… and the Winner Is …

You voted. We counted. Now we’re happy to announce the winners of our 2011 “Family Favorites” Reader Survey. (Read our September issue for a more detailed recap of our survey, including readers’ comments and a few additional categories, beginning on page 30.) Family Favorite Restaurant (Our “Happy Highchair” Award) Our readers love their brewpubs, with Laurelwood Public House & Brewery (5115 NE Sandy Blvd.; laurelwoodbrewpub.com ) earning this year’s “Happy Highchair” award, and Hopworks Urban Brewery (2944 SE Powell Blvd.; hopworksbeer.com ) coming in a close second. Local favorite Old Spaghetti Factory (multiple locations; osf.com ) rounded out the top three. Coffee Shop Indie coffee shops still reign supreme, with Munchkin Playland (18335 NW West Union Rd.; munchkinplayland.com ) once again taking top honors. Café Sip-n-Play (3000 SE 164th Ave., Vancouver; cafesipnplay.com ) took the silver. Pizza Parlor (new category!) Hillsboro’s Out of This World Pizza (6225 NW Century Blvd., Hillsboro; 503-629-8700; outofthisworld.net ) ranked number one in our survey, with Papa’s Pizza (16321 SE Stark and 15700 NW Blueridge Dr., Beaverton; papaspizza.net ) close behind. Toy Store The region’s Toy Trifecta includes the same players this year -– Finnegan’s, Piccolo Mondo and Thinker Toys -– but in a different order. Thinker Toys (7784 SW Capitol Hwy; thinkertoysoregon.com ) grabbed the top spot, Piccolo Mondo (4768 SW Bethany Blvd.; piccolomondotoys.com ) in hot pursuit and Finnegan’s (922 SW Yamhill; 503-221-0306; finneganstoys.com ) taking third. But watch out guys –- Learning Palace (multiple locations; learningpalace.com ) nearly broke into the top three this year with plenty of loyal reader votes. Movie Theater Just like us, you love the Academy Theater (7818 SE Stark; academytheaterpdx.com ) and McMenamin’s Kennedy School (5736 NE 33rd; mcmenamins.com ) for family-friendly flicks. Book Shop It’s Portland. Naturally Powell’s (1005 W Burnside and other locations; powells.com ) took the top spot, but Annie Bloom’s (7834 SW Capitol Hwy; annieblooms.com ) is much loved by our readers, too. Birthday Party Place The Little Gym (17890 SW McEwan Rd., Lake Oswego; tlglakeoswegoor.com ) once again claimed top honors, with runners Club Sport (18120 SW Lower Boones Ferry Rd., Tigard; clubsports.com ) and JJ Jump (9057 SE Jannsen Rd., Clackamas and 7500 NE 16th Ave., #2-D, Vancouver; jjjump.com ). Fitness Center Club Sport (18120 SW Lower Boones Ferry Rd., Tigard; clubsports.com ) prevailed, with 24 Hour Fitness (multiple locations; 24hourfitness.com ) taking the number two slot. Place to Swim North Clackamas Aquatic Park (7300 SE Harmony Rd., Milwaukie; ncprd.com/aquatic-park ) was the individual pool named most often in our survey, Portland Parks & Rec (multiple locations; portlandonline.com/parks ) pools collectively garnered the most votes. The very big and very new Wings & Waves Waterpark (460 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way, McMinnville; evergreenmuseum.org/waterpark ) also got a fair share of mentions, considering they just opened in June! Indoor (Rainy Day) Destination Once again, OMSI (1945 SE Water Ave.; omsi.edu ) triumphed in this category, with newcomer Playdate PDX (1434 NW 17th; playdatepdx.com ) and stalwart Portland Children’s Museum (4015 SW Canyon Rd.; portlandcm.org ) both ranking high. Outdoor Destination Two diverse experiences topped the list: the Oregon Zoo (4001 SW Canyon Rd.; oregonzoo.org ) and Jamison Square (810 NW 11th; portlandonline.com/parks ), in that order. Family Vacation Destination Sunriver (resort: sunriver-resort.com ; area: sunriverchamber.com ) edged out the Oregon Coast for the top spot this year, though the coast still made a respectable showing! To read more about our Family Favorite winners –- including those for Ice Cream (Yogurt/Gelato) Parlor , Kids’ Clothing/Shoe Store , Bike Shop and Children’s Gym -– check out our September issue in print or online.

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… and the Winner Is …

Indigo Girls play Oregon Zoo Friday

Folk-rock group the Indigo Girls will be playing at the Oregon Zoo Friday, with special guests Mount Moriah.

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Indigo Girls play Oregon Zoo Friday

Family Day: Explore the World! @ Oregon Historical Society (03.19.11)

Family Day: Explore the World! When: Sat 03.19.11 , March 19, 2011 11:00:00 Where: Oregon Historical Society Family Take a tour of the world at OHS’s March Family Day! Enjoy the Oregon History Museum’s newest exhibit Peace Corps: 50 Years of Service and Bringing the World Home. Visit with animal guests from around the world courtesy of the Oregon Zoo's ZAP Program. Make a Peace Corps inspired craft from recycled materials, and meet and visit with Peace Corps volunteers and learn more about the organization. Two children admitted free with one paid adult. View Page At CultureMob.com

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Family Day: Explore the World! @ Oregon Historical Society (03.19.11)

February = Holiday Fun!

Thought the holidays were over? Think again! This month brings us two spectacular reasons to celebrate: the beginning of the Year of the Rabbit and Valentine’s Day . How to celebrate? Check out this roundup of holiday fun to entertain and educate your family: THE YEAR OF THE RABBIT: Lan Su New Year. Celebrate the new year at the Lan Su Chinese Garden with two weeks of dancing, story telling, crafts, demonstrations and more. Feb. 3 through 17; see website for complete schedule. Check out the lion dances at 3 or 4 pm on Feb. 3, or at 1, 2 or 3 pm on Feb. 5, 6, 12 or 13. Most activities are free with garden admission of $8.50 adults; $6.50 students; free 5 and under. 239 NW Everett St. 503-228-8131. lansugarden.org . Library Lunar New Year Party, Option 1. Celebrate with dance, music, games, food and crafts. Feb. 8, 5 to 7 pm. FREE. Midland Library, 805 SE 122d Ave. 503-988-5392. events.multcolib.org . Library Lunar New Year Party, Option 2. Lion dancers, crafts, treats and more. Feb. 8, 6 to 7:30 pm. FREE. Woodstock Library, 6008 SE 49th Ave. 503-988-5399. events.multcolib.org . Lakeshore Learning Crafts: Make a Chinese New Year Drum. Drop-in any time between 11 am and 3 pm on Feb. 5. Ages 3 and older. FREE. Lakeshore Learning Store, 16901 SW 65th Ave., Lake Oswego. 503-620-9888. lakeshorelearning.com . Chinese New Year Celebration at A.C. Gilbert Discovery Village. Take a day trip to Salem for crafts, foods and activities from China. Feb. 5, 1 to 4 pm. FREE w/admission $6 ages 3-59, free ages 0-2. AC Gilbert’s Discovery Village, 116 Marion St. NE, Salem. 503-371-3631. acgilbert.org . VALENTINE’S DAY: Ladybug Theater: Baby Bear’s Valentine . Take the little ones out for live theater at 10:30 am on Feb. 2, 3, 9 and 10. Ages 2 1/2 and older with good theater manners. $3.50; babes in arms free. Reservations please. Smile Station. 8210 SE 13th. 503-232-2346. ladybugtheater.org . Lakeshore Learning Crafts: Make a Valentine’s Day Bouquet. Drop-in any time between 11 am and 3 pm on Feb. 12. Ages 3 and older. FREE. Lakeshore Learning Store, 16901 SW 65th Ave., Lake Oswego. 503-620-9888. lakeshorelearning.com . Valentine Tea. Dress up, make treats and have tea. Ages 2 to 6, with caregiver. Feb. 5, 10:30 to 11:15 am. $12/pair. Southwest Community Center, 6820 SW 45th Ave. 503-823-2840. southwestcommunitycenter.wordpress.com . Crafts at Lake Oswego Library. Create a Valentine heart animal. Ages 3 to 5. Feb. 8 and 9, 11 am. FREE, registration required. 706 4th St. 503-697-6580. ci.oswego.or.us . Valentine Fun. Create heart cards and crafts. Feb. 10, 3 to 4:45 pm at Belmont Library, 1038 SE 39th Ave.; 503-988-5382. Feb. 11, 3:30 to 5:30 pm at Troutdale Library, 2451 SW Cherry Park Rd. 503-988-5355. Feb. 12, 2 to 4 pm at Central Library, 801 SW 10th Ave. 503-988-5123. events.multcolib.org . Heart Creations. Make valentines for the ones you love. Ages 5 to 10. Feb. 12, 2:30 to 3:30 pm. FREE. Hillsboro Main Library, 2850 Brookwood Pkwy. 503-615-6500. evanced.info . Valentine’s Day Tea Party. Enjoy a morning of play, felting, a puppet show, refreshments and more. Ages 2 to 6 with a parent. Feb. 12, 10 to 11:30 am. FREE. Portland Waldorf School, 2300 SE Harrison St., Milwaukie. 503-654-2200 xt 207. portlandwaldorfschool.org . FREE Family Day. Explore the Washington County Museum for free with Valentine crafts, activities and more. Feb. 12, 10 am to 2 pm.17677 NW Springville Rd. (PCC Rock Creek Campus). 503-645-5353. washingtoncountymuseum.org . Easy Homemade Valentines. Teen help kids make Valentines. Feb. 13, 2:30 to 4 pm. FREE. Holgate Library, 7905 SE Holgate Blvd. 503-988-5389. events.multcolib.org . Valentine’s Day Animal Enrichment. Watch the animals get holiday treats. Feb. 14, 11 am: lorikeets; 12:30 pm: lions; 2 pm: sea otters. Bring your camera. Free with zoo admission. Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Road. 503-226-1561. oregonzoo.org . Lovey Babies. Make a valentine and dance your heart out. Ages 6 and under, with caregiver. Feb. 14, 10:30 to 11:30 am. FREE. Beaverton City Library, 12375 SW 5th St. 503-350-3600. beavertonlibrary.org . Mommy & Me Valentine Tea. Enjoy a tea party and a craft activity. Feb. 14, 11 am to 1 pm. $5 per family, discount for members, pre-registration please. AC Gilbert’s Discovery Village, 116 Marion St. NE, Salem. 503-371-3631. acgilbert.org . Happy February!

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February = Holiday Fun!

Winter Camp @ Oregon Zoo (12.27.10)

Winter Camp When: Mon 12.27.10 , December 27, 2010 09:00:00 Where: Oregon Zoo Price: $33 for zoo members, $38 for non members. Additional fees for optional early care, late care and hot lunch Family ; Holiday : Christmas; Education : Animal Kids from 4 years through 4th grade are invited to join Oregon Zoo's fun winter camp! Camp days include guided zoo tours, animal visits, games, crafts, songs,stories and more! Visit [www.oregonzoo.org](http://www.oregonzoo.org) for registration and detailed information on each day's theme. Advance registration required. View Page At CultureMob.com

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Winter Camp @ Oregon Zoo (12.27.10)

And The Winners Are …

You voted. We counted. Now we announce the winners of our 2010 “Family Favorites” Reader Survey . (Read our September issue for a more detailed recap of our readers’ comments – including some additional categories.) Family Favorite Restaurant (Our “Happy Highchair” Award) : Hopworks Urban Brewery (2944 SE Powell Blvd.; hopworksbeer.com ) claimed the top spot, with comments like, “My husband and I actually consider this family outing a ‘date night’ because we get to have uninterrupted conversation while the kiddos play in the kids’ area.” Laurelwood Public House & Brewery (Sandy Blvd., Kearney and NE 40th locations; laurelwoodbrewpub.com ) came in a close second, with reader reviews including, “Sipping on a cold Free Range Red beer with my husband while the kids are off playing in the play area is my mini-vacation.” Coffee Shop : Munchkin Playland (18335 NWWest Union Rd.; munchkinplayland.com ) took top honors this year, barely outpacing Café Sip-n-Play (3000 SE 164th Ave., Vancouver; cafesipnplay.com ), both receiving rave reviews for their children’s play spaces. Toy Store : Piccolo Mondo (4768 SW Bethany Blvd.; piccolomondotoys.com ) moved from third place last year to win the category this year. In addition to great service and selection (amenities all of our top toys stores this year share), Piccolo was praised for their children’s activities, cool toys kids can play with while mom and dad shop, free gift wrap and a game “library” (borrow before you buy). Thinker Toys (7784 SW Capitol Hwy; thinkertoysoregon.com ) finished a strong second and Kids at Heart (3445 SE Hawthorne Blvd.; kidsathearttoys.com ) took third. Ice Cream Parlor : Baskin Robbins (multiple locations; baskinrobbins.com ) claimed the gold in this category for the first time, with Cold Stone Creamery (multiple locations; coldstonecreamery.com ) taking a respectable second. Bliss Bake Shop (4708 NW Bethany Blvd.; blisscupcakeshop.com ) surprised us by taking third place with 16 flavors of Tillamook ice cream. Book Shop : It’s hard to compete with Powell’s (1005 W Burnside and other locations; powells.com ) which, once again, earned the No. 1 slot for its unbeatable selection of new and used books as well as comfortable seating in the kids’ section and the coffee shop. Second and third place winners, Annie Bloom’s (7834 SW Capitol Hwy; annieblooms.com ) and Green Bean Books (1600 NE Alberta St.; greenbeanbookspdx.com ), both were cited for amazing selections of high quality children’s books; Green Bean also was praised for free children’s activities and story times. Kids’ Clothing/Shoe Store : Clogs-n-More (multiple locations; Clogs-n-More Kids, 3435 SE Hawthorne Blvd.; clogsnmore.com ) garnered top honors in this category, with bella stella (2751 and 2635 NE Broadway; bellastellaresale.com ) in second, lauded for reasonably priced new and used items, a play area and super friendly staff. The Hanna Andersson Outlet (7 Monroe Parkway, Lake Oswego; hannaandersson.com ) was mentioned by many readers for great selection at discounted prices. Movie Theater : McMenamin’s Kennedy School (5736 NE 33rd; mcmenamins.com ), with their weekly Mama Matinees and comfy couches, narrowly beat out Academy Theater (7818 SE Stark; academytheaterpdx.com ), but the Academy boasts something the Kennedy School does not: onsite babysitting! Children’s Hair Salon : Little Clippers (15082 SW Bangy Rd., Lake Oswego; 10822 SE 82nd Ave., Clackamas; littleclippers.com ) once again reigned supreme, with amenities including cool cars to sit in, DVDs to watch, a play house, hair glitter and more. Outdoor Destination : The Oregon Zoo (4001 SW Canyon Rd.; oregonzoo.org ) was the runaway winner again, with our incredible public parks coming in second. Indoor (Rainy Day) Destination : OMSI (1945 SE Water Ave.; omsi.edu ) once again topped this category, followed by the Portland Children’s Museum (4015 SW Canyon Rd.; portlandcm.org ). Family Vacation Destination : The Oregon coast took top honors again this year, with Cannon Beach, Newport, Seaside and Manzanita all mentioned numerous times. Sunriver (area: sunriverchamber.com ; resort: sunriver-resort.com ) also was nominated as a nearly ideal family vacation spot. Grocery Store : New Seasons (multiple locations; newseasonsmarket.com ) took top honors for their uber-friendly employees and quality food. Not far behind was Trader Joe’s (multiple locations; traderjoes.com ), with reasonable costs, kid-sized shopping carts and the “hide and seek” game for little ones. Bike Shop : By the passion of the comments, this category probably should go to Clever Cycles (903 SE Hawthorne Blvd.; clevercycles.com ) which was lauded for its myriad family and kid-friendly options, but the Bike Gallery (multiple locations; bikegallery.com ) actually received the most votes – although nary a comment among them. Sunset Cycles (15320 NW Central Drive; sunsetcyclesnw.com ) also received numerous votes for friendly and complete service. To read more about our Family Favorite winners – including those for Birthday Party Place, Children’s Gym, Fitness Center, Yoga Studio and Place to Swim – check out our September issue in print or online .

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And The Winners Are …

Oregon Zoo opens red ape reserve exhibit

The Oregon Zoo is opening a new exhibit this week for orangutans and white-cheeked gibbons, called the Red Ape Reserve exhibit.

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Oregon Zoo opens red ape reserve exhibit

Predators Of The Serengeti

Three newly acquired African lions – Zawadi Mungu, Kya and Neka – got a clean bill of health this morning in preparation for their move into the Oregon Zoo’s much anticipated Predators of the Serengeti… | Video

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Predators Of The Serengeti

Prehistoric Predators at the Oregon Zoo

May 22 through Sept. 6

Dinosaurs at the Zoo

http://www.oregonzoo.org/dinos/index.htm

Immerse yourself in the wonders of the prehistoric world! You might think today’s predators are pretty fierce but just wait until you see those from the past. From the massive giganotosaurus to the cunning troodon, dinosaur predators were skilled at finding their prey and surviving in a hostile world. Oregon Zoo visitors can walk a path invaded by 17 species of roaring, moving animatronic dinosaurs.

Walking the trail is not the only way to experience these predators. Kids can learn about the different dinosaurs at our discovery stations.

Admission: $3.50 (in addition to regular zoo admission)
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Size: Trail is slightly more than ¼ mile

Features:

• Audio tour
• Prehistoric Timeline
• Interactive “touch-wall”
• Fossil Discovery Zone

Tusko is zoo’s Father of the Year

Tusko the elephant has been chosen as the 2010 Father of the Year at the Oregon Zoo.

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Tusko is zoo’s Father of the Year

WOW! (What’s On this Weekend!)

Happy Father’s Day Dads! This weekend is packed with family fun in town, in the mountains and on the coast. Check out our picks below. And as always, check our online calendar for complete event listings every day. ALL WEEKEND Delta Park Powwow and Encampment. Native American dancing, arts and crafts vendors, food. Camp out. FREE Friday evening through Sunday afternoon. Delta Park, N Denver Ave. and MLK Blvd. 503-380-6595. bowandarrowcc.org . Night Walks. Explore the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge at night with a naturalist. 8:30 pm Saturday and Sunday. FREE, registration required. 19255 SW Pacific Hwy., Sherwood. 503-625-5944. oregonmetro.gov . Kruger’s Berry Jam. Hayrides, kids’ jam making (Noon and 2 pm), face painting, entertainment, U-pick and more. FREE, except berries and face painting. 11 am to 4 pm Saturday and Sunday. Kruger’s Farm, 17100 NW Sauvie Island Rd. 503-621-3489. krugersfarm.com . FRIDAY Zoo Father of the Year. An animal dad will be chosen as Father of the Year and get a special treat. 10:30 am. Free with zoo admission. Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Road. 503-226-1561. oregonzoo.org . SATURDAY Star Parties. Rose City Astronomers and OMSI lead star gazing for all levels and ages. Free w/$5 park use fee. Dusk. Rooster Rock State Park, exit 25 off I-84, and Stub Stewart State Park, off OR 47 near Vernonia. 503-797-4610 xt. 2. rca-omsi.org . Explorando el Columbia Slough. Bilingual family environment festival will include guided canoe rides, music, storytelling, crafts and more, hosted by Columbia Slough Watershed Council. FREE. 1 to 5 pm. Whitaker Ponds, 7040 NE 47th Ave. 503-281-1132. oregonmetro.gov . Cannon Beach Sand Castle Day. Build a creation or watch the masters at work. FREE to watch; entry fees vary. 9 am building begins. Signs for parking, Hwy. 101. 503-436-2623. cannonbeach.org . Ft. Vancouver Village House Grand Opening. Ft. Vancouver’s new permanent exhibit, a reconstructed historic village, debuts today with costumed interpreters, archaeology demos and more. FREE with admission to Ft. Vancouver. 10 am. 1001 E 5th St. 360-816-6230. nps.gov/fova/planyourvisit/events.htm . Portland Children’s Museum Pet Hospital Opening. The Children’s Museum’s new permanent exhibit on pets and vets opens today. 9 am to 5 pm. Free with museum admission. 4015 SW Canyon Road. 503-223-6500. portlandcm.org OMSI Planetarium’s 60th Anniversary. Special activities and telescopes on the plaza. FREE with museum admission. 10 am to 4 pm. 1945 SE Water Ave. 503-797-4000. omsi.edu . Nature Nightlife. Enjoy stories and learn about nightlife in the forest. First hour in classroom, second hike. FREE, but pre-registration is required. 6 to 8 pm. Tualatin Hills Nature Park Interpretive Center, 15655 SW Millikin Way. 503-629-6350. oregonmetro.gov . SUNDAY Tualatin Summer Reading Kick-Off. Victor Johnson performs groovy music. FREE. 3 pm. Tualatin Library, 18878 SW Martinazzi. 503-691-3074. tualatinlibrary.org . Fathers Free at Portland Children’s Museum. Dads get in free with paid child. 9 am to 5 pm. 4015 SW Canyon Road. 503-223-6500. portlandcm.org . Father’s Free at AC Gilbert’s Discovery Village. Free admission for papas with one paid child admission. Noon to 5pm. AC Gilbert’s Discovery Village, 116 Marion St. NE, Salem. 503-371-3631. acgilbert.org .

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WOW! (What’s On this Weekend!)

Prehistoric Predators at the Zoo (May 22 – Sept 6)

They're back from extinction and fiercer than ever! After two long years, dinosaurs have returned to amaze Oregon Zoo!

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Prehistoric Predators at the Zoo (May 22 – Sept 6)

The Oregon Zoo Has Been Invaded

Giant dinosaurs are here and they’re defending their nests.

Come explore an ancient rainforest and meet giant dinosaurs that roar and snarl. Dodge the spitting Dilophosaurus, one of the earliest carnivores. Dig for fossils, find dinosaur egg nests, and track a T. Rex. That roaring you hear in the distance?That would be the 45-foot-long Mr. T. himself. Learn what these giants ate, how they cared for their young, possible reasons they became extinct, and more. Walk the path or take the train – but don’t miss it.

They’ll be extinct again after Labor Day!

http://www.oregonzoo.org/dinos