Tag Archives: kids

Jan201218

PDXrover

0

Need a Night Out?

Parenting is the most rewarding job you’ll ever have, but let’s face it, we all need a night off every now and then. If you’re not one of the fortunate few with a steady, reliable babysitter ready to pop over at a moment’s notice, don’t despair. There are other options. In fact, this Saturday there’s a Parents’ Survival Night scheduled at the Little Gym of Lake Oswego , just one of the many Parents’ Night Out events held regularly throughout the area. These events offer kids an evening of active fun with other kids their age -– plus snacks! –- while parents get some much deserved “adults only” time. Here’s a handy list of local organizations that regularly schedule Parents’ Nights Out. (We lifted it from our own, newly updated Family Resource Guide !) In addition to those listed below, some local health clubs, preschools and daycare centers also host Parents’ Nights Out. Clark County YMCA : 11324 NE 51st Cir., Vancouver, Wash.; 360-885-9622; ymca-clarkcounty.org . The Little Gym of Lake Oswego : 17890 SW McEwan Rd.; 503-595-9702; tlglakeoswegoor.com . Oregon Gymnastics Academy : 16305 NW Bethany Ct. Suite 109, Beaverton; 503-531-3409; ogagym.org . The Play Boutique : 464 1st St., Lake Oswego; 503.675-7529; playboutique.com . The Playground Gym : 505 NE Grand Ave.; 503-235-7529; theplaygroundgym.com . Portland Parks and Recreation : 503-823-PLAY; portlandonline.com/parks . Call your local community center for occasional events. Precision Elite Gymnastics : 15507 SE For Mor Ct., Clackamas; 503-659-0095; sunburstgymnastics.com . Rose City Gymnastics Academy : 7056 NE Glisan St.; 503-281-1314; rosecitygym.com . Vancouver Elite Gymnastics Academy : 840 NW 10th Ave., Camas, Wash., 360-834-7424; 117th Ave., Vancouver, Wash., 360-254-7958; vegagym.com . We Village : 424 NW 11th Ave.; 503-935-5590; wevillage.com . Drop-in child care, open late on Fridays, Saturdays, First Thursdays and special events. Westside Dance and Gymnastics Academy : 11632 SW Pacific Hwy., Tigard; 503-639-5388; westsideacademy.com .

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Need a Night Out?

Jan201216

Jeremy

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Enter the Year of the Dragon

Gung Hay Fat Choy! Chuc Mung Nam Moi! The Year of the Dragon is nearly upon us, and the Chinese and Vietnamese New Year’s festivities happening around town offer an especially entertaining and engaging way to introduce your kids to different cultures. Lan Su Chinese Garden hosts two full weeks of celebrations, beginning Jan. 23 this year, including lion and dragon dances, performances, crafts, story telling and much more! Check their website for a schedule of events. You’ll also find celebratory events at local libraries, and at A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village in Salem. Here’s the scoop: Jan. 14, 19 & 28 Red Fans for Lunar New Year at Multnomah County Libraries. Decorate a fan for free. . FREE. Jan 14 from 1 to 3 pm at St. Johns Library, 7510 N Charleston Ave., 503-988-5397; Jan. 19 from 3:30 to 4:30 pm at Belmont Library, 1038 SE 39th Ave., 503-988-5382; or Jan. 28 from 4:30 to 5:30 pm at Woodstock Library, 6008 SE 49th Ave., 503-988-5234. Registration required. events.multcolib.org . Jan 21 Chinese New Year at the Beaverton Library. Make a craft, hear a story and celebrate the Year of the Dragon. Grades 1 to 5, with grown-up. 1:30 to 2:30 pm. FREE. Beaverton City Library, 12375 SW 5th St. 503-350-3600. beavertonlibrary.org . New Year Party at Tigard Library. Celebrate Chinese and Vietnamese new year with crafts, coloring and snacks. Ages 5 and older. 1:30 to 3 pm. FREE. Tigard Public Library, 13500 SW Hall Blvd.503-684-6537. wccls.org . Lunar New Year Celebration at AC Gilbert’s Discovery Village. Crafts, activities, food and more. 1 to 4 pm. FREE with museum admission. (Also free with your OMSI membership card and photo ID) AC Gilbert’s Discovery Village, 116 Marion St. NE, Salem. 503-371-3631. acgilbert.org . Jan 24 More Lunar New Year Fun at Multnomah County Libraries. Celebrate with entertainment, crafts and more. FREE. Jan. 24 from 5:30 to 7 pm at Midland Library, 805 SE 122d Ave., 503-988-5392; Jan. 25 from 6 to 7:30 pm at Holgate LIbrary, 7905 SE Holgate Blvd., 503-988-5389; and Jan. 28 from 1 to 3 pm at Gregory Heights Library, 7921 NE Sandy Blvd., 503-988-5386. events.multcolib.org . … and don’t forget Mochitsuki! For more New Year’s fun, check out Motchitsuki on Jan. 29 ! This annual celebration of Japanese New Year features entertainment, kids’ games and activities, mochi pounding and more. 11 am to 4 pm. $12 adult, $9 student, $5 ages 2 to 12, free ages 2 and under. Scottish Rite Center, 1512 SW Morrison St. mochipdx.org .

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Enter the Year of the Dragon

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!

Dec201105

Samantha

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Life is Good – PFA Recommendation

Our friends at “Life is Good” sent us a couple products for review.  I warned them that our kids would destroy anything they sent us within a matter of days.  They decided to take the… [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

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Life is Good – PFA Recommendation

Oct201119

Jeremy

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Trick or Treat Safely – and Charitably!

It’s nearly time for Halloween so we thought we’d take this opportunity to share some safety tips from the Safety Store at Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel to ensure a happy, healthy holiday (sugar overload not withstanding!): 1. Help children choose fire retardant costumes that can be seen in the dark. Add reflective tape or strips to costumes and treat bags. 2. Wear shoes that fit properly (even if they don’t “go” with the costume) to avoid trips and falls. 3. Rather than wearing a mask, which may restrict a child’s vision, paint their face instead. (If a child wears a mask, make sure it does not interfere with their breathing or hearing and be sure the eyeholes are wide enough that it does not interfere with their eyesight.) 4. Carry a flash light or glow stick to increase visibility to drivers. 5. Trick or treat in groups, adults should accompany children as escorts to doors and carefully inspect all treats collected prior to children eating it. 6. Talk to your children about walking safety, including the following: . – When crossing the street, cross at a corner using traffic signals and crosswalks. . – Always walk, never run out into the street or cross between two cars. . – Look left, then right, and left again when crossing the street. . – Make eye contact with drivers; make sure the driver sees you before you cross the street. And to make the holiday happier for children everyone, consider having your trick or treaters bring a little orange UNICEF box with them to collect donations for the world’s neediest kids, too. This year, UNICEF is also introducing a “Party for a Purpose” program, with great ideas for hosting a FUNdraising fete of your own. Get details at unicefusa.org/trickortreat . Last but not least, if you’d like to avoid the ongoing sugar craze in the days following Halloween, encourage your kids to participate in a Candy Exchange like the one at World of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry (11790 SW Barnes Rd., Suite 280). Dr. Michelle Stafford welcomes kids -– patients or not! -– to turn in their unopened Halloween loot for fun prizes on weekdays from Nov. 1-7. (The more you bring in, the more you earn!) For details visit visitworldofsmiles.com or call 503-626-9700.

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Trick or Treat Safely – and Charitably!

Aug201131

Samantha

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Free Parent Leadership Conference

As the back-to-school season overtakes the leisure of summer, most of us are concerned about getting our kids back into the swing. We help them adjust to a more regular schedule. We make sure they have the clothes and supplies they’ll need. We strategize with them about getting and staying organized. But let’s face it, most of us parents are heading back to school, too. We’ll be helping in our children’s classrooms. We’ll be organizing gift wrap sales, auctions, Scrip tables and more. We’ll be attending PTA meetings –- or serving on the board. These days, nearly all of us “work” for our children’s schools, doing what we can to ensure our kids get the best education they can possibly get. There are so many ways to help our children -– and other children in our school, district, state and beyond –- it can be difficult to know where to start. As parents, we need to be educated about how to help our children become well educated! Fortunately, Community & Parents for Public Schools (CPPS) is here to help. CPPS is hosting their 11th annual Parent Leadership Conference on Oct. 22 , with workshops on topics such as preschooler development, helping kids become better writers, understanding the adolescent brain (I’m really looking forward to this topic!), kids and electronics/social media, and keeping the lines of communication open with your high school student. Additional workshops will focus on the bigger picture of changing the system and holding school districts accountable. The conference is free, plus breakfast and lunch will be provided. Childcare is available at no cost, and some workshops will be offered in Spanish, Vietnamese, Somali, Chinese and Russian. Translators also are available. Learn more about the conference, which will be held at Parkrose High, and register to attend at cppsportland.org/plc .

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Free Parent Leadership Conference

Aug201124

Samantha

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Be an Oregon College Savings Plan Winner!

Do you and your kids love reading? Love college football? Love winning? If you answered yes to any of these questions –- and especially if you answered yes to all of them -– the Oregon College Savings Plan (OSCP) is running two contests you should know about! The first is their “Destination College Savings” summer reading contest, a statewide campaign designed to encourage kids and teens to maintain their reading skills by participating in Oregon public libraries’ summer reading programs. Parents, grandparents and guardians can register children 18 or younger for a chance to win a $1,000 Oregon College Savings Plan account just by signing up to participate in their local library’s summer reading program. A total of 15 winners, three from each Oregon congressional district, will be selected in a random drawing. And not only can your kids win, but each winning child’s public library also will receive $500! Visit oregoncollegesavings.com/news/reading.shtml for details. OCSP also is trying to encourage families to save for college -– and providing some great exposure to Oregon university campuses –- by giving away Ducks and Beavers football tickets plus two $5,000 College Savings Plan accounts. Twenty winners – 10 Oregon State University (OSU) Beaver fans and 10 University of Oregon (UO) Duck fans –- each will receive two tickets to a 2011 OSU or UO home football game plus two tickets to Oregon’s biggest college football rivalry, the Civil War game on Nov. 26! All 20 winners also will be entered to win one of two $5,000 Oregon College Savings Plan accounts, one for a UO Duck fan and one for an OSU Beaver fan. Enter at oregoncollegesavings.com/news/football_ducks.shtml (Ducks fans) or oregoncollegesavings.com/news/football_beavers.shtml (Beavers fans) by Nov. 10. Entrants in both contests must be at least 18 years old.

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Be an Oregon College Savings Plan Winner!

Aug201121

Jeremy

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Portland Art Museum

What’s to Love: I feel rather ashamed that it’s taken me so long to highlight our exceptional Portland Art Museum. It’s not like I haven’t taken my kids there in the past four… [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

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Portland Art Museum

Aug201119

Jeremy

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Haldeman Pond (Sauvie Island)

What’s to Love:  This is an awesome fishing spot!  Didn’t catch any fish, but I won’t retract by first sentence.  If you’re looking for the perfect spot to teach your kids how… [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

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Haldeman Pond (Sauvie Island)

Jul201120

Jeremy

0

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!

Jun201127

PDXrover

0

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?

Jun201120

Jeremy

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Cool Summer Savings

Once again, we’re happy to share the coupons and deals in our current issue , as well as a few other family-friendly, budget-friendly summer deals: Coupons and Deals in Our June Issue: John’s Incredible Pizza: Free $10 FunCard with purchase of buffet and beverage. (Page 33) Sunriver Resort: Rates starting at $159 during their Endless Adventure offer. (Page 21) EcoMaids: 10 percent off any service. (Page 15) Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry: Free initial exam for children under 3. (Page 5) World of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry: Complementary dental exam for kids under age 2. (Page 9) Tidee Didee: One week free with four paid weeks of diaper service. (Page 31) Learning Palace: Get 15 percent off your entire purchase. (Page 41) Plus Two Hot Summer Savings Programs for Families: Regal $1 Movies: Regal movie theaters are showing G and PG-rated movies at 10 am every Tuesday and Wednesday, from June 21 through the end of August, for only $1. Visit their website to find participating theaters in the area and the schedule of movies. Kids Bowl Free: Kids can receive two free games of bowling every day all summer long at participating bowling centers. (Does not include shoe rental.) Visit the website find participating bowling centers, including dates and age limits at each location, and to register your kids for free.

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Cool Summer Savings

Jun201115

PDXrover

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Summer Reading Roundup

Are you and your kids excited about summer? So are our local librarians, ready to welcome families for another summer of reading for fun and prizes. Here’s a roundup of some of the area’s library reading programs for kids (and a few for adults!). They’re all free and offer great prizes and incentives to keep kids reading all summer. And the fun doesn’t stop there … visit your local library or their website to find out about the exciting events they have planned for kids and families throughout the summer. Multnomah County Library : Beginning June 17, kids and teens can visit any Multnomah County Library branch to sign up for the Summer Reading game. The program runs through August 31. Adults in Multnomah County can get in on the action, too, with Read 4 Life . Prizes include Just complete four to six eligible tasks (which include reading as well as joining the library on Facebook and/or Twitter), fill out a Read 4 Life entry card (available at any branch), return it by August 31 and you’ll be entered in a drawing for an e-book reader or a pair of season tickets to the Portland Arts & Lecture series. Washington County Cooperative Library Services : Washington County’s program began June 1 and runs through August. This year, they’re hosting a program for adults as well as kids, with special events and prizes including a two-night stay at the Sylvia Beach Hotel in Nye Beach, tickets to the Beaverton Civic Theater, season tickets to Literary Arts 2011-12 series, a NOOK color e-book reader, and tickets to a Bag & Baggage Productions play. Sign up at any WCCLS branch. Clackamas County Library : Clackamas County’s summer reading program began June 1 and includes a variety of events in addition to the reading log. You can download the reading log from the website, color or cross out a picture for each 15 minutes read, then return the completed log for prizes between July 27 and September 11. Fort Vancouver Regional Library District : Clark County’s summer reading program also began June 1. It ends August 31. Kids can earn prizes and a certificate of achievement for their summer reading efforts. Camas Public Library : Camas’s summer reading programs for kids, teens and adults run June 20 through August 12. Participants can earn prizes for reading and enjoy lots of special summer events. (Did we miss anyone? Please let us know so we can add other local programs to the list!) PLUS, if you need more reasons to encourage your kids to join the library’s summer reading program, check this out: The Oregon College Savings Plan is getting in on the summer reading action with “Destination College Savings,” a statewide campaign designed to encourage kids and teens to maintain their reading skills by participating in Oregon public libraries’ summer reading programs. Parents, grandparents or guardians can register children 18 or younger for a chance to win a $1,000 Oregon College Savings Plan account just by signing up to participate in their local library’s summer reading program. A total of 15 winners, three from each Oregon congressional district, will be selected in a random drawing. And not only can your kids win, but each winning child’s public library also will receive $500! Visit oregoncollegesavings.com/news/reading.shtml for details. And finally, if you need some summer reading recommendations , talk to the children’s librarian at your local branch, or check out these links on Multnomah County Library’s website: * Fun Facts & Stories for Early Childhood * Fun Facts & Fiction for Ages 5-12 * Fun Facts & Fiction for Teens * For adult reading suggestions, check out their book lists and staff picks . Our July issue will include summer reading recommendations for kids of all ages provided by some of our favorite local children’s librarians, too! What books are on your summer reading list this year?

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Summer Reading Roundup

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