Tag Archives: family

Sep201121

Jeremy

0

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

0

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!

Jul201106

Samantha

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Win a $20 John’s Incredible Pizza FunCard!

The latest addition to the local family fun center scene is John’s Incredible Pizza , which opened in Beaverton at the end of March. Offering a fabulous buffet along with arcade games and a few amusement rides, the place is small enough to be unintimidating but large enough to keep the kids entertained for hours. We highly recommend John’s for serious family fun, and this month we’re offering one lucky reader a $20 FunCard to help get the fun started! To enter, just leave a comment below telling us why you want to visit John’s Incredible Pizza with your family. We’ll pick a random winner from all the comment received before 5 pm on Friday, July 15. You can read more about John’s in our July issue (page 38), and don’t forget to clip the coupon for a $10 FunCard, also in our July issue (page 34)! Enter to win the $20 FunCard by Friday, July 15 at 5 pm. John’s Incredible Pizza 9180 SW Hall Blvd., Beaverton 503-520-0000 johnspizza.com .

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Win a $20 John’s Incredible Pizza FunCard!

Jul201104

Jeremy

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Fairs & Festivals

July and August are prime time for fairs and festivals! Today, you can catch the tail end of the Waterfront Blues Festival or Estacada’s Big Bang , or check out any number of rodeos around the region. As the summer continues, you’ll find plenty to see and do at the Great Oregon Steam-Up , the 50th anniversary of TurkeyRama , the Robin Hood Festival , da Vinci Days , the West Linn Old Time Fair and more. And then of course there are all the county fairs coming up around the greater metro area! How’s a family supposed to keep track of all this fun? Never fear! We’ve put together a roundup of Fairs & Festivals to make scheduling your family’s summer fun as easy as possible. (And don’t forget to take a peek at our Family Favorites listings for fireworks fun , too!) What’s your family’s favorite summer fair or festival? Are there any fairs or festivals you hope to check out for the first time this year?

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Fairs & Festivals

Jun201127

PDXrover

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What’s On Your Summer Fun List?

A few weeks ago I saw a link on Twitter leading to one mom’s “Summer Bucket List.” A few days, later I Googled “Summer Bucket List” and found oodles of similar posts, all detailing fun summer activities parents are hoping to share with their kids. With a full 12 weeks of unstructured time with a pre-teen ahead of me, I thought, “Why not?” It couldn’t hurt to have a list of activities to choose from when one or both of us utter the inevitably whiny words, “I’m borrrrrrred!” Here’s what we’ve come up with so far. Any additional suggestions you can offer in the comments below will be more than greatly appreciated! AT-HOME ACTIVITIES: Baking: My son loves to bake sweet treats with me, so that’s definitely high on our list. He’s been bugging me for ages to try to make fondant and decorate a cake or cupcakes, which I’m not too eager to get into (seems like a whole lot of work!) but who knows? This might just be his summer! Gardening: This summer I’m determined not to let the weeds take over our garden. There. I wrote it down and posted it online. Now I have to keep up with the weeding, right? This might not qualify as “fun,” per se, but I’m keeping it on the list. Board Games: We have a whole shelf full of games. Why not play them? What are your family’s favorite games? Water Play: Even though my son is starting middle school in the fall, there’s still plenty of fun to be had with a Slip ‘n Slide and a blow-up wading pool. Water balloons, squirt guns and plenty of neighbors add to the excitement. Making Ice Cream: On those days when it’s too hot to bake, we’ll make frozen treats. Reading: Check out our July issue to find out what new books local librarians recommend for kids of all ages. AROUND TOWN: Bowling: We have coupons for two free games every day through kidsbowlfree.com , so we might as well use them! Ice Skating: I have a nearly-11-year-old who’s never been ice skating. Please don’t call Child Protective Services on me. I am determined to take him skating this summer! North Clackamas Aquatic Park: I’m ashamed to admit this, too: I’ve never been to the North Clackamas Aquatic Park, although my son has. We’re going this summer for sure! Hiking: So many lovely hiking spots to explore around these parts! What are your family’s favorites? Berry Picking: I’m hoping to check out Bella Organic Farms this year, one of the only certified organic u-pick farms I’ve ever seen. For more berry picking options around the area, check out our Family Fun editor’s list . Movies: From $1 movies at Regal Cinemas to second-run features at the Academy Theater and McMenamins to the occasional first-run splurge, I’m sure we’ll see a few movies on a rainy (or super burning hot) Portland summer day. Farmers Markets: Fresh produce for our baking projects, sweet treats to enjoy while we shop, music and more – and there are so many markets to choose from! (For a comprehensive directory of local markets, visit The Oregon’s Farmers’ Markets Association .) Swimming: Nothing like a cool splash in a community pool — or a frolic in a public fountain — on a hot summer day! Oaks Park : My son loves the Scrambler. I’m more of a roller coaster gal. We both love the Big Pink Slide! DAY TRIPS: Mt. St. Helens: The Silver Lake Visitors’ Center is about an hour away, according to Google maps, and the Johnston Ridge Observatory is about two. One or both of these seem like an ideal day trip for a sunny weekend day when the hubby is off work and can join us. Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge: I’ve wanted to visit this nearby wildlife refuge , including the Cathlapotle Plankhouse, for years. Hopefully this will be the year I stop wanting and go! Bonneville Lock, Dam and Fish Hatchery : More local icons I’ve never visited. Is this a fun day trip? Please weigh in with your thoughts and experiences! Mt. Hood Skibowl Adventure Park : Another potential weekend day trip to enjoy with the whole family. It can get pricey, I know, but it looks like a whole lot of fun! What are we missing? Please post your suggestions below. I’m sure we’re going to need them!

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What’s On Your Summer Fun List?

Jun201113

Jeremy

0

Father’s Day Fun!

Need ideas for celebrating Father’s Day? Here’s a roundup of options, with something for every family: SATURDAY: Make a Gift: If the kids haven’t made dad a gift yet, head to Lakeshore Learning Crafts on Saturday, June 18 between 11 am and 3 pm. Children 3 and older can make a Father’s Day wallet for FREE! (16901 SW 65th Ave., Lake Oswego. 503-620-9888. lakeshorelearning.com .) Pick Some Berries: Show dad how sweet you think he is by celebrating at French Prairie Gardens’ Strawberry Festival or Kruger’s Berry Jam. The French Prairie event is open from 9 am to 6 pm June 16 & 17, 9 am to 5 pm June 18, and 10 am to 5 pm June 19. $4 admission, with an extra charge for some activities and berries. (17673 French Prairie Rd., St. Paul. 503-633-8445. frenchprairiegardens.com ). Kruger’s Berry Jam is open from 11 am to 4 pm June 18 & 19. Free admission; purchase berries. (17100 NW Sauvie Island Rd. 503-621-3489. krugersfarm.com .) Have a Date Night: How about an evening out for the parents to celebrate Father’s Day? The Little Gym of Lake Oswego is hosting a Parents’ Survival Night from 6 to 9:30 pm on Saturday, June 18, for kids from 3 to 12. Call for details. (503-595-9702. tlglakeoswegoor.com .) Sleep with the Sharks: If a road trip is Dad’s idea fun, how about driving out to the coast for a Father’s Day Family Sleepover at the Oregon Coast Aquarium? The event, for families with kids 4 and older, runs from 6 pm on Saturday, June 18, through 9 am on Sunday, June 19. You’ll sleep with the sharks and enjoy dinner, a scavenger hunt and breakfast in the morning. ($55; pre-registration required. Oregon Coast Aquarium, 2820 SE Ferry Slip Road, Newport. 541-867-3474 xt 5301. aquarium.org .) Check Out Cool Cars on the Coast: While you’re in the area, dad might also enjoy the Oregon Coast Exotic Car Show on Saturday, June 18, which not only features cool cars but music, exotic animals, kid’s crafts and more. Runs from 10 am to 4 pm. $5; free for ages 12 and under. Proceeds benefit the Oregon Coast Aquarium. (Salishan Spa and Golf REsort, 7760 Hwy. 101 N, Gleneden Beach. oregoncoastexoticcarshow.com .) THE BIG DAY (SUNDAY): A Spectacular Car Exhibit … and Pancakes, too! The Portland Art Museum is hosting a Father’s Day Pancake Breakfast, featuring the new exhibit The Allure of the Automobile . The event runs from 9 am to noon and includes a special pancake breakfast, admission to a Tribute to Cambellini , featuring a built-from scratch 2006 Cambellini, plus “The Allure of the Automobile” exhibit. And all for $10 members and children, $20 non-members (plus handling fee). (1219 SW Park Ave. 503-226-2811. portlandartmuseum.org .) Zen and the Art of Father’s Day: The Japanese Garden also is hosting a special Father’s Day event, with a treasure map activity for the whole family plus a prize drawing and the garden’s incomparable peace and beauty. They’re open from 10 am to 7 pm. (611 SW Kingston Ave. 503-223-1321. japanesegarden.com .) Did Someone Say Free Admission? The Portland Children’s Museum and A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village in Salem are offering free admission for dads to celebrate the day, too. (Portland Children’s Museum, 4015 SW Canyon Road. 503-223-6500. portlandcm.org ; AC Gilbert’s Discovery Village, 116 Marion St. NE, Salem. 503-371-3631. acgilbert.org .) Make Time for a Brewsky: And for that special Dads’ Day dinner, we recommend one of the area’s many family-friendly brew pubs. Read our review of The Lucky Labrador Brewing Company in our June Family Fare column . The column also includes a list of many other fabulous local brew pubs for families. Happy Father’s Day!

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Father’s Day Fun!

Jun201101

Samantha

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Our Education & Enrichment Issue

Our annual Education & Enrichment issue is hitting the stands beginning this week, packed with articles and listings to help you find the best school for your children and support their academic success. Inside you’ll find a primer on many of the different Educational Philosophies available around the area as well as a feature to help you decide if it’s Time for a Tutor . We offer tips about helping your child with homework and helping them succeed academically throughout their school career. And for those of you looking ahead to college, we have a feature on college savings and one debunking the myth of the “best” colleges . You’ll also find listings for a host of local schools to help you find the one that best fits your family and your child. Pick up a copy wherever Metro Parent is distributed, or look for it online beginning next week.

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Our Education & Enrichment Issue

May201131

Samantha

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Our June Issue

Our June issue is available around the area beginning this week, with a special focus on Safety and a celebration of Dads! Our Ages & Stages feature offers advice for keeping kids safe as they grow, and our Father’s Day feature showcases some prominent local dads – from Governor Kitzhaber and State Treasurer Ted Wheeler to Stand for Children Founder Jonah Edelman to OPB’s Kristian Foden-Vencil and The Decemberists’ Chris Funk – reflecting on what they’ve learned from fatherhood . (It’s a heart-warming and humorous read!) You’ll also find all your favorite regular features, with Ramona learning to roller skate , an Out & About at the Pacific Northwest Live Steamers’ Molalla Train Park , a Family Fare review of the Lucky Labrador Brewing Company , an Angels Among Us spotlight of Financial Beginnings , and a Viewpoint offering advice about gun safety , in honor of national ASK (Asking Saves Kids) day June 21. As always, our Family Calendar is packed with family-friendly events and activities every day of the month. Pick up a copy at your favorite distribution point, or read it online beginning June 1.

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Our June Issue

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