Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Portland, OR

The rain in Portland falls ... mainly. And what a time to launch this blog, as we squelch firmly into the rainy season (it ends in June. Usually). When it rains, we tend to spend a lot of our time inside; but this is Portland and we can't spend all the time inside. Instead, we do this:
The rain in Portland falls ... mainly. And what a time to launch this blog, as we squelch firmly into the rainy season (it ends in June. Usually). When it rains, we tend to spend a lot of our time inside; but this is Portland and we can't spend all the time inside. Instead, we do this:

1. Walk to our local coffee shop. Every Portlander has a full complement of hats, boots and raincoats for their little ones, yes? And a favorite neighborhood coffee shop with its bucket of toys. We hang out at Gladstone Coffee; when it's particularly dreary we bring a few books and toys from the overflow pile to add to the communal bucket, splashing plenty in the puddles along the way.
2. Go to the library. For story hour or just to grab a few good books, the libraries are always busy when it's pouring outside.
3. Go to the farmer's market. You'll never feel more a part of Portland than when huddling under the corners of a farmer's market booth sampling the amazing fresh chevre at Monteillet Fromagerie or picking the craggy carrots from Prairie Creek farm. Vendors are particularly indulgent of little ones on cold days; Rogue Creamery, Ancient Heritage Dairy and Sweet Briar Farms are highlights. The Saturday PSU market is open 8:30 to 2 through December; in the winter months, Hillsdale Farmer's Market is open every other Sunday; People's Co-op has Wednesday afternoon markets year-round.
4. Bake things. I love the smell of fresh-baked treats that battles with the drizzle to waft towards your nose on a chilly, wet day. My kids love to help bake; our favorite is shortbread made with honey and lavender, I feel it's still late summer.
5. Declare a jumping bed. Why fight the wiggles? Let your kids annoint a mattress (on the floor is best) as the jumping bed. Let 'em get it all out, if it makes you crazy put on the iPod and listen to your favorite NPR show while they sing "three little monkeys, jumping on the bed..."