Summer is one of the best times to enjoy everything the Portland and Gresham communities have to offer.
Whether you’re strolling through the Portland Japanese Garden, hiking the trails of Forest Park, browsing a local farmers market, enjoying Gresham’s Art Walk, or relaxing with family during Movies in the Park, these simple activities offer more than just a fun day out—they can also benefit your physical and mental health.
We are highlighting several local destinations and community events that make it easy to stay active, spend time with family and friends, and reconnect with your community this summer.
As it turns out, many of the activities we enjoy most during the summer also happen to support healthier living. Research continues to show that spending time outdoors, engaging in regular physical activity, and maintaining strong social connections can help reduce stress, improve mood, support heart health, improve sleep, and even strengthen our overall sense of well-being.
Why Getting Outside Is Good for Your Health
You don’t have to run a marathon to improve your health. Even moderate activities like walking, exploring a local park, or attending a community event can help you:
- Increase daily physical activity
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Improve mood and mental well-being
- Support heart health
- Connect with family and friends
- Build a greater sense of community
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. A leisurely walk through a garden, park, or farmers market is a great way to work toward that goal while enjoying the beautiful Pacific Northwest summer.
Local Ways to Enjoy a Healthy Summer in Portland
Portland Japanese Garden
Looking for a peaceful escape? The Portland Japanese Garden offers beautiful walking paths, carefully designed landscapes, and quiet spaces that encourage mindfulness and relaxation. Spending time in nature has been shown to help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Whether you’re exploring on your own or visiting with family and friends, it’s a wonderful place to slow down and recharge. Learn more here.
Forest Park
Did you know that Portland is home to one of the largest urban forests in the United States? Forest Park features more than 80 miles of trails through towering trees, offering opportunities for walks, hikes, birdwatching, and simply enjoying nature. You don’t have to tackle a long hike—even a short walk outdoors can provide physical and mental health benefits. Learn more here.
Portland Farmers Market at PSU
Fresh produce, local food vendors, flowers, baked goods, and thousands of visitors make the Portland Farmers Market a summertime favorite. Browsing the market encourages walking while supporting local farmers and small businesses. It’s also a great opportunity to discover fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables that can inspire healthy meals at home. The PSU Farmers Market is held every Saturday year-round, with summer hours from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Learn more here.
Great Ways to Enjoy Summer in Gresham
Gresham Farmers’ Market
The Original Gresham Farmers’ Market brings together local growers, artisans, food vendors, live music, and community members every Saturday from May through October, making it a great way to spend a morning outdoors with family or friends. The market is held at Arts Plaza from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Learn more here.
Gresham Art Walk
Downtown Gresham’s Art Walk celebrates local artists, galleries, businesses, and the creative spirit of the community. Take a leisurely stroll through downtown, enjoy local artwork, and discover shops and restaurants along the way. It’s a fun opportunity to support local businesses while getting in some extra steps. Learn more here.
Movies in the Park
Sometimes the healthiest moments aren’t about exercise at all—they’re about slowing down and spending quality time with people you care about. Gresham’s Movies in the Park series offers free, family-friendly outdoor movies throughout the summer. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, pack a picnic, and enjoy an evening under the stars. Learn more here.
Bonus Tip: Find a Farmers Market Near You
The Portland and Gresham markets are just a few of the many wonderful farmers markets throughout the Portland metro area. If you’re looking for one that’s closer to home—or one you can walk or bike to—there are plenty of great options to explore.
Visiting a neighborhood farmers market is a simple way to combine light physical activity with healthy eating while supporting local farmers and small businesses. You may even discover a new weekend tradition with family, friends, or neighbors. Explore the interactive Portland-area Farmers Market map to find a market near you here.
Small Activities Can Have a Big Impact
Healthy living doesn’t always require major lifestyle changes. Sometimes it begins with:
- Taking a walk through a local park
- Visiting a farmers’ market
- Exploring a new neighborhood
- Spending time with friends or family
- Enjoying live music or community events
- Simply getting outside for some fresh air
These moments not only help us stay active, but they also strengthen our connection to our communities and the people around us.
Your Summer Challenge
This week, choose one local activity you’ve never tried before. Invite a friend, family member, or neighbor to join you. Leave your phone in your pocket for a while, enjoy the fresh air, and take time to reconnect—with nature, your community, and each other.
Your body—and your mind—will thank you.
Helpful Resources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Physical Activity Basics
- American Heart Association – Benefits of Walking
- Portland Farmers Market
- City of Gresham Community Calendar
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