Tag Archives: family

Jan201225

PDXrover

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Resolutions Check

We’re nearly a month into 2012, a time when many of us start forgetting our ambitious New Year’s Resolutions, but I’m really trying to keep up with mine this year. It helps that my goals for the year weren’t too lofty to begin with, and a few are so vague they allow for pretty broad interpretation of the word “success.” Here’s how I’m doing so far (in no particular order): 1. Give up the guilt: This is an ongoing goal for me and one I’m sure I’ll be working on for the rest of my life, but I have to say I’m feeling pretty good about my progress so far this year. 2. Don’t let fear stop me from living the life I want to live: Another broad and probably lifelong goal, this one has already come up in the form of a strange and possibly wonderful opportunity which I’m hoping my family can seize next month. (More on that if it pans out!) 3. Find more activities my pre-teen son and I can enjoy together: I bought my son a puzzle over winter break (an impulse purchase as I shopped for holiday trappings) and we had so much fun doing it we’ve started doing puzzles nearly every weekend. Our whole family enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles when my son was younger, but we hadn’t done one in at least a year. My husband cut a large piece of cardboard so we can move the puzzle off the dining room table every evening at dinnertime, and now we’re back in business. It’s a great way to spend snippets of time together throughout the week/weekend and talk about anything and everything as we hunt for the right pieces. 4. (Re)learn a foreign language: I started an Italian class at PCC a few weeks ago and although I was panicked before the first class (I hadn’t taken Italian in nearly 30 years but I signed up for the second level), it all started coming back to me as soon as the class started and I love it! In fact, when our second class was canceled because of inclement weather, I was truly disappointed! (“You’re disappointed you get a snow day?,” my son asked incredulously!) 5. Learn to make great pie crust: I haven’t started on this one yet, but there’s still time, right? 6. Travel more: I’m working on this one. (See #2, above.) That’s all I’ve got for now, but having written it all down I have to say I’m pretty proud of myself. How are you doing on your resolutions, if you made any? Please share your progress and your challenges in our comments section below -– it might help you stay on track, get back on track, or even make new resolutions for the months ahead!

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Resolutions Check

Jan201213

Samantha

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PFA Part of Oregonian News Network!

Hello Everyone, Great news!  Portland Family Adventures was selected to be part of the “Oregonian News Network: The best bloggers from Oregon and the Pacific Northwest,” which will… [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

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PFA Part of Oregonian News Network!

Dec201114

PDXrover

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It’s Not Too Cold to Play Outside!

Sometimes I feel like hibernating during the northwest’s long, cold, wet winter months, but spending time outdoors is important year round, especially for kids. If you find your family avoiding the great outdoors these days, check out these links for tips on getting kids outdoors -– and spending quality family time outdoors -– even when it’s cold and wet out! The Impossibly-Busy Parents’ Guide To Getting Kids Outdoors : The National Wildlife Federation knows it can be difficult for busy families to make time for outdoor play, especially when the sun sets before dinner time! Here they offer some quick and easy ways to encourage your kids to spend time outdoors. Be Out There : Also from the National Wildlife Federation, this entire site is dedicated to encouraging families to explore the great outdoors year round. If you’re looking for new places to explore nature with your kids, try the Forest Finder at Finding My Forest. The site also includes ideas for outdoor activities to help kids learn about nature. And if you need some incentive to pry your family away from the fireplace this winter, here are a few studies to remind you how important it is for kids to spend time outdoors: Kids sleep better when they spend time outdoors. Read the report if you don’t believe us! Health Benefits of Outdoor Time . Fast Facts About Outdoor Time . Now go outside and play!

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It’s Not Too Cold to Play Outside!

Dec201112

Jeremy

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Holiday Highlights

Every week we post our What’s On this Weekend! (WOW!) blog, with listings of family-friendly events and activities around the area. That gets especially challenging during the winter holidays, when every day is packed with enticing opportunities for family fun, so we compiled a list of our favorite holiday happenings for the entire month and listed them all in one place: Holiday Highlights ! From Trains, Boats and Planes (think Cinnamon Bear Cruise, ORHF Holiday Express, Christmas at Pearson Air Museum and the Mt. Hood Polar Express Train) to Santa’s in the House (Santa on the Bricks, Macy’s Santaland, Breakfasts with Santa and more) to Twinkle, Twinkle! (Zoolights, Christmas Ships, Winter Wonderland and all the other spectacular holiday light shows around the area), there’s something for everyone in your family to enjoy every single day of the season! For a truly special family holiday experience, check the Drama, Dancing, Music and Merriment section, with plays, concerts, ballets ( Nutcracker anyone?) and more. What’s your family’s favorite holiday activity or event around town? Which ones haven’t you been to before that you’re hoping to catch this year?

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Holiday Highlights

Oct201126

Jeremy

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Rainy Day Fun

Before I became a mom, I loved the rain. I’d snuggle by the cozy fire enjoying a good book and a cup of hot tea without a care in the world. But living in the Pacific Northwest with a young child, I had to develop a whole new approach to the long, lingering rainy season. Luckily, it was easy to continue my love affair with the Portland metro area as I discovered all the delightful, indoor kid-friendly activities that are perfect for those damp and dreary days. Somehow, this seems like a great time to share some ideas for alleviating cabin fever and giving your little ones the active time they need and crave this winter. INDOOR PLAY PARKS & PLAY GROUPS: Multnomah County Friendly House Play Group – 1737 NW 26th, Portland; 503-228-4391; friendlyhouseinc.org . Happy Place Indoor Play Park – 2823 N Rosa Parks Way, Portland; 503-289-0318; northminsterpdx.org . Isobel’s Clubhouse – 1542 NW 14th Ave.; 503-224-4636; zcommunitycenter.org . A nonprofit with space for families to meet, play and participate in organized activities. Northeast Indoor Park – Central Lutheran Church, 1820 NE 21st Ave.; neindoorpark.wordpress.com . Open Arms Play Group – Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1244 NE 39th Ave. AND Church of the Good Shepherd, 805 SE Ellsworth Rd., Vancouver, Wash.; Abby, 971-998-8744; para communicarse en espanol: Sheyla 503-239-1509 o Maria 971-570-0942; nwdsa.org . Play group for children with Down syndrome, ages birth through 5. Portland Parks & Recreation – Citywide; 503-823-PLAY (7529); portlandonline.com/parks/ . Many community centers host indoor play parks for children up to 6 years old. PPR operates indoor parks at the following community centers: East Portland, 740 SE 106th, 503-823-3450; Fulton Park, 68 SW Miles, 503-823-3180; Hillside, 653 NW Culpepper Terr., 503-823-3181; Matt Dishman, 77 NE Knott, 503-823-3673; Montavilla, 8219 NE Glisan, 503-823-4101; Mt. Scott, 5530 SE 72nd, 503-823-3183; Peninsula Park, 700 N Rosa Parks Way, 503-823-3620; Sellwood, 1436 SE Spokane, 503-823-3195; Southwest, 6820 SW 45th, 503-823-2840; St. Johns, 8427 N Central, 503-823-3192; University Park, 9009 N Foss Ave., 503-823-3631. Southeast Indoor Park – Trinity United Methodist Church, 3915 SE Steele; playinside.org . Washington County Tualatin Hills Parks & Recreation District (THPRD) – Multiple Locations; 503-645-6433; thprd.com . Like PPR, THPRD hosts indoor play parks at the following recreation centers. Call for times and age requirements. Cedar Hills, 11640 SW Park Way, Portland, 503-629-6340; Conestoga, 9985 SW 125th Ave., Beaverton, 503-629-6313; Garden Home, 7475 SW Oleson Rd., Portland, 503-629-6341; Tualatin Hills Athletic Center, 15707 SW Walker Rd., Beaverton, 503-629-6330. Super Tots Indoor Play Group – 1880 NE Griffin Oaks St., Hillsboro; 503-615-6552; ci.hillsboro.or.us . Clackamas County Clackamas County Healthy Start Play Groups: 503-655-8601; clackamas.us . Clackamas County hosts free play groups at the following sites for parents and children ages 5 and under: Bethany Church, 450 S Ivy St., Canby (bilingual/bicultural, English/Spanish); 11501 SE Sunnyside Rd., Clackamas; Gladstone Center for Children and Families, 18905 Portland Ave., Gladstone; Milwaukie Christian Church, 5197 SE King Rd., Milwaukie; Oregon City United Methodist Church, 18955 South End Rd., Oregon City; Sandy Adult Community Center, 38348 Pioneer Blvd., Sandy; Rolling Hills Community Church, 3550 SW Borland Rd., Tualatin; Sunset Fire Hall, 2215 Long St., West Linn; Wilsonville Methodist Church, 7355 SW Wilsonville Rd., Wilsonville. Free. Clark County, Wash. Camas-Washougal Indoor Play Park – 2436 NW Astor St., Camas; 360-834-7956; meetup.com/CWIndoorPlaypark/ . Firstenberg Community Center – 700 NE 136th Ave., Vancouver; 360-487-7001; cityofvancouver.us . Noah’s Ark Indoor Play Park – First Presbyterian Church, 4300 Main St., Vancouver; 360-694-3363, ext. 112; 1stpresvanc.org . LOCAL ICONS: OMSI – 1945 SE Water Ave.; 503-797-OMSI (6674); omsi.edu . Portland Children’s Museum – 4015 SW Canyon Rd.; 503-223-6500; portlandcm.org . World Forestry Center – 4033 SW Canyon Rd.; 503-228-1367; worldforestry.org . With Mommy & Me Mondays beginning in November from 10 to 11 am every Monday! GETTING WET – INDOORS: You’re going to get wet anyway. You might as well enjoy it at one of the area’s inviting waterparks: Evergreen Wings & Waves Waterpark – 500 NE Capt. Michael King Smith Way (Hwy. 18), McMinnville; 503-434-4185; evergreenmuseum.org/waterpark/ . North Clackamas Aquatic Park – 7300 SE Harmony Rd., Milwaukie; 503-557-7873; ncprd.com/aquatic-park . INDOOR ADVENTURE ZONES: Pump It Up – 9665 SW Allen Blvd., Suite 110, Beaverton (Pump It Up Jr., 16205 NW Bethany Ct., Suite 120, Beaverton), 503-644-6488; 25749 SW Canyon Creek Rd., Ste. 700, Wilsonville; 503-582-1331; pumpitupparty.com . Pop-in Playtime, Family Jump Night, Sensory Night programs and more on giant inflatable play structures. J.J. Extreme – 9063 SE Jannsen Rd., Clackamas; 503-723-3600; jjextreme.com . Indoor adventure zone with climbing, zip lines, jousting, slides, bungee jumping and more. J.J. Jump – 9057 SE Jannsen Rd., Clackamas, 503-723-3600; 7500 NE 16th Ave., #2-D, Vancouver, Wash., 360-213-2524; jjjump.com . Indoor inflatable playgrounds. MORE IDEAS: You’ll find plenty more in our annual Family Resource Guide , including skating rinks, children’s gyms, children’s theater, museums and more. (We’re in the process of updating the guide, with the 2012 edition coming out early next year!)

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Rainy Day Fun

Oct201112

PDXrover

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Your Baby and You 2011

Our annual Your Baby and You issue is on the stands now, packed with useful information for new and expecting parents. “All About Cesareans” explores the increase in c-section deliveries in recent decades and what can be done to curb the trend, while “Choosing a Partner in Pregnancy” looks at your options for prenatal care and how to choose the best fit for your family. You’ll also find a comprehensive list of resources for new parents –- from support and play groups to parent-child development programs, classes, online resources and more –- as well as our annual roundup of the best gear for babies and new parents . Pick up a copy wherever Metro Parent is distributed.

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Your Baby and You 2011

Sep201121

Jeremy

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Cheers to Oktoberfest!

Why is Oktoberfest celebrated in September? Who cares?! It’s a great excuse to get out and have some totally Teutonic fun! Even if you missed the super huge festival in Mt. Angel this past weekend, you can still find plenty of family-friendly Oktoberfest fun right here in Portland: Oaks Park. There will be plenty of oompah music and dancing, plus a pretzel toss, contests, wiener dog races and more. The Kinderplatz is open from noon to 5:30 pm Sept. 24 & 25. Festival runs from 3 pm to midnight Sept. 23, 11 am to midnight Sept. 24, and noon to 7 pm Sept 25. $5 adults, $2 ages 15 and under. 7805 SE Oaks Park Way. 503-233-5777. oakspark.com . Family Day at der Rheinlander. A special Family Day is set for Sept. 24 from noon to 5 pm, with family-friendly music and activities in a festive tent. $5 adults, $2 ages 4 to 12, free 3 and under. Part of the proceeds go to the Northwest Down Syndrome Association. Der Rheinlander Restaurant, 5035 NE Sandy Blvd. 503-249-0507. rheinlander.com . McMenamins. Two days at two locations, with special kids’ entertainment and activities throughout. FREE. Sept. 24 at the Grand Lodge, 3505 Pacific Ave., Forest Grove, 503-992-9533; and Sept. 25 at the Edgefield, 2126 SW Halsey St., Troutdale, 503-669-8610. mcmenamins.com . Prost!

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Cheers to Oktoberfest!

Sep201118

PDXrover

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Cornelius Family Visits Breitenbush

Thank you to Jessica Cornelius who agreed to visit Breitenbush Hot Springs with her family and grant us an interview.  Breitenbush is a bit off the beaten path (and the grid!) and perhaps,… [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

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Cornelius Family Visits Breitenbush

Sep201114

Jeremy

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Celebrate Green Parenting at Green Sprouts Festival!

Looking for something fun to do with the family next weekend? Want to learn more about eco-friendly, community-oriented, healthy and natural options for raising your family? Check out the ReDirect Guide’s Green Sprouts Festival on Sunday, Sept. 25! Admission to the festival is free, with a variety of workshops, activities and exhibitors for the whole family. The Alma Midwifery Education & Movement Seminar Series will include seminars on lead poisoning prevention; energy reduction in your home; options on where to give birth; natural solutions for colic and ear infections; diaper options; age appropriate dental care; an introduction to baby sign language and more. Special family fun features include setting the world record for the most baby carrier wearers; a cotton babies diaper derby; a baby and children’s clothing swap; Portland Parks & Recreation’s Ladybug Nature Walks; and Zenana Spa’s family lactation station, providing a comfy, cozy space to breastfeed and specialists to answer your breastfeeding questions. Exhibitors will be on hand with information on a number of topics, from pregnancy and childbirth options, health and fitness, and healthy homes to clothing and style, education and child care. The festival runs from 10 am to 5 pm on Sept. 25 at Peninsula Park, 700 N Rosa Parks Way. For more information, including a schedule of events, visit redirectguide.com/greensprouts .

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Celebrate Green Parenting at Green Sprouts Festival!

Aug201123

Jeremy

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Family Vacation in Newport, Oregon

Is your family looking for a new place to vacation this year? Do you enjoy kid-friendly getaways by the ocean? Then take a trip to Newport, Oregon.

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Family Vacation in Newport, Oregon

Aug201117

Samantha

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Still Time for Summer Fun!

So far this summer, my son and I have been perfect slackers! We’ve been to the neighborhood pool several times and even made it to the coast for a few nights with friends, but other than that we’ve pretty much just been lazing around the neighborhood, playing with friends and generally slacking off. Now, with only a few weeks left of our precious unscheduled summer –- and with the weather doing its part to make it feel like summer, finally! –- I’m determined to venture a little farther from home for some once-a-year summer fun. My list of potential activities includes berry picking and swimming on Sauvie Island; hikes in Forest Park, Tryon Creek and other nearby nature areas; possibly a day trip to Mt. St. Helens (although that seems awfully ambitious); and the Oregon State Fair. I’d like to add a few more items to the list -– while still leaving us plenty of time for summer slacking. Can you help? What are your family’s “must do” summer activities? Please share your recommendations in the comments below. But hurry -– the back-to-school clock is ticking!

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Still Time for Summer Fun!

Aug201110

PDXrover

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Last Chance to Vote for Your Favorites!

Sunday is the last day to vote for your favorite local family-friendly businesses in our annual “Family Favorites” Reader Survey! Not only is it a great way to support the wonderful local businesses in our area and share recommendations with other parents, but every reader who votes will be entered to win a fabulous Family Fun Package including a $50 gift card to the top-rated restaurant, a $50 gift card to the top-rated children’s book shop, a $20 gift card to John’s Incredible Pizza and other family fun items. Categories include: * Family-Friendly Restaurant * Kid-Friendly Coffee Shop * Pizza Parlor * Ice Cream, Yogurt, or Gelato Parlor * Toy Store * Children’s Book Shop * Kids’ Clothing/Shoe Store * Bike Shop * Birthday Party Venue * Fitness Center * Children’s Gym * Movie Theater * Place to Swim * Indoor (Rainy Day) Destination * Outdoor Destination * Family Vacation Destination The winning businesses and destinations will be announced in our September issue. Voting ends this Sunday, August 14. (One vote per person, please.) PS: Don’t forget to enter to win a Justin Roberts concert package , too! That contest ends Friday, August 12, at noon.

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Last Chance to Vote for Your Favorites!

Jul201120

Jeremy

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Win a Justin Roberts Concert Prize Package!

Photo by Beth Blenz-Clucas If you love music -– and sharing that love of music with your kids! –- you’re probably always on the lookout for great kid-friendly artists you can all enjoy together. Enter Grammy Award nominee Justin Roberts, who’s been compared to Buddy Holly, Nick Lowe and even Paul McCartney. Justin is heading to Portland next month for a fabulous family-friendly concert, and we’re giving away a prize package that includes four tickets to the show, a copy of Justin’s Grammy nominated CD Jungle Gym , and a chance to have your family’s photo taken with Justin after the show. To enter, leave a comment below by noon on Friday, Aug. 12, telling us what musicians or bands you and your kids enjoy listening to together, and/or why you want to attend Justin’s upcoming show. The winner will be selected randomly. Here’s the 411 on the show: Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players Saturday, Aug. 20, 2011, 11 am to 12:30 pm Mississippi Studios, 3939 N Mississippi Ave. Tickets are $10 advance; $12 at the door For more info, visit mississippistudios.com . To learn more about Justin Roberts, check out a video of him in concert , visit his website , or find him on Facebook . The Grand Prize package includes four tickets to see Justin Roberts and The Not Ready for Naptime Players on Aug. 20 at 11 am at Mississippi Studios, a chance to meet Justin and get a photo with him after the show, and a copy of his CD Jungle Gym . One runner up will receive a copy of Justin’s CD Jungle Gym , too! Contest ends at noon on Friday, Aug. 12. PLEASE NOTE: The winner will be notified by email and must reply by noon on Monday, Aug. 15, confirming that they can attend the show. If the winner does not reply by noon on Monday, Aug. 15, an alternate winner will be selected. Good luck! (PS: If your comment is awaiting moderation, please be patient. Our moderator is at the coast today so there might be a short delay in getting comments posted. Thanks for understanding!)

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Win a Justin Roberts Concert Prize Package!

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