Top 10 Things To Do In Hillsboro, Oregon

1. Acquire knowledge at Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals

Looks can be deceptive at Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals. The exterior may not look as glamourous as historical museums but the inside will amaze you. They contain a huge variety of rocks, precious stones, and crystals from around the world, each painstakingly collected and preserved by the curators. This museum comprises of several galleries, each with their own identity. For instance, at Dennis and Mary Murphy Gallery, be prepared to be wowed by the size and number of wood specimens. If you’re a fan of jewels, Lapidary Arts Gallery is where you want to head to. They have gems of different cuts, all sparkling brightly under the spotlights. This museum is huge and you will want to dedicate a day to it. There’s so much to see and if you’re lucky, you may even get a free informative tour.

Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals

Address: 26385 NW Groveland Dr, Hillsboro, OR 97124, United States

Website: Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals

Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 1pm - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

2. Taste local wine at Ruby Vineyard and Winery

Ruby Vineyard and Winery is where wine connoisseurs flock to once they arrive at Hillsboro. A faint smell of the different variety of grapes lingers in the air. Row after row of grapevines awaits your arrival. There’s so much to learn here, right from the basics, such as how the grapes are selected and the type of water that should be used to water the plants. You may sign up for the tour which shows you where wine is produced and stored. After the tour, be a part of the wine tasting event. You simply become part of a room full of knowledgable staff and a variety of wines. The room overlooks the picturesque Mount Hood and is child-friendly too. You won’t have to worry about your children not being able to join you on the trip now.

Ruby Vineyard and Winery

Address: 30088 SW Egger Rd, Hillsboro, OR 97123, United States

Website: Ruby Vineyard and Winery

Opening hours: 11am - 5pm (daily)

3. Bond at Rood Bridge Park

Locals and tourists from around the world can be found at Rood Bridge Park, admiring the lush greenery. Facilities are plenty and you will see many families gathering around, having a picnic, or slithering down the slides. Though it’s a crowd magnet, the facilities available are always in prime condition. Within this 59 acre (23.9 hectares) park, there are many walking trails, picnic grounds, and playgrounds. Each trail has been designed to suit the needs of different hikers. No matter the path you take, you’re bound to encounter some of the most gorgeous plants and flowers. Tennis courts are within the park too so if you intend to play a game, bring your racket along. Alternatively, if you prefer to canoe or kayak, you can do so at the Watercraft Launch.

Rood Bridge Park

Address: 4000 SE Rood Bridge Rd, Hillsboro, OR 97123, United States

Website: Rood Bridge Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

4. Pick the best at Smith Berry Barn

The outside of Smith Berry Barn looks just like the barn from the famous nursery rhyme, “Old McDonalds”. This is a farm-themed store and whatever you get here is seasonal. It is not just value-for-money, it is a treat to your tastebuds too. There are different sections around the barn. On the outside, farmers arrange their produce and share the taste of it along with the date of harvest. The inside and back of the barn are slightly different. You’ll find antiques and little gifts for your friends and loved ones here. Gifts such as honey and candles are unique and you’ll not see them in the usual shopping centers. Try going during the festive season. The decorations are livelier and children will be attracted to the bright lights and sweet treats.

Smith Berry Barn

Address: 24500 SW Scholls Ferry Rd, Hillsboro, OR 97123, United States

Website: Smith Berry Barn

Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed from Mon - Thu)

5. Spend a day at Jackson Bottom Wetlands Reserve

Nature enthusiasts will be delighted to be here. Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve is a place where migratory birds gather and bird-lovers are able to catch a sight of rare and endangered species like the Giant Horned Owl, the American Bald Eagle, and the Great White Egret. Animals including the deer, elk, beaver are also what park-goers often see. Families with young children can visit the Education Center to understand further about the animals that live here.

Jackson Bottom Wetlands Reserve

Address: 2600 SW Hillsboro Hwy, Hillsboro, OR 97123

Website: Jackson Bottom Wetlands Reserve

Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)

6. Have a thrilling time at K1 Speed

K1 Speed is the place to go if you’re looking for an adrenaline booster. There is an array of programs you can choose from to accommodate your family as each program targets a specific age and level difficulty. On certain occasions, they celebrate a particular event such as “Mario Kart” and distribute prizes. Remember to check out their webpage before making your way down, you never know what’s in store for you. K1 Speed also offers finger food and drinks and is a place you can go to if you would like to celebrate.

K1 Speed - Indoor Go Karts, Corporate Event Venue, Team Building Activities

Address: 5579 NE Huffman St Suite 2, Hillsboro, OR 97124, United States

Website: K1 Speed - Indoor Go Karts

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 12pm - 10pm; Fri: 11am - 11pm; Sat: 10am - 12am; Sun: 10am - 9pm

7. Bring your child to Orenco Woods Nature Park

Open from sunrise to sunset, this child-friendly park is a “must-visit” if you are coming down with children. There are woven sculptures and big wooden logs that look great on photos. It’s a runner’s paradise as you can catch the breathtaking scenery while running along the Rock Creek trail and wetlands. Spot raptors, herons and deer. A pavilion specifically for picnics can be reserved for you and your family too. All you need to do is log onto their website and make a reservation.

Orenco Woods Nature Park

Address: 7100 Northeast Birch Street, Hillsboro, OR 97124, United States

Website: Orenco Woods Nature Park

8. Sweat-it-out at Reedville Creek Park

Here is a park dedicated to you, where you can skate till your heart’s content. The skating grounds welcome experienced skaters but beginners and children can have a go too. Seasoned skaters here are friendly and dish out advice for the budding skaters. There is a baseball field, alongside a basketball and tennis court in the park. This is a park you ought to go to if you’re a sports fanatic as you can meet, discuss and play a match with people of similar interests. Families who want to take a slow jog around the park can choose from the different paved trails. You don’t always have to spend every holiday visiting a famous attraction. Going to the park to play a game with the locals can be fun too.

Reedville Creek Park

Address: 7500 SE Frances St, Hillsboro, OR 97123, United States

Website: Reedville Creek Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

9. Taste local delights at Cooper River Restaurant & Bar

Famous for their craft beer and mouthwatering food, Cooper River Restaurant and Bar is practically full-house every night. Diners love their slow-roasted ribs, handmade pasta, juicy burgers, and sweet treats. It is a place where families feel at home and comfortable as they catch up with one another over their meal. This restaurant has a lovely ambiance and couples can often be found there, celebrating their wedding anniversary. They offer catering too so hit them up if you’re looking for a celebration in town.

Cooper River Restaurant & Bar

Address: 7370 NE Cornell Rd, Hillsboro, OR 97124, United States

Website: Cooper River Restaurant & Bar

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 12am

10. Have fun at Shute Park Aquatic and Recreation Center

Otherwise known as SHARC, this is a place mainly for water-related activities. To ensure guests have ample space to swim around freely, there are three common pools you can choose from. A spa pool, specifically to help you relax and unwind is something you may want to try after all that swimming. Looking to lose some weight? Join one of their water aerobics classes and complement it with a cardio lesson. If you’re feeling weary from all that exercise, book a massage session with one of their trained masseuses. Wondering where to place your kids while you’re working up a sweat? There is an on-site child care facility where your children will be properly cared for. There’s so much to do here, you’ll find it difficult to leave.

Shute Park Aquatic & Recreation Center

Address: 953 SE Maple St, Hillsboro, OR 97123, United States

Website: Shute Park Aquatic & Recreation Center

Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 8am - 5:30pm; Mon - Fri: 5:30am - 9:30pm

Busy days in Hillsboro, Oregon

This beautiful city has so much to offer. It would be such a waste if you only toured around the famous attractions. Try visiting the places on the list. You may find this trip more fruitful than all the other trips you’ve planned before. You may even make a friend or two and understand more about the history of Hillsboro, Oregon.