Jul 14, 2014 - Cheap Thrills .... wordpress.com) and works part-time at .... Recreation Department (OPRD) hosts a fantas
FREE
Fun in the sun ... and the shade!
Your Guide to
More than 250 family-friendly attractions, activities and special summer events!
July 2014
Summer Camps Pages 19-21
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Contents SUMMER OF FUN! Editor’s Note....................................................................................................6
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Outdoor Fun Family Favorites: Outdoor Fun........................................................................7 Water, Water Everywhere!................................................................................7 Let’s Go Camping!............................................................................................8 Boats, Trains, Trams & Trolleys.........................................................................8 We ♥ Our Parks...............................................................................................10 Voices in Parenting: Raising Nature Explorers............................................. 11 Indoor Fun Family Favorites: Indoor Fun.......................................................................... 12 Indoor Active Fun............................................................................................ 12 Swap & Play Cooperatives............................................................................. 12 Exciting Exhibits.............................................................................................. 13 Explore Your Artsy Side.................................................................................. 14 Fun Food Family Favorites: Good Eats.......................................................................... 15 Family-Friendly Restaurants & Cafes............................................................ 15 Cart City! Exploring Portland’s Food Carts................................................. 17 Special Events & Programs Summer Fairs & Festivals................................................................................ 18 ... and the Rockets’ Red Glare: Fourth of July Fun.......................................20 Dancing in the Street: Summer Street Fairs.................................................21 Al Fresco Entertainment: Outdoor Concerts and Movies..........................22 Car-free Fun at Sunday Parkways..................................................................23 It’s Show Time for Portland Parks & Recreation...........................................24 Cheap Thrills Family Fun on a Budget..................................................................................26 Free Food & Fun at Local Playgrounds.........................................................27 Summer Fun at the Library.............................................................................28 Day Trips Carpe Summer! Exhilarating Summer Fun...................................................29 Hiking the Gorge with Kids............................................................................31 The Oregon Coast..........................................................................................32 Salem................................................................................................................32 Top 5 Attractions for Summer Visitors.....................................................34
On Our Cover: Local photographer Jamie Wilkinson of Velour Photography captured this joyous moment of water fun at Jamison Square fountain in the Pearl District.
What Should We Do Today? Daily Picks for July...........................................................................................36 Summer of Fun Listings................................................................................38 Find more summer fun listings at pdxkidscalendar.com! Advertising Section Summer Camps....................................................................................... 19 – 21
PHOTO BY JAMIE WILKINSON, VELOUR PHOTOGRAPHY (VELOURPHOTOGRAPHY.COM) metro-parent.com
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Editor’s Note Serving the Families of the Portland Metropolitan Area
Summertime and the Living is Easy! With school ending in June and back-to-school prep (and some schools) beginning in August, July is the only month when we can focus exclusively on summer fun. So this year, that’s what we’ve done. Our July issue is all about summer fun – including July, August and some September activities – with hundreds of listings and other information to help you squeeze every last drop of fun out of this wonderfully joyful time! You’ll find ideas for outdoor fun, indoor fun (after all, sometimes it’s just too hot, or even too wet, to go outside!), special events and programs, family fun on a budget, fun food, day trips and more. And guess what? You’ll find even more ideas for family fun in our Summer Fun Guides at pdxkidscalendar.com. On a personal note, I want to let you all know this will be my final issue as editor of Metro Parent. I’ve been writing for the magazine since 2004 and editing it, first as managing editor and then editor, since 2009. It’s been a fantastic learning experience and a remarkably family-friendly way to earn a living! I feel so fortunate to have fallen into this opportunity and so privileged to have been able to work with our dedicated staff and so many talented writers. As my son prepares to start high school in the fall, this seems an appropriate time for me to shift focus as well. I’m moving on to a new adventure in publishing as editor of Roast magazine, a trade publication dedicated to the success of the coffee roasting industry, but I’m leaving you in excellent hands as Julia Silverman steps in to take over as editor of Metro Parent. Julia has been writing for us for many years, most recently as our Voices in Parenting columnist focusing on work-life balance. Her twins are starting kindergarten in the fall and she is well connected to and well informed about the local parenting community. Julia brings many years of exceptional journalism experience to the role, having worked for the Associated Press before her twins were born, so I have no doubt she will continue to deliver the engaging and informative articles you’ve come to expect from Metro Parent, along with the most comprehensive guides to local family-friendly events and activities. But enough about us. Summer won’t last forever. Go ahead and turn When the folks at the Willamette Jet Boats say, “All passengers should expect to get at least sprayed the page and start planning your family’s summer of fun!
— Emily Puro
and perhaps soaked,” they aren’t kidding! (See pg. 8 for details.)
Contributing Writers MICHAEL D. BARTON (Voices in Parenting: Raising Nature Explorers, page 11) is a Portland father of two: Patrick, 7, and Afton, 1. He blogs at Exploring Portland’s Natural Areas (exploreportlandnature. wordpress.com) and works part-time at a nature center. He loves history, science and books about those topics, and – no surprise – his beautiful wife, Catherine, is a librarian. BRETT BURMEISTER (Cart City!, page 17) is managing editor and co-owner of Food Carts Portland (FoodCartsPortland.com), a resource for street food enthusiasts. A Portland native, Brett has been featured by CNN, The New York Times, Saveur and The Guardian and has consulted for other communities seeking to emulate the Portland food cart model.
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STAN HALL (Hiking the Gorge with Kids, page 31) handles social media and public relations communications for Friends of the Columbia Gorge. He has a background in journalism and educational publishing and was a freelance film reviewer for The Oregonian from 2007-2013. Stan also plays bass, sings and writes songs for local indie-rock band The Zags. He lives in southeast Portland with his wife, Rachael, son, Henry, age 7, and daughter, Hazel, 3. ANNE LAUFE (Car-Free Fun at Sunday Parkways, page 23, and Carpe Summer, page 29) is a mom and writer who lives in northeast Portland. When she’s not on deadline, she enjoys hiking, biking, reading, cooking and hanging out with her husband and two kids.
Metro Parent P.O. Box 13660 Portland, OR 97213-0660 Phone: 503-460-2774; Fax: 503-331-3445 Publisher Keith Goben, 503-460-2774
[email protected] Editor Emily Puro, 503-922-0893
[email protected] Managing Editor Calendar Editor Teresa Carson
[email protected] Director of Online, Social Media & Marketing Strategy Tabitha Rhodes, 503-975-6978
[email protected] Web Assistant Casey Rhodes
[email protected] Customer Accounts Manager Christie Kline, 503-810-9817
[email protected] Advertising Account Executives Westside/Outside Metro Area Debbie Dille, 503-997-4044 fax: 503-352-4373
[email protected] Eastside/Vancouver/Washington Ali King, 503-331-8184 fax: 503-331-3445
[email protected] National Sales: contact Publisher Design & Production: Susan Bard For distribution issues, e-mail us at
[email protected] For calendar submissions, e-mail us at
[email protected] Metro Parent is published monthly by Metro Parent Publishing, Inc., and is copyright 2014 Metro Parent Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Metro Parent is distributed free of charge throughout the Portland, Oregon, metropolitan area. Metro Parent reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason. Distribution of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised herein. Metro Parent does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex or sexual orientation. Although every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of published material, Metro Parent Publishing, Inc., and its agents and employees cannot be held responsible for the use or misuse of any information contained herein. The contents of Metro Parent and its website are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or treatment.
OUTDOOR FUN
FAMILY FAVORITES! Outdoor Fun Congratulations to our 2014 Family Favorites!
Boat/Tram/Train/Trolley: Portland Aerial Tram (3303 SW Bond, gobytram.com)
Park or Playground: Harper’s Playground at Arbor Lodge Park (N Bryant & N Delaware, portlandparks.org)
Campground: Lost Lake Resort & Campground (Mt. Hood, lostlakeresort.org)
Sports Team: Portland Timbers (Providence Park, 1844 SW Morrison, timbers.com)
Escape or Getaway: Cannon Beach (Oregon Coast, cannonbeach.org)
U-Pick Berry Spot: Smith Berry Barn (24500 SW Scholls Ferry Rd., smithberrybarn.com)
Farm: Kruger’s Farm Market (17100 NW Sauvie Island Rd., krugersfarmmarket.com)
Wildlife Viewing Spots: Oregon Zoo (4001 SW Canyon, oregonzoo.org) & Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge (Hillsboro, fws.gov/tualatinriver/)
Amusement Park/ Attraction: Oaks Amusement Park (7805 SE Oaks Park Way, oakspark.com)
Farmers Market: Beaverton Farmers Market (12455 SW 5th, beavertonfarmersmarket.com) Fountain/Splash Pad: Jamison Square (810 NW 11th, portlandparks.org) Garden: International Rose Test Garden (400 SW Kingston, portlandparks.org) Hiking Spot: Forest Park (Northwest Portland, portlandparks.org) Find more fun guides for outdoor activities at pdxkidscalendar.com.
PHOTO BY FRANK DESANTIS, COURTESY OF OAKS AMUSEMENT PARK
Check out all these amazing businesses at pdxkidscalendar.com/mpfamfaves
Top: This year’s Family Favorite in the Amusement Park and Other Attractions category, Oaks Amusement Park is the longest continuously operating amusement park in the country. Bottom: Harper’s Playground at north Portland’s Arbor Lodge Park won the Family Favorite in the Playground category. Not only is it super fun, it’s designed to be accessible to all.
PHOTO COURTESY OF PORTLAND PARKS & RECREATION, PORTLAND, OR
Water, Water Everywhere! Portland Parks & Recreation - Multiple Locations; 503-823-7529; portlandparks. org. Six indoor pools open year round and seven outdoor pools open summer only.
Whether you’re heading to an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, a waterpark, lake or river, summer is the time to SWIM! Here are a few of our favorite pools and waterparks.
Shute Park Aquatic & Recreation Center - 953 SE Maple, Hillsboro; 503-681-6127; hillsboro-oregon.gov. Two indoor pools, one outdoor (seasonal), spa pool.
« DIVE IN! »
Tigard Swim Center - 8680 SW Durham, Tigard; 503-431-5455; ttadpools.com. Indoor pool.
Pools & Waterparks Evergreen Wings & Waves Waterpark - 500 NE Capt. Michael King Smith Way, McMinnville; 503-434-4185; evergreenmuseum.org. 70,000 square foot water park with four water slides coming out of a real 747, wave pool, more, all with an aviation theme, plus an interactive H2O museum.
Tualatin Hills Parks & Recreation District - Multiple Locations; 503-645-6433; thprd.com. Six indoor pools open year round and two outdoor pools open summer only.
Firstenburg Community Center - 700 NE 136th, Vancouver; 360-487-7040; cityofvancouver.us. Aquatic playground with lazy river, water slide and more.
Tualatin Swim Center - 22380 SW Boones Ferry, Tualatin; 503-431-5655; ttadpools.com. Indoor pool.
Mt. Hood Aquatic Center - 26000 SE Stark, Gresham; 503-557-7873; mhcc.edu/aquatics/. Indoor, outdoor pools.
« FOUNTAIN FUN »
North Clackamas Aquatic Park - 7300 SE Harmony, Milwaukie; 503-557-7873; ncprd.com/aquatic-park. Indoor water slides, wave pool.
Who doesn’t love frolicking in a cool public fountain on a hot summer day? Here’s a short list of urban fountains around the area. Be sure to check your local parks and recreation department’s website (see page 10) for a list of splash pads in local parks. Find more listings at pdxkidscalendar.com.
Two giant slides, a wave pool, an interactive splash area and more make the North Clackamas Aquatic Park a favorite with local families.
PHOTO BY ERIC HOUGHTON
Bill Naito Legacy Fountain - Waterfront Park at SW Ankeny. The setting of the venerable Saturday Market features this popular fountain.
Oregon City Swimming Pool - 1211 Jackson, Oregon City; 503-657-8273; orcity.org/swimmingpool/. Indoor pool.
Blue Lake Regional Park - 20500 NE Marine, Fairview; 503-797-1850; oregonmetro.gov. This colorful, action-packed play area sprays gushes, dumps and pours water from a variety of whimsical devices. City Park Fountain - 4550 SW Murray, Beaverton; beavertonoregon.gov. Typically open during Farmers Market season. Water, Water Everywhere continues on page 8 metro-parent.com
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OUTDOOR FUN
Water, Water Everywhere continued from page 7
Director Park - 815 SW Park; portlandparks.org. This downtown open space features a fountain, with concerts, events and Wi-Fi. Essential Forces Fountain - Rose Quarter, south side of the Moda Center. Esther Short Park - W 8th & Columbia, Vancouver; cityofvancouver.us. Vancouver’s living room features a fountain, plus concerts, play area, Farmers Market and more.
Wondering if camping is for you? Check out Let’s Go Camping, a state parks program offering a fantastic introduction to camping – including gear to borrow and more – for newbie campers.
Grant Park - NE 33rd & US Grant Pl; 503-823-2525; portlandparks.org. Beverly Cleary fans will delight in the Ramona-themed water feature. Happy Valley Park - 13770 SE Ridgecrest, Happy Valley; www.ci.happy-valley.or.us. Water features include showers, streams and sprays. Jamison Square - 810 NW 11th; portlandparks.org. This popular Pearl District square features a fountain that ebbs and flows like a shallow tidal pool.
PHOTO COURTESY OREGON PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Keller Fountain Park - SW 3rd & Clay; portlandparks.org. A fun fountain and public art. Magnolia Park - 1810 NW 192nd, Hillsboro; hillsboro-oregon.gov. Zero-depth water feature with spray jets. Max Patterson Memorial Park - 400 E Exeter, Gladstone; ci.gladstone.or.us. The interactive spray park uses a recirculating water system with filtration and chlorine sanitizer. Millennium Plaza Park - 200 1st, Lake Oswego; ci.oswego.or.us. Concerts, farmers market, a fountain and more. Rivercrest Park - 131 Park, Oregon City; orcity.org. Features in-ground and above-ground spray nozzles, water cannons, splash buckets and more. Tanner Creek Park - 3456 Parker, West Linn; westlinnoregon.gov. Town Center Park - 29800 SW Park Pl, Wilsonville; ci.wilsonville.or.us.
« LET’S GO CAMPING! » To make sure every family can enjoy the great outdoors, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) hosts a fantastic series of weekend camping trips for novices at state parks around Oregon. No gear? No problem! They’ll lend you some. Plus, they have helpful folks on hand to show you the ropes, from putting up the tent to building a fire. These experts also lead hikes and activities. The program costs only $30 per family for the entire weekend. Families bring their own food, but OPRD provides some yummy surprises! Visit oregonstateparks.org or call 888-953-7677 for more details. Reservations are required. Here’s this summer’s schedule of Let’s Go Camping events:
Tualatin Commons - 8325 SW Nyberg, Tualatin; tualatinoregon.gov.
July 4-6: Wallowa Lake
July 25-27: Cascadia
Aug. 15-17: South Beach
Waterfront Park - Naito Pkwy between SW Harrison & NW Glisan; portlandparks.org. The fountain is controlled by an underground computer that changes the pattern of its 185 water jets.
July 11-13: Prineville Reservoir
Aug. 1-3: Cape Lookout
Aug. 22-24: Milo McIver
Aug. 8-10: Champoeg
Aug. 22-24: Jesse Honeyman
July 11-13: Silver Falls
Aug. 8-10 Tumalo
July 18-20: Fort Stevens
« BOATS, TRAINS, TRAMS & TROLLEYS » Sometimes getting there is ALL the fun! Check out these fun outings featuring trains, boats, trolleys and an aerial tram!
Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler - 503-224-3900; portlandspirit.com. Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler - This authentic replica of a turn-of-the-century sternwheeler plies the Columbia and Willamette. Oregon Pacific Railroad – 503-659-5452; portlandtrainrides.com. Ride in vintage railroad cars – or even a locomotive! Runs along the Willamette between the Oregon Rail Heritage Center and Oaks Amusement Park Saturdays during summer. Portland Aerial Tram - 3303 SW Bond; 503-494-8283; portlandtram.org. Connecting OHSU South Waterfront buildings to the main Marquam Hill campus, the tram offers a bird’s eye view of the city. Portland Spirit - 110 SE Caruthers; 503-224-3900; portlandspirit.com. Cruises on the Willamette and Columbia rivers, including popular Cinnamon Bear Cruises and other holiday events.
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Willamette Jet Boat Excursions 1945 SE Water; 503-231-1532; willamettejet.com. One- and two-hour boat tours on the Willamette. Dress to get wet! Willamette Shore Trolley - 311 N State, Lake Oswego; 503-697-7436; oerhs.org/wst/. This antique trolley has been offline for a while, but service was expected to resume this summer at press time.
Get a birds-eye view of the city from the Portland Aerial Tram.
PHOTO BY KENT ANDERSON, COURTESY OF OHSU
Canby Ferry - 4116 N Locust, Canby; 503-650-3030; clackamas.us/roads/ferry. html. First operated in 1914, the Canby Ferry takes you and your vehicle on a short trip across the Willamette between Canby and Wilsonville.
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OUTDOOR FUN
« WE ♥ OUR PARKS! » Get information about parks, events, classes and other activities sponsored by your local parks & recreation department:
Beaverton, 503-645-6433, thprd.org (Tualatin Hills Park & Rec. District; for summer concert and movie information: 503-526-2288, beavertonarts.org.) Clackamas County (North Clackamas Parks & Recreation), 503-742-4348; ncprd.com Gresham, 503-618-2626, greshamoregon.gov/play/ Hillsboro, 503-681-6120; hillsboro-oregon.gov Lake Oswego, 503-675-2549; ci.oswego.or.us/parksrec/ Portland, 503-823-PLAY (7529); portlandparks.org Tualatin, 503-691-3061; tualatinoregon.gov/recreation/parks/ Tualatin Hills, 503-645-6433; thprd.org
PHOTO COURTESY OF PORTLAND PARKS & RECREATION, PORTLAND, OR
You’ll find splash pads of all sizes at local parks, like this one at Peninsula Park in north Portland.
Vancouver, 360-487-8311; cityofvancouver.us/parks-recreation/; (serves all of Clark County) West Linn, 503-557-4700; westlinnoregon.gov/parksrec/
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Voices in Parenting: Raising Nature Explorers By Michael D. Barton
A
few weeks ago, the rebooted television series Cosmos finished up its 13 episodes, having taken viewers on a whirlwind tour of the universe. Host Neil deGrasse Tyson shared with us – yes, my family and I felt like he was doing it just for us – awesome topics of science and nature, from the origin of the universe and a tour of our planetary neighbors to the evolution of life on Earth, with some history lessons sprinkled throughout.
Feeling insignificant in our universe might seem a depressing notion, and could perhaps influence how we think about being out in nature. For me, however, our varied connections to the universe and how we fit in make exploring outside all the more personal.
What Does It Mean To Be Connected to Nature?
Connected to nature. That’s a phrase I come across a lot as I read books, articles, blogs and social media sites about the ever-growing movement to connect children to nature. I hear it in conversations with co-workers and visitors to the nature park where I work. But what does it mean to be connected to nature? As a science-minded person, I think of having a connection to nature in several ways, and I try to share these views with my children when we’re out exploring.
We are all connected to everything in the natural world because we share atoms that were forged inside stars in the early evolution of our universe. The astronomer Carl Sagan popularized the notion that we are made of star stuff. In the first episode of the original Cosmos series, which aired in 1980, Sagan said, “Some part of our being knows this is where we came from. We long to return, and we can, because the cosmos is also within us. We’re made of star stuff. We are a way for the cosmos to know itself.” I am not a religious or spiritual person, but this line of thinking comes close to such a thing for me. I talk about this connection when my kids and I are looking at a tree, a bug or a cloud. We share the same elemental matter with nature, and thus we have a cosmic connection.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL BARTON
Like Carl Sagan in the original Cosmos series, which aired when I was as old as my almost 2-year-old daughter is now, Tyson exuded excitement and wonder about everything around us. But the series also left me with a sense of how truly insignificant we humans are in the big picture. We live on a fraction of a dot in a miniscule corner of the universe, and we’ve been around for – as both Sagan and Tyson informed us using a Cosmic Calendar, which condenses all of history from the beginning of the universe to the present day into one calendar year – mere seconds.
We are all connected to everything in the natural world because our actions as organisms on this planet affect the environment, and therefore the well-being of all other organisms. Awareness of humanity’s ecological role is another way to make nature exploration more personal. When out tromping alongside a creek, hoping to see aquatic bugs or an aquatic mammal, we can talk about the importance of maintaining healthy watersheds and taking care of our environment and why groups work to keep them clean. We share our environment with plants and animals in nature, and thus we have an ecological connection. We are all connected to everything in the natural world because we evolved from it. The process of evolution (Darwin’s theory of natural selection) and the idea of common descent have always been important subjects for me in educating my son about his place in the natural world. What better way to make bird watching or bug hunting – or even a visit to the zoo – more personal than to make it a family affair? I talk with my son about various animals being like very distant cousins. We share ancestry, going back millions, even billions of years, with all other organisms on Earth, and thus we have an evolutionary connection. This is what connecting to nature means to us. Not only is getting outside fun and healthy, it provides the opportunity to talk about bigger ideas. These ideas – cosmic, ecological, and evolutionary connections – work for us. We value science in our lives and find meaning in what on the surface could appear to be simple science facts. What nature connection means for my family need not apply for others. Every parent and child who spend time in nature together will find their own connections. n
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INDOOR FUN
FAMILY FAVORITES! Indoor Fun Congratulations to the winners of our 2014 Indoor Fun Family Favorites!
Living History Site: Pittock Mansion (3229 NW Pittock, pittockmansion.org) PHOTO COURTESY OF CIRCUIT BOULDERING GYM
Rock Climbing Gym: The Circuit Bouldering Gym (6050 SW Macadam & 410 NE 17th, thecircuitgym.com) Skate/Bike Park: The Lumberyard (2700 NE 82nd, lumberyardmtb.com) Skating/Roller Rink: Oaks Park Historic Skating Rink (7805 SE Oaks Park Way, oakspark.com) Swimming Pool: Southwest Community Center (6820 SW 45th, portlandparks.org) Waterpark: Evergreen Wings & Waves Waterpark (500 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way, evergreenmuseum.org/waterpark/)
Indoor rock climbing and bouldering is a popular year-round sport for all ages.
Check out all these amazing businesses at pdxkidscalendar.com/mpfamfaves.
Indoor Active Fun (See Family-Friendly Restaurants & Cafes on page 15 for more.) Copper Monkey Event Center - 6540 SW Fallbrook Pl, Beaverton; 503-526-9501; laserportofbeaverton.com. Laser tag, video arcade and restaurant.
Find more guides for indoor fun activities at pdxkidscalendar.com
With wall-to-wall trampolines, dodge ball, a foam pit and more, G6 Airpark provides hours of indoor fun for all ages. Find them in southeast Portland and Vancouver.
G6 Airpark – 10414 SE Washington, 503-255-3334; 2200 NE Adresen, Ste. J, Vancouver, 360-828-1444; g6airpark.com. Wallto-wall trampolines, dodgeball court, basketball dunk station, gymnastics trick zone, separate jump area for kids under 8. Imagine: Play – 2731 NE Bunn, McMinnville; 503-474-7434; imagine-play.com. Spacious interactive “children’s museumstyle” play space for ages 2-10.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF G6 AIRPARK
JJ Jump - 9057 SE Jannsen, Clackamas; 503-723-3600; 7500 NE 16th #2-D, Vancouver; 360-213-2524; jjjump.com. Indoor inflatable playgrounds. Extreme features at the Clackamas location include zip lines, jousting, slides, bungee jumping and more. Pump It Up - 9665 SW Allen, Ste. 110, Beaverton; 503-644-6488; 16205 NW Bethany Ct., Ste. 120, Beaverton; 503-644-6488; pumpitupparty.com. Pop-in Playtime, Family Jump Night, Sensory Night programs and more on giant inflatable play structures. Revolution Parkour - 5651 SW Arctic, Beaverton; 503-746-4785; revolutionparkour. com. Classes and camps teach the urban sport of jumping, climbing and careening around and over obstacles. Ages 7+; open gym for regulars and ages 13+. Sky High Sports - 11131 SW Greenburg, Tigard; 503-924-5867; por.jumpskyhigh. com. Trampoline fun center with free-bounce area, foam pit, trampoline dodge ball and more. Ultrazone Laser Tag - 16074 SE McLoughlin, Milwaukie; 503-652-1122; ultrazoneportland.com. Laser tag and video arcade. Wilsonville Family Fun Center/Bullwinkle’s Restaurant - 29111 SW Town Center Loop W, Wilsonville; 503-685-5000; fun-center.com. Attractions include go-carts, miniature golf, batting cages, laser tag, video arcade and more. 12
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SWAP & PLAY « COOPERATIVES » These family-run cooperatives provide a place to play, swap clothing and other items; host activities and events; and more. Check them out this summer! Southside Swap & Play - 5239 SE Woodstock; 971-266-3023; southsideswapandplay.org. Swapnplay - 7535 N Chicago; 503-544-3996; swapnplay.org. Formerly St. Johns Swap ‘n Play. Woodlawn Swap n Play 704 N Dekum St.; 503-799-6600; woodlawnswapnplay.org.
INDOOR FUN
« EXCITING EXHIBITS » Don’t miss these exhibits – on display now at local museums and other venues – for some entertaining and educational summer fun. Central Library. Nostalgia for Skateboarding rolls through the Collins Gallery through Aug. 6. The exhibit includes a collection of old-timey skateboards and gear from the earliest days of the sport all the way up to the latest local products. Everything is from Portland’s Cal Skate Skateboards, with a special focus on Oregon’s place in the skateboarding world. 10 am-8 pm Mon.; noon-8 pm Tues., Wed.; 10 am-6 pm Thurs.-Sat.; 10 am-5 pm Sun. FREE. 801 SW 10th. 503-988-5123. multcolib.org. OMSI. Dinosaurs Unearthed, the summer exhibit at OMSI, features 15 animatronic dinosaurs and complete skeletons, plus interactive stations to engage kids in the story of the terrible lizards. Closes Sept. 2. This is a great “add-on” to the hands-on learning you’ll find throughout the museum. 9:30 am-7 pm daily. $13 adults, $9.50 ages 3-13 and seniors, parking $2. 1945 SE Water. 503-797-4000. omsi.edu. Oregon History Museum. 2 Years, 1 Month: Lincoln’s Legacy looks at Abraham Lincoln’s presidency from the enactment of the Emancipation Proclamation to the passage of the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery. Working on the River: A History of Dredging and other exhibits detailing Oregon’s history also are on display. 10 am-5 pm Tues.-Sat., noon-5 pm Sun. Multnomah County residents FREE; others $11 adults, $5 ages 6-18, free ages 0-5. 1200 SW Park. 503-222-1741. ohs.org. Oregon Zoo. The zoo hosts fascinating keeper talks from 10:45 am-3 pm through Sept. 3. At 11 am, noon and 1 pm, experts present wildlife shows. (NOTE: Birds will not fly this year due to construction.) 9 am-6 pm. $11.50 adults, $8.50 kids 3-11, free ages 0-2. Pay to park. 4001 SW Canyon. 503-226-1561. oregonzoo.org. Portland Art Museum. The Art of the Louvre’s Tuileries Garden, which runs through Sept. 21, features more than 100 sculptures, paintings, photographs and drawings by some of the most acclaimed European and American artists from the 17th to 20th centuries. Timed tickets for this exhibit are $20 for adults, which includes admission to the rest of the museum. Open 10 am-5 pm Tues., Wed., Sat.; 10 am-8 pm Thurs., Fri.; noon-5 pm Sun. Regular admission is $15 adults, free ages 0-17. 1219 SW Park. 503-226-2811. portlandartmuseum.org. Portland Children’s Museum. Outdoor Adventure, the museum’s cool new outside play space, is the featured exhibit for the summer, with 1.3 acres designed to inspire imaginations. The museum is a hands-on place for kids birth to 10 years old. 9 am-5 pm daily; open until 8 pm Fri. $10 ages 1 and older. 4015 SW Canyon. 503-223-6500. portlandcm.org.
TM & © 1970 DR. SEUSS ENTERPRISES, L.P. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Washington County Museum. A rotating exhibit of quilts, Timeless Stitches, runs through Sept. 16. The rest of the museum is brimming with displays on Washington County history. 10 am-5 pm Wed.-Sat. $6 adults, $4 kids 6-17 and seniors. 120 E Main, Hillsboro. 503-645-5353. washingtoncountymuseum.org. World Forestry Center Discovery Museum. Dr. Seuss gave us so much more than the children’s books we all know and love. See Theodor Geisel’s art, including “his whimsical unorthodox taxidermy,” in The Art of Dr. Seuss, which runs through Aug. 17. You’ll also find hands-on exhibits on forests and trees throughout the museum. 10 am-5 pm daily. $9 adults, $6 ages 3-18, free ages 0-2. 4033 SW Canyon. 503-228-1367. worldforestrycenter.org.
Explore The Art of Dr. Seuss at the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum, through Aug. 17. metro-parent.com
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PHOTO COURTESY OF VIBE OF PORTLAND
INDOOR FUN
Unleash your inner artist with Vibe of Portland!
« EXPLORE YOUR ARTSY SIDE! » Get crafty at these local hands-on art studios. (Check your local parks and recreation department and your local library for art activities, too.) Collage - 1639 NE Alberta; 503-249-2190; collagepdx.blogspot.com. Arts and crafts classes, supplies. The Craft Factory - 7832 SW Capitol Hwy; 503-577-4310; craftfactorypdx.com. Drop-in arts and crafts studio. Jenni and Tommy’s Kids Unplugged - 11300 SW Bull Mountain, Tigard; 503-5047747; jenniandtommyskidsunplugged.com. Open art studio, woodworking shop, indoor play space and more. Multnomah Arts Center 7688 SW Capitol Hwy; 503-823-2787; multnomahartscenter.org. Diverse art classes for all ages. My Masterpiece Art Studio - 7905 SW Cirrus 27G, Beaverton; 503-453-3700; mymasterpieceartstudio.com. Classes, open studio times, art parties. SCRAP (School & Community Reuse Action Project) - 2915 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.; 503-294-0769; scrapaction. org. Kids create art with found objects in camps and classes, plus supplies for at-home projects.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CRAFT FACTORY
Spark Arts Center - 1805 NE Cesar E Chavez; 503-281-6757; sparkartscenter. com. Art classes and drop-in sessions plus parties, art supplies, more. Vibe of Portland - Multiple locations. 503-560-3592; vibeofportland.com. Art and music classes and camps.
Get crafty using all kinds of fun materials at the Craft Factory in southwest Portland.
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FUN FOOD
Kids stay entertained with three play areas at Hopworks Urban Brewery in southeast Portland.
PHOTO BY TIM LABARGE, TIMLABARGE.COM
PHOTO COURTESY OF VIBE OF PORTLAND
Kid-friendly menu items and play areas at many local restaurants - including north Portland’s Poa Cafe, pictured here make dining out fun for the whole family.
« FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS & CAFES » These local favorites feature great food and space for kids to play! Find more family-friendly dining options at pdxkidscalendar.com. Bob’s Red Mill Natural Foods, Inc. - 5000 SE International Way, Milwaukie; 503-607-6455; bobsredmill.com. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at the company’s visitor center and store.
Laughing Planet Cafe – Multiple Locations; laughingplanetcafe.com. Healthy, flavorful bowls, wraps and more, plus toys and outdoor seating at some locations.
Cafe au Play - 5633 SE Division; cafeauplay.org. Nonprofit coffeehouse with children’s play areas and activities.
Laurelwood Public House and Brewery – Multiple Locations; laurelwoodbrewpub.com. Local brewpub featuring designated play spaces for kids, organic beer and tasty Northwest cuisine.
Dizzy Castle - 11606 NE 66th, Vancouver; dizzycastle.com. Cafe with giant, multi-level play area including a castle, pirate ship and more. Separate play area for toddlers. Hopworks Urban Brewery & Bike Bar - 2944 SE Powell & 3947 N Williams; hopworksbeer.com. Family-friendly pubs featuring sustainable food and drink, plus play spaces and monthly events for kids. Jam on Hawthorne - 2239 SE Hawthorne; jamonhawthorne.com. Great food, creative cocktails and a play area. John’s Incredible Pizza - 9180 SW Hall, Beaverton; johnspizza.com. All-you-can-eat buffet plus arcade games and rides. (Must purchase buffet to enter.)
Max’s Fanno Creek Brew Pub - 12562 SW Main, Tigard; maxsfannocreek.com. Family-friendly brew pub with a play area for little ones and Wii, Xbox and PlayStation for older kids. Mississippi Pizza - 3552 N Mississippi; mississippipizza.com. Pizza, plus performances and events for kids and families. Munchkin Playland - 18335 NW West Union; munchkinplayland.com. Coffee, pastries, pizza and a play area. Old Spaghetti Factory – Multiple Locations; osf.com. This Portland-based chain caters to families with affordable dishes, roving entertainers and more.
FAMILY FAVORITES! Good Eats Congratulations to the winners of our 2014 Good Eats Family Favorites!
Coffee Shop: Posies Bakery & Cafe (8208 N Denver, posiescafe.com) Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) Farm: Sauvie Island Farms (19818 NW Sauvie Island Rd., sauvieislandfarms.com) Desserts/Sweets: Salt & Straw (2035 NE Alberta & 3345 SE Division, saltandstraw.com) Family-Friendly Restaurant: Hopworks Urban Brewery (2944 SE Powell, hopworksbeer.com) Grocery Store: New Seasons (Multiple Locations, newseasonsmarket.com) Pizza Parlor: Mississippi Pizza (3552 N Mississippi, mississippipizza.com) Check out all these amazing businesses at pdxkidscalendar.com/mpfamfaves.
Family-Friendly Restaurants continues on page 16
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Family-Friendly Restaurants continued from page 15
Papa’s Pizza – Multiple Locations; papaspizza.net. Covered play areas, banquet facilities and more. Playdate PDX - 1434 NW 17th; playdatepdx.com. Cafe featuring a 7,500 sq. ft. indoor play structure, food, wine, beer, free Wi-Fi and more. Pietro’s Pizza Parlor – Multiple Locations; pietrosrestaurants.com. Pizza plus mini golf, games, laser tag. Poa Cafe – 4025 N Williams; poacafe.com. A new addition to the family-friendly dining scene, this family-run cafe features healthful menu options, cocktails, space for kids to play and an outdoor patio. Posie’s Cafe - 8208 N Denver; posiescafe.com. Kid-friendly coffee house with a play area. Sunshine Tavern - 3111 SE Division; sunshinepdx.com. Upscale comfort food plus a shuffle board table and classic arcade games (no coins required). TaborSpace - 5441 SE Belmont; taborspace.org. Spacious nonprofit coffeehouse with a play area for little ones. Warehouse Cafe - 3434 SE Milwaukie; knowthyfood.com. Nonprofit cafe with free Wi-Fi and a family-friendly atmosphere. Find our comprehensive guide to family-friendly dining at pdxkidscalendar.com.
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FUN FOOD
By Brett Burmeister, FoodCartsPortland.com The BABS – with bacon, apples, bleu and Swiss cheeses – is just one of the sophisticated sandwich options you’ll find at the Grilled Cheese Grill. (More traditional items also are available.)
At the Grilled Cheese Grill on NE Alberta (pictured), you can eat at the outdoor picnic tables or inside a converted school bus. The SE 28th location features seating in a double decker bus.
PHOTOS BY BRETT BURMEISTER, FOODCARTSPORTLAND.COM
W
Cart City!
hen I was a kid, going out to eat usually meant Dairy Queen or a nice meal at the local German restaurant. In the ‘80s, we were excited when Subway opened. The mall food court at Clackamas Town Center blew our minds. Looking back, I realize I wasn’t exposed to new and interesting foods. It was all the same, just packaged differently. I ate well and my parents fed us from the garden, but it wasn’t until I was in college that I discovered street food. I wish I’d had the options available today when I was a kid. In Portland, over 500 different food carts are open on any given day. You can take a leisurely walk downtown and stroll past almost 200 different vendors – 200 different restaurants serving dishes from pulled pork sandwiches to Thai soups to smoked salmon sliders and everything in between. The options are endless and, for some, a bit daunting. Factor in a picky eater, as many children are, and the choices become even more challenging. If you’d like to introduce your kids to Portland’s rich diversity of street food, I suggest starting with the lot at SW 10th and Alder. With over 60 vendors in a single city block, there’s something for everyone. Some favorites for kids and teens include: • The Gaufre Gourmet (gaufregourmet.com): Belgian liege-style waffles with your choice of topping. These waffles are made from dough, not batter, with pearl sugar throughout. You can get the original as a snack or top it off with goodies for a full meal. •The Grilled Cheese Grill (grilledcheesegrill.com): Come by for a taste of your childhood, or – if your childhood was less than stellar – get a taste of theirs. (This local family favorite has locations in northeast and southeast, too, both with seating inside refurbished buses.) • The Dump Truck (dumptruckpdx.com): Chinese steamed dumplings. They even have a bacon cheeseburger dumpling!
While the downtown vendors are mainly grab-and-go lunch spots, the food cart lots on the east side of the Willamette cater to neighborhood crowds, with seating and tents for all kinds of weather. Most of the lots are welcoming and family friendly. Some recommendations include: Mississippi Marketplace, N Mississippi & Skidmore • Miss Kate’s Southern Kitchen (misskatessouthernkitchen.com): Burgers, catfish sandwiches and southern comfort food. • Koi Fusion (koifusionpdx.com): Korean fusion tacos.
Exploring Portland’s food carts
Good Food Here, SE 43rd & Belmont • Timber’s Dog House PDX (thedoghousepdx.weebly. com): Tater tot bowls served in actual dog bowls! • Herb’s Mac ‘n Cheese (herbsmacandcheese.com): Who doesn’t like cheesy noodles? Cartlandia, SE 82nd & Harney • Crepes Plus (cartlandia.com/crepes-plus/): Crepes with fresh fruit. • Melt It! (cartlandia.com/melt-it): Mac n’ cheese and more. • Voodoo Doughnut Mobile Van (cartlandia.com/ voodoo-doughnut): Doughnuts! You’ll find plenty of other sweets at local food cart pods, too, including a wide array of ice cream and frozen treats ideal for a hot summer day. Street food can be an adventure and a great break from what kids usually eat. When I see a 9-year-old order Korean bi-bim-bap, a mixed vegetable and meat dish with a fried egg on top, it brings a smile to my face. The diversity of street food in Portland is just one more reason we love this city so much! This article has been updated and reprinted from a previous issue of Metro Parent. n
Find profiles and maps of Portland food carts at FoodCartsPortland.com. metro-parent.com
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Cool off with some shave ice as you explore Hawaiian culture at the Ho’ike and Hawaiian Festival July 26 in Vancouver’s Esther Short Park.
Go behind the scenes at a working dock, with activities for the whole family, at the Port of Portland’s Seaport Celebration Aug. 16.
PHOTO BY MIGUEL MESA
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PORT OF PORTLAND
Summer Fairs & Festivals Summer is time to get out and celebrate at the fabulous fairs and festivals happening around the area all season. Here are some of our favorites. Find more at pdxkidscalendar.com. Waterfront Blues Festival. Great music on four stages, plus a kids’ area with workshops and fun. Noon-10 pm July 3, 4, 5; noon-9 pm July 6. Fireworks at dusk July 4. $10 donation minimum plus two cans of food per person per day. (Check website for ticket specials.) Benefits Oregon Food Bank. waterfrontbluesfest.com. Sandy Mountain Festival. Parade at 7 pm July 10. Entertainment, carnival rides, art show, more from 10 am-8 pm July 12, and 10 am-6 pm July 13. FREE, vendors charge. No pets. Meinig Memorial Park, 17670 Meinig, Sandy. sandymountainfestival.org. TurkeyRama. Honoring the once-thriving local turkey business, this popular community festival features a 5-ton turkey BBQ from 11 am-5 pm July 12. Also carnival rides, street dance, foot race, entertainment and more from 10 am-9 pm July 11, and 10 am-8 pm July 12. FREE admission, vendors and food charge. Various locations, Downtown McMinnville. mcminnville.org. Robin Hood Festival. Renaissance reenactments, archery demos/contest, music, entertainment, kids area, castle building contest, more. Parade 10 am July 18. Festival 5-11 pm July 18; 9 am-11 pm July 19. FREE, vendors charge. Old Town Sherwood, along First. robinhoodfestival.org. Portland Highland Games. Scottish culture, music, athletic prowess, more. Noon-10 pm July 18; 8 am-8 pm July 19. $5-$65. Mt. Hood Community College, 26000 SE Stark, Gresham. phga.org. Battle Ground Harvest Days. Car cruise, street dance (July 18), entertainment, kids’ activities, more. Parade 10 am July 19. Festival 4 pm-11 pm July 18; 9 am-11 pm July 19. Downtown Battleground. 360-687-1510. battlegroundchamber.org. West Linn Old Time Fair. Music, entertainment, carnival rides, car show, games, activities for all ages. Parade 10 am July 19 along Willamette Falls Dr. Fair 5:45-10 pm July 18; 9 am-10 pm July 19; 8 am-6 pm July 20. FREE, rides, vendors charge. Willamette Park, 12th & Volpp. westlinnoregon.gov. Canterbury Renaissance Faire. Jousting twice daily, plus Renaissance entertainment, demos, kids games, more. 10 am6 pm July 19, 20, 26, 27. Adults $14 day/$24 weekend, children $11 day/$20 weekend, free ages 0-5. Free parking. 6118 Mt. Angel Hwy., Silverton. canterburyfaire.com. 18
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Ho’ike and Hawaiian Festival. Hula, Hawaiian music, kids’ activities, arts and crafts, Hawaiian food, shave ice, more. 10 am-7 pm July 26. New this year is a 5K fun run/walk at 8 am. Festival is FREE; run/walk $25. Esther Short Park, Columbia & 8th, Vancouver. hawaiianfestivalpnw.com. First City Celebration. Entertainment, kids’ activities, more. 11 am-4 pm July 26. Historic Main, Oregon City. thefirstcity.org. Great Outdoor Steam-Up. Watch old-time farm, logging and mill machines work, ride a trolley and miniature railroad, plus demos, music, more. Vintage equipment parade 1:30 pm daily. 7 am-6 pm July 26, 27, Aug. 2, 3. $12, free ages 0-11. Antique Powerland, 3995 Brooklake NE, Brooks. antiquepowerland.com. Tualatin Crawfish Festival. Dog show, foot race, Kidz Zone and Radio Disney, parade, eating contests, music, more. Check website for schedule. 7:30 pm Aug. 1; 10 am-9 pm Aug. 2; 10 am-4 pm Aug. 3. Tualatin Commons, 8325 SW Nyberg; and Tualatin Park, 8515 SW Tualatin. tualatincrawfishfestival.com. Wilsonville Fun in the Park. Interactive games, crafts, inflatables, entertainment, roving revelers, animals, more. 10 am-5 pm Aug. 2. Activities free, vendors charge. Town Center Park, 29250 SW Parkway. funinthepark.com. Van Gogh Days. Music, veggie games, treasure hunt, beautiful sunflowers. 9 am-5 pm Aug. 2, 3. FREE. Rasmussen Farms, 3020 Thomsen, Hood River. rasmussenfarms.com. Seaport Celebration. Go behind the scenes at a working dock, plus music, hands-on demos, art, kids cooking contest, jet boat rides, more. 10 am-4 pm Aug. 16. FREE, except jet boats ($5 kids, $10 adults). Adults need photo ID. Port of Portland Terminal 4, 110040 N Lombard. 503-415-6532. seaportcelebration.com. Art in the Pearl. Top-notch art to see and buy from 100+ artists, plus entertainment, hands-on art for kids, more. 10 am6 pm Aug. 31, Sept. 1; 10 am-5 pm Sept. 2. FREE, vendors charge. North Park Blocks, Pearl District. artinthepearl.com. Flock and Fiber Festival. Animals, music, demos, hands-on activities. 9 am-5 pm Sept. 27; 9 am-4 pm Sept. 28. FREE (fee for workshops). Clackamas County Fairgrounds, 694 NE 4th, Canby. flockandfiberfestival.com.
SPECIAL EVENTS & PROGRAMS
SUMMER CAMPS
« COUNTY & STATE FAIR FUN » Nothing says good old-fashioned summer fun better than a county fair – or the Oregon State Fair in Salem!
Washington County Fair. Music, entertainment, midway rides, comedy shows, animals, reptile show, Mother Goose farm, much more. 10 am-11 pm July 24-27. FREE admission. Carnival rides, some events charge. $5 to park. 873 NE 34th, Hillsboro. faircomplex.com. Clark County Fair. Carnival midway, concerts, high divers, sea lion show and exhibit, interactive toy exhibit, petting zoo, monster trucks, more fair fun. Aug. 1-10. Admission $10 adults, $7 ages 7-12, free ages 0-7. Parking $6. 17402 NE Defel, Ridgefield. clarkcofair.com. Clackamas County Fair and Rodeo. 4-H exhibits, carnival, more fair fun. Aug. 12-17. $9 ages 13+, $5 ages 7-12, free ages 0-6. Rodeo, rides, food extra charge. $5 to park. 94 NE 4th, Canby. clackamas.us/fair/. Oregon State Fair. The big one! Prize-winning pies, animals, big name concerts, talent shows, gigantic midway and too much fun. Aug. 22-Sept. 1. $8 adults, $6 ages 6-11, free ages 0-5. Rides, some concerts, activities extra charge. $5 parking. 2330 - 17th NE, Salem. oregonstatefair.org.
The Oregon State Fair returns with spectacular endof-summer fun Aug. 22-Sept. 1 in Salem.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OREGON STATE FAIR
Yeee Haaaw! « RODEO FUN »
St. Paul Rodeo. Rootin’ tootin’ rodeo fun, carnival rides, more. Fireworks every night. Carnival opens 11 am daily. 10 am July 4 parade on Main. Rodeo 7:30 pm July 1-5, plus 1:30 pm July 4. $14-$26. 20025 4th, St. Paul. stpaulrodeo.com. Mollala Buckeroo. Rodeo action including barrel racing, bull riding and calf roping. Carnival rides, music (dance tent 21+), fireworks nightly. 8 pm July 2-4, plus 1:30 pm July 4. 9:30 am July 4 parade at W Main & Hwy. 211. $13-$15. Rodeo at 815 Shirley, Molalla. molallabuckeroo.com. Vancouver Rodeo. Western fun with steer wrestling, roping, barrel racing, more. Mutton busting (kids riding sheep). 7 pm July 2, 3, 5; 1 pm July 4. Family-friendly dance Fri., Sat. after rodeo. $8-$25, free ages 0-5 with paid adult. Parking $5. Clark County Saddle Club, 10505 NE 117th, Vancouver. vancouverrodeo.com.
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SPECIAL EVENTS & PROGRAMS
— and the Rockets’ Red Glare! « FOURTH OF JULY FUN » The metro area celebrates the Fourth of July with a bang! These are a few of our favorite celebratory events, but you’ll find plenty more at pdxkidscalendar.com. Personal fireworks, alcohol and pets are not allowed at most of these venues. Check the websites for guidelines. All are set for July 4 unless otherwise noted. Have a booming good time!
Estacada Big Bang. Parade at noon, timber festival 2-8 pm with live music, lawnmower racing, more. Fireworks at 10 pm. FREE, parking $10. Most of the action is near 31314 SE Eagle Creek. estacada4thofjuly.com. Ft. Vancouver. Make a day of it with games and entertainment during the day and fireworks at 10:05 pm. 8 am-11 pm. $7, free ages 0-12. 4th.fortvan.org. General Canby Day. Street fair, entertainment, classic car show, kids’ carnival (small charge for games), crafts, wiener dog races, more. Parade at 2 pm; fireworks at dusk. FREE, vendors charge. Downtown Canby. generalcanbyday.org Lake Oswego. Star Spangled Parade rolls down A Ave 10 am. Star Spangled Celebration from 11 am-2 pm features music, face painting, balloon animals, more. Millennium Plaza Park, 200 First. 503-675-2549. ci.oswego.or.us. Oaks Park. Spend the day at Oaks Park then watch the fireworks at night. Picnic spaces first come, first served. Open 10 am-midnight; fireworks at dusk. $5 ages 16-61, $2 ages 0-15. 7805 SE Oaks Park Way. oakspark.com. Oregon Garden. This one’s happening July 3, with a BBQ ($20), live music and fireworks. Fun begins at 6 pm. Admission to the garden is free after 6 pm. 879 W Main, Silverton. oregongarden.org. Tigard Fourth. Music, kids’ games, first responder vehicles, more. Gates open 6 pm; fireworks at dusk. FREE. Tigard High School, 9000 SW Durham. tigard-or.gov. Waterfront Blues Festival. Fireworks can be seen from spots on both sides of the Willamette River. Tom McCall Waterfront Park. waterfrontbluesfest.com. (See Fairs & Festivals, pg. 18, for festival details.) And don’t forget the rodeos! Both the Mollala Buckeroo and the St. Paul Rodeo have fireworks nightly. St. Paul runs July 1-5 (20025 4th; stpaulrodeo.com). Mollala is July 2-4 (815 Shirley; molallabuckeroo.com). 20
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PHOTO BY ROBERT HOLCOMB, COURTESY OF FORT VANCOUVER NATIONAL TRUST
Fireworks at Fort Vancouver.
SPECIAL EVENTS & PROGRAMS
SUMMER CAMPS
Dancing in the Street! « SUMMER STREET FAIRS »
Portland loves a good street fair, with joyous homegrown entertainment and activities for all ages. It’s a perfect way to get to know your own neighborhood better or explore the fun in another.
Mississippi Street Fair. Nobody does it like historic N Mississippi. 10 am-9 pm July 12. mississippiave.com. Division-Clinton Street Fair. Music, children’s activities, sidewalk sales, yummy food vendors. Parade at 10:45 am. 10 am-5 pm July 26. SE Clinton & Division, around 35th. divisionclinton.com. Fremont Fest. Kiddo fun, music, entertainment, more street fair fun. 10 am-6 pm Aug. 2. NE Fremont between 42nd & 52nd. businessonfremont.com. Alberta Street Fair. Music, entertainment, more. 11 am kids parade, plus special kids’ stage, kids’ activities corner. 11 am-6 pm Aug. 9. NE Alberta between 11th & 30th. albertamainst.org. Multnomah Days. Street fair extraordinaire. 9 am-5 pm Aug. 16. SW Capitol Hwy. between 33rd & 39th. multnomahvillage.org. Hawthorne Street Fair. Music, vendors, kiddo activities, more. 11 am-7 pm Aug. 17. SE Hawthorne between 12th & 52nd. hawthornestreetfair.com. Belmont Street Fair. Music, art, vendors, kids’ area, more. 11 am-7pm Sept. 13. SE Belmont between 33rd & 39th, plus SE 34th between Yamhill & Morrison. belmontdistrict.org/street-fair/. Fun on Foster. Live music, food, art, dancing, more. Sept 27. SE Foster around 60th. fosterarea.org.
Come See Us! Metro Parent and PDX Kids Calendar will be hosting kid-friendly activities at local events all summer. We’ll be partnering with different organizations at each event to offer you something different every time you see us, from photography and face painting to art activities, environmental education and more. Here’s our schedule for the summer: Ecotrust Sundown Concert Series: July 10, 17, 24, 31 at 5:30 pm. 721 NW 9th. ecotrust.org/project/sundown. Superhero Fun Run: July 12 from 8 am-11 am. Starts at SW 1st & Yamhill. superherofunrun.com. Woodstock Farmers Market: July 27, Aug. 31, Oct. 26 from 10 am-2 pm. 4600 SE Woodstock (Key Bank Parking Lot). woodstockmarketpdx.com. Rox in Sox Music & Book Festival: Aug. 2 from 10 am-4 pm. 4101 Kruse Way, Lake Oswego. roxinsox.com. Alberta Street Fair: Aug. 9 from 11 am-6 pm. NE Alberta. albertamainst.org. Multnomah Days: Aug. 16 from 9 am-5 pm. Multnomah Village, SW Portland. multnomahvillage.org. Hawthorne Street Fair: Aug. 17 from 11 am-7 pm. SE Hawthorne. thinkhawthorne.com.
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Al Fresco Entertainment Looking for a fun way to spend a lovely summer evening? How about a concert, movie – or even a live play – in a local park or garden? Here’s just a taste of what’s on tap this year. You’ll find more listings at pdxkidscalendar.com (search “Summer Fun”). These events are free unless otherwise noted. Check websites for schedules and other details – some allow lawn chairs, pets and food; others do not.
« CONCERTS »
Science in the Park/Wed. Noon Concerts. Crafts and experiments from 11 am1 pm, plus a concert at noon. Every Wed., July 9-Aug. 13. Esther Short Park, W 6th & Columbia, Vancouver. cityofvancouver.us.
Concerts in the Park – PP&R. Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) presents music in a vast array of styles – from jazz, blues and swing to salsa, reggae, Irish and middle eastern, to chamber music, rock and more – in more than 20 parks around the city. Events are scheduled almost every night, July 5-Sept. 13. Most start at 6:30 pm. portlandparks.org.
Showtime at Shute. Tunes at Hillsboro’s Shute Park at 6:30 pm every Thurs., July 10-Aug. 21. 799 SE 10th, Hillsboro. hillsboro-oregon.gov. Sounds of Summer. Music from 7-9 pm every Wed. July 9-30 in Lake Oswego’s Foothills Park, 199 Foothills; Aug. 6-27 in Lake Oswego’s Westlake Park, 14165 Bunick. ci.oswego.or.us.
Concerts in the Park – Oregon City. The series moves to a new location this year –the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. 6:30-8:30 pm every Thurs., July 10Aug. 2. 1726 Washington. orcity.org.
Summer Arts on Main Street: Music, children’s activities, local artisans, more. 10 am-2 pm every Wed. in July and August. SW Main between Broadway & Park. portland5.com.
Concerts & Theater in the Park - THPRD. Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District hosts eight concerts and plays in area parks, July 3-Aug. 14. Events begin at 6 pm. thprd.org.
Sundown at Ecotrust. Music, environmental info, food and drink for sale, plus kids’ corner with free activities sponsored by Metro Parent & PDX Kids Calendar. 5:30 pm every Thurs. in July. 721 NW 9th. ecotrust.org.
Farm Tunes. Family-friendly concerts featuring jazz, rock, bluegrass and more, plus hayrides to the u-pick fields. Purchase food, beer and wine or bring a picnic. 6:30-9:30 pm every Thurs. through Aug. 28. $10 per car. (Bike or walk in free.) Kruger’s Farm, 17100 NW Sauvie Island. krugersfarmmarket.com.
Tuesdays by Twilight. Jazz, swing, neo-country, world music and more in the beautiful Lan Su Chinese Garden. 7:30 pm every Tues., July 8-Aug. 5. $30-$45, depending on concert; discounts for members, series passes. 239 NW Everett. lansugarden.org. Washington Park Summer Festival. Varied line-up of music and more at 6 pm Aug. 8-15. Rose Garden Amphitheater, 410 SW Kingston. portlandparks.org.
Moonlight & Music. 6-7:30 pm every Sun., July 6-Aug. 24. Millennium Plaza Park, 200 First, Lake Oswego. ci.oswego.or.us.
PHOTO COURTESY OF KRUGER’S FARM
Historic Scott Park Concerts. Lunchtime concerts at the Ledding Library Amphitheater featuring folk, rock, blues and more. Noon every Wed. through Aug. 27. Snacks and drinks for sale, or bring your own lunch. 10660 SE 21st, Milwaukie. milwaukieoregon.gov. Catch a concert at Kruger’s Farm every Thursday evening through Aug. 28. You can even take a hayride to the u-pick fields while you’re there!
Musicalu: Interactive children’s concert series featuring family favorites such as Mo Phillips, Mr. Hoo, The Alphabetians, Red Yarn and more. Bring lunch or stop by the farmers market nearby. 11 am every Sat., July 12-Aug. 30. Gresham Arts Plaza, 401 NE 2nd. greshamoregon.gov.
Noon Tunes. Portland’s living room rocks. Noon-1 pm every Tues. & Thurs., July 15Aug. 14. Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 SW 6th. thesquarepdx.org. Noontime Showcase: Live music. Noon-1 pm every Wed., July 9-Aug. 27. SW Main & Broadway. portland5.com. Oregon Zoo Summer Concert Series. Headliners include Pink Martini, Huey Lewis, Merle Haggard, Tori Amos, Pat Benatar and more. Shows through Aug. 23. Prices vary; details at zooconcerts.com. Portland Festival Symphony. Classical music in Portland parks. 6 pm July 26, Aug. 2, 3, 9, 10. (Schedule tentative at press time; check website for updates.) portlandfestivalsymphony.org. Riverview Six to Sunset. Music from 6-8 pm every Thurs., July 10-Aug. 14. Esther Short Park, W 6th & Columbia, Vancouver. cityofvancouver.us. Rock the Village. Disco, tribute bands, retro rock and more. 7-9 pm every Thurs., July 10-Aug. 22. Bridgeport Village, Tigard. bridgeport-village.com.
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« MOVIES » Big Screen on the Green. Catch Despicable Me 2 July 19 and Frozen Aug. 23 at Glendoveer Golf & Tennis Driving Range. 7 pm. 14015 NE Glisan. playglendoveer.com. Dive-In Movies. The Lego Movie (rated PG) screens Aug. 20-24 at five PP&R pools. 8 pm. Bring a float. $5 adults, $3.50 ages 0-17 ($4 ages 0-17 at Wilson Pool). portlandparks.org. Flicks on the Bricks. Family-friendly films at Pioneer Courthouse Square every Fri., July 25-Aug. 29. Pre-movie entertainment 7 pm, movies at dusk. thesquarepdx.org. Flicks by the Fountain. Pre-movie entertainment 7 pm, movie at dusk every Fri. in August. Beaverton City Park, SW 5th & Hall. beavertonoregon.gov. Movies in the Park - LO. Family-friendly movies every Thurs. at dusk, July 24-Aug. 14. Millennium Plaza Park, 200 First, Lake Oswego. 503-675-2549. ci.oswego.or.us. Movies in the Park – PP&R. Portland Parks & Recreation hosts dozens of familyfriendly movies in venues around the city, through Sept. 13. Pre-movie entertainment 6:30 pm including live entertainment and free popcorn; movies at dusk. portlandparks.org. Oregon Garden. Catch sunset and a movie in the Oregon Garden every Thurs., July 10-Aug. 28. Doors open 7 pm, movie at dusk. $3 adults, $2 ages 12-17, $1 ages 5-11 and members, free ages 0-4. No outside food/beverages. Check the schedule before you go as some movies are rated R. 879 W Main, Silverton. oregongarden.org. Tualatin Movies on the Commons. Family-friendly flicks every Sat. in July and August. Movies begin after sunset (about 9 pm). Tualatin Commons, 8325 SW Nyberg. tualatinoregon.gov. Vancouver Movies. Family-friendly movies every Fri. at dusk, July 11-Aug. 15. Various Vancouver parks. cityofvancouver.us. West Linn Movies in the Park. Family-friendly flicks every Fri. in July and August. Movies at dusk. Various West Linn parks. westlinnoregon.gov.
SPECIAL EVENTS & PROGRAMS
Car-free Fun at Sunday Parkways
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By Anne Laufe
ow in its seventh year, Portland Sunday Parkways has become a summer staple, closing off streets to cars so families can bike, stroll, skateboard, roller blade and unicycle through Portland neighborhoods in a joyous celebration of active transportation and community. Each event takes place in a different part of the city with a looping route of streets that are closed to motorized traffic and connect parks along the way. You can take on the entire route, choose a section to explore or just show up at one of the parks to enjoy the activities. Each park features a variety of food vendors, games, musicians, performing artists, information tables and unparalleled people watching. Last year, more than 85,000 people attended Portland’s Sunday Parkways, meaning the streets can get quite crowded with cyclists and pedestrians. If you’re riding with young children, make sure they know the rules of the road and stay close to you. If the crowds get to be a bit too much, find a quiet spot under a tree where you and your family can take a break, catch your breath, grab a snack and rejoice in the fact that so many Portlanders care about good health, the environment, building community – and serious family fun! Here’s the lineup for the rest of the summer, as well a few other car-free events around the area.
Upcoming Sunday Parkways Northeast Portland (July 27): This 8-mile loop includes activities, performances and vendors at Woodlawn, Alberta and Fernhill parks. Southeast Portland (Aug. 24): A 7-mile loop with fun stops at Laurelhurst, Colonel Summers and Ivon parks. Southwest Portland (Sept. 28): The final Sunday Parkways of 2014 is a 6-mile loop that includes a walk-only route, plus activities and vendors in Gabriel Park, Multnomah Village and Hillsdale Shopping Center. For more details and maps of each route, visit portlandsundayparkways.com.
More Summer Cycling Fun Kidical Mass PDX (Monthly): A riff on “Critical Mass,” this group rides to celebrates cycling and assert cyclists’ right to the road, Kidical Mass PDX organizes family-friendly bike rides throughout the year, usually involving a stop at a park and/or some sort of treat. Rides are free and open to the public. Visit kidicalmasspdx.org for more information and a schedule of upcoming rides. Providence Bridge Pedal (Aug. 10): Portland’s largest bike ride, held on the second Sunday in August every year, offers a variety of routes, from 13-36 miles in length, taking riders over numerous Portland bridges. (There’s also a 3-mile route designed especially for kids 10 and younger. Older riders can participate with a child.) Bridge Pedal participation is limited, so register ASAP at blog.bridgepedal.com. THPRD Sunday Trailways (Sept. 21): Tualatin Hills Parks & Recreation District is hosting their third annual Sunday Trailways from 11 am-3 pm Sept. 21. The event will be held on the Westside Trail in Beaverton’s Tualatin Hills Nature Park. Families can walk or bike the off-street route with environmental education and other kid-friendly activities along the way. Learn more at thprd.org. This article has been excerpted from a previous issue of Metro Parent and updated for summer 2014. metro-parent.com
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SPECIAL EVENTS & PROGRAMS
It’s Show Time
for Portland Parks & Recreation What goes into a Summer Free for All concert? By Mark Ross, Portland Parks & Recreation
Strolling into a Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) park for a summer concert, you’ll hear children playing and the band warming up for the show, you’ll smell the enticing scents as vendors prepare delicious food, and you’ll be struck by many other hallmarks of a Portland summer. What you won’t see is the carefully choreographed chaos that has taken place before the show – and continues until after the encore. PP&R’s concert producer, Judith Yeckel, is usually at the center of the vortex. A veteran of hundreds of Summer Concerts in the Park, the affable Yeckel is seemingly in constant motion, supervising everything from sponsorships to sound checks. “So many, many elements must be in place well in advance so that the performance can go smoothly,” Yeckel laughs, “and we frequently have more than one concert on a given night, so…whew!” This summer, PP&R is putting on more than 50 free Concerts in the Park, set in neighborhood parks across the city. Months before the bands hit the stages, Yeckel facilitates neighborhood concert committees who work diligently to offer concertgoers the broadest range of cultural styles and musical genres. They also work hard to secure the sponsorships and grants needed to cover production costs. Yeckel ensures that promotional pieces (in eight different languages this year!) are distributed all over the city to attract music lovers, and to thank and recognize the valued sponsors. She works with professional sound engineers to nail down each band’s audio needs and meets regularly with staff to discuss contingency procedures such as safety and access, special needs for specific concerts, pre-show announcements and – this being Portland – what to do if we get heavy rains. On the day of each show, Yeckel arranges signage; determines the best place for portable restrooms; assists food vendors; sets up bike racks, garbage and recycling bins; makes sure any noise and vehicle permits are completed; and works with nonprofit community partners and sponsors who want to host tables at the performance. After all that prep work is done ... it’s time to PUT YOUR HANDS TOGETHER for a summer of diverse and vibrant bands! At intermission, Yeckel “passes the hat,” soliciting contributions from the crowd to help PP&R make the concerts possible. “The generous donations from our audiences mean that they, too, have a hand in bringing these performances to the stage,” she says. And when the music stops, Yeckel’s day is not yet done. Our exhausted but triumphant producer goes home to write a detailed report on the performance – and to plan for the next show. Keep in mind there is often more than one performance on a given night, but Yeckel does all this incredible work, does it exceptionally well, and does it with a smile on her face. She’s a key reason PP&R’s Summer Free for All Concerts in the Park are enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of music enthusiasts of all ages. Portland Parks & Recreation’s Summer Free for All – which includes Concerts in the Park, Movies in the Park, Summer Lunches and Playgrounds programs, and the Washington Park Summer Festival, began in late June and will last all summer. Visit portlandparks.org for schedules and information. n 24
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CHEAP THRILLS
Register your kids for Kids Bowl Free and they’ll get two free games of bowling every day this summer at the participating bowling center of your choice.
Take your little ones on a guided hike this month, like a Ladybug Nature Walk hosted every Friday morning by Portland Parks & Recreation.
PHOTO COURTESY OF KIDS BOWL FREE
PHOTO COURTESY OF PORTLAND PARKS & RECREATION, PORTLAND, OR
Family Fun on a Budget Free and nearly free fun is all around this summer! Here are a few of our favorite entertainment and activity bargains. Be sure to read about library fun (pg. 28) and free fun in the parks (pg. 27), check pdxkidcalendar.com, and flip through the rest of this issue for more!
Alpenrose Dairyville. Roam the western-themed pioneer town, check out the model trains, bring a picnic, more. 1-4 pm every Sun. through Aug. 31. 6140 SW Shattuck. alpenrose.com. Chipper’s Preschool Rides. Kiddie rides at a kiddo pace, plus cookies, milk and a story with the Oregon Dairy Princess. Ages 0-6. 9:30 am-noon every Tues., Wed. $7.50 per child (parents ride free). Oaks Park, 7805 SE Oaks Park Way. oakspark.com. Honeybee Hikes. Explore Leach Botanical Garden, plus a story or craft. Ages 2-5, w/grown-up. $3 child. 6704 SE 122nd. leachgarden.org. Kids Bowl Free. Kids get two free bowling games every day this summer at 10 participating bowling centers in Oregon and three in southwest Washington. Shoe rental rates and some age restrictions apply. Learn more and register your kids at kidsbowlfree.com.
Regal Summer Movie Express. Catch G- and PG-rated movies for only $1 at 10 am every Tues., Wed. for nine weeks this summer. Everything from The Lego Movie to The Croods will grace the screens at 10 local Regal theatres. Check website for theaters and schedules. regmovies.com.
OBT Exposed. Watch some of the Northwest’s best dancers creating ballet. Aug. 25-Aug. 28. Mornings are classes for the dancers, afternoons are rehearsals. FREE. Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 SW 6th. obt.org.
Science in the Park. Hands-on crafts and experiments teach kids science. 11 am-1 pm every Wed., July 9-Aug. 13, before and during the Noon Concert series. FREE. Esther Short Park, 605 Esther, Vancouver. cityofvancouver.us.
Oregon Berry Festival. Kids’ activity booth, farmers market, cooking demos, entertainment, seminars and berries. 126 pm July 18; 11 am-5 pm July 19. FREE. Ecotrust Building, 721 NW 9th. oregonberryfestival.com.
Star Parties. OMSI and Rose City Astronomers host stargazing events at two state parks. 9 pm. July 12: Lunar viewing. Aug. 12: Perseid Meteor Shower watch. Check website for stargazing tips. FREE, $5 to park. Rooster Rock State Park, exit 25 off I-84. Stub Stewart State Park, US-26, right on OR-47. omsi.edu/starparties.
Oregon Zoo. Admission is only $4 every second Tues. Take public transportation and get another $1.50 off. 4001 SE Canyon. oregonzoo.org. metro-parent.com
Portland Children’s Museum. Enjoy free admission from 4 -8 pm Sat. July 5 (rescheduled) and Aug. 1. Portland Children’s Museum. 4015 SW Canyon. portlandcm.org.
Ladybug Nature Walks. Naturalist-led strolls for ages 2-5 w/grown-up. 10 am every Friday; different park weekly. $4/child. portlandparks.org
OMSI. For a mere $2, you can wander this great museum the first Sun. of every month. 1945 SE Water. omsi.edu.
July 2014
Portland Art Museum. Get arty for free from 5-8 pm every fourth Fri. 1219 SW Park. portlandartmuseum.org.
Rox In Sox. Children’s music and book festival with entertainment, crafts, kiddo authors, face painting, balloon art, more. 10 am-6 pm Aug. 2. FREE with a donation of new kiddo socks, shoes or books. Lawn West End Bldg., 4101 Kruse Way, Lake Oswego. 503-305-6710. roxinsox.com.
Oregon History Museum. Always free for Multnomah County residents. 1200 SW Park Ave. ohs.org.
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Oregon Rail Heritage Center. This railroad museum near OMSI is free all the time, with three vintage engines and changing exhibits. 1-5 pm Thurs.-Sun. Train rides to Oaks Park are only $5, with departures on the hour from noon5 pm every Sat. 2250 SE Water. orhf.org.
World Forestry Center. Admission is only $3 the first Wed. of every month. 4033 SW Canyon. worldforestry.org.
CHEAP THRILLS
THE VOTES ARE IN! Free Food & Fun at Local Playgrounds!
Winne rs
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PHOTO COURTESY OF PORTLAND PARKS & RECREATION, PORTLAND, OR
t turns out, there is such a thing as a free lunch, at least during the summer at a number of Portland parks! Through its Summer Lunches and Playgrounds program, Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) brings supervised sports, crafts and games – as well as free healthful lunches – to numerous parks throughout the city. The fun began in June and continues through Aug. 22. This is the 109th year PP&R has hosted the free program. Last year, activities were held at 47 PP&R playgrounds. This year, you’ll find some or all aspects of the program at 51 sites Kids will find free fun and free lunch at many Portland around the city. Twenty-one of parks this summer, thanks to Portland Parks & Recrethose sites will feature a mobile ation’s Summer Lunch and Playgrounds program. playground – a van that travels from site to site bringing all manner of playground fun – on select dates throughout the summer. Twentyfour sites will serve free lunch. (Visit portlandparks.org for details.) This fantastic program is sponsored by local school districts – including Portland Public Schools, David Douglas and Centennial – as well as the USDA and generous sponsors such as Bank of America, Multnomah County, the National Recreation and Park Association, Walmart, New Seasons, and Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon. Visit portlandparks.org (select “Summer Free For All”) for a detailed list of participating playgrounds, lunch and mobile playground locations, program times and more. Happy FREE Summer Fun!
Be sure to check our Family Fun Guides at pdxkidscalendar.com for more summer fun ideas!
More than 1,200 votes have been cast by area families for their Family Favorites. The votes have been tallied, and we are excited to announce the winners for the baby, child and parent resource categories!
CONGRATULATIONS! BABY & CHILD RESOURCES
PARENT RESOURCES
Midwife/Doula/Birth Center: Doula Love
Parent Education Program: Practical Parenting
Pediatric Family Clinic: Sellwood Medical Clinic Health & Wellness Center: Portland Family Health Childcare Resource: The Doctors Luce Pediatrics and Daycare Drop-Off Child Care Spot: Kids Klubhouse Pediatric Dentist/Orthodontist: Sprout Pediatric Dentistry New Parent Group: Hike It Baby Diaper Services/Brand/Resouce: Tidee Didee Diaper Service
#mpfa
mfave
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Parents Night Out Place: Oregon Gymnastics Academy Spa: Zenana Spa and Wellness Center Family Photographer: Velour Photography Women’s Health Center: Women’s Healthcare Associates Parent-Child Development Program: Woodlawn Swap ‘n Play Special Needs Support: FACT: Family & Community Together Parenting/Family Support: Baby Blues Connection Mom’s Fitness/Yoga: Fit4Mom Bank/Credit Union: OnPoint Community Credit Union
Visit Family Favorites on PDX Kids Calendar to find out more about these amazing businesses. Metro Parent would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who voted — and to all the wonderful local businesses who serve our community every day!
pdxkidscalendar.com/mpfamfaves metro-parent.com
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CHEAP THRILLS
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MULTNOMAH COUNTY LIBRARY
Summer Fun at the Library Calling all readers! The summer reading programs at local libraries are in full swing, and as part of those programs the libraries host special entertainment and activities. All are free. We’ve included a small sampling below, but be sure to check your library’s website for many, many more.
More Reasons to Enroll in Summer Reading! The Oregon College Savings Plan (OSCP) is partnering with the Oregon State Library and the Oregon Library Association to bring you Fizz Boom Save! – a statewide campaign with big prizes! Up to 15 participants, three from each Oregon congressional district, will win $529 Oregon College Savings Plan accounts (or have the money deposited into their existing accounts). Every library with a winning child will receive $500, too! To participate, Oregon parents, guardians or grandparents must enroll their children in the 2014 Summer Reading Program at their local public library. Next, complete a postage-paid entry card (available at your library) and return it by mail. All entries must be postmarked by Aug. 22 and received by Aug.29. Winners will be selected in a random drawing. Visit oregoncollegesavings.com to learn more.
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All About Bugs! The Bug Chicks are back at Multnomah County Library! See and touch exotic insects and spiders. 3 pm July 9: Fairview-Columbia, 1520 NE Village. 2 pm July 11: Troutdale, 2451 SW Cherry Park. 2 pm July 12: Central, 801 SW 10th (tkts 30 min prior). 3 pm July 15: Hillsdale, 1525 SW Sunset (tkts 30 min prior). 2 pm July 29: Capitol Hill (outdoors), 10723 SW Capitol Hwy. 2 pm July 30: Woodstock, 6008 SE 49th. multcolib.org. Deep Woods Naturalist. Red Yarn and his puppets take you on a science jaunt through the Deep Woods, courtesy of Washington County Library. 10 am July 7: Bethany Fountain. 11 am July 8: Murray Scholls branch, 11200 SW Murray Scholls Pl., #102. 2 pm July 8: 15601 SW Willamette. 10am July 9: St. Pius X Center, 1260 NW Saltzman. 12:30, 2 pm July 9: Beaverton City Library, 12375 SW 5th. 1:30 pm July 15: Shute Park Amphitheater, 799 SE 10th, Hillsboro. 7 pm July 15: Tualatin Lake Commons. 4 pm July 22: Tigard Library, 133500 SW Hall. 10:15 am July 23: Hillsboro Library, 2850 NE Brookwood. 11 am July 31 Garden Home Library, 7475 SW Oleson. 2 pm July 31: Valley Community Presbyterian Church, 8060 SW Brentwood. wccls.org. Colors of the Jungle. Multnomah County Library presents the Oregon Bird Man and his beautiful parrots. 1 pm July 2: Sellwood-Moreland, 7860 SE 13th (tickets 30 min prior). 4 pm July 3: Gregory Heights, 7921 NE Sandy. 1 pm July 9: Gresham, 385 NW Miller. 11 am July 12: North Portland, 512 N Killingsworth. 3 pm Aug. 6: Fairview-Columbia, 1520 NE Village, Fairview. multcolib.org.
Vancouver Library Fun. Jugglemania with Rhys Thomas performs, 11 am-noon July 1, Three Creeks Library, 800-C NE Tenney. Oregon Coast Aquarium presents Flippers, Fur and Fun, 11 am-noon July 24, Cascade Park Library, 600 NE 136th. Steve Taylor’s science, comedy and magic, 2-3 pm Aug. 27, Vancouver Community Library, 901 C St. fvrl.ent.sirsi.net. Lake Oswego Library Fun. Programs are scheduled every Wed. at 3 pm, and some other days, too. July 2: The Alphabeticians. July 9: Tears of Joy Puppet Theater. July 16: Oregon Fantasy Puppets. July 23: Presto the Magician. July 30: Pink Pig Puppet Theatre. Aug. 6: Penny’s Puppets. 704 4th. ci.oswego.or.us/library. Ugandan Orphans Spread Hope for Children in Poverty. The Ugandan Orphans Choir (ages 8-12) performs traditional music, dance, storytelling. 6:30 pm Aug. 26: Hillsdale Library, 1525 SW Sunset. 6 pm Aug. 27: Midland Library, 805 SE 122nd. multcolib.org.
Have You Signed Up for Summer Reading? If you haven’t enrolled your kids in your local library’s summer reading program, it’s not too late. Visit your library system’s website to find out about fun prizes for kids – and adults, in some cases! Then stop by your local branch to sign up.
Clackamas County: clackamas.us/lib/ Fort Vancouver Regional Library: fvrl.ent.sirsi.net Multnomah County: multcolib.org Washington County: wccls.org
D AY T R I P S
By Anne Laufe
Carpe Summer!
Looking for some high energy summer fun? Look no further! These exhilarating activities are sure to please the thrill seekers in your family, but beware – they’re not for the faint of heart. Carefully consider your children’s ages and ability levels before embarking on any extreme summer sport. Think your family is up to it? Then grab your sunscreen and your camera and get ready to make some memories that will last a lifetime!
PHOTO COURTESY OF ALI KING
Exhilarating summer fun
Mt. Hood Adventure Park at Skibowl features bungee activities, a zip line, an alpine slide, horseback riding, Malibu Raceway and much more.
Mt. Hood Adventure Park at Skibowl 87000 E Hwy. 26, Government Camp; 503-272-3206, ext. 1107; skibowl.com/summer Once the snow melts, Mt. Hood Skibowl morphs from a paradise for skiers and snowboarders to the most fun summer ever saw. With over 20 activities to choose from, Mt. Hood Adventure Park at Skibowl offers something for everyone in the family. Adrenaline junkies can get their fix by trying out the bungee activities, including Bungee Jumping, Reverse Bungee, and the Bungee Trampoline. There’s also an 800-foot zip line with gorgeous views of Mt. Hood and a half-mile Dual Alpine Slide that lets riders determine how fast they want to fly down the mountain. Skibowl is now home to the historic Malibu Raceway, too! Tamer activities include Zorb Balls (think hamster balls for humans), Disc Golf and Horseback Riding. Young children can have their own extreme adventures in the Kids’ Play Zone and on the Kiddy Karts and Kiddy Canoes. Hours: The Adventure Park typically closes for the season in mid-September, depending on the weather. The park is open from 11 am-6 pm Mon.-Fri., 10 am-7 pm Sat. and Sun. (subject to change due to weather). Prices: Several packages are available, ranging from $29 for a limited twohour Adventure Pass to $79 for an all-day Action Pass, which includes all activities except horseback riding. (Horseback riding is $30 for 30 minutes, $55 for one hour.) Check website for additional pricing options.
Tree to Tree Adventure Park 2975 SW Nelson, Gaston; 503-357-0109; tree2treeadventurepark.com Tree to Tree Adventure Park, located on 26 acres near Henry Hagg Lake in Gaston, boasts aerial ropes courses, zip lines and treetop obstacles. The obstacle course, which ranges from 15 feet to 60 feet off the ground, features 60 obstacles, including 12 zip lines, hanging bridges that increase in difficulty, Carpe Summer! continues on page 30 metro-parent.com
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PHOTO COURTESY OF SKAMANIA LODGE ZIP LINE TOUR
PHOTO BY KRISSY ALLORI (KRISSYALLORI.COM), COURTESY OF TREE TO TREE ADVENTURE PARK
Tree to Tree Adventure Park in Gaston offers zip courses for kids, teens and adults, plus an aerial obstacle course that’s fun for all (participants must be at 75 pounds for the obstacle course).
Get unmatched views of the Columbia River Gorge from the zip lines at Skamania Lodge.
Carpe Summer! continued from page 29
tight ropes, and balance beams. The lines are lowered on the first two levels to cater to “’tweens” who aren’t quite tall enough to reach the lines on the adult course. There’s also a kids’ course, which is just like the adults’ course, but a little closer to the ground. It’s a great way for kids to gain confidence, strength and skills while having a whooping good time. The zip park – Woody’s Ziptastic Voyage – is separate from the Aerial Obstacle courses. It features six different zip lines, about 80 feet at their highest point with the longest run spanning 1,280 feet. Kids can reach speeds of up to 35 mph, but don’t worry – each participant is equipped with a helmet, full body harness, and a thorough orientation that covers safety to keep kids safe while they’re flying through the air. Hours: Open daily during summer. First outing at 9 am; last outing at 4 pm. Reservations required. Prices: The Kids’ Obstacle Course costs $32 for two hours. To use this course, kids must be under 5´ tall but be able to reach their hand over their head up to 5´ flat-footed. The ‘Tween Course (for those whose flat-footed reach is at least 5´11˝) is $40. The Adult Course (must have a flat-footed reach of 6´6˝) is $48. Woody’s Ziptastic Voyage is $75. For this option, kids must weigh at least 75 pounds. Combination packages (aerial course and zip line) are $97 for kids, $105 for ‘Tweens and $113 for adults.
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Skamania Lodge Zip Line Tour 1131 Skamania Lodge Way, Stevenson, Washington; 509-427-0202; zipnskamania.com
Skamania Lodge opened its own zip line park last year, with seven zip lines ranging in length from 100 to more than 800 feet, plus sky bridges, tree decks, a belay station and more. The park offers spectacular views of the Columbia River Gorge – from a vantage point you can’t get anywhere else. You don’t have to be a guest of the lodge to soar over the tree-covered hillsides, where riders can reach speeds of 45 mph! Like Tree to Tree Adventure Park, participants receive an orientation and are fitted with mandatory safety equipment. In addition, all zip line tours are led by experienced guides. Hours: Tours available from 9 am-5 pm daily, or later by special request. Each tour last 2.5 hours. Reservations recommended. Price: $99 per person, discount for groups of 10 or more. (Two people required for a booking.) Weight must fall between 60 and 275 lbs. to participate. This article originally ran in Metro Parent’s June 2013 issue. The information has been updated for summer 2014.
PHOTO BY JOE URMOS, PANOJOE.URMOS.NET
D AY T R I P S
By Stan Hall, Friends of the Columbia Gorge
he first Columbia River Gorge “kid hike” I took with my son, in June 2013, did not start out as planned. Where are the other kids?, I thought to myself as I pulled into the parking lot at the Latourell Falls trailhead with my son, Henry, who had recently turned 6. All I saw were the dozen or so grown-ups assembled for a guided hike organized by my employer, the nonprofit advocacy group Friends of the Columbia Gorge. I was quickly reminded the label “kid-friendly” for the moderately strenuous but short-distance Latourell Falls Loop Trail did not guarantee a robust under-13 turnout. I had brought a kid, but no one else in our group had. I worried a bit. Would Henry be able to keep up? Would he feel comfortable among all these grown-up strangers? My fatherly fears quickly were calmed. Henry not only kept up with the group, he had to be gently restrained from racing ahead of Ross, our volunteer leader. The boy got instant gratification from seeing the majestic tumble of Lower Latourell Falls, which is a short walk from the trailhead, and was later rewarded for his mostly uphill scramble through the damp green woods by getting a close-up look at the equally impressive but much less visited upper falls. On the way back down, he helped me identify blooms of beautiful wildflowers, including phlox and a single perfectly formed tiger lily. We finished our time in the gorge with a picnic lunch and, when we returned home, Henry was inspired to draw a crayon rendering of the hike. After showing off his drawing, he asked, “When can we go hiking again?” Friends of the Columbia Gorge has long viewed sustainable recreation as indispensable to protecting the gorge for future generations. The group maintains a robust hiking and land stewardship program that features more than 100 treks and work parties led by staff members or knowledgeable, trained volunteers. (Many of these hikes are for members only; visit gorgefriends.org for membership details.) And because there’s no better
way to inspire future gorge stewards than by getting them on the trails from a young age, Friends offers numerous hikes that are “kid friendly” and a few more expressly designed for kids. Those accustomed to striking out on their own instead of with a group can do so, of course. Friends’ website has a “Plan Your Own Hike” feature to customize your own special gorge experience and a “3D Gorge Trail Map” that gives a real idea of the twists, turns, ups and downs of any gorge hike. You might (or might not!) be surprised by the resiliency and endurance of children when they are out in nature, having their curiosity constantly stoked by the beauty and wonder of this wild, scenic natural treasure so close to the Portland metro area. Keep your children’s ages and abilities in mind as you plan your hike, but here are five excellent gorge starter hikes for local families: • Latourell Falls Loop (West Gorge): A 2.4-mile loop with a 520-foot elevation gain. Moderate difficulty. Highlights: Waterfalls and wildflowers. • Wahclella Falls (Mid-Gorge): A 1.8 mile “out and back” trail with an elevation gain of 300 feet. Easy. Highlights: A waterfall. • Mosier Plateau (East Gorge): A 3.5-mile “out and back” trail with an elevation gain of 600 feet. Moderate difficulty. Highlights: Wildflowers, views, bird watching, ice age flood evidence, more. • Elowah Falls (Mid-Gorge): Another 3.5-mile “out and back” hike, this one with an elevation gain of 260 feet. Moderate difficulty. Highlights: Wildflowers, a waterfall, “gorgeous” views. • Gibbons Creek at Steigerwald National Wildlife Refuge (West Gorge): A 2.2-mile loop with no elevation gain. Easy! Highlights: Views, birds, ice age flood evidence.
PHOTO COURTESY OF STAN HALL
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Hiking the Gorge with Kids
More Fun in the Gorge Bonneville Lock & Dam – nwp.usace.army.mil. Check out this awesome dam and fish hatchery, plus hiking, picnicking and more. Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Wasco County Historical Museum – 5000 Discovery, The Dalles; gorgediscovery.org. Interactive exhibits teach kids about the formation of the gorge and the history of Wasco county. Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler – Board in Cascade Locks, Washington; portlandspirit.com. Triple-decker paddle wheel boat rides show off the beauty of the gorge and introduce kids to the history of Lewis and Clark. Mt. Hood Railroad – 110 Railroad, Hood River mthoodrr.com. Special events include Day Out With Thomas the Tank Engine every summer.
Visit gorgefriends.org for more hiking trails and information on guided hikes. n
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Sea Lion Caves - 91560 Hwy 101 N, Florence; 541-547-3111; sealioncaves.com. Sea lions, birds, marine life. Tillamook Cheese Factory - 4175 Hwy 101 North, Tillamook; 503-815-1300; tillamookcheese.com. Free self-guided tour and cheese tasting, plus a restaurant, ice cream, fudge and more. Get your summer cute fix at the Oregon Coast Aquarium where sea otter pups are the stars of the season!
Tillamook Forest Center - 45500 Wilson River Hwy, Tillamook; 503-815-6800; tillamookforestcenter.org. The region’s largest forest-based learning center with an interpretive center, family activities and more. Free.
Tillamook Naval Air Museum - 6030 Hangar, Tillamook; 503-842-1130; tillamookair.com. One of the top five privately-owned aircraft collections in the nation, with about 30 planes in a wooden aircraft hangar built during WWII.
If your summer travels take you to the Oregon Coast, be sure to visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport! PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE OREGON COAST AQUARIUM
« THE OREGON COAST » The Oregon coast offers a wide variety of family fun – and there’s always more to discover! Check out visittheoregoncoast.com for information on activities, attractions, festivals and more.
« SALEM » Home to the Oregon State Fair (Aug. 22-Sept. 1; oregonstatefair.org), Salem is a fun place for families to visit year-round. Find more family fun ideas for Oregon’s state capital at visit travelsalem.com.
Columbia River Maritime Museum - 1792 Marine, Astoria; 503-325-2323; crmm.org. Interactive exhibits illustrate life on the river, both past and present.
A.C. Gilbert Discovery Village - 116 Marion NE, Salem; 503-371-3631; acgilbert. org. Interactive children’s museum located near downtown Salem’s Riverfront Park. (Your OMSI membership is honored for free admission so bring your membership card!)
Hatfield Marine Science Center Visitor Center - 2030 S Marine Science, Newport; 541-867-0226; hmsc.oregonstate.edu. The public wing of Oregon State University’s Mark O. Hatfield Marine Science Center, with marine animal exhibits and interactive elements. Free (donation suggested).
Antique Powerland Museum - 3995 Brooklake NE, Brooks; 503-393-2424; antiquepowerland.com. On the way to Salem, stop into this collection of museums presenting Oregon’s agricultural heritage through steam-powered equipment, antique farm machinery and more. Open March-Oct.
Lewis and Clark National Historic Park - 92343 Fort Clatsop, Astoria; 503-8612471; nps.gov. Commemorating the 1805-06 winter encampment of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the site includes a replica of the explorers’ camp, museum, theater, historic canoe landing and hiking trails that follow the explorers’ paths.
Asahel Bush House Museum - 600 Mission SE, Salem; 503-363-4714; oregonlink. com/bush_house/. 1877 house features many of the original furnishings.
Oregon Coast Aquarium - 2820 SE Ferry Slip, Newport; 541-867-3474; aquarium.org. This world-class aquarium features unique marine life exhibits including Passages of the Deep, an acrylic passageway suspended in a 1.3 million gallon tank of sea creatures. Don’t miss the adorable sea otter pups this summer!
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Carlson Skate Park - 930 Chemawa NE, Keizer; 503-390-3700; skateoregon.com. Deepwood Estate - 1116 Mission SE, Salem; 503-363-1825; historicdeepwoodestate.org. 1894 multi-gabled Queen Anne style house and English gardens.
D AY T R I P S
PHOTO BY RON COOPER, COURTESY OF AC GILBERT’S DISCOVERY VILLAGE
With interactive exhibits indoors and out, A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village is sure to be a highlight of your family’s visit to Salem.
Enchanted Forest Theme Park - 8462 Enchanted Way SE, Turner; 503-371-4242; enchantedforest.com. This amusement park with fantasy themes for young children is a local favorite. Plan a stop here on your way to Salem. Marion Skate Park - 551 Commercial NE, Salem; 503-588-6261; skateoregon.com. Riverfront Park - 200 Water NE, Salem; 503-588-6261; cityofsalem.net. Take a cruise on the Willamette Queen Sternwheeler (503-371-1103, willamettequeen.com), ride the Riverfront Carousel (503-540-0374, salemcarousel.org), and check out Eco Earth, an inspiring work of recycled art. Saturday Market and Farmers Markets - 1320 SE Waller SE, Salem; 503-585-8264; salemsaturdaymarket.com. Seasonal markets throughout the week. Check website for opening/closing dates, times, and locations. Willamette Heritage Center at the Mill - 1313 Mill SE, Salem; 503-585-7012; willametteheritage.org. The five-acre campus include historic homes (including the 1841 Jason Lee House, arguably the oldest wooden framed house in Oregon), the 1896 Thomas Kay Woolen Mill and other historic structures.
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The Portland Japanese Garden in Washington Park is widely considered one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan.
Top 5 Attractions for Summer Visitors Got visitors? Be sure to take them to these local favorites to highlight why we love the Portland metro area so much! 1. W ashington Park: This local gem embodies everything that puts Portland among the most family-friendly cities in the world. The Oregon Zoo (oregonzoo.com), Portland Children’s Museum (portlandcm.org) and World Forestry Center Discovery Museum (worldforestry.org) share a parking lot and MAX station. A short jaunt down the road, you can view more than 1,100 species of trees from around the world at the Hoyt Arboretum (hoytarboretum.org). The park also features the elaborate Rose Garden Children’s Park, with massive play structures and sand and water features – but remember, there’s no zoo train to the playground this summer as the train system undergoes renovations – as well as the International Rose Test Garden and the Portland Japanese Garden (japanesegarden.org). You could easily spend several days in the park and still not see and do it all. As a summer bonus, TriMet’s line 83 – which loops around the park through Labor Day, stopping at many of the most popular attractions – is free thanks to Portland Parks & Recreation! Learn more at portlandparks.org. 2. Oaks Amusement Park: The oldest continuously operating amusement park in the country, Oaks Park will charm and exhilarate visitors of all ages. In addition to kiddie rides, thrill rides, arcade games and more, Oaks Park features a mini golf course and historic roller skating rink. If your visitors have preschool-age children, don’t miss Chipper’s Preschool Rides, with unlimited kiddie rides, cookies and milk for only $7.50 per child (adults ride free!) every Tuesday and Wednesday morning during the summer. Check their website for hours and prices. (7805 SE Oaks Park Way, 503-2335777, oakspark.com) 3. Oregon Museum of Science & Industry (OMSI): An exemplary hands-on science museum, OMSI offers exhibits and activities for all ages. From the Science Playground for the youngest explorers to physics and chemistry labs for more advanced scientists, there are interactive labs and activities to match every interest and ability. The museum also features special exhibits (Dinosaurs Unearthed is on display through Sept. 2); a renowned planetarium; a recently renovated state-of-the-art digital theater with a giant, 4-story screen and 3D capability; tours of the historic USS Blueback submarine (the US Navy’s last non-nuclear fast-attack sub); and more. During the summer, OMSI is open from 9:30 am7 pm daily. Tickets are $13 adults, $9.50 ages 3-13 and seniors; parking is $2. (1945 SE Water, 503-797-4000, omsi.edu) 34
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PHOTO BY DENISE BOBER, COURTESY OF THE PORTLAND JAPANESE GARDEN
T O P AT T R A C T I O N S
T O P AT T R A C T I O N S
4. Powell’s City of Books: There’s no shortage of wonderful neighborhood bookstores in the area, and we encourage you to patronize them all, but no visit to Portland is complete without a stop at Powell’s City of Books. Filling an entire city block with new and used books of all genres, it’s like nothing any visiting booklover has ever seen. The children’s section is as impressive as the rest of the store, with cozy corners where families can explore the diverse and colorful stories before you decide what to buy. Plus, they’re planning to expand the children’s section later this year! The store is open from 9 am-11 pm daily. (1005 W Burnside, 503-228-4651, powells.com)
PHOTO COURTESY OF POWELL’S BOOKS
The Portland Timbers team mascot, lumberjack Timber Joey, helps rev up the always enthusiastic crowd during home games at Providence Park.
PHOTO BY CRAIG MITCHELLDYER, COURTESY OF THE PORTLAND TIMBERS
PHOTO COURTESY OF OMSI
Catch Dinosaurs Unearthed at OMSI this summer, with animatronic dinosaurs, complete skeletons and more revealing the history of these wondrous creatures.
Powell’s City of Books caters to readers of all ages, with a cozy reading space for families and much more!
5. Timbers Soccer: “When I root, I root for the Timbers!” Portland’s Major League Soccer fans are the most enthusiastic you’ll find, and a Timbers soccer game is a great way to show off our local pride while enjoying pure summer fun at its finest. Can’t get tickets for a Timbers game? (They have sold out every home game since their MLS debut in 2011!) Grab some seats at a Portland Thorns game instead. The Thorns earned the National Women’s Soccer League championship in 2013, making them the first champions in the newly formed league. Those women can kick some serious soccer balls! Learn more at timbers.com (Timbers) and timbers.com/thornsfc (Thorns).
DIAPER SERVICE and Natural Baby Boutique www.tideedidee.com Redeem this ad for 1 FREE WEEK DIAPER SERVICE with 4 prepaid weeks One per customer per calendar year Vancouver and Salem (800) 540-4547 Portland (503) 777-3856
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W H AT S H O U L D W E D O T O D AY ?
Daily Picks for July (Numbers indicate the date or dates of each event.)
The Big Float takes over the Willamette River in downtown Portland July 27.
SUNDAY 13. Portland Wind Symphony. Amazing classical music. 2 pm. FREE. Director Park, 815 SW Park. 503-823-8087. portlandparks.org. 27. The Big Float. Parade with your floaties at Tom McCall Bowl, then put in at the beach under Marquam Bridge (life jacket required). Float back over to the west bank and enjoy entertainment, a kids’ area, more. 1-6 pm. $8. 1020 SW Naito. thebigfloat.com.
Learn about Oregon’s largest cats – Cougars – at the Tillamook Forest Center July 4.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BIG FLOAT
MONDAY
WEDNESDAY
7. Flying Squirrel Superheros. Park ranger leads squirrelly activities. Ages 3-10. FREE. 2-2:45 pm. Midland Library, 805 SE 122nd. 503-988-5392. multcolib.org.
9. Aladdin and the Magic Lamp. Broadway Rose presents a musical version of the classic tale. 11 am. (Also July 10, 11, 12). $10. Deb Fennell Auditorium, 9000 SW Durham, Tigard. 503-620-5262. broadwayrose.org.
14. Water Science. Cool down with water experiments. Ages 2-12, with grown-up. 10:30-11:30 am. Beaverton Library, 12375 SW 5th. 503-350-3600. beavertonlibrary.org.
16. Celebrate Dawson Park. Concert, light refreshments, $6 bike helmets, heart health info, more. 6 pm. FREE. N Stanton & Williams. 503-823-7529. portlandparks.org. 30. Scales, Claws and Expanding Jaws. OMSI helps kids hop into herpetology. Grades 4-8. 2 pm. FREE, reservations required. West Linn Library, 1595 Burns. 503-656-7853. westlinnoregon.gov/library.
PHOTO BY JULIE CASH, COURTESY COLUMBIA SLOUGH WATERSHED COUNCIL
Celebrate Portland’s hidden waterway at the 20th annual Columbia Slough Regatta Aug. 3.
THURSDAY
TUESDAY 8. Rocketry. Evergreen Aviation Museum educator teaches hands-on rocket science. 12:30-1:30 pm. FREE, reservations required. Beaverton Library, 12375 SW 5th. 503-350-3600. beavertonlibrary.org. 15. JuggleMania. Rhys Thomas dazzles with mad juggling skills. 1-2 pm. FREE. Holgate Library, 7905 SE Holgate, 503-988-5389. (Also July 16 at Gresham Library, 385 NW Miller, 503-988-5387). multcolib.org. 36
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30. Field Day at Café au Play. Franklin High School students lead interactive games for kids ages 1-7. 1-3 pm. FREE. 5633 SE Division. 503-894-8506. cafeauplay.org.
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3. Columbia Slough Regatta. Catch some wildlife and views of Mt. Hood on this 20th annual leisurely paddle to celebrate the Columbia Slough. Bring your own boat. 9 am-1 pm. $8/person requested donation. Launch at NE Mason & 150th Ct. 503-281-1132. columbiaslough.org. 10. What Do You Know About H2O? Mad Science. Best grades 3-6. 2-2:30 pm. FREE. North Portland Library, 512 N Killingsworth. 503-988-5394. multcolib.org.
11, 12, 13. Portland Historic Races. Vintage cars race, plus open paddock with 700+ cars. $5-$35, ages 0-12 free. 9 am-6 pm. 1940 Victory. 503-823-7223. portlandraceway.com
SATURDAY 12. Superhero Fun Run/Walk. Dress up and run or walk. Kids’ fun run, 2K, 5K or 10K. 9 am-noon. $7-$25. Benefits music education in Portland Public Schools. 65 SW Yamhill. 503-746-6000. superherofunrun.com. Explore the science of herpetology during Scales, Claws and Expanding Jaws July 30 at the West Linn Library.
10, 24. Family Campfire Adventures. All about animal feet. Hike, campfire, games, stories. Ages 5-12 with grownup. $10 person, $5 member, reservations required. Tryon Creek State Park, 11321 SW Terwilliger. 503-636-9886. tryonfriends.org. 24. Marine Mammals. Oregon Coast Aquarium presents. Ages 5-9. 2:30 pm. FREE. Ledding Library, 10660 SE 21st, Milwaukie. 503-786-7580. milwaukie.lib.or.us. 24. The True Story of the Three Little Wolves. Dragon Theater Puppets perform. FREE. 11 am: St. Johns Library, 7510 N Charleston, 503-988-5397. 4 pm: Gregory Heights Library, 7921 NE Sandy, 503-988-5386. multcolib.org.
FRIDAY 4. Cougars. Get to know Oregon’s largest cats. 11:30 am. FREE. Tillamook Forest Center, 45500 Wilson River Hwy., Tillamook. 503-815-6800. tillamookforestcenter.org.
12. Subaru Kids Obstacle Course. Fun muddy run. Ages 5-14. 9 am-3 pm. $25 per child, adult free with child. Lee Farms, 21975 SW 65th, Tualatin. 541350-6770. kidsobstaclechallenge.com. 12, 19, 26. Kids Cook. Kids tour the market and cook. Ages 7-11. 8:30 am10 am. July 12: veggie tacos. July 19: fruit crepes. July 26: lemon berry pancakes. $5 per child, reservations please. PSU Market, SW Park & Montgomery. 503241-0032. portlandfarmersmarket.org. 19. Storybook Fun with Curious George. Interactive story time with songs, dance, games, more. 11 am, 1 & 3 pm. FREE. Nordstrom Court, Lloyd Center, 2201 Lloyd Center. lloydcenter.com. 26. TrashMan and the Noise Band. Recycled puppet band. Several shows from 10 am-1 pm. FREE. St. Johns Farmers Market. N Lombard & Philadelphia. 503-877-5368. kcpuppetree.com. Calendar Deadline Details: The calendar submission deadline is the first of the month preceding the month of publication. Submit your event online at pdxkidscalendar.com (choose “Events Calendar” then “Submit Event”). Questions? Email
[email protected].
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Summer o For descriptions and complete
Cast Your Vote Today!
CHEAP THRILLS Oaks Amusement Park
Please see ad on page 32
Please see ad on page 27
Joy Central
8815 NE Glisan St Portland, OR 97220 503-252-1426
[email protected] • JoyCentral.com Please see ad on page 20
Multisensory Learning Academy
22565 NE Halsey St Fairview, OR 97024 503-405-7868
[email protected] • mla.k12.or.us Please see ad on page 26
Oregon Children’s Theatre
BIRTHDAY RESOURCES
Kids Cooking
Amusement Parks/Bowling/ Swimming & Water Parks
Language Education
Preschools/Daycares
Dance/Gymnastics/ Acrobatics/Martial arts
Schools
Entertainers
Science/Technology/Math
Indoor Playspaces
Sports and Active
Outdoor Venues
Tutoring/Learning Assistance
Party Suppliers
Please see ad on page 23
16305 NW Bethany Ct, Ste 109 Beaverton, OR 97006 503-531-3409
[email protected] • ogagym.org Please see ad on page 19
School of Rock
1440 SE Hawthorne Bl Portland, OR 97214 971-266-4701
[email protected] portland.schoolofrock.com
Restaurant/Theater es Fav
1939 NE Sandy Bl Portland, OR 97232 503-228-9571 octc.org
Oregon Gymnastics Academy
Arts & Crafts/Cooking
Performing Arts
Fam
Please see ad on page 35
Dragonfly Daycare
EDUCATION RESOURCES
#M P
2820 SE Ferry Slip Rd Newport, OR 97365 541-867-3474
[email protected] • aquarium.org
SE Gresham, OR 97080 503-929-2543
[email protected] dragonfly-daycare.blogspot.com
Now through August 10th, visit us online to cast your vote in the following categories:
Please see ad on page 21
Science/Nature/Museums/ Animals/Farms/ Horseback Riding Sports and Active
Sweet PEAS Kidzone
15320 NW Central Drive, Ste D-12 Portland, OR 97229 503-533-5252
[email protected] sweetpeaskidzone.com Please see ad on page 25
We’re hosting five separate voting periods this year, covering all your family’s favorite destinations, attractions, resources and more. Categories include educational attractions, visual and performing arts, outdoor and indoor attractions, sports and active fun, food and dining, day trips, parenting support, education, and more. ●
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Oregon Coast Aquarium
7805 SE Oaks Park Way Portland, OR 97202 503-233-5777
[email protected] • oakspark.com
CHILDCARE/SCHOOLS/CAMPS
Metro Parent’s Family Favorites continues this month as we invite you to vote for your family’s favorite education and birthday resources.
DAY TRIPS
Tiny Revolution Montessori
2106 NE MLK Bl Portland, OR 97212 503-839-5867
[email protected] tinyrevolutionmontessori.com Please see ad on page 10
Vibe of Portland
5441 SE Belmont St Ste 01 Portland, OR 97214 503-560-3592
[email protected] • vibepdx.org Please see ad on page 19
Oregon Coast Scenic Railway
402 American Ave Garibaldi, OR 97118 503-842-7972 ocsr.net Please see ad on page 37
Skamania Lodge Zipline Tour
1131 Skamania Lodge Way Stevenson, WA 98648 509-427-0202 zipnskamania.com Please see ad on page 2
ENTERTAINING OUT OF TOWN GUESTS Ecomaids
10824 SE Oak St #363 Milwaukie, OR 97222 503-908-0950
[email protected] portland.ecomaids.com Please see ad on page 25
Lan Su Chinese Garden
239 NW Everett St Portland, OR 97209 503-228-8131
[email protected] • lansugarden.org Please see ad on page 34
Old Spaghetti Factory
715 SW Bancroft St Portland, OR 97239 503-222-5375 Vancouver 730 SE 160th Ave Vancouver, WA 98684 360-253-9030 Clackamas 12725 SE 93rd Ave Clackamas, OR 97015 503-653-7949 Hillsboro 18925 NW Tanasbourne Dr Hillsboro, OR 97124 503-617-7614 osf.com Please see ad on page 16
FAMILY HEALTH/DENTAL Gifted Journeys
10000 Riverside Dr Ste 4 Toluca Lake, CA 91602 818-505-3026
[email protected] giftedjourneys.com Please see ad on page 24
North Portland Orthodontics
3332 N Lombard St Ste B Portland, OR 97217 503-289-1992
[email protected] northportlandorthodontics.com Please see ad on page 25
of Fun Listings listing information, visit pdxkidscalendar.com/summer-of-fun
Oregon Pediatrics
9290 SE Sunnybrook Blvd Ste 200 Clackamas, OR 97015 503-659-1694
[email protected] • oregonpediatrics.com Please see ad on page 9
World of Smiles, Pediatric Dentistry
11790 SW Barnes Rd Ste 280 Portland, OR 97225 503-626-9700
[email protected] visitworldofsmiles.com Please see ad on page 23
INDOOR FUN The Circuit Bouldering Gym
6050 SW Macadam Ave Portland, OR 97219 503-246-5111 410 NE 17th Ave Portland, OR 97232 503-719-7041
[email protected] thecircuitgym.com Please see ad on page 19
The Craft Factory
7832 SW Capitol Hwy Ste B Portland, OR 97219 503-577-4310
[email protected] craftfactorypdx.com Please see ad on page 12
Dizzy Castle
11606 NE 66th St Vancouver, WA 98662 360-885-7529
[email protected] • dizzycastle.com Please see ad on page 16
G6 Airpark
10414 SE Washington St Portland, OR 97216 503-255-3334
[email protected] g6portland.com Please see ad on page 14
North Clackamas Aquatic Park
Pietro’s Pizza & Pirate Adventure
13281 SW Canyon Rd Beaverton, OR 97005 503-536-7600
[email protected] pietrosrestaurants.com Please see ad on page 13
Pizazz Sweets
18305 Timbergrove Ct Lake Oswego, OR 97035 503-680-0036 pizazzsweets.com Please see ad on page 12, 21
World Forestry Center Discovery Museum
4033 SW Canyon Rd Portland, OR 97221 503-228-1367
[email protected] • worldforestry.org Please see ad on page 14
OUTDOOR FUN Bella Organic Farm
16205 NW Gillihan Rd Portland, OR 97231 503-621-9545
[email protected] • bellaorganic.com Please see ad on page 20
Columbia Slough Watershed Council
NE Mason & 150th Ct Portland, OR 97230 503-281-1132
[email protected] columbiaslough.org/index.php/events/ event/248/ Please see ad on page 29
Draper Girls Country Farm
6200 Hwy 35 Parkdale, OR 97041 541-352-6625 Drapergirlscountryfarm.com Please see ad on page 33
Mt. Hood Adventure Park at Skibowl
7300 SE Harmony Rd Milwaukie, OR 97222 503-557-7873 ncprd.com/aquatic-park
87000 E Hwy 26 Government Camp, OR 97028 503-222-2695
[email protected] • skibowl.com
Please see ad on page 33
Please see ad on page 29
Oregon Children’s Theatre
1939 NE Sandy Bl Portland, OR 97232 503-228-9571 octc.org Please see ad on page 23
Oregon Historical Society Museum
1200 SW Park Ave Portland, OR 97205 503-222-1741
[email protected] • ohs.org Please see ad on page 23
Pietro’s Pizza Parlor
10300 SE Main St Milwaukie, OR 97222 503-659-7770
Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival
Clack County Event Center, 694 NE 4th Ave Canby, OR 97013 503-628-1205
[email protected] flockandfiberfestival.com Please see ad on page 18
Silverwood Theme Park & Boulder Beach Water Park
27843 N Hwy 95 Athol, ID 83801 208-683-3400 silverwoodthemepark.com Please see ad on page 4
Skamania Lodge Zipline Tour
Ke Kukui Foundation
1131 Skamania Lodge Way Stevenson, WA 98648 509-427-0202 zipnskamania.com
Esther Short Park, W 8th & Columbia Vancouver, WA 98660 360-718-2100 hawaiianfestivalpnw.com
Please see ad on page 2
Please see ad on page 37
Tillamook Forest Center
45500 Wilson River Hwy Tillamook, OR 97141 503-815-6800 tillamookforestcenter.org Please see ad on page 10
Tree to Tree Adventure Park
2975 SW Nelson Gaston, OR 97119 503-357-0109 treetotreeadventurepark.com Please see ad on page 29
RETAIL/SHOPPING Beanstalk Children’s Quality Resale
3527 NE 15th Ave Portland, OR 97212 503-477-7776
[email protected] beanstalkpdx.com Please see ad on pag 10
Clogs-N-More Kids
3435 SE Hawthorne Bl Portland, OR 97214 502-236-0605
Clogs-N-More Kids Westmoreland 6809 SE Milwaukie Ave Portland, OR 97202 503-233-4146 clogsnmore.com Please see ad on page 16
Poa Cafe
4025 N Williams Portland, OR 97227 503-954-1243 poacafe.com Please see ad on page 16
Tidee Didee Diaper Service
6011 SE 92nd Ave Portland, OR 97266 503-777-3856
[email protected] tideedidee.com Please see ad on page 35
SPECIAL EVENTS & PROGRAMS Antique Powerland Museum
3995 Brooklake Rd NE Brooks, OR 97303 503-393-2424
[email protected] antiquepowerland.com Please see ad on page 37
Broadway Rose Theater Company
12850 SW Grant Tigard, OR 503-620-5262 broadwayrose.org
Please see ad on page 18
Lloyd Center
2201 Lloyd Center Portland, OR 97232 503-528-8515
[email protected] lloydcenter.com Please see ad on page 2
Pietro’s Pizza Parlor
10300 SE Main St Milwaukie, OR 97222 503-659-7770
Pietro’s Pizza & Pirate Adventure
13281 SW Canyon Rd Beaverton, OR 97005 503-536-7600
[email protected] pietrosrestaurants.com Please see ad on page 13
Port of Portland
Terminal 4, 11040 N Lombard St Portland, OR 97203 503-415-6532 seaportcelebration.com Please see ad on page 10
TUTORING/SPECIAL NEEDS Pathways for Potential
10211 SW Barbur Blvd Ste 208A Portland, OR 97219 503-245-5429 pathwaysforpotential.com Please see ad on page 20
ADVERTISERS INDEX Academy Theater.................................. 17 Antique Powerland Museum Association............................. 37 Beanstalk Children’s Resale.................. 10 Bella Organic......................................... 20 Broadway Rose...................................... 18 Circuit Bouldering Gym........................ 19 Clogs-N-More Kids............................... 16 Columbia Slough Watershed Council... 29 The Craft Factory................................... 12 Dentistry for Kids..................................... 3 Dizzy Castle............................................ 16 Dragonfly Daycare................................ 27 Draper Girls Country Farm................... 33 EcoMaids of Portland........................... 25 French American International School... 26 G6 Airpark.............................................. 14 Gifted Journeys..................................... 24 Gresham Pediatric Dentistry................ 13 Hollywood Children’s Dentistry........... 34 Hopworks Urban Brewery.................... 15 Joy Central............................................. 20 Ke Kukui Foundation............................ 37 Lan Su Chinese Garden........................ 34 Lloyd Center............................................ 2 Mt Hood Ski Bowl................................. 29 Multisensory Learning Academy......... 26 Music Together...................................... 12 North Clackamas Aquatic Park............ 33 North Portland Orthodontics............... 25 Oaks Park Association.......................... 35 OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Safety Center......................... 9
Old Spaghetti Factory.......................... 16 Oregon Children’s Theatre Co............ 23 Oregon Coast Aquarium...................... 32 Oregon Coast Scenic Railway.............. 37 Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival......... 18 Oregon Gymnastics Academy............. 19 Oregon History Museum .................. 24 Oregon Pediatrics................................... 9 Oregon Zoo........................................... 30 Pathways for Potential.......................... 20 Penny’s Puppet Productions................ 18 Pietro’s Pizza........................................... 13 Pizazz Sweets................................... 12, 21 POA Cafe............................................... 16 Port of Portland..................................... 10 Rocky Point Stables............................... 21 School of Rock....................................... 21 Silverwood Theme Park.......................... 4 Skamania Lodge Zipline Tour................ 2 Sweet Peas Kidzone.............................. 25 Tidee Didee........................................... 35 Tillamook Forest Center....................... 10 Tiny Revolution Montessori................. 10 Touchstone Schools National................ 9 Tree to Tree Adventure Park................ 29 Velour Photography.............................. 33 Vibe of Portland.................................... 19 Washington County Cooperative Library Services............... 25 Whole Foods Market............................ 40 World Forestry Center.......................... 14 World of Smiles..................................... 23
JULY COUPONS & DISCOUNTS
Academy Theater........17
Old Spaghetti Factory.16
Dizzy Castle..................16
Pietro’s Pizza.................13
Ecomaids......................25
Tidee Didee.................35
G6 Airpark....................14
Tree to Tree Adventure Park...............................29
North Clackamas Aquatic Park.................33
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