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

What's Happening in PDX 7/18-7/19

July 16, 2009

The heat might have some of us wishing for Fall, but Portland knows how to stay cool! Check out these very "Portland" family-friendly activities all around town this weekend:

Sand in the City   Friday 7/17 & Saturday 7/18: 10:00am-9:00pm, Sunday 7/19: 10:00am-4:00pm

Pioneer Courthouse Square is transformed into a sandy wonderland as Sand in the City takes over for three days. In just six hours, sand teams and architects transform over 450 tons of sand and 4,500 gallons of water into magnificent sand sculptures! Teams compete to create out of this world sculptures that are judged in three categories: Theme/Story/Message, Design/Use of Plot, and Carving/Structural Risk. Judging begins at 4pm. All ages welcome, $3 per person/$10 per family suggested donation. Kid's inspiration center has a variety of info/activities, face painting is additional fee. Event benefits Kids on the Block, an organization that uses puppetry to  educate and empower children.

Yoshida's Sand in the City    Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 SW 6th St.

Family ride plus bike safety tips. Helmets required, wear bright clothes. All ages. 5:30 pm every third Friday. Two locations: Downtown: North Park Blocks by the playground at NW Park and Davis. SE Portland: At the Sunnyside School Park, SE 34th and Yamhill.

Woodstock Festival and Parade  Saturday 7/18 10:00am-5:00pm
Starting at 11 a.m. at the intersection of SE 52nd Avenue and Woodstock Boulevard, the parade will be followed by festivities throughout the day, including live music featured on three separate stages, a beer garden in the parking lot behind Mickey Finn’s, kids’ activities, t-shirts, and several chances to win prizes by visiting participating merchants. Burgerville train rides, climbing wall, vintage Oregon City trolley rides, pony rides, face painting, and free pedi cab rides.

Woodstock Boulevard, between 41st and 52nd Avenue


Portland By Cycle Ride: Family Puppet Show Ride  Saturday 7/18 10:30am-12:30pm
A family-paced ride with a puppet show as a reward.  Bring the kids by trailer or bakfiets, on tag-a-longs, or on their own bikes.  Special thanks to Mudeye Puppet Company. Meet at McKenna Park, N Princeton and Westanna. Helmets are required, water suggested.

Journey to the Center of the Earth in 3-D @ Dickinson Park Saturday 7/18 dusk
Pack a picnic summer and then enjoy a family-friendly movie. All ages. Entertainment (The Working Stiffs) at 6:30 pm, movie at dusk. Bring a blanket but no alcohol. Free. A Portland Parks and Recreation event.

Dickinson Park SW 55th Ave & Alfred Ct, Portland

Neighborhood Night Life!

July 13, 2009

In Portland, the summer is a beautiful yet fleeting time. All too often, the brilliant sunny days turn to drizzle and gloom. Oregonians like to take advantage of every walking hour of sun and during the longest days of summer, we all are usually found outside up until 9:45 or 10pm. Our neighborhood is full of children (nine on our block alone!) , most are outside playing until the sun goes down and we're always looking for new ways to keep them busy when they get tired of digging with sticks, chasing flying beetles, or drawing with chalk. Here are some creative ways for children and their families to play after dark!

Glow for it!  Outfit kids with glow in the dark rubber bracelets to play tag or loop bracelets together to create silly creatures. Find a glow in the dark frisbee or ball for even more outdoor excitement! Oriental Trading has an immense selection of glow in the dark necklaces, bracelets, and glow sticks. You could even use glow in the dark paint and stickers to create one of a kind costumes and have a parade at dusk!


Light it up with lamps!  Older children may have a good time creating luminarias (paper bags with designs cut out, illuminated by candle but for use with kids, use flame-less tea lights, LED battery operated torch). Use paper punches with fun designs or print out photos of children on paper so they can each have a turn "in lights"!

Play around with puppets!  Borrow an idea from Balinese shadow puppetry (called Wayang) and everyone in the family can take part in putting on a show (invite the neighbors over!) Hang up a white sheet against the house, and make some simple puppets with paper and brads (or just use your hands). You could even make up some songs to go along with the scenes!

Try a tent! Eat your dinner outdoors, then after a run through sprinklers instead of bathtime, set up a tent and sleep under the stars! Bring out battery powered lanterns and read stories while you snuggle up! Smaller children may not want to spend the entire night outside so be prepared to transition back to regular beds depending on their comfort level. (Or, if you don't want to brave the crows that seem to wake up at 4:00 and want to let everyone know, you can sneak everyone back in the house after they fall asleep.)


Kids may also enjoy a good old-fashioned sing along, or a free for all rock and roll jam session (depends on what instruments you have at your disposal)! Gaze at some constellations and make up stories about the stars, have an impromptu bike/trike parade or fashion show! What about a water balloon toss or make small, edible decorations to hang in the trees for birds/other small creatures?

Whatever you do, remember that children playing near the street at dusk/dark can't always be easily seen by cars and you should play safe at all times!
 Read more...

What's Happening in PDX 7/11-7/12

July 09, 2009

The sun might actually make a return this weekend, so celebrate the end of grey skies! See how long you can stay outside and enjoy the sights and sounds of the city this weekend! Go by bike, foot, scooter, or public transportation to cut down on cars on the road and really enjoy your surroundings. Smell that? It's summer in the Northwest!



Saturday, July 11th


Ladybug Nature Walk   10am
Toddlers will love this nature discovery walk! They get to borrow special plush ladybug packs full of all sorts of nature detective gear. Walk host engages child and parent on a fact-filled morning out. This week's walk meets at Mt. Tabor park (not stroller friendly)
$3/per child
Portland Parks & Recreation    503-823-3601


Pirate Maps  11:00am-1:00pm
Yaaaaarrrrrrrr! Artist Sarah Ferguson shows you how to create a pirate map.
North Portland library     512 N. Killingsworth St.  503-988-5394

Can't Sit Still Storytime 2:00-2:30pm
"Is your child always on the go? The pitter-patter of little feet just won't stop? Quiet listening not an option? Some children just can't stop moving and making noise. Our noisy and interactive program is designed just for them. For children ages 3 years and older with adult."
Central Library  801 SW 10th Ave   503-988-5123


Mississippi Street Fair  10:00am-9:00pm
Bring your tall bike, your dogs, and kids down for the Mississippi Street Fair! Arts & crafts, food, drink, people watching!

From the Street Fair website:

Fun Activities for all, all day:

10-7pm Local Market - featuring interesting arts & crafts vendors plus community service displays & food vendors
Tupello Alley Reusable Art Fair & Water Features
Kids Area - Boise Eliot Eliot Elementary features bouncy castles and kids games for all sizes at Beech
Bingo - lots of prizes
Sustainability Fair at the Mississippi Avenue Lofts (4138 N. Miss Ave)
Salted Ice Cream outside at The Meadow (3731 N. Mississippi Ave)
Rose wine tasting inside at The Meadow

12:00 Children's Parade - starts at Beech

Four stages - featuring a multi-cultural roster of entertainment

10am-9pm MAIN STAGE at Shaver (middle)
1pm Norman Sylvester
2pm Freak Mountain Ramblers
3pm The Dimes
4pm Linda Hornbuckle band
5pm
6pm The SEI Sounds of Soul Gospel Ensemble
6:40 Matt Sheehy Band
7:30 pm Weinland

11am-10pm SIDE LOT STAGE (Mississippi Station)
1pm Nathaniel Talbot
2pm Sneakin Out
3pm James Low
4pm
5pm Bridgetown Saints
6pm Swing Papillon

11am-7pm DANCE STAGE at Fremont (south end)
Celilo
Tezeta Band
Samba Sol
Taylor Newville
Sudden Anthem
The Beauty
Funk Plastic
Cloaked Characters and Mosely Wotta

11am-7pm ACOUSTIC STAGE at Skidmore (north end)

Businesses and eateries along Mississippi will be open on the street for patio dining & summertime refreshments:

Por Que No? Floating Margarita Garden
Mississippi Pizza & Pub Beer Tent
Amnesia Brewing Patio
Lorenzo's Patio
Mississippi Station Patio
Crow Bar Bar
Casa Naranja Patio
Pastaworks Wine Tasting Patio

11am–9pm CRAFT BEER TASTING - Local Organic Beer Tasting at Shaver (by the Main Stage)

Featuring:
Roots OG Brewing
Hopworks Urban Brewery
Lucky Labrador Brewing Company
Deschutes Brewery
McMenamins Breweries

All activities take place on Mississippi Avenue (between N Fremont and N Skidmore) 


Family Habitat Hikes   9:30-11:30am
"Join a naturalist from the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District on a guided hike through one of the many different habitats of Cooper Mountain. Strollers discouraged. All ages welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult. $8 per person. Up to two children (ages 10 and younger) may accompany each registered adult for free. Advance registration required; call 503-629-6350."
Cooper Mountain Nature Park  18892 SW Kemmer Road, Beaverton

Bastille Day Celebration  noon-8:00pm
Kids will want to spend all day in Le Jardin Des Enfants with crafts, the tombola, face painting, hacky sack, horse shoes.  Ballet dancers, cooking demos, live music, and roaming mimes!
Jamison Square Park  NW Johnson St & NW 10th Ave



Sunday, July 12th
11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd
Portland

Sunday for Families  12:30pm-3:00pm
In July, visitors of all ages can learn about Indian art in the Brantley Gallery, including the statue of Ganesha, a Hindu god with the head of an elephant.

Family Tours: 12:30 p.m.
Outdoor Art Making: 1 - 3 p.m.
Story Time: 2:30 - 3 p.m.

Free for children age 17 and under. Free for Museum Members and with Museum admission.

Portland Art Museum 1219 SW Park Avenue  503-226-2811

Tryon Creek Junior Ranger Program 1:00-2:00pm

Fun for ages 6-12! Join a park ranger and learn how you can help protect our natural resources, plants and animals. Participating in nature games, nature crafts and park explorations will help junior rangers earn their badge.This week's topic is "Tracking"

Parents must sign a permission slip before children participate. We strongly encourage parent participation with children.Free, no registration needed.

What's Happening in PDX 6/20-6/21

June 18, 2009

Summer is upon us! If you're not too busy picking strawberries or lazing about in your backyard enjoying the break from school, Portland is packed full of fun family activities this weekend. The Sunday Parkways event returns and looks to be an amazing community building celebration. Look for two subsequent Sunday Parkways events in Northeast/Southeast Portland later this summer!

Saturday, June 20th

Contact leader for announcement of location and directions.

For more information, contact Jean Rystrom at (503) 282-2905 or rydick@toast.net.

Berry Jam-11:00am-4:00pm

Head to Kruger's this Father's Day weekend to celebrate Papa and Oregon Strawberries! There will be hayrides, music from Trashcan Joe and New Iberians, Jam-making Demonstrations, Farm Animals, and fun. Face Painting, U-Pick berries, Strawberry Shortcake, Food (Fresh Roasted Corn!) & Drink available for fee. 

Kruger's 17100 NW Sauvie Island Road, Portland 503-621-3489

Meet Biscuit the Dog! 11:00am

Bring your camera and tell all your friends! Come meet a familiar pooch from some of your child's favorite stories.  We'll also read Biscuit stories and have fun with Biscuit activities, too. Join us!

Barnes & Noble-Clackamas Center 12000 SE 82nd Avenue, Portland 503-786-3464

Ladybug Nature Walk 10:00am

Bring a snack and enjoy a guided hike! Learn about our local parks and the wild critters that live there!

Walks take place regardless of rain/shine. $3/child, adults free.

Laurelhurst Park- SE 39th Ave & Stark

Sunday, June 21st

Sunday Parkways  9:00am-4:00pm

A 2-way route of city streets open to walk, bike, roll, run, jump & skip - without having to watch out for cars! The 7.5-mile North Portland Sunday Parkways route will have two loops.  A 3.2-mile loop through Kenton and Arbor Lodge neighborhoods. And a 4.5-mile loop connecting Arbor Lodge and Piedmont neighborhoods via the Bryant Pedestrian Bridge and North Ainsworth.  The scenic Willamette Bluff will once again be enjoyed. Featured parks/activity areas: Arbor Lodge, Kenton, and Peninsula Parks.

Peninsula Park

Berry Jam-11:00am-4:00pm

Spend the day with us celebrating the father figures in your life.

Oregon Historical Society: Family Day Celebrating - The Amazing World of Claymation. noon-5:00pm

Meet award winning film maker, Will Vinton and learn more about Claymation at 1pm.  Family activities, include the opportunity to help make a pixelation, or better known as a stop-motion film and creating clay figures offered from, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Free admission for all. 

Oregon Historical Society 1200 SW Park Avenue, Portland 503-238-7433

Best little kid playgrounds in Portland-Eastside Edition

June 16, 2009

• SE 39th Ave & Stark St

What's Happening in PDX 6/13-6/14

June 11, 2009

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

June 04, 2009

Free Summer Fun!

June 01, 2009

There are seven days of kindergarten left and counting for my daughter! She's already staying up later (it's hard to fall asleep until the sun goes down and the house cools off) and I'm already wondering exactly how I am going to fill our summer days with the delicate formula of fun activities and lounging around. I am dreading hearing the cry of "I am so bored, there's nothing to do.........." so I am arming myself with a binder of free or cheap Portland summer activities to keep us just busy enough, but still allow for the flexibility of doing...nothing (hunting for flying beetles or sending dolls on extremely exotic vacations to the wading pool in the backyard sound good to me). Our family has down-sized to one car and we're going to be striving for a lot of activities close to home or that are Tri-Met accessible. In Portland, that is easy to do.

Here are five activities to keep your kiddos occupied during the next three months--have fun!

1) Free bowling! Did you know that your children can bowl two free games every day this summer? Two local bowling alleys are offering an amazing program to keep kids cool and active:AMF 20th Century Lanes on SE 92nd Ave (3550 SE 92nd Ave), and AMF Pro 300 Lanes, also in Southeast (3031 SE Powell Blvd) Head to Kids Bowl Free and sign the kids in your life up for a special pass that is good for two free games daily all summer long (excludes shoe rental). Parents/relatives can also purchase a special pass for $23.95, which is good for up to four adults to enjoy bowling all summer as well. (two games daily). I am looking forward to having a cool place to hang out and hide from the sun. (an quick picnic or popsicle break afterward at Powell Park might be nice)

2) The Summer Reading Program through Multnomah County Library is a great way to keep your children interested in books and helps them build/maintain their literacy skills. Beginning June 12, kids and teens can visit anyMultnomah County library to sign up for the Summer Reading game. Participation is free! The program runs June 12, 2009 through August 31, 2009 and your child can earn fun prizes (ice cream, swim passes, books, the prizes change throughout the summer). There is even a reading program for adults! Collect stamps as you read and enter to win a family trip to Disneyland!!

3) For older siblings, Barnes and Noble also offers a similar reading program for children in first grade and up. Read any eight books and choose a free book (from list of specified titles). Combine a trip to redeem your Summer Reading Journal with one of B & N's entertaining in-store events and make an afternoon of it! Check out a list of upcoming events here!

4) Portland Parks offers a huge variety of free activities for youth during the summertime. Wading pools and fountains open, many locations offer free arts/crafts as well as a free lunch, and there will be free movies/concerts in many local parks. Visit their website for details regarding swim lessons, classes, and camps at very affordable prices. We are so lucky to have these resources in our neighborhoods for safe and free/low-cost fun!

5) Free gardening classes are available for children (ages six through twelve) through Portland Parks this summer.

Woodlawn Community Garden

What's happening in PDX 5/23-5/24

May 21, 2009

I think Spring is really here! It's supposed to be another amazing weekend of blue skies and perfect weather. If you're not heading out of town for the long weekend, there are plenty of Rose Festival activities around the Portland Metro area to keep you busy!

Friday, May 22nd

Rose Festival Fireworks Spectacular  events begin at 8pm.
(Curtis Salgado band-8:00pm, Rose Lighting Ceremony 10:00pm, Fireworks 10:15pm)
Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park, 1020 SW Naito Pkwy Portland    Free Admission


Saturday, May 23rd

Tryon Creek guided nature walk 10:00-11:30am
This week's theme is "Springing Plants". Join a park ranger for a free, guided nature hike to explore the forest and stream ecosystems and natural history at Tryon Creek State Natural Area. Topics will vary from week to week but will be appropriate for all ages. Parents must accompany kids on all hikes.
11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd. Portland 503-636-4398  no pre-registration needed, free, all ages.


Dan Bau, Vietnamese Monochord  2-2:30pm
"The Dan Bau is a musical instrument unique to Vietnam. Learn about its history and prominence in Vietnamese traditional and modern music. You'll get to hear the DanBau's human-like sound via several traditional pieces."  Space at library programs is limited. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Gregory Heights Library 7921 NE Sandy Blvd. Portland  503-988-5386

Classics Lite    2:00-3:00pm
Three musicians play violin, viola, cello, flute, and oboe. Pieces are Baroque, Classical and Rag (e.g. Scott Joplin). Space at library programs is limited. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Hillsdale Library 1525 S.W. Sunset Blvd. Portland  503-988-5388

Multnomah County Fair  Noon to 7 pm May 23, 24 and 25
Thrill Rides, Pony Rides, Lucky Duck Derby, Huge Petting Zoo, Exotic animals and Reptiles, Family Barnyard Fun, Story telling, Magician Dick Frost, Puppet Shows, Make your own Dirt Baby to take home, Play in the corn box, and meet Miss Piggy and her Piglets. This year's theme is "It's a Family A'fair"
Oaks Amusement Park 7100 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland 503-761-7577
(at the foot of SE Spokane in Sellwood) Free Parking and Free Admission.

Nail Soup: A Scandinavian Story presented by Play after Play 10am
"This is the story of an old woman who needs cheering up. A young man comes along and helps her see that she has always had everything she needs. Together they make a delicious pot of Nail Soup. Filled with movement and music, this sweet story will captivate children and adults alike." When the play is over, the audience is welcome to play and interact with the performers.


Sunday, May 24th
Waterfront Village is open this weekend (starting Friday)  11:00am-11:00pm daily
"Waterfront Village provides a park-load of whimsical kids adventures, hysterical vaudevillian acts, festive bands, and thousands of smiling families each day. This magical world of wonder also features a mysterious ancient temple, live exotic animals (including lions and tigers but no bears, oh no) and the region's best family-friendly carnival."
Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park  1020 SW Naito Pkwy Portland  Admission: $5 for ages 7 and over (Kids 7 and under are always FREE, courtesy of KOIN Local 6)

Oregon Zoo presents Chimpanzee Challenge Maze (thru September 20th)
"Swing from vines, soar through treetops and 'Live Chimply' in the Chimpanzee Challenge maze. Perform feats of ape-like strength, agility, and communication to discover the surprising similarities between humans and chimps. Developed in collaboration with world-renowned primatologist Jane Goodall and the Jane Goodall Institute, Chimpanzee Challenge brings the plight of the chimps closer to home, empowering visitors to make a difference." $2.00 fee required in addition to regular zoo admission ($1 fee for members)
Oregon Zoo 4001 SW Canyon Road, Portland  503-226-1561

What's happening in PDX 5/16-5/17

May 14, 2009

It's really, really going to happen--THE SUN IS COMING OUT!! If you can bear to tear yourself away from your garden or from simply basking in the non-rainy weather, here are some fun family events in the Metro Portland area. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Saturday, May 16th, 2009

Children's Nature Fair     10am-3pm Bring your family to Leach for the day to explore the garden, meet local environmental groups, and celebrate spring with hands-on activities and crafts! Suggested donation: $2 per child. My daughter still has the wooden "cookie" she made at this fun event from a few years ago. The Leach Botanical Gardens should be deliciously shady in all the hot weather we'll be getting this weekend.
Leach Botanical Garden 6704 SE 122 Avenue, Portland 503-823-9503


Central Library eco-roof tour      10:30 am (tour lasts 20 minutes & begins at first floor Welcome Desk)
Constructed with living plants and simulating the processes that occur in nature, eco-roofs absorb rain water like a meadow in a natural setting. The Central Library eco-roof is not accessible to the public. Frequent backstage tours allow you to see the roof from windows overlooking the roof. Check out theeco-roof and then hit Toddler Storytime at 11:00 am in the children's reading room.

Registration required; register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234.

Downtown library: 801 S.W. 10th Ave.

Paper Crowns at Albina Library     2-4pm

Use reclaimed art supplies to craft an elaborate paper crown; staff from SCRAP will show you how! Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, except as noted.

Albina Library: 3605 N.E. 15th Ave.   503-988-5362

Meet THE Mouse from Laura Numeroff's If You Give a Mouse a Cookie for a fun-filled costumed character storytime.  11am 

Barnes & Noble (at Lloyd Center) 1317 Lloyd Center, Portland 503-249-0800

Family Outing -Apple Tree Park (along the Columbia River Waterfront)        9am-noon

"This is an easy 2.2 mile stretch with little or no elevation gain along stroller-friendly paved walkways with scenic river and estuary views and beach access. Empower your children to give back to the local community and help them understand the importance of a clean waterway. We’ll be helping Downtown Spring Clean Up and joining the wrap up party with food, prizes and entertainment in Esther Short Park afterwards. Participation is limited. Pre-registration required by May 7th. This outing is open to the public."

Meet at Who Song and Larrys Parking Lot-111 S.E. Columbia Way in Vancouver

For more information, contact Jessica Boldt at (360) 601-0526 or jessica.boldt@gmail.com

Sunday, May 17th, 2009

Sundays for Families-Asian Art Galleries 12:30-3:00 pm Every Sunday in May, visitors of all ages can use calligraphy to create artwork inspired by the Asian art galleries (from 1 to 3 p.m.), take family tours of the galleries (at 12:30 p.m.), and listen to stories (from 2:30 to 3 p.m.). Free for members or with Museum admission. Museum admission for children age 17 and younger is free. Adults $15.00

Portland Art Museum 1219 SW Park Avenue, Portland 503-226-2811

It's the closing weekend for Petit Rouge : A Cajun Red Riding Hood presented by the Oregon Children's Theatre.  2pm and 5pm

"Told in rhyming Creole dialect and rich in Cajun culture, a saucy swamp chorus sings backup in the Zydeco-driven score to this spicy new family musical from the writer/composer of Junie B. Jones and the Miss Nelson musicals." Appropriate for the whole family. $24 and $19 adults, $20 and $16 child, plus service charges.

Winningstad Theatre 1111 SW Broadway. 503-228-9571

Think Parks & Rec for the summer ahead

May 12, 2009

 In Portland, there are a huge variety of reasonably priced classes for children through Portland Parks. Every summer, I look forward to the schedule of classes coming out and the activities for June/July/August do not disappoint! Portland Parks' programs meet the needs of the community and keep  children happy and busy! For the younger preschool set, classes are usually Mommy & Me type classes, and as your child grows, there are even more options (parent remains in the building, but is free to read or surf the 'net!). Here are few classes that stand out for the upcoming Summer session (descriptions from PP catalogs):

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.

Two walks to take this Spring with children

April 20, 2009

Instead of returning to the traditional haunts of the mall or indoor play areas, venture out with your little ones to some of the amazing natural areas that are ripe for exploration this time of year. My family is making a point to pick new outside destinations each weekend to spend time among plants, sky, and nature and just quietly observe what surrounds us. It has been a special way to connect and learn together! (Next week, I will be writing about two more urban walks.)

Reed Canyon is an undiscovered treasure right in the middle of Southeast Portland that is teeming with plants, bugs, birds, and the occasional fish. The school grounds and main bridge through campus are easily stroller accessible. The trails that travel under the bridge and around the canyon are best traveled by foot as there are steep stairs. Low wooden walkways offer opportunities for close-up observation of native plants. On our recent walk, we set our daughter free with a camera and let her capture ducks, skunk cabbage, and different flowers she found blooming. There are lots of nice quiet spots for a quick snack or rest, and even a fish ladder! This serene oasis is easily accessible by the #19 Woodstock bus and the Reed Canyon website offers a listing of plants and animals to look for, a useful map, and even videos to preview what you'll find there. Heart of Reed Campus (32nd and SE Woodstock)

Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge is tucked below Milwaukie Avenue in Southeast Portland and is perfect for bike riding, dog walking, and bird watching. The main path is suitable for strollers and you can walk off along smaller paths by foot. For kids with a bit of stamina, you can hook up with the East Bank Esplanade and keep on riding. Check out some bird identification books from the library and see how many you can spot on your walk. Look for woodpeckers and heron! We've seen an amazing osprey's nest along the paved bike path, and baby ducks, tadpoles, and some spectacular spiders during our Oaks Bottom strolls. Look up the hill to see a huge mural of wildlife on the west side of the Portland Memorial Mausoleum and make sure to keep an eye out for bikers in a hurry.  (SE 7th Ave & Sellwood Blvd)  Read more...

Room to Run: Where to go to get the wiggles out

by Sarah Gilbert

November 03, 2008

This family loves to run; my husband and I are both veterans of the Hood-to-Coast (10 for him, three for me, but I have the distinction of running six-and-a-half weeks postpartum!) and high school track team. So we're biased toward actually running and are regular visitors to the track (where I try to teach the kids proper long jump technique to great hilarity from my husband). Here are five  Read more...

Top Five Things to Do on a Rainy Day

by Sarah Gilbert

October 31, 2008

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:
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