Altamont Park

Altamont Park sits tucked into the West Mount Scott neighborhood of Happy Valley, and it's the kind of local gem that families return to week after week without getting tired of it. Managed by the North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District, the park checks the core boxes for a solid family outing: a real playground structure, open grass that's actually flat enough to run on, and enough shade to make a summer afternoon bearable.

The playground equipment here caters to a range of ages, so you're not stuck chasing a toddler away from equipment built for older kids — or watching a seven-year-old bounce around a baby play area. The climbing structures get legitimately challenged at the upper end, which means bigger kids stay engaged longer than you'd expect from a neighborhood park.

What parents consistently appreciate is the feel of the space. It's not overcrowded on weekday mornings, the parking lot is free and easy to navigate with a stroller, and there are picnic tables positioned well enough that you can watch kids play while actually sitting down. That last part matters more than it sounds.

The park runs 8AM to 10PM every day of the week, so you can squeeze in a post-dinner run around before bath time without worrying about gates closing. Spring and fall are the sweet spots — temperatures are mild, the grass stays green, and you dodge both the summer crowds and the February mud.

For families who want more than the playground, the surrounding area connects into the broader Happy Valley trail network, making it easy to add a short nature walk before or after the playground session. Total cost for a family of any size: zero dollars.