vegetation and 23 engaging exhibits organized across five distinct themed sections. These themes include the Pacific Shores, the Discovery Zone, the Great Northwest, the African region, and the enormous 6-acre Elephant Lands.

Animals from around the world are present at the zoo, including those found in the Arctic, Amazon, and African savannah. During your visit, you will see a variety of marine mammals, avian species, otters, insects, a pride of lions called Kya, Zawadi, and Neka, and a penguinarium. However, species native to the Pacific Northwest are the primary focus of the zoo’s conservation and research efforts.

Several educational opportunities are available at the zoo, like tours, courses, camps, and programs. Therefore, the zoo is an excellent place if you are looking for group activities in Oregon.

Learn more about Oregon Zoo.

14. Powell’s Books

If you are a bookworm searching for Portland’s best entertainment, then Powell’s City of Books should be one of your stops. The facility has been in the same family for three generations and occupies a whole block on West Burnside in Portland. Beginning in 1971, when the Powell family first opened its doors, Powell’s has always been run by book lovers dedicated to providing customers with a wide selection of both new and secondhand books. The City of Books was one of the first companies to set up shop in the Pearl District, and now its bookstore is the largest of its kind anywhere.

You will find more than a million volumes in the three stories and nine rooms of Powell’s City of Books. You may pick up a map at the front desk and use it to find sections devoted to any subject or literary style. Powell’s City of Books is a treasure trove of literature, both new and ancient. After browsing the more reasonably priced items, make your way to the Rare Book Room, a 1,000-square-foot chamber filled with antiques, artwork, and first editions of every genre imaginable, many of which are signed by the author.

Learn more about Powell’s Books.

15. Shanghai Tunnels

When looking for unique activities to do in Portland, Oregon, the Shanghai Tunnels are at the top of the list. At one time, Portland was widely regarded as one of the most hazardous seaports in the whole world. The Portland Underground, also known as the Shanghai Tunnels, was a component of the metropolis that was known as the Forbidden City of the West from 1850 until 1941. The Shanghai Tunnels were often utilized for lawful purposes since they provided a secure passageway from the Willamette River docks to the lower levels of hotels and bars.

Visiting the Shanghai Tunnels in Oregon is a fascinating experience. The Cascade Geographic Society offers guided excursions to accessible areas. In addition, you can enjoy ghost, cultural, and heritage tours.

Learn more about Shanghai Tunnels.

16. Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Whether you are just looking to sightsee, unwind, or celebrate, a trip to Tom McCall Waterfront Park offers some of the best fun activities in Portland. Located on the banks of the Willamette River in the heart of downtown Portland, this 30-acre park provides breathtaking panoramas of the cityscape. The park also has five distinct areas, including the riverfront Esplanade, the Bowl’s grassy concert space, the bustling Central Lawn, and the historic John Yeon Building.

Tom McCall Waterfront Park offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities. The Salmon Street Springs fountain is a nice spot to cool down on hot days and a terrific area to stroll, jog, skateboard, or ride a bike. The Police Memorial, the Founders Stone, and the Japanese American Historical Plaza are just a few monuments in this area. Because of its central position, Tom McCall Waterfront Park hosts annual events such as the Portland Rose Festival and the Oregon Brewers Festival.

Learn more about Tom McCall Waterfront Park.

17. Portland Art Museum

Oregon’s oldest art museum also houses the state’s most significant fine art collection. Since the museum’s founding in 1892, it has amassed a wide and varied array of artwork from many artists and eras. Three main buildings make up the vast museum, and attempting to keep track of your whereabouts may be a daunting experience.

Japanese screen prints, works by European masters, works by modern American artists, photographs, and a sculpture garden, are all on display at the Portland Art Museum. The Native American gallery is a must-see, with more than 5,000 items from over 200 different Native American tribes spanning many periods. You will also find an impressive collection of English silver, 26,000 prints by Ansel Adams, archaeology and art from Asia, and Western-inspired paint masterpieces.

Learn more about Portland Art Museum.

18. Cathedral Park

Among the several parks in this Oregon city, Cathedral Park is stunning in a one-of-a-kind way and incredibly romantic. You can visit this public space if you want a location to enjoy some quiet and small group activities in Portland.

Located under the St. Johns bridge, which spans the Willamette River in the city’s northern section, the area lends the neighborhood an air of solemn majesty. Park construction began in 1980, some fifty years after the bridge had been in place.

Learn more about Cathedral Park.

19. Mount Tabor Park

Mount Tabor is a cinder cone belonging to an extinct volcano and one of the free attractions of Portland. You and your group will enjoy the amazing panoramic views of downtown and Mouth Hood from its summit. You can also hike the paths and see three reservoirs that previously provided the city’s water supply. If your group outing is in August, you may even catch the Adult Soapbox Derby. The park also has a monument honoring Harvey W. Scott, the longtime editor of the hometown newspaper.

Learn more about Mount Tabor Park.

20. Brewvana

With its abundance of excellent craft beers, Portland has attracted 70 breweries. You and your team can enjoy a brewery tour and have some fun! These excursions will take you to the best bars in town so you can sample some of the city’s finest beers. Brewvana is one of the city’s most well-known Brewery Tours, and they provide great opportunities to view the sights and sample some local brews.

Learn more about Brewvana.

Conclusion

From fun activities to quirky sights to magnificent scenery, there is no lack of fun things to do in Portland, Oregon. You can miss out on some of Oregon’s most must-do attractions if you get distracted. The fun activities help to foster relationships among groups and help new teams learn more about each other.

Next, check out outdoor team activities and ways to have fun at work.

FAQ: Fun group activities in Portland

Here are frequently asked questions about fun group activities in Portland.

What are some good group activities in Portland, OR?

Some good group activities in Portland include Lan Su Chinese Garden, Portland Axe Throwing, and Escapism Portland. Hosting fun group activities create a trusting atmosphere. Each member will develop and thrive, strengthening the group through shared experiences and joyful camaraderie.

How do you plan fun activities for groups in Portland?

Planning fun activities for groups in Portland for the first time might be challenging. But once the process starts, you will not have trouble continuing the momentum. Planning requires a group of people to work together. The team-building exercises will be conducted entirely by the team themselves. Having a larger group of people to work with might be helpful. Each member will be responsible for completing specified duties. More individuals pitching in means more opportunities for dialogue and new perspectives.

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Author:

People & Culture Director at teambuilding.com.
Grace is the Director of People & Culture at TeamBuilding. She studied Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, Information Science at East China Normal University and earned an MBA at Washington State University.

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