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

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Farm Animals

What's happening in PDX 7/25-7/26

July 24, 2009

Another weekend, another chance to get out and enjoy the city with your family and friends. Catch a parade, learn all about constructing chicken coops, and craft up some fun with recycled materials!

Saturday, July 25

The Division-Clinton neighborhood Street Fair is from 10am-5pm--come out and support the local vendors in your community. Parade is from 10:45am-noon (from 50th & Division to 20th & Clinton) Free eco shuttle will be running all day long. Pizza eating contest, snow cones, Joe Mishkin's Balloon Art, Ice Cream Social, and Lego Exhibit.
On Division from 11th to 50th and on Clinton from 14th - 28th.  See website for details. www.divisionclinton.com

Tour De Coops 11:00am-3:00pm

Head out on a self guided tour of up to 25 backyard coops and meet the chickens who live there!
Price: $10/booklet. Booklets include addresses & descriptions of each coop
and maps with suggested Tour routes, including safe bike routes! Purchase raffle tickets to win a chance to own specially designed coops of your own!
Pre-sale tickets available at these locations:

Urban Farm Store: 1925 SE Morrison St.
People's Coop: 3029 SE 21st Ave. (near Powell Blvd.)
Garden Fever!: 3433 NE 24th Ave. (at Fremont St.)
Livingscape Nursery: 3926 N. Vancouver Ave. (b/w Shaver St. & Fremont St.) 
Pistils Nursery:  3811 N. Mississippi Ave. (at Failing St.)

Later that night, continue the chicken theme and catch
Mad City Chickens--"a serious yet whimsical look at the people who keep chickens in their backyards. From experts and authors to a rescued landfill hen and an inexperienced family that decides to take the poultry plunge, it's a whirlwind trip through the world of backyard chickendom."
Vendetta 4306 N. Williams 8pm.

SCRAP Art 11:00am-1:00pm
Work with an artist from SCRAP to create a unique piece of art from reused and reclaimed materials. Presenter is bilingual, Spanish/ English presentation. Limited seating.
North Portland Library, 512 N. Killingsworth St. Portland

Steve's Creature Feature 11:00am-noon
Explore the amazing world of reptiles with Steve! Hosted across the street from the library, at Dewitt Park.
Hillsdale Library, 1525 S.W. Sunset Blvd. Portland

Family Habitat Hike 9:30am-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


Sunday, July 26

Sundays 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, Portland



Forest Music 2009 2:00pm-3:00pm
Enjoy the Rose City Timberliners Barbershop Chorus in the serene setting of Tryon Creek State Park. Free event.
Tryon Creek State Park, 11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd.  Read more...

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

 

Mad Science: Spin, Pop, Boom!  2-3 p.m.
"How do you know that a chemical reaction has occurred? Start with a change of color in our chemically challenging “magic” trick. Move on to an assortment of experiments featuring both chemical and physical changes. Watch in awe as the Mad Scientist creates numerous versions of erupting science! Everything is guaranteed to be amazing!" Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program.
Gregory Heights Library   7921 N.E. Sandy Blvd. Portland     503-988-5386

Felty Finger Puppets     3-5 p.m.
Use felt, fabric, wool yarn, buttons and other embellishments to create your own charming finger puppets. Artist Shanon Scholian will show you how in this two hour workshop.
Belmont Library   1038 S.E. 39th Ave. Portland       503-988-5382

Balloon Fairy Workshop     3-4 p.m.
Construct your own fabulous balloon hat creation!
Rockwood Library 17917 S.E. Stark St. Portland  503-988-5396

Family Nature Walk-Sauvie Island 9:00am-1:00pm

This is an easy 2.9 mile loop with little or no elevation gain. This peaceful hike runs through white oak woodlands, grassy meadows and the shores of Sturgeon Lake. Blue herons and other abundant bird life will be seen along the peninsula. This is a good hike to bring your binoculars. Approximate walking time 1-1.5 hours. There are no bathrooms at this trailhead. This outing is open to the public.

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


Day Out With Thomas  (Trains run every hour from 9:00am-6pm)
Peep peep! You too can go for a ride on Thomas the Tank, meet Sir Topham Hatt, and participate in a plethora of train themed activities in Hood River on the Mt. Hood Railroad. Advanced tickets recommended, check website for details and pricing.
Mt. Hood Railroad 110 Railroad Ave., Hood River, OR 800-872-4661


 

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

 

Activity Vendors/Sponsors

On Point Community Credit Union
FootTraffic
Hoopshine hula hooping
Clif Bar
Prananda yoga
Alberta Coop Grocery
Teatro Graxa Stilt Walkers
Pedal Bike Tours
Metropolis Cycles
North Portland Connections
Port of Portland N. Runway Extension Project
ZipCar
Sixth Street Gallery/Mosaic Arts Alliance
Portland Parks

Parks City Nature
REI/ Parks
Free Ready Rider Workshop from BTA/Bridge Pedal/Safer Routes to Schools
The Portland Pounders Wheelchair Rugby Team
Suzanne Lady DC
Piedmont Neighborhood Association

 

Food Vendors

The Limp Noodle
Urban Opportunities Voodoo Donuts
Headwaters Café
NW Hot Dogs
Village Crepery
Zuppa
Al Forno Ferruzza
Fuego


Entertainment

Shannon Tower Band
Stumptown Jug Thumpers
The Sprockettes
Portland Recorder Orchestra

 

Arbor Lodge Park

 

Activity Vendors/Sponsors

Circus Cascadia
Serious Juggling
Clif Bar
Clif Kids
Milagros Boutique
Kaiser Permanente
North Portland Connections
The Jumping Jackie O's
METRO & Trimet
Bike Farm
Portland Bike Tours
Daybreak Cohousing
Senior bike Program
Stay Pet Hotel
Lions Club
Rose City Roamers
Portland Parks
Pesticide Free Parks
Luna Yoga
No Po Mobile Shop
Ride Connection
Bike Empowered

 

Food Vendors

Super Dog
Katmandu Café
Beaterville Café
Family Tree Nut Company
Spunky Monkey Coffee
Sipping Dreams
Dixon's Rib Pit


Entertainment

Carroll Raaum Swing Orchestra
The Atonements
Carolina Pump Station
Vintage Fashion Show presented by AlexSandra's Vintage Emporium
Nuborn Tribe

 

Kenton Park

 

Activity Vendors/Sponsors

N. Portland Tool Library
Port of Portland
Kenton Family Wellness Center
PUMP/Gateway Green
Yakima Products Inc.
Columbia River Crossing
Community Cycling Center
Your Sustainable City
Ma-Josh-O the Magician & Brian Proctor Magic
Willamette Pedestrain Coalition
ReDirect Sustainable Business Guide
Portland Parks
U Car Share
Portland Wheelman
Portland Village School
North Portland Connections
LIFE Fellowship Church w/ Koldkist water
Kenton Neighborhood Association

 

Food Vendors

Café de la Soul
Northstar Coffee House
Soup Cycle
Project Hope
Village Crepery
Elephants Delicatessen
Fuego
Dovetail Bakery

 

Entertainment
Providence Hospital Orchestra
Tater & Craig
Donna & the Side Effects
The Michael Pan Band

 

 

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.
17100 NW Sauvie Island Road, Portland 503-621-3489

Day Out With Thomas  (Trains run every hour from 9:00am-6pm)

Peep peep! You too can go for a ride on Thomas the Tank, meet Sir Topham Hatt, and participate in a plethora of train themed activities in Hood River on the Mt. Hood Railroad. Advanced tickets recommended, check website for details and pricing.
110 Railroad Ave., Hood River, OR 800-872-4661

Celebrate Father's Day at the Children's Museum  9:00am-5:00pm

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

Nature hikes at 11am & 1pm, Create tree wood cookies 10-12, $1, Wood works from Noon-2pm. Under age 1, free. Ages 1-54 are $8
Children's Museum   4015 SW Canyon Rd. Portland 503-223-6500

 

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

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More of Our Favorite Activities and Things to Do in portland

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Creatures & Critters:
Our Urban Jungle

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Do, Re, Mi! Places to Hear, Sing & Play a Tune

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Artistic Endeavors:
Our Favorite Art Venues

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Room to Run:
Run, Jump & Wiggle Outdoors

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Rainy & Quiet Days:
Cozy & Crazy Indoor Fun

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A Sense of History:
Our City's Stories

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Tot's Science Fair:
Science & Nature Sites

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Splash, Spray, Play! Local Spots to Get Wet

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The Most Fun in Life Is Free!

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The Best of... Our Top Can't-Live-Without Spots

The Voice of Being Savvy portland:
Oona Baker, Sarah Gilbert

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