Marquam Nature Park

Westmoreland Park contains Portland's first permanent nature-based play area. Instead of the usual setup of plastic and metal climbing structures and swings, this park is composed almost entirely of natural materials. Kids can play in the large sand area with working water pumps, scale boulders and climb and balance on logs. Outside the play area, you can observe the recently-restored Crystal Springs Creek and the numerous ducks and other birds that call it home.Parking and public transportation at Westmoreland ParkWestmoreland Park is located along SE 22nd Avenue between SE Bybee Blvd. and SE Nehalem Streets. The play area is between SE Knapp and SE Rex streets. Street parking is available along SE 22nd and there is additional parking available in a lot along SE 23rd Avenue between SE Nehalem and SE Lambert streets. Public transportation is available via the number 19 Bus (take the SE 22nd and Bybee stop) or the number 70 bus (SE 17th and Bybee stop).Best and worst times to go to Westmoreland ParkBecause this park is unique, it can get quite crowded, especially on sunny days. If you are not a fan of crowds, try going around 9 a.m. While Portlanders are known to brave a light drizzle, the park is markedly less crowded when it is raining, although the climbing areas can get slippery when wet.Admission to Westmoreland ParkThere is no admission fee.Must see/do at Westmoreland ParkLet your kids build dams and explore how to make different waterways in the sand. Build a fort out of pine branches. Watch the ducks swim by. Run down the path along Crystal Springs Creek.Other places to visit near Westmoreland ParkJust on the other side of the park is the Eastmoreland Golf Course, one of Oregon's most respected public golf courses. It is walking distance to downtown Westmoreland, which hosts a movie theater, several restaurants and boutique shops. Downtown Sellwood is within a mile, which is home to numerous antique shops, bakeries and coffee shops.Insider tip for visitors to Westmoreland ParkBring a change of clothes for your kids. They are likely to get sandy and wet while playing at this park. There are two public restrooms just to the north of the play area where you can change. ​Author's bio: Ali Wilkinson is a mom to three young children and loves to explore Portland with them. She is the founder of a Portland events website aimed at families, and writes about parenting on her blog run knit love.