Dig PDX

Kids who love trucks, digging, and tactile play absolutely thrive here. The construction zone is a dream for vehicle-obsessed toddlers - real working toy excavators, dump trucks that actually scoop and dump, bulldozers to push sand around. The dinosaur area appeals to kids who love excavating and discovering hidden fossils. The beach sandbox with moldable sand is perfect for kids who want to build detailed castles or use the hundreds of molds available. The sand quality makes a huge difference - it's soft, clean, brushes off clothing easily, and doesn't have that gritty outdoor sandbox feel. The open layout means kids can explore independently while parents relax, and the themed areas keep them engaged for the full visit. Many parents report their kids play for 1-2 hours straight without getting bored, which is rare for indoor play spaces.

Admission is $18 per child (ages 0-12) and includes up to 2 adults. Non-walking infants are free if they're not playing in the sand. They don't accept cash - bring a card or use Apple Pay/Cash App. The facility can accommodate about 35 kids at a time, so on busy rainy days there may be a waitlist, but you can check capacity in real-time on their website before you go. They're closed Saturdays (reserved for birthday parties) and during some holidays require advance reservations.

The space stays quite cold (bring layers!), but kids running around usually don't notice. Expect sand - despite the high-quality sand that brushes off easily, some will inevitably come home with you. No outside toys allowed, but they have so many toys you won't need any. You can bring your own food (no nuts) or buy snacks and drinks on-site. The atmosphere can get loud during peak times with lots of excited kids. Clean bathrooms with child-sized toilets are a nice touch. Parking is easy right outside the facility. They have a separate infant area without sand for babies who aren't ready for the sandboxes yet.

DiG PDX is unlike any other indoor play space in Portland - it's essentially three giant sandboxes under one roof, each with its own theme and filled with pristine white sand imported from Canada. The construction zone has every digger, dump truck, and bulldozer your truck-loving kid could dream of. The beach area features moldable "wet" sand for building castles and detailed creations. The dinosaur dig lets kids excavate fossils and dino bones. The facility is spotlessly clean with 8-foot murals bringing each theme to life, and the sand is incredibly soft and brushes off easily (way better than outdoor sand). Parents love the open layout where you can see everything from comfortable seating areas, and the fact that you can bring your own snacks or buy drinks (including beer and wine for adults) on-site. It's mom-owned, thoughtfully designed, and fills a unique niche for sensory-seeking kids who need to dig, build, and explore.