It’s natural to want to sink into the couch, hide under the covers, or otherwise find a reason not to leave the house around this time of year.
But there are plenty of ways to stay active indoors.
Ryan Hashagen — the director of the Steel Bridge Skatepark Coalition, which has successfully pushed for a skatepark on the west side — gave the City Cast Portland podcast a run-down of their favorite indoor activities for getting in some fun and maybe some exercise too:
🛹 Indoor Skateboarding
Stronger Skatepark (Milwaukie)
If you’re looking for a place that’s kid- and adult-friendly, this is the spot. They offer classes and a place to skate. Look for summer camps as well.
Commonwealth Skateboarding (Buckman neighborhood)
The indoor skatepark and shop focuses on events for youths. “You'll cruise by on a Saturday evening and they'll be hosting shows there too, so they're a bit of a music venue slash skate space,” says Hashagen.
🛼 Roller Skating
Oaks Park Roller Rink (Sellwood-Westmoreland)
The home of roller derby world champions the Rose City Rollers, this is a fun roller rink with an adult jam skate on Tuesdays.
Skate Oregon School (Lloyd Center mall)
If you’re looking to learn how to skate or to improve your skills, head over to the Lloyd Center mall for some lessons.
⚽ Soccer
Rose City Futsal (Various locations)
It’s a classic way to meet people in Portland. One way to dip a toe into Futsal is to sign up as a substitute for teams that are down a player.
Get out on the dance floor. (Ryan Hashagen)
🕺 Dancing
Portland’s dance options are plentiful, queer-friendly, and welcoming.
“ Showing up solo to these events is totally welcome,” says Hashagen. “Show up with a good attitude and a willingness to learn. Show up for the lesson — that is the secret sauce.”
Contra Remix (Norse Hall, Kerns neighborhood)
It’s a regular event — every second or third Sunday of the month, with a lesson starting at 6:30 p.m.
Contra dancing is “a mix of, like, square dancing with, like, ‘Pride and Prejudice’ ballroom dancing, but [it’s] called, so that you have someone telling you what to do every step of the way,” says Hashagen.
Square Dancing at the Showdown (Hosford-Abernethy neighborhood)
Hosted by the folks behind the summer music festival Pickathon, Monday square dancing starts at 7 p.m. and includes a lesson and live music.
Or check out some line dancing and country two-step: Their next event is Sat. (Jan. 18) at Norse Hall, in the Kerns neighborhood.
More dance options:
- There’s Friday English Country Dancing with Portland Country Dance Community (at the Burlingame Water Tower Dance Hall).
- Aztec Willies (on Northeast Broadway) has Bachata dancing lessons on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
- Doc Marie’s (in the Buckman neighborhood) has their next dance event, queer line dancing, on Friday (Jan. 17).
Bonus Ideas to Get You Out of the House:
- If you’re willing to go outside in whatever weather is happening out there, check out the organized bike rides throughout the year on the Shift 2 Bikes calendar.
- If you’re looking for jam sessions, check out the regular happenings at McMenamins Kennedy School and T.C. O'Leary's.
What have we missed? What do you do for active indoor fun in winter or otherwise? Please email us your suggestions.
