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

Summer is berry-licious!

June 02, 2009

I am positively drooling at the thought of having flats of berries at my disposal in the next month or so. This summer, we are going to make freezer jam (we've make the old-fashioned stove-top version in the past with my aunt, but thought we'd try a quicker and cooler method!) berry scones, and of course, homemade berry ice cream. One of our favorite summer activities involves packing a picnic lunch and berry picking (and sampling our bounty!) Here are a few places to visit to get your berry-picking groove going:

1) Flower Farmer-Canby, Oregon. Not only does the Flower Farmer have a massive pumpkin patch, train ride, and opportunity to pet baby creatures, they also have U-Pick flowers and fruits/vegetables for sale during the summer months. You can even ride a ferry to reach the farm! Flower Farmer 2512 N Holly Canby, OR  (503) 266-3581

2) Kruger's Farm is just a quick twenty minute drive from Portland, and is an amazing place to spend a hot summer's day. Pack up the kids and stay after your berry picking for a concert on the island (please see website, the future of concerts is on hold right now). If you'd rather not pick your own, you can buy what you need at the farm's market, including canning supplies and gorgeous cut flowers. For fun, follow Farmer Don's blog and keep up with what's ripe, and what's not.
Kruger's Farm 17100 NW Sauvie Island Road, Portland, OR (503) 621-3489


3) If you're looking for more of a day trip, why not head to McMinnville and visit Farmer John's Produce? You can choose from a huge variety of berries, peaches, even rhubarb. Come for the fruit, and enjoy farm fresh eggs and homemade shakes. Call ahead for seasonal availability.
Farmer John's Produce 15000 SW Oldsville Road, McMinnville, OR 503-474-3514


A really great reference for locating new U-pick locations in Oregon is here . This is the definitive guide to regional fruit/veggie U-pick farms and is chock-full of good information (what to wear, what to bring, seasonal availability) Grab a sun hat, slather on the sunscreen and prepare to get dirty!


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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:
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