How to Play Disc Golf with Kids at Powell Butte, Portland

Disc golf is one of the most accessible, affordable, and enjoyable outdoor activities families can enjoy together—and nowhere is this more true than at Powell Butte Nature Park in Portland, Oregon. With its rolling hills, forested trails, and family-friendly course layout, Powell Butte offers an ideal setting for introducing children to the sport of disc golf. Unlike traditional golf, disc golf requires no expensive equipment, minimal setup, and encourages physical activity, problem-solving, and nature appreciation—all in a low-pressure, high-fun environment.

This guide is designed for parents, guardians, and caregivers looking to take their kids out for a memorable day of disc golf at Powell Butte. Whether your child is five or fifteen, this tutorial will walk you through everything you need to know—from selecting the right discs and navigating the course to keeping young players engaged and safe. By the end, you’ll have a clear, practical roadmap to turn a simple afternoon outing into a lasting family tradition.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Plan Your Visit

Before heading out, check the weather forecast and park hours. Powell Butte Nature Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and the disc golf course is free to use year-round. Weekday mornings or late afternoons are ideal for avoiding crowds, especially during peak seasons (spring through fall). The park’s main parking lot is located at 4400 SE Powell Butte Rd, Portland, OR 97206. Arrive early to secure parking—spaces fill quickly on weekends.

Download the official Portland Parks & Recreation app or visit their website to view a current map of the course. The Powell Butte Disc Golf Course features 18 holes, but for kids, we recommend starting with the first 6–9 holes. These are shorter, less technical, and lined with open fairways perfect for beginners.

2. Gather the Right Equipment

You don’t need much to get started. Here’s what to bring:

• Discs for kids: Choose lightweight, soft plastic discs designed for children. Brands like Discraft’s “Zombie” series, Innova’s “Junior” line, or Dynamic Discs’ “Trey” are excellent options. These discs weigh between 130–150 grams and are easier for small hands to grip and throw.
• One adult disc: Bring a stable mid-range disc (like a Discraft Buzzz or Innova Aviar) for demonstration throws. Adults should avoid using drivers initially—they’re too fast and unpredictable for kids.
• Water and snacks: Hydration and energy are key. Pack reusable water bottles and easy-to-eat snacks like fruit, granola bars, or trail mix.
• Sun protection: Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are essential. The course has limited shade, especially on the upper holes.
• Small backpack or fanny pack: Keeps essentials organized and accessible without weighing kids down.
• Optional: Scorecards and pencils: Great for older kids who enjoy tracking progress. You can print free scorecards from the PDGA website.

3. Start with a Short Course

Begin with holes 1 through 6. These holes range from 120 to 200 feet and feature wide fairways with minimal obstacles. Hole 1 is a gentle uphill throw to a metal basket near the parking area—perfect for a warm-up. Use this first hole to demonstrate the basic grip and release.

Teach kids to hold the disc like a handshake—thumb on top, fingers curled underneath. Show them how to step forward with the opposite foot of their throwing hand and release at waist height with a smooth, level motion. Avoid overcomplicating the technique. Focus on fun, not form.

4. Turn It Into a Game

Children respond best to play-based learning. Here are three simple games to keep them engaged:

1. “Catch the Basket”: Give each child three throws per hole. If they land within 10 feet of the basket, they get a point. First to 10 points wins a small prize (like a sticker or extra snack).
2. “Nature Disc Hunt”: Before each throw, ask them to spot one plant, bird, or rock. After the throw, they describe what they saw. This keeps them observant and connected to the environment.
3. “Disc Golf Bingo”: Create a bingo card with icons like “throw over a log,” “see a squirrel,” “throw uphill,” “laugh hard,” etc. The first to complete a row gets a high-five and a silly dance.

5. Teach Basic Etiquette

Even young kids can learn simple courtesies:

• Wait for your turn—no throwing when someone else is in the fairway.
• Stay quiet while others are throwing.
• Retrieve your own disc—this builds responsibility.
• Don’t step on or disturb the basket or tee pad.

Use positive reinforcement: “I love how you waited for your turn!” or “You found your disc all by yourself—great job!”

6. Navigate the Course Together

Walk the course as a team. Let kids lead the way between holes. Use landmarks to orient them: “We’re heading toward the big pine tree,” or “The next basket is past the yellow bench.” This builds spatial awareness and confidence.

If a child struggles with a throw, don’t correct them immediately. Instead, ask: “What do you think would help the disc go farther?” Let them experiment. This fosters problem-solving and reduces frustration.

7. End with a Celebration

Finish your round with a mini celebration at the picnic area near Hole 18. Let kids share their favorite part of the game. Take a group photo with their discs. Offer a small reward—not necessarily a toy, but something meaningful like choosing the next family outing or picking the dinner menu.

When you get home, talk about the day. Ask: “What was the coolest thing you saw?” or “Would you like to try hole 7 next time?” This reinforces positive associations and builds anticipation for the next visit.

Best Practices

Keep It Short and Sweet

Young children have short attention spans. Aim for 45–75 minutes total, including walking and breaks. If they’re having fun, extend it. If they’re tired or frustrated, end early. The goal is to leave them excited, not exhausted.

Let Them Choose the Discs

Allow kids to pick their own disc from a small selection. Color, texture, and name matter to them. A bright blue disc named “Dragon” will feel more special than a generic white one. Ownership increases engagement.

Use Positive Language

Avoid phrases like “Don’t throw too hard” or “That was bad.” Instead, say: “Try a slower throw,” or “I liked how you aimed at the tree!” Positive framing builds confidence and encourages repetition of good behavior.

Be Patient with Mistakes

Discs will go off course. Kids will throw behind them, run ahead, or forget their disc. These aren’t failures—they’re part of learning. Laugh with them. Say, “Wow, that one flew to the moon!” Then gently guide them back to the game.

Involve Nature as a Teacher

Use the environment to explain concepts:

• “The wind is pushing the disc left—try aiming right.”
• “The hill is helping the disc roll farther—like when you roll a ball down the slide.”
• “That tree is like a gate—we have to throw through it.”

This turns disc golf into a science lesson disguised as play.

Bring a Friend or Two

Children often play better with peers. Invite another family or arrange a playdate. Even if the other kids are beginners, group dynamics increase motivation and reduce anxiety.

Prepare for the Unexpected

Weather changes quickly in Portland. Bring a lightweight rain jacket—even if the forecast is clear. Also carry a small first-aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and insect repellent. Powell Butte is home to ticks and mosquitoes, especially near wetland areas.

Respect the Park

Teach kids to leave no trace. Pick up any trash, stay on marked trails, and avoid disturbing wildlife. This instills environmental stewardship—a core value of disc golf culture.

Tools and Resources

Recommended Discs for Kids

Choosing the right disc is critical. Here are the top five models recommended by Portland disc golf instructors for children ages 4–12:

• Discraft Zombie (130g): Soft plastic, slow flight, forgiving. Ideal for ages 4–8.
• Innova Junior (140g): Lightweight, stable, and colorful. Great for ages 6–10.
• Dynamic Discs Trey (145g): Designed specifically for kids. Excellent grip and control.
• Latitude 64 Ruby (150g): A bit more speed but still very manageable. Good for older kids (9–12).
• Westside Discs Underworld (140g): Soft, durable, and available in fun patterns. Perfect for rough play.

Many local shops in Portland carry kid-friendly discs, including Portland Disc Golf (SE 82nd Ave) and Discs in the Park (in the Powell Butte parking lot during weekends).

Free Online Resources

• PDGA Course Directory: pdga.com/course – View maps, distances, and difficulty ratings for Powell Butte.
• Disc Golf for Kids (YouTube Channel): Search for “Disc Golf for Kids” to find short videos demonstrating beginner throws and games.
• Portland Parks & Recreation: portland.gov/parks – Official updates on course conditions, closures, and events.
• Family Disc Golf Guide (PDF): Download the free “Disc Golf for Families” guide from the Disc Golf Association website.

Local Events and Programs

Portland hosts several family-friendly disc golf events at Powell Butte:

• Family Fun Fridays: Every Friday from May–September, volunteers host free beginner clinics from 4–6 PM. No registration required.
• Disc Golf Summer Camp: Offered by Portland Parks & Recreation for ages 8–12. Includes instruction, games, and a free disc. Visit their website in April to register.
• Junior Disc Golf League: A seasonal league for kids ages 7–14. Meets every Saturday morning. Sign up via the Portland Disc Golf Club Facebook page.

Apps to Enhance the Experience

• UDisc: The most popular disc golf app. Shows real-time course maps, hole distances, and wind direction. Use the “Family Mode” to hide advanced stats.
• Google Maps: Use it to locate the course entrance, restrooms, and picnic areas. Download the offline map before you go.
• Seek by iNaturalist: A free app that identifies plants and animals from photos. Great for turning your walk into a nature scavenger hunt.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Martinez Family – First-Time Disc Golfers

Julia and Carlos Martinez brought their two children, 6-year-old Mateo and 9-year-old Sofia, to Powell Butte on a Saturday morning in April. They brought two kid discs, water, and a small bag of gummy bears as rewards.

They started with Hole 1 and let the kids choose their discs. Sofia picked a purple one named “Luna.” Mateo chose a green disc called “Tornado.”

Instead of keeping score, they played “Nature Disc Hunt.” Every time someone threw, they had to spot something new. Sofia found a red-winged blackbird. Mateo spotted a mushroom shaped like an umbrella.

By Hole 5, both kids were throwing with confidence. They didn’t hit the basket every time, but they cheered each other on. Julia said, “The best part wasn’t the game—it was how they talked to each other, giving tips and laughing.”

They ended at the picnic area with gummy bears and a promise to return next week. Sofia now carries her disc in her backpack every time they go to the park.

Example 2: The Thompson Grandparents’ Weekend Tradition

After retiring, Evelyn and Harold Thompson began taking their 7-year-old granddaughter, Lily, to Powell Butte every other Sunday. They started with just three holes and a single disc.

Harold taught Lily to throw with a “windmill” motion he’d learned as a teen. Evelyn brought homemade lemonade and a small notebook where Lily drew pictures of each hole.

Over six months, Lily’s throws improved. She learned to read the wind and aim around trees. She even started teaching her cousin during a family reunion.

“We didn’t set out to make a champion,” Evelyn says. “We just wanted her to love being outside. Now she talks about disc golf like it’s her sport. And honestly? It’s brought us closer than we’ve been in years.”

Example 3: The School Field Trip

Lincoln Elementary School in Southeast Portland organized a field trip to Powell Butte for their 2nd-grade class. Each child received a disc, a map, and a “Disc Golf Explorer” worksheet.

Teachers turned the course into a geography lesson: “Which hole is the highest elevation?” “How many trees did you pass?”

One student, Jamal, struggled to throw at first. His teacher knelt beside him and said, “Try throwing like you’re tossing a leaf into the wind.” He threw it gently—and it landed 15 feet from the basket. The class erupted in applause.

Afterward, the school received a grant to buy 20 kid discs for their outdoor education program. Disc golf is now part of their PE curriculum.

FAQs

Can very young children (under 5) play disc golf?

Absolutely. Children as young as 3 can participate with supervision. Use soft, oversized discs and turn it into a throwing game rather than a structured sport. Let them run, chase, and toss. The goal is exposure and enjoyment, not accuracy.

Do I need to buy discs for my kids?

No. Many parks, including Powell Butte, offer free disc lending through volunteer programs. Check with Portland Parks & Recreation or visit on a Family Fun Friday to borrow a set. You can also find used kid discs at thrift stores or online marketplaces for under $5.

Is the course safe for kids?

Yes. Powell Butte’s disc golf course is designed with families in mind. Holes are widely spaced, and most obstacles are natural (trees, grass, hills). There are no roads or traffic. Always supervise children near the baskets, as the chains can pinch fingers.

What if my child gets frustrated?

Take a break. Sit under a tree, have a snack, and talk about something else. You can always return to the game later. Disc golf isn’t about winning—it’s about connection. If your child associates it with stress, they’ll lose interest.

How long does it take to play a full 18-hole course with kids?

With children, expect 2–3 hours. That includes walking, breaks, games, snacks, and photo ops. Don’t rush. The time spent together matters more than completing the course.

Are there restrooms at Powell Butte?

Yes. Portable restrooms are available near the main parking lot and at the picnic area near Hole 18. There are no indoor facilities, so plan accordingly.

Can we bring a dog?

Yes, but dogs must be leashed at all times. Avoid bringing dogs during peak hours (10 AM–4 PM on weekends) to ensure space for other families. Clean up after your pet.

Is there a fee to play?

No. The Powell Butte Disc Golf Course is completely free. Donations to support course maintenance are welcome but not required.

What if it rains?

Light rain is fine—just bring rain jackets and waterproof shoes. The course becomes muddy, so avoid it after heavy rain. Check the park’s website or call ahead if you’re unsure.

Where can I learn more about disc golf for families?

Visit the PDGA Family Resources page or join the “Portland Family Disc Golf” Facebook group. Local instructors also offer free webinars on teaching kids the sport.

Conclusion

Playing disc golf with kids at Powell Butte isn’t just about learning a new game—it’s about creating moments that last. It’s the laughter echoing through the trees as a child finally lands a disc near the basket. It’s the quiet pride in their eyes when they choose their own disc and walk to the tee with confidence. It’s the way a simple afternoon outdoors becomes a shared language between parent and child, one throw at a time.

The beauty of disc golf lies in its simplicity. No expensive memberships. No rigid rules. Just a disc, a basket, and the open air. At Powell Butte, nature provides the stage, and families bring the story.

Start small. Be patient. Celebrate the small wins. And above all, let your child lead the way. Whether they’re five or fifteen, they’ll remember not how far they threw, but how safe, happy, and seen they felt beside you.

Grab a disc. Lace up your shoes. Head to Powell Butte. And start your family’s next great adventure—one gentle throw at a time.