Three-quarters of the Portland metro area's population lives in the suburbs, and yet, when we think of fun things to do in Portland, most of our ideas focus on Portland's urban center. But get out a couple miles and you will find delicious food, gorgeous parks, vineyards with views for days and opportunities for recreation that you can't find in the cramped space in the city.

We asked readers and coworkers to help us make a list of awesome things you can do outside of Portland city limits. While the list could go on forever, here are 81 things you can do in the burbs that you can't do in Portland proper.

Please note: The boundaries in the suburbs become a little wiggly. We have placed everything in what we consider its approximate suburb. Check the map before you go!

Don't Edit

Lizzy Acker/The Oregonian

Don't Edit

Jenkins Estate

Walk the grounds of this historic home and pretend to be landed gentry.

8005 S.W. Grabhorn Road

Don't Edit

Cooper Mountain Nature Park

Follow three miles of trails through the woods and prairies and explore the nature playground.

18895 S.W. Kemmer Road

Don't Edit

Cooper Mountain Vineyards

Visit this biodynamic vineyard and drink a glass of wine while taking in the view.

20121 S.W. Leonardo Lane

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Farmington Garden

If you love plants and trees, you will want to visit this huge destination nursery.

21815 S.W. Farmington Road

Don't Edit

Harvey the Rabbit at Harvey Marine

The store that Harvey the Rabbit stands in front of may be closed, but that doesn't mean you can't go take a picture with this 26-foot tall bunny.

21250 S.W. Tualatin Valley Highway

Don't Edit

Thomas Boyd/The Oregonian

Harvey the Rabbit

Don't Edit

Sabor Salvadoreno

Try the pupusas at this popular Salvadorian restaurant.

3460 S.W. 185th Ave

Read more:

Don't Edit

Stephanie Yao Long/The Oregonian

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

99 Ranch

This Taiwanese store is so popular that you frequently can't find a spot to park in the lot.

8155 S.W. Hall Blvd.

Read more:

Don't Edit

Samantha Bakall/The Oregonian

99 Ranch

Don't Edit

Abhiruchi

Prepare to be wowed by this Indian food buffet in a strip mall between an indoor mini golf course and a bar.

3815 S.W. Murray Blvd.

Don't Edit

Best of British Tea Room

A British-owned and operated tea room where you can have a full traditional afternoon tea.

4810 S.W. Western Ave.

Don't Edit

BG's Food Cartel

Beaverton's new food cart pod has 31 carts and a bar.

4250 S.W. Rose Biggi Ave.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Big Al's

Bowling, an arcade, sports bar? If you can't be entertained here you aren't trying very hard.

14950 S.W. Barrows Road

Don't Edit

Glowing Greens and Mental Trap

After you eat at Abhiruchi, or maybe before, play a round on this blacklight mini golf course or try one of their escape rooms. Come back around Halloween for a huge haunted house.

2317, 3855 S.W. Murray Blvd.

Don't Edit

Ome Calli

Ome Calli is frozen dessert heaven. Try their fruit popsicles -- paletas -- or the cream version. Or get a scoop of more traditional ice cream. No matter what, you will be refreshed.

12795 S.W. Canyon Road

Don't Edit

Oyatsupan

Try the kare doughnut or the shokupan ("eating bread") at this bakery serving Japanese breads, pastries and sandwiches.

16025 S.W. Regatta Lane

Read more:

Don't Edit

Tualatin Hills Nature Park

A 222-acre wildlife preserve with about five miles of trails for hiking, jogging and looking at the flora and fauna.

15655 S.W. Millikan Way

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Read more

Don't Edit

Lizzy Acker/The Oregonian

Don't Edit

Bridal Veil Falls

Take a short hike and experience the majestic falls.

Near milepost 28 on the Historic Columbia River Scenic Highway

Don't Edit

Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

Bridal Veil Falls is found a short walk from the parking area off Interstate 84 in the Columbia River Gorge, photographed here on March 17, 2016.

Don't Edit

Columbia View Lavender Farm

A great stop for lavender lemonade and Instagram pictures.

38401 Historic Columbia River Highway

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Portland Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint

Take in beautiful views of the Columbia River Gorge.

Don't Edit

Lizzy Acker/The Oregonian

Don't Edit

Bites Restaurant

A locally owned and tasty fusion restaurant on Main Street.

2014 Main St.

Don't Edit

Bull Run Cider

Visit Bull Run Cider's tap room on Fridays and Saturdays and enjoy a cider-centric drinking experience.

2225 Cedar St., Forest Grove

Read more

:

Don't Edit

David Hill Vineyards and Winery

Don't be fooled by the dirt road: This is a lovely vineyard and tasting room, with plenty of space to sip a glass of wine and take in the views.

46350 N.W. David Hill Road

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

McMenamins Grand Lodge

Try the soaking pool at this destination McMenamins built on a former Masonic and Easter Star property.

3505 Pacific Ave.

Don't Edit

Courtesy of Maggy Lehmicke/McMenamins Grand Lodge

A view out a window at McMenamins Grand Lodge in Forest Grove.

Don't Edit

Ridgewalker Brewing

So many beers on tap, plus they have curly fries!

1921 21st Ave.

Don't Edit

SakéOne

Visit the tasting room at this American saké distillery.

820 Elm St.

Read more:

Don't Edit

Dave Killen/The Oregonian

SakéOne, a Forest Grove sake brewery, is one of the only sake makers in the United States to craft the Japanese alcohol for American tastes.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Valley Art Gallery

Check out the store and gallery at this nonprofit community arts organization.

2022 Main St.

Don't Edit

Waltz Brewing

This brewery is BYO food so grab a beer and order a pizza or bring a potluck. Whatever you want!

1900 A St.

Don't Edit

Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

Don't Edit

Pollos a la Brasa El Inka

Peruvian rotisserie chicken you will dream about.

48 NE Division St.

Don't Edit

Pupuseria Migueleña

Avail yourself of these perfect pupusas.

18488 E. Burnside St.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Lizzy Acker/The Oregonian

Pupuseria Migueleña

Don't Edit

Hogan Butte Nature Park

Take in views of Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams and Mount Hood at this Gresham park.

757 SE Gabbert Road

Read more:

Don't Edit

Lizzy Acker/The Oregonian

Don't Edit

Clackamas Town Center

Visit the most mall-mall in the Portland area. There's a Taco Time in the food court, a movie theater and every store you would expect to see in an American mall.

12000 S.E. 82nd Ave.

Don't Edit

Mount Talbert Nature Park

Go on a hike through the woods in this nature park and forget about the city for awhile

10945 S.E. Mather Road

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Puffle Waffle

This actual-waffle cone is inspired by a traditional Hong Kong street snack.

13551 S.E. 145th Ave.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Lizzy Acker/The Oregonian

Don't Edit

Chennai Masala

Portland's best Indian restaurant may actually be in Hillsboro. Check it out and decide for yourself.

2088 N.W. Stucki Ave.

Read more:

Don't Edit

Helvetia Tavern

Don't miss the burgers and fries -- and beer -- at this classic Hillsboro spot.

10275 N.W. Helvetia Road

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Hillsboro Pharmacy & Fountain

Split a milkshake with a friend at this old-timey lunch counter and sundries shop.

243 E Main St.

Don't Edit

Jackson Bottom Wetlands

Explore the nature center and the preserve of this wetlands.

2600 S.W. Hillsboro Highway

Don't Edit

Orenco Woods Nature Park

Public art, bike trails, a playground. This park is what a park should be.

7100 N.E. Birch St., Hillsboro

Don't Edit

Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals

Thundereggs, sunstones, crystals and rocks: a budding geologist's dream.

26385 N.W. Groveland Drive

Don't Edit

Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals

This exhibition case by the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals won the Donna Chirnside Memorial award for best educational case by an institution at the recent Denver Gem and Mineral Show.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Rock Creek Trail

Kids and really everyone will love this accessible trail that goes all the way to Bethany and the "Pirate Park" playground.

Hillsboro and unincorporated Washington County

Don't Edit

Tom Hughes Civic Plaza

Visit -- and splash around in -- the lovely fountain at this plaza.

150 E Main St.

Don't Edit

Topgolf

Hit golf balls with friends or hangout on the rooftop terrace.

5505 N.E. Huffman St.

Don't Edit

Read more

Don't Edit

Lizzy Acker/The Oregonian

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Gallery Without Walls

Pick up a map at the Art Council offices and then follow the sculpture map around Lake Oswego.

520 First St.

Don't Edit

Lake View Village

Upscale shops, places to grab a snack and just a few steps away from the lake.

310 - 390 N State St.

Don't Edit

George Rogers Park

This park encompasses 26 acres with beaches, trails and an historic iron foundry.

611 S. State St.

Don't Edit

Michael Lloyd/The Oregonian

George Rogers Park

Don't Edit

Foothills Park

This park along the Willamette River features a ring of basalt columns engraved with William Stafford poetry and a reflecting pond.

199 Foothills Road

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Lizzy Acker/The Oregonian

Don't Edit

Elk Rock Island

Hike around this island, which is connected to Milwaukie by a 40-million-year-old land bridge.

Milwaukie

Don't Edit

Brent Wojahn/The Oregonian

Elk Rock Island in Milwaukie

Don't Edit

Enchanté

Try the chocolate-covered Oreos that look like adorable cakes.

10883 S.E. Main St.

Don't Edit

Great American Video and Espresso

Rent a video and then eat some tasty custard at this still-operational video rental spot.

6130 S.E. King Road

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Eder Campuzano/The Oregonian

Great American Video Espresso

Don't Edit

North Clackamas Water Park

The Pacific Ocean is too cold to swim in. Try the wave pool here instead.

7300 S.E. Harmony Road

Don't Edit

Mark Graves/The Oregonian

Charlotte Harkin, age 7, of Gresham, celebrates her birthday at North Clackamas Aquatic Park Jan. 6, 2018.

Don't Edit

Ultrazone

Head to the suburbs to shoot your friends with lasers.

16074 S.E. McLoughlin Blvd.

Don't Edit

Urban Warrior

Become an American Ninja Warrior at this gym in Milwaukie.

6104 SE King Road

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Lizzy Acker/The Oregonian

Don't Edit

Grano

Pastries and bread that make the drive from any other place in the metro area completely worth it.

1500 Washington St.

Don't Edit

Highland Stillhouse

If you're looking for an epic collection of single malt Scotch in the Portland area, this is it.

201 S. Second St.

Don't Edit

The Oregon City Municipal Elevator

This elevator is actually a city street!

6 Railroad Ave.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Read more

Don't Edit

James W. Prichard

Don't Edit

Handel's Ice Cream

Handmade ice cream in a whole host of flavors.

21300 S.W. Langer Farms Pkwy.

Don't Edit

Lizzy Acker/The Oregonian

Handel's Ice Cream

Don't Edit

Sherwood Ice Arena

If you are serious about anything related to ice skating in the Portland area, this is where you should go.

20407 S.W. Borchers Drive

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Thomas Boyd/The Oregonian

Don't Edit

H Mart

This Korean superstore basically has everything. Try some dumplings from the deli or grab a box of Pocky from their huge selection.

13600 S.W. Pacific Hwy.

Don't Edit

Samantha Bakall/The Oregonian

H Mart

Don't Edit

iFly Portland

It seems like anything can happen in the suburbs and at iFly, you can skydive indoors, so maybe anything really is possible.

10645 S.W. Greenburg Road

Don't Edit

Sykart

There's a whole lot of space in the suburbs...enough space to go go-kart racing.

8205 S.W. Hunziker St.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Trampoline Sky High Sports

There's something deeply appealing about a room full of trampolines. Just be careful not to hurt your ankles and knees.

11131 S.W. Greenburg Road

Don't Edit

Washington Square Mall

Looking for a mall with a Tesla showroom? Look no further than this glitzy consumer outpost.

9585 S.W. Washington Square Road

Don't Edit

Anna Spoerre/The Oregonian

Don't Edit

Glenn Otto Community Park

In the summer, this park has lifeguards, making the Sandy River even more inviting for a dip.

1102 E. Historic Columbia River Hwy.

Don't Edit

McMenamins Edgefield

You might need a couple days to explore the ultimate McMenamins, where you'll find a golf course, multiple restaurants and bars, an outdoor concert venue, a movie theater and a spa.

2126 S.W. Halsey St.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Sandy River Delta Park

Walk the trails in this meadow and wood park on the delta between the Sandy and the Columbia Rivers.

Crown Point Highway

Don't Edit

Sugarpine Drive-In

Drink a beer on the porch of this recently opened restaurant next to the Sandy River.

1208 E. Historic Columbia River Highway

Don't Edit

Lizzy Acker/The Oregonian

Emily Cafazzo, co-owner of Sugarpine Drive-In, in the parking lot of Glenn Otto Park on the bank of the Sandy River in Troutdale.

Don't Edit

Robert Bach/The Oregonian

Don't Edit

Bridgeport Village

This outdoor mall is exceedingly pleasant and

.

7455 S.W. Bridgeport Road

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Lizzy Acker/The Oregonian

Bridgeport Village

Don't Edit

Fanno Creek Trail

Take a ride, or a run or a walk, on this mostly flat multi-use trail.

Tualatin

Don't Edit

Laura Frazier/The Oregonian

Don't Edit

Ibach Park

This 19.40-acre "active park" teaches kids about history through play. Don't miss the mammoth skeleton!

10455 S.W. Ibach St.

Don't Edit

Tualatin Island Greens

Play mini golf or hit balls on the driving range and then get yourself a beer.

20400 S.W. Cipole Road

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

Go bird watching at this well-maintained national wildlife refuge.

19255 SW Pacific Highway

Don't Edit

Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

Don't Edit

Burnt Bridge Greenway

Follow eight miles of paved trail through grassland and woods.

1617 N. Devine Road

Don't Edit

Fort Vancouver

Travel back in time at this historic fort.

1501 E. Evergreen Blvd.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Salmon Creek Regional Park/Klineline Pond

Play in the pond under the eye of (summer) lifeguards, splash in the water feature and jump on to the Salmon Creek Trail.

1112 N.E. 117th St.

Don't Edit

Roger Jensen/The Oregonian

Andre Pulphus ,3, Vancouver, enjoys the water floating on his tug boat, paddling around with his mom at Klineline Pond at Salmon Creek Park.

Don't Edit

Vancouver Mall

Vancouver Mall is a mall's mall and it also has a library!

8700 N.E. Vancouver Mall Drive

Don't Edit

Read more

Don't Edit

Lizzy Acker/The Oregonian

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Sahallie Illahee Park

Take a magical wooded path to a slide in the side of a hill.

4300 Horton Road

Don't Edit

Maddax Woods

Seven acres along the Willamette River across from Goat Island.

5785 River St.

Don't Edit

Mary S. Young State Park

Explore the trails and boat ramps in this 128-acre forested park on the Willamette River.

19900 Willamette Drive

Don't Edit

Marylhurst Heights Park

Walk the labyrinth, play in the splash park and check out the view at this park.

1800 Valley View Drive

Don't Edit

Cornelia Seigneur

Marylhurst Heights Park

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Lizzy Acker/The Oregonian

Don't Edit

Memorial Park

Wilsonville's oldest park has a community garden, an off-leash dog area, a skatepark and pickleball courts.

8100 S.W. Wilsonville Road

Don't Edit

Murase Plaza

Come for the water feature play area and stay for the 24-foot slide.

8300 Memorial Dr.

Don't Edit

Wilsonville Family Fun Center and Bullwinkle's

You've driven by this place a million times but, spoiler, it's as fun as it looks! Stop in and try out the bumper boats.

29111 Town Center Loop W.

Don't Edit

World of Speed

This is a museum dedicated to motorsports, with simulators where you can feel what it feels like to drive a race car.

27490 SW 95th Ave.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Samantha Swindler/The Oregonian

A 1959 Corvette as seen in the movie "Animal House" on display at the World of Speed museum in Wilsonville.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Read more

Don't Edit

7 days in the Portland suburbs

Don't Edit

17 most Instagram-able spots in Portland suburbs

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

-- Lizzy Acker

503-221-8052

lacker@oregonian.com, @lizzzyacker