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City Cast Portland

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.

, 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:

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.

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.

The home of roller derby world champions the Rose City Rollers, this is a fun roller rink with an adult jam skate on Tuesdays.

If you’re looking to learn how to skate or to improve your skills, head over to the Lloyd Center mall for some lessons.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

There’s Friday English Country Dancing with 

 (at the Burlingame Water Tower Dance Hall).

 dancing lessons on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

 (in the Buckman neighborhood) has their next dance event, queer line dancing, on Friday (Jan. 17).

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 

If you’re looking for jam sessions, check out the regular happenings at 

What have we missed? What do you do for active indoor fun in winter or otherwise? 

Active Indoor Fun

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, including skateboarding at Stronger Skatepark in Milwauikie, Oregon; Oaks Park Roller Rink in the Sellwood neighborhood of Portland, Oregon; and Contra Remix dance at the  Norse Hall, in the Kerns neighborhood.

The Best Ways to Stay Active Indoors During a Portland, Oregon, Winter

The Best Ways to Stay Active Indoors During a Portland's Winter

Find the best of everything that Portland has to offer.

Portland’s Best

Portland's Best

Inner Northeast Broadway is an often-overlooked main street, but it’s full of classic Portland shops that have survived for generations.

True, there’s debate among City Cast Portland staff about whether the span from Hollywood to the river is awesome and enticing — or depressing (It does have its rough patches). But here are some-must-stop spots for fun (and errands):

The independent bookshop serves all your reading needs. Buy your books in person or online, and attend a robust calendar of readings, including one by 

The kitchen store has been around for generations, but it serves up some fresh must-have gadgets for Portland’s skilled and enthusiastic amateur chefs.

Go in for hand-pulled noodles that have a loyal following.

The old-school sweet spot has been around for 99 years. There are those who swear by their carrot cake, as well as their chocolate birthday cakes, complete with floral designs.

Stop in for everything your fur baby could want. This shop and the next make up an unexpected and delightful pairing (same owner).

Maybe you don’t want any furballs, so deck out your home with greenery.

This spot is a critical addition to Portland’s love of women’s sports. (They’re even leading the charge to recruit 

a professional women’s basketball team to Portland

You can always try the sub that shares the shop’s name: roast beef, turkey, and ham. But also you can find teriyaki and a side of kimchi, thanks to some 

There’s more, including frozen yogurt at 

Thanks to City Cast Portland audio producer Giulia Fiaoni and host Claudia Meza for some of these recommendations.

Favorite Spot I Didn’t Mention? Email Me.

Correction: I originally misspelled the name of The Sports Bra. Apologies to the coolest new bar in town and its patrons.

Inner Northeast Broadway Is Portland's Overlooked Main Street

Everything to know about Portland neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

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The Best Ways to Stay Active Indoors During a Portland's Winter

Inner Northeast Broadway Is Portland's Overlooked Main Street

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The Best Ways to Stay Active Indoors During a Portland's Winter

Inner Northeast Broadway Is Portland's Overlooked Main Street