10 Fun & Easy Things To Do Near Tigard, Oregon (Washington County Travel Guide)
If you’re looking for a laid‑back spot just outside Portland,
Tigard, Oregon is a great home base. It’s close to green parks, wine country, outlet shopping, and some surprisingly good food.
Whether you’re planning a weekend trip, visiting friends, or just wondering what to do nearby, this guide rounds up
10 fun things to do in and around Tigard that are easy to reach and easy to enjoy.
1. Stroll, Bike, or Skate the Fanno Creek Trail
One of the best things to do in Tigard is right in town: the
Fanno Creek Trail.
This paved path winds through neighborhoods, wetlands, and parks for several miles. Parts of it run directly through Tigard and stretch into nearby cities like Beaverton.
- Perfect for: casual walks, stroller walks, jogs, and bike rides
- Highlights: bridges, ducks, shady sections, and open fields
- Tip: look for access points at Woodard Park and Dirksen Nature Park
On a quiet weekday morning, you’ll see dog walkers, parents with kids, and a few cyclists cruising by. It has that calm, neighborhood feel that makes you slow down a bit.
2. Explore Nature and Playgrounds at Cook Park
If you ask locals about
things to do in Tigard with kids, you’ll hear about
Cook Park pretty fast.
This large riverside park sits along the Tualatin River and offers a little bit of everything:
- Big open lawns for picnics and frisbee
- Several playgrounds for different ages
- Sports fields and walking paths
- Access to the river for kayaking and paddleboarding
On summer weekends, the park fills up with families, birthday parties, and youth soccer games. If you’re visiting, bring a blanket, some snacks, and just enjoy the people-watching.
Local tip: The park connects to nearby trails, so you can take a peaceful walk along the river after lunch.
3. Get Outside at Dirksen Nature Park
If you like nature but don’t want to drive far from Tigard,
Dirksen Nature Park is a gem.
This park blends:
- Wooded nature trails
- Open meadow areas
- A modern playground
- Nature-themed play spaces for kids
The trails are short and easy, so you don’t need hiking boots or special gear. It’s a nice spot for a quiet walk, especially in the early evening when the light comes through the trees.
If you’re visiting Tigard in the fall, this is a pretty place to see colorful leaves without heading all the way up into the mountains.
4. Shop, Dine, and Play at Bridgeport Village
Just south of Tigard, right off I‑5, you’ll find
Bridgeport Village, one of the most popular outdoor malls in the Portland metro area.
This isn’t your typical mall. It feels more like a little village with:
- Upscale and everyday shops
- Cozy coffee spots
- Sit‑down restaurants and casual eateries
- A movie theater
It’s a great rainy‑day backup plan when you’re looking for
things to do near Tigard. Grab a latte, wander the shops, and catch a movie. Kids often enjoy the courtyard areas, especially when there are seasonal decorations.
Travel tip: Evenings around the holidays are especially pretty, with lights and decorations giving it a small‑town main street feel.
5. Sip Your Way Through Willamette Valley Wine Country
One big perk of staying in Tigard? You’re only a short drive from
Willamette Valley wine country, one of the top wine regions in the United States.
In about 20–30 minutes, you can reach wineries in places like:
Many of these wineries are casual and welcoming, with tasting rooms that overlook rolling hills and vineyards. You don’t have to be a wine expert to enjoy it—just sit back, take in the view, and try a flight.
If you’re visiting Tigard on a long weekend, setting aside one afternoon for a mini wine tour is a great idea.
Safety reminder: If you plan to taste at several wineries, consider a designated driver or a local tour service.
6. Visit the Oregon Zoo and Washington Park (Short Drive)
One of the best family‑friendly activities near Tigard is a quick trip up Highway 217 and Highway 26 to
Washington Park in Portland.
Here you’ll find:
- Oregon Zoo – perfect for kids and animal lovers
- Portland Japanese Garden
- Hoyt Arboretum
- Beautiful viewpoints over the city
The
Oregon Zoo is usually the star attraction, with elephants, lions, penguins, and more. Plan a half day here if you want to walk most of the loops at a relaxed pace.
While this isn’t in Tigard itself, it’s so close that many people staying in Tigard use it as their main city outing.
7. Explore Downtown Tigard’s Main Street
Tigard’s small
downtown Main Street area has been quietly becoming more interesting over the last few years.
You’ll find:
- Local coffee shops
- Casual restaurants and bars
- Small boutiques and service shops
- Seasonal events and markets
It’s not a huge historic district like some older towns, but it’s a pleasant place to grab a cup of coffee, walk a few blocks, and get a feel for the local community.
When I visited, I liked stopping here early in the day, then heading to parks or wine country later. It’s a nice “soft start” to your morning in Tigard.
8. Enjoy Local Parks: Summerlake and Beyond
If you’re an outdoor person, or you’re traveling with kids, you’ll appreciate how many small parks Tigard and Washington County have packed into one area.
A couple of favorites:
- Summerlake City Park – a peaceful lake, ducks, walking paths, and a playground
- Jack Park, Bonita Park, and others – smaller neighborhood parks perfect for a quick stretch
These aren’t “destination” parks that people fly in to see, but they are exactly the kind of places that make a trip feel relaxed and local. If you’re staying at a hotel or Airbnb nearby, check which park is within walking distance and head over for an easy evening walk.
9. Shop and Snack at Washington Square Mall
If the weather turns rainy (and this is Oregon, so it probably will at some point),
Washington Square in Tigard is a reliable indoor option.
This large shopping mall offers:
- Big-name department stores
- Popular clothing and shoe shops
- Food court and sit‑down restaurants
- Occasional events or seasonal displays
It’s an easy stop if you forgot a jacket, need comfortable walking shoes, or just want to browse. For many visitors, it’s a convenient way to mix errands, people‑watching, and a quick meal under one roof.
10. Take a Day Trip to the Tualatin River or Cooper Mountain
For a little more nature near Tigard, look toward the rest of Washington County.
Two solid options:
- Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge (near Sherwood)
Easy walking trails, wetlands, and great bird‑watching. It’s especially nice in the morning or early evening when it’s quiet and cool.
- Cooper Mountain Nature Park (near Beaverton)
Overlooks the Tualatin Valley with miles of trails, wildflowers in season, and views on a clear day. Trails range from flat to mildly hilly.
Both spots are within a short drive of Tigard and give you that “Oregon outdoors” feeling without needing to head all the way to the coast or Mount Hood.
Where to Stay & How to Use Tigard as a Base
One of the biggest advantages of
staying in Tigard, Oregon is its location. You can:
- Reach downtown Portland in roughly 20–25 minutes (outside of rush hour)
- Get to wine country in about 20–30 minutes
- Access major highways for day trips to the coast or the Columbia River Gorge
Many visitors choose Tigard for:
- More affordable hotels compared to downtown Portland
- Easy free parking
- Quieter evenings after a busy day of exploring
If you like the idea of visiting Portland, but you’d rather sleep somewhere a little calmer, Tigard makes a lot of sense.
Final Thoughts: Is Tigard Worth a Stop?
Tigard, Oregon won’t shout for attention the way Portland or the Oregon Coast does, but that’s exactly why it’s appealing.
You get:
- Relaxed parks and trails
- Easy access to wine country and Washington Park
- Simple, family‑friendly activities
- Solid shopping and dining options
If you’re planning a trip to the Portland area, consider
using Tigard as your base. You’ll be close to everything, but you’ll still have that quiet, suburban place to come back to at the end of the day.
What Did We Miss? Share Your Favorite Tigard Spots
Have you spent time in
Tigard or Washington County?
Do you have a favorite coffee shop, trail, or family activity that should be on this list?
Drop your suggestions in the comments so other travelers can discover them too.
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend who’s planning a trip to the Portland area or looking for new weekend ideas near Tigard, Oregon.
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