Gateway Discovery Playground
Rating
Price
Free
Duration
1-2 hours
Best Ages
Best for ages 2-12
About
Gateway Discovery Playground is a free public playground in Portland's Gateway neighborhood — one of the city's more accessible outer northeast neighborhoods, served by the Gateway MAX station on the Blue and Red light rail lines.
The 'discovery playground' designation in Portland parks typically means more than a standard metal swing set and slide combo. Portland's Parks & Recreation department has invested in nature-play and discovery-oriented playground design, incorporating natural materials, varied terrain, sand play, and equipment that encourages exploration and imaginative play rather than prescripted climbing structures.
With a 4.5 rating from 100 reviews, this playground is well-regarded by the neighborhood community. Open 5AM to midnight daily, it's extremely flexible for both early morning family outings and late-summer evening play sessions.
Practical notes: no restrooms or concessions, so arrive prepared. The street address is a tax lot identifier (1N2E34BB -03100) rather than a standard address — use the Google Maps link or coordinates (45.5324542, -122.5550658) for navigation.
The Gateway neighborhood is in NE Portland near the I-205 corridor. It has a diverse local restaurant scene on NE 102nd Ave and Glisan St, making it easy to combine a playground visit with a neighborhood lunch or dinner.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Not Available
Kid Meals
Not Available
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Dry weather days; mornings are best for weekdays
Wait Times
No wait — open-access public playground
Nearby Food
The Gateway neighborhood has a growing local dining scene on NE 102nd Ave and NE Glisan St. Multiple diverse restaurant options within a mile of the playground.
Why Kids Love It
Gateway Discovery Playground in NE Portland's Gateway neighborhood is a public playground with the kind of 'discovery' play design that Portland parks have become known for — nature-inspired elements, varied terrain, and equipment that invites exploration rather than just climbing a ladder and going down a slide. The name 'Discovery' typically signals a playground designed for more open-ended, imaginative play. Serving the Gateway, Centennial, and East Portland community, this is a solid neighborhood playground option.
Pro Tips from Parents
- The 'discovery playground' design philosophy in Portland means these parks tend to have natural elements, sand, water features, and loose parts for play
- Open 5AM-12AM daily — very flexible hours for morning or evening visits
- No facilities on site — plan bathroom stops and bring snacks
- The Gateway neighborhood is in NE Portland near the Gateway MAX station (Blue/Red line)
- Pair with a Gateway neighborhood walk and a stop at local NE Portland restaurants
What to Bring
- Snacks and water
- Sunscreen for sunny days
- Layers for cool mornings
- Change of clothes if there are water or mud play elements
Cost Info
Free Admission
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$0.
Free public playground.
Bring your own food.
Street parking available.
Tips to Save
- Free, open-access playground.
- The 'Discovery' branding suggests more imaginative or nature-play elements than a standard swing-set playground.
- Best value possible: $0.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 5AM-12AM
- Monday
- 5AM-12AM
- Sunday
- 5AM-12AM
- Tuesday
- 5AM-12AM
- Saturday
- 5AM-12AM
- Thursday
- 5AM-12AM
- Wednesday
- 5AM-12AM
