4 Yearly Events for the Family You Can Only Find in Portland, TX

2000 Billy G. Webb
Portland, TX 78374
shelby.obrien@portlandtx.gov
361-777-4650
www.portlandtx.com

By Hunter Lanier

Figuring out where to take the family on the weekend shouldn’t be stressful. Needless to say, it kind of defeats the purpose of a vacation. For this reason, we thought we’d make your job a little easier by giving you four reasons why Portland, TX makes for a great family getaway not just once, but throughout the year, every year.

Dive-In Movies at the Portland Aquatics Center

There are few things more American than drive-in movies and few things more south Texas than spending the summer in the water. Dive-In Movies bring together the best of both worlds. Taking place at the Portland Aquatics Center, the family can spend the night at the pool while also enjoying a movie projected on a large screen.

The movies are always family-friendly, so no matter how young the kids are, you can feel comfortable bringing them along. The splash pad area on the side of the pool will also be open, so the members of the family who haven’t quite mastered the doggy paddle can get in the water, as well.

Of course, you can’t watch a movie without popcorn, but you also can’t enjoy the Texas summer without snow cones, so both are absolutely free for those who attend. In addition, the Aquatics Center’s Snack Shack will also be open if you’re hungry for something a little extra.

Spend the Dog Days of Summer at Pooch-a-Palooza H20

Bringing the kids to the pool is fun and all, but let’s not forget about those puppy dog eyes watching you from the window as you drive off for a day of fun. With Pooch-a-Palooza H20, the days of guiltily leaving home are no more! Well, at least for one day.

Pooch-a-Palooza H20 is a one-day summer event at the Portland Aquatics Center. On this day only, the pool is open exclusively to dogs. That’s right: no humans allowed. Not only are the dogs free to swim, dive, and play to their hearts’ content, but they can indulge in dog-friendly concessions.

Once all the fun and games are had, it’s time to get serious. We’re speaking, of course, of the yearly swimsuit competition. Will your dog become the glory hound? Perhaps, it will be an underdog story. Every dog has their day. Ok, we’ll stop now.

christmas in portland

Reason to Celebrate at Christmas on the Coast

It’s never too early—or too late—to start planning your Christmas activities. After all, Christmas seems to start a little earlier every year, which means you have more time to enjoy the festivities. This holiday season, be sure to circle a weekend on the calendar for a trip to Portland, TX. What makes Portland’s Christmas celebration unique, you ask?

Every year, Portland conducts Christmas on the Coast, which isn’t a single event, but an entire lineup of yuletide happenings. Take, for instance, the Parade of Lights, which happens on the first Monday in December. You’ll get to watch Santa Clause lead an illuminated parade through town, accompanied by a truck accepting donations to the Portland Toy Drive.

Another popular event during Christmas on the Coast is the Illuminated Tinsel Trot + Concert. This fun run includes three different lengths with a 10k and 5k, as well as a one-mile race for all ages. Refuel after the race at one of the many food trucks onsite. If you’re more into the “fun” than the “run,” there will also be ice-skating and a live concert.

Start Your Engines for the Power Wheels Grand Prix

If there’s one thing we know about kids, it’s that they like to go fast. The Power Wheels Grand Prix lets them do just that. Dozens of kids get behind the wheel of a variety of miniature four-wheelers, tractors, and more, then race each other around an oval track in the parking lot of the Portland Aquatics Center.

If your driver needs a little mid-race assistance, family and friends are free to assist their driver via a pit stop area. To compete in the race, you must bring your own vehicle and helmet. Only kids seven or under are eligible to participate. There will be two separate competitions separated by age group, in order to make the playing field as level as possible.

Family Fun All Year-Round in Portland, TX

Whether winter, spring, summer, or fall, Portland, TX has something going on that’s sure to leave every member of the family with a smile on their face. And yes, that includes the dog. In the spring and summer, take advantage of Dive-In Movies, Pooch-a-Palooza H20, and the Power Wheels Grand Prix. Come fall and winter, you can enjoy an extended holiday season with Christmas on the Coast.

Whenever you choose to spend a weekend in Portland, there will always be cozy lodgings where you can rest and rejuvenate for the day ahead.

About the Author: Hunter Lanier is the head writer and content specialist for Tour Texas. When he isn’t writing about the many great places in the state of Texas, he’s writing books and screenplays. He may or may not own an armadillo in the future.

By Hunter Lanier