January Events for Portland Families

New year, new events. Well, some are new, and some annual favorites! It might be cold and dreary outside, so we completely understand if you just want to sit by the fireplace with a cuppa something warm. Yet, there are still plenty of reasons to get up, put on your party boots, and head out on a PDX-area adventure with your family. Here are some ideas.

October 8 – April 9
OMSI

Yep, you could have totally already done this earlier in 2022, or could be holding out until late March 2023. That’s the beauty of this exhibit. But wintertime makes for a great opportunity to hit up a museum, and the Marvel fan in your house is going to lose. their. mind.

From their website: “Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes features hundreds of artifacts including original comic book pages, interactive displays, life-size statues of your favorite Super Heroes, and costumes and props from Marvel films and television programs, many of which have never been on public display outside this exhibition.” 

Tickets required (obvi).

Friday, January 6, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 7, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, January 8, 2:00 p.m.

Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall

Ok, so you don’t have a Marvel fan? What about Harry Potter? Enjoy the popular film Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, set to the live music of the Oregon Symphony! Two evening editions and one afternoon session mean you can bring your Potter fan at a time convenient for you.

January 14
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Double Tree Hotel

Get up close and personal from a safe and appropriate distance with all kinds of reptiles at the Pacific Northwest’s premier reptile expo. For reptile enthusiasts, this is the opportunity to see all that’s new in the world of reptile habitats and products for responsible pet ownership. Kids 5 and under are free!

January 21, 2:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m.
Moda Center

Check out the Harlem Globetrotters’ incredible skills and basketball prowess as they go head to head against the Washington Generals. Enhance the experience with meet-and-greet opportunities and celebrate court passes. No matter how you attend, the Globetrotters provide an entertaining outing for any basketball fan!

January 22-February 19
Saturdays at 2 p.m. & 5 p.m.
Sundays at 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.

Newmark Theater

See the popular book hit the stage in this kid-friendly theatrical edition of “Dragons Love Tacos.” Read our review of the performance in January of 2020, now back for a second round with a new cast. Shows produced by Oregon Children’s Theater are a Goldilocks just-right length of 60 minutes — perfect for their target audience!

January 21 – Feb 5
Lan Su Chinese Garden

Make the most of the Chinese New Year at Lan Su Chinese Garden. While the celebration goes from January 21 – February 5, the most popular events are the New Year Lantern Viewings that take place nightly on specific days during that window. Viewings sell out fast and tickets are required! 

What do you love to do in January in or around Portland? Let us know in the comments!