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

What's Happening in PDX 6/6-6/7

June 04, 2009

What's Happening in PDX 4/25-4/26

April 23, 2009

Saturday, April 25th

How about a nature walk at Tryon Creek ? This week's themed walk is "Springing Plants." Join a park ranger for a guided nature hike to explore the forest and stream ecosystems and natural history at Tryon Creek State Natural Area.  Parents must accompany kids on all hikes. 10:00-11:30am. Free, all ages. 11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd  503.636.4398 


The Central Library hosts "Looking for Papito"-- Family stories from Latin America. "Join award-winning solo performer, storyteller and author Antonio Sacre for a special family performance. Sacre’s repertoire, tailored to his audience, includes his own stories of growing up biculturally in a Cuban and Irish-American household. He inspires all ages to read, gather their own family stories, and become storytellers themselves." The program will be presented in both English and Spanish. Space at library programs is limited. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.  11:00-11:45 a.m. 801 S.W. 10th Ave. 503.988.5123

SCRAP is offering a Handmade Dolls workshop from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Use recycled materials to craft your own special doll! Ages: 5+, $18 fee.  Instructor: Christa Margo. Please pre-register for workshops by calling 503-294-0769.  2915 NE MLK Jr. Blvd.

Check out the Oregon Potters Association 2009 Ceramic Showcase at the Oregon Convention Center. Children’s clay play area will have lots of exploratory fun. All ages. 10 am to 5 pm April 26. (10 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday) Free. 777 NE MLK. 503.222.0533.

PARTY FOR THE PLANET! at the Oregon Zoo . Celebrate with your favorite party animals! Games, crafts, and fun for all! Free with gym admission. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.  On Sunday, the Zoo is also hosting the Run for the Cheetah, a fundraising event with a kid's walk/run, a 5k/8k walk/run, and food, fun, and festivities! (See website for registration fees/details) 4001 SW Canyon Road. $2 parking/vehicle. Ride Max and get $1 off admission. 503.226.1561

Baby Loves Disco returns to Portland at the Bossanova Ballroom! It's an Earth Day celebration, so celebrate and dance your heart out with your little ones. Noon-3pm. $12 per walking human, in advance (tickets online), $15 at the door, on the day of event. 722 East Burnside.

Alice in Wonderland: The one thing for preschooler parents not to miss this weekend

by Sarah Gilbert

January 23, 2009

'Alice in Wonderland' is one of my all-time favorite children's books; it never fails to delight and amuse. It's slapstick before slapstick became about destruction and was still just about silly . Tonight, as part of the Fertile Ground festival (a 10-day city-wide festival of original theatrical presentations), a "new jazz musical adaptation" of Alice in Wonderland opens at the Northwest  Read more...

Monsters, Music and More: The one thing for preschooler parents not to miss this weekend

by Sarah Gilbert

November 21, 2008

Only in Portland would a storytelling concert be held on a Friday night by the library, and be the hottest ticket in town. And it's tonight! Part of the Tapestry of Tales storytelling festival , Grammy award-winning artist Bill Harley "is one of the finest family performers in the United States" and the "Garrison Keillor for kids." The event is held at Parkrose High School, 12003 NE Shaver, and  Read more...

Mozart, Moby or Miles: Music your preschoolers will love

by Sarah Gilbert

November 05, 2008

I'm a nut for the Portland farmer's markets, and the family-friendly bands make the circuit with gusto. These ones were good enough so that I'll seek them out again: Trashcan Joe : Their sound is funky, danceable and hilarious, and the parents seem to like it as well as the kids. The band's instruments are made from trash cans, wash tubs, an old boot... how can you resist? Captain Bogg & Salty  Read more...

Things You Must Do in Portland Before Your Child Grows Up

by Sarah Gilbert

November 04, 2008

I've lived in Portland most of my life, and though I've traveled and lived in many vibrant, wonderful cities I can't imagine raising my children anywhere else. I can't let my kids grow up until I:
 Read more...