St Johns Swapnplay
Price
Free
Duration
1-2 hours
Best Ages
Best for ages 0-6
About
St Johns Swapnplay is a 4. 9-rated nonprofit community play space in Portland's St. Johns neighborhood — and the 4.
9 tells you everything you need to know about how much the local community loves it. Run as a nonprofit organization in North Portland, Swapnplay combines two genuinely useful services: free indoor play for young children and a swap program where families can exchange outgrown baby and toddler items.
The swap component is the unique angle here. Bring clean, gently-used kids' clothes, toys, and gear that your kids have grown out of, and take home items from other families that fit where your kids are now. For families watching the budget, this is a practical money-saver that also reduces waste — and it connects you with the neighborhood community in a way a commercial play venue never does.
For the play space itself: it's designed for the infant-through-preschool crowd, with appropriate equipment for young kids in an indoor, year-round environment. Being in a nonprofit setting means the atmosphere is genuinely community-oriented rather than transactional.
St. Johns is one of Portland's most beloved neighborhoods — a small-town main street feel in a city context, with excellent independent cafes and restaurants on N Philadelphia Ave. After Swapnplay, the neighborhood is worth exploring for breakfast or a coffee walk.
Hours are Saturday 8AM-2PM. Show up early for the best swap selection and least crowding.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Available
Kid Meals
Not Available
Setting
Indoor
Rainy Day
Great option!
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Saturday mornings when it opens at 8AM
Wait Times
Arrives early to avoid limited-space crowds
Nearby Food
St. Johns has a charming small-town main street on N Philadelphia Ave with independent cafes, bakeries, and brunch spots. Cathedral Coffee and multiple local restaurants are a short walk away.
Why Kids Love It
St Johns Swapnplay earns its 4. 9 rating as a beloved community institution in the St. Johns neighborhood of North Portland.
It's a nonprofit-run play space where kids play for free and families can swap outgrown baby and toddler items — clothes, toys, gear. For families in St. Johns, Arbor Lodge, and North Portland, it's a weekly ritual.
The combination of free indoor play and community swap makes this one of the most genuinely family-supportive venues in the Portland directory.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Saturday hours are 8AM-2PM — arriving early means less crowding and better swap selection
- Bring clean, good-condition items your kids have outgrown to participate in the swap
- This is a nonprofit community space — donations are appreciated and directly support operations
- The St. Johns neighborhood has a tight-knit community feel; you'll likely meet regular families here
- Check stjohnsswapnplay.org for any updated hours or special events
What to Bring
- Items to swap (clean, gently used kids clothing/toys)
- Donation if you wish
- Snacks and drinks (no concessions)
- Socks for play area
Cost Info
Free Admission
Admission Prices
- Family
- free
Tips to Save
- It's free or donation-based — one of the few fully free indoor play options in Portland.
- The swap component lets you exchange outgrown kids' items, saving money on clothing and toys.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Saturday
- 8AM-2PM
