PDX Parent December 2022

A global perspective gives students a leading edge.

FAIS students graduate speaking a second language fluently, and often a third proficiently. In addition to the students’ academic prowess and maturity, being bilingual or multilingual adds another valuable skill to their backpack. A global perspective and language fluency opens doors to developing a deeper understanding of people and world issues, exceling with distinction in high school, and expanding career options beyond traditional pathways.

“I saw what language did for my kids’ brains and how it helped them make connections, be open-minded, and be exposed to other cultures.”

-FAIS Middle School Parent

MIDDLE SCHOOL (6th-8th grade, multiple language tracks)

Thursday, January 12, 6:30 pm

MATERNELLE & LOWER SCHOOL (2.5 years-K & 1st-5th grade, French immersion)

Friday, January 13, 9 am

FEATURES

Kids Rate Portland’s Hottest Food Trends 12 You already know just how awesome of a food scene we have in the Portland area. To help expand their palates — and enjoy new dishes ourselves! — we try new food trends with our picky kids in tow.

DEPARTMENTS

Editor’s Note 4

Play Room 6

By

Meg Asby and Denise Castañon. The Wish List 18 Find the perfect present for all the kiddos on your list, from infants to adolescents, based on their interests. By Ali Wilkinson. PDX Parent Picks: Shopping 24

Check out the fun family activities in nearby Stevenson, Washington; read up on books celebrating the New Year; and learn how to enroll your littles in free preschool at Portland Public Schools.

Field Trip 26

A visit to the new family-friendly immersive art experience by Portland artist, Mike Bennett, plus the themed cafe next door.

By Kate Hagan Gallup.

Time Out 28 There are so many festivities to get your family in the holiday spirit this month! Check out where to find Santa; celebrate Hanukkah; hop aboard a decorated train; and lend a helping hand to neighbors this season. RESOURCES:

MEG ASBY

edi t or’s n o

Food & Festivities

I’m a foodie. So I live in the right place. We Portlanders are spoiled by our vast array of incredibly delicious restaurants, food carts and bakeries. And an appreciation of good food is something I desperately want to pass down to my kids.

I had high hopes when my daughter was a baby and toddler. She ate everything I cooked for her: minestrone soup, pasta with slow-cooked cabbage and onions, falafel — you name it. She gobbled up salami, pickles and briny olives. But then around preschool a bit of pickiness set in, right as her little brother started eating solids. And suddenly I had two opinionated eaters. Thankfully, both my kids eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. And my son Cruz enjoys some spicy foods. But getting them to try new things — even things I know they will like — can be hard. But I did manage to rope them into trying some of Portland’s top food trends for the article on page 12. And they actually had fun doing it! Spoiler alert: Ube butter mochi from St. Barbra Pinoy Bakery was a big hit. Check out Kids Rate Portland’s Hottest Food Trends to find out what else they and our web director’s daughter sampled — and what they thought.

Another great thing about Portland? Our independent toy stores! We have so many sweet shops with stellar selections for the holiday season. And writer and mom of three, Ali Wilkinson narrowed down some of the top gift ideas for kids of all ages available at locally owned shops, so you don’t have to. Bonus: The toys are organized by interest, so you’ll find perfect gifts whether your kiddos love the arts, STEM or pretend play. Find them on page 18.

And for more holiday delights be sure to check out Time Out on page 28. Our events column is packed with festive light displays, places to visit Santa, Hanukkah fun, ways to give back, and so much more!

Wishing your family a holiday season filled with delicious food and warm memories!

ON OUR COVER

A big thanks to Allie Tellez of Beautiful Feeling

Photography for our amazing cover image. Tellez’s goal when working with families is to freeze a moment in time and give memories to last a lifetime — and she did that with this striking shot of her son, Julian, staring in wonder at the Oregon Zoo’s ZooLights holiday display. Tellez has mastered a range of photography styles doing everything from lifestyle to boudoir to family portraits. View more of her mesmerizing work on her website at beautifulfeelingphotography.com and on Instagram @beautifulfeelingphotography.

for the long days and short years

PDX Parent P.O. Box 13660 Portland, OR 97213-0660 Phone: 503-460-2774

Publisher Rose Caudillo, 503-460-2774 publisher@pdxparent.com

Editor

Denise Castañon, 503-922-0893 denise.castanon@pdxparent.com

Managing Editor

Tiffany Hill tiffany.hill@pdxparent.com

Art Director Tiffany Howard tiffany.howard@pdxparent.com Web Content Coordinator Meg Asby meg.asby@pdxparent.com

E-newsletter Editor

Renee Peters renee.peters@pdxparent.com

Eastside Account Executive Lauren Wylie, 503-331-8184 lauren.wylie@pdxparent.com

Westside Account Executive Jill Weisensee, 503-309-8272 jill.weisensee@pdxparent.com

Digital Ad Manager/Calendar Editor/ Distribution Coordinator Melissa Light melissa.light@pdxparent.com Accountant Kelli Bagby Truly Bookkeeping, Inc. President Jill Weisensee jill.weisensee@pdxparent.com

For distribution issues, e-mail us at distribution@pdxparent.com

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PDX Parent is published monthly (except July) by Northwest Parent, LLC., and is copyright 2021 Northwest Parent, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

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PDX 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.

PDX Parent does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, gender, gender expression, sex or sexual orientation.

Although every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of published material, Northwest Parent, LLC., and its agents and employees cannot be held responsible for the use or misuse of any information contained herein. The contents of PDX Parent and its website are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or treatment.

DENISE CASTAÑON

Bookshelf: Turn Over a New Leaf

What’s your family’s New Year traditions? As we say goodbye to 2022, Kim

at Powell’s City of Books, showcase how the new year is celebrated

and more. Look for these titles at the Burnside, Hawthorne or Cedar Hills Powell’s locations,

Black-Eyed Peas and Hoghead Cheese

By Glenda Armand and illustrated by Steffi Walthall

Nine-year-old Frances loves preparing the New Year’s Day meal with her grandma, because it means stories about her ancestors, her family history, her cultural heritage, and the soul food they’re making. Inspired by Armand’s childhood, the book includes a family recipe for pralines at the end — yum! Great for ages 5 and up. $18.99.

This beautifully illustrated book looking at the celebration of Diwali is sure to delight, and provides an excellent first overview of the Hindu Festival of Lights for those unfamiliar with it. With a simple rhyming story and more details about foods and traditions in text boxes throughout, this book has something to offer for toddlers and elementaryschoolers alike. Great for ages 3 and up. $18.99.

Sweet New Year for Ren

Ren hopes this year she’ll be old enough to help make the pineapple cakes with her busy festive household in this lovely picture book about family and the traditions of Chinese New Year. It’s written by the author of When Lola Visits and illustrated by the picture book artist for Eyes That Kiss the Corners. A recipe for delicious pineapple buns and information on Chinese New Year traditions are also included. Perfect for ages 4 and up. $18.99.

Good Deeds:

The Lucky Grapes: A New Year’s Eve Story

By

Rafa is very excited to be in Spain to celebrate the New Year. There will be fireworks, music, and for the first time, he’ll celebrate the chiming of midnight with the Spanish tradition of eating 12 grapes. Written by a Spanish teacher and sprinkled with Spanish words in the text, The Lucky Grapes really feels like you’re celebrating the joyous holiday right alongside the characters and under the stars at the plaza! Great for ages 3 and up. $18.99.

Gifting Angels

Mike Burright knows just how hard it can be to provide during the holidays. He has eight older siblings and his mother worked multiple jobs when he was a child. “We never had much, but my mom always managed to make Christmas very special.”

With her hard work and generosity in mind, Burright started the Christmas Family Adoption Foundation in 2004. The organization works with case workers and school counselors who nominate families with children to receive presents each December. “We keep growing every year,” says Burright, adding that they have since “adopted” and helped more than 6,900 families.

Families can help those nominated by becoming an adopting angel on the foundation’s website. Each nominated family — ranging in size from two to 10 people — provides their holiday wishlist, including household goods, clothes, toys and more. Registered angels can then shop for these items to give as presents and deliver them directly to families, or to the case workers and school counselors who nominated them.

“As a board, we also adopt some of the families that have not been adopted (by the public),” says Burright. He adds that the community can also help out by shopping, wrapping and delivering gifts for families the organization adopts.

Visit christmasfamilyadoption.com to learn more and volunteer. — Tiffany Hill

It’s Diwali

By Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Sehgal and illustrated by Archana Sreenivasan

By Michelle Sterling and illustrated by Dung Ho

Tracey Kyle and illustrated by Marina Astudillo

Tano and Madeline Shier, the children’s book buyers

across the world with fun and interesting festivities, foods

or order online at powells.com.

SIMON & SCHUSTER

SIMON & SCHUSTER SIMON & SCHUSTER

PENGUIN

Getaway: Stevenson, Washington

While it’s only a one-hour car ride away, rattling across the Bridge of the Gods to Stevenson, Washington truly feels like a much farther getaway. The charming, cozy and extremely kid-friendly Skamania Lodge (pictured right) makes a great homebase. Pro tip: Adjoining rooms give your family some extra space! Enjoy the hiking trails, a fun putting course (pictured bottom), a disc-golf course, a zipline and aerial course, and an 18hole golf course, all on the property. For more indoorsy members of your family, there’s also an indoor pool, spa, and a gorgeous, 85-foot-tall fireplace in the lobby.

On select December dates, sign up for kidfriendly workshops such as building a stuffed animal or decorating gingerbread houses. Find out more at skamania.com.

If the weather is cooperative, mountain-bike enthusiasts should go off the property to check out the Strawberry Island Trail in North Bonneville. Stay on the loop for an easier ride or bike up to the viewpoint for a more challenging time. Also be sure to explore the nearby Columbia River Interpretive Center (pictured left). This three-level museum thoughtfully starts with displays about the Gorge’s Native peoples and continues to cover trappers, steamboats, the building of Bonneville Dam and much more. Don’t miss the 12-minute movie about the massive geological shifts that formed the Columbia River Gorge. Pro tip: Purchase a Groupon for discounted admission. And then see the dam in action at the Bonneville Dam and Lock Washington Shore Visitors Complex. You’ll also find exhibits that focus on electricity, hydroelectric dams and salmon. For another kid-friendly hike, head to the nearby Fort Cascade Historic Sites Trail, a flat 1.5-mile loop that takes you to the site of an ancient portage used by the Cowlitz, Siletz and Confederated Tribes of Grande Ronde — an area that later became a U.S. Army fort. On your way home, make a stop at Cascade Locks’ Eastwind Drive-In; it’s old-school burgers, chicken fingers and onion rings done right. And then order a kids’ or small extra-creamy soft serve (you’ve been warned!). We highly recommend the mocha cappuccino and butterscotch flavors. — Denise Castañon

In the Know: Getting Ahead

Calling all parents of 3- and 4-year-olds looking to jumpstart their kids’ education: Portland Public Schools’ Head Start Program has vacancies. The free program for low-income families helps toddlers prepare for kindergarten through age-appropriate school readiness and socialization. Each school year, nearly 650 students benefit from Head Start, and as of press time there are still 149 spots open.

“Vacancies are typical at the beginning of each school year as families are enrolled,” says Robert Cantwell, the Head Start director. “During the pandemic, most Head Start programs have experienced challenges with enrollment.”

There are 36 Head Start classrooms across the PPS school district. But the program’s benefits extend beyond the school. Cantwell says Head Start offers support services for health and nutrition, mental health, housing insecurity, food insecurity and employment. “We have a very active Parent Policy Council with lots of leadership opportunities,” he says. Visit pps.net/head-start to learn more and apply. — T.H.

Ask Dr. Baynham

Q: We have lots of indoor gatherings planned with family and friends. What can we do to mitigate the risk of getting sick (from COVID, the flu and colds)?

A: This winter we have almost three years of experience with hand washing, mask wearing and knowing when to stay home. We are all experts in reducing disease transmission now! Let’s review a few key points to make sure everyone enjoys time with family and friends while transmitting the least amount of illness possible.

First, get vaccinated! By this time everyone should have had their flu shot and bivalent COVID boosters, which are available for everyone 5 years of age and older. This one is easy.

Secondly, if you are sick, stay home. A big change we have seen with COVID (maybe even a silver lining?) is that people are generally much better at staying home if they have symptoms. You want to

share love and memories, not germs. Two major circulating viruses in the winter include influenza and RSV. These can potentially be much more severe for infants under 2 and those with risk factors (such as asthma) than COVID. There is no vaccine or treatment for RSV, so avoidance is the best strategy. I am often asked if it’s OK for a sick guest to attend gatherings while wearing a mask. That’s up to you — know that there is still a risk of transmission, especially when the mask comes off for eating and drinking holiday treats.

Finally, keep up the great work with good hand-washing practices. Wash hands before and after food preparation and eating to your song of choice for at least 20 seconds with warm and soapy water.

In summary, get vaccinated, stay home if you’re sick, wash your hands, and have a wonderful holiday season!

Pediatrician, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatrics and mom of two, Allison Baynham, M.D., knows what it takes to raise healthy, resilient children. Come bond, share your struggles and team with her for great care at Metropolitan Pediatrics in Tigard.

GAIL PARK

Playlist: Dino Rock

If your kids can’t get enough of dinosaurs, then Dinosaurs & Monsters, the fourth album from YouTube phenomenon Howdytoons, will blow their minds. Each track features catchy lyrics stuffed with actual dino facts in a thoroughly fun variety of musical genres. The tracks Bachiosaurus and Kronosaurus are the perfect opportunity to teach your kids how to head bang and shred on an air guitar. Heavy metal dinosaur rock, what’s not to love? The cool Reggae beats on Diplodocus mellow things out, as does the gentle South Indian classical vibe of Stegosaurus. But I’m a Pterodactyl, is pure anthem rock that will have your kids singing along: “I’m a Pterodactyl/ I’m not a dinosaur cause I can fly!” This album is a true treat for dinosaur lovers. Find out more at howdytoons.com. — D.C.

HOWDYTOONS

Kids Rate Portland’s

Portland has once again ranked No. 1 as Best Foodie City in America by WalletHub. The affordability and accessibility of our food scene and sheer amount of restaurants in Portland helped us secure the top spot. And that’s great news for Portlanders. But, of course, not all Portlanders love the creativity and diversity of our vibrant dining scene. We, in fact, live with some of them. We’re talking about our kids. For our food and dining issue, we sample some of Portland’s hottest food trends that shore up our status as a top food and dining destination — with our opinionated kids in tow. And we’ve also got some tips to help your kids broaden their palates to enjoy all the dining treasures Portland has to offer.

Trend: Ube

Ube, a purple sweet potato commonly found in Filipino desserts, is having an Instagram moment. With its subtle vanilla-white-chocolate flavor and photogenic, gloriously purple hue, ube is popping up throughout Portland in lattes, doughnuts, cheesecake and more.

My kids are not super adventurous eaters (though my daughter happily ate everything when she was a toddler), but they don’t usually turn down sweets. Before trying our first ube treat, specially requested ube caffeine-free steamer lattes ($3 each) at Portland Cà Phê one iced (pictured above) and one hot — I talked up the cool color and subtly sweet flavor. They were pumped to taste test.

My 10-year-old daughter, Adela, made her “I don’t hate it, but I don’t love it face” with her first taste of the espresso-free iced latte. My 7-year-old son, Cruz, took a thoughtful first sip of his hot latte and a few more. He then tried his sister’s iced version. He kind of liked it. Both kids liked the hot drink better than the iced because of its thicker, creamy texture. I considered their willingness to try something new, even if they weren’t over the moon about it, a win.

Hottest Food Trends

delicious and especially buttery. The ube was the perfect addition to the already subtle dessert and elevated the vanilla flavor. When Adela and Cruz got home from school, I lined up all the desserts and let them have at it. They exclaimed in delight about the color of the cheesecake (pictured above), Adela called it “violently violet.” They took tentative bites, then not-so-tentative bites. Cruz started shoveling the ensaymada into his mouth, but he later said the cheesecake was his favorite. They both agreed the butter mochi was the best that they’d had and liked how much crusty exterior it had. Adela couldn’t pick a favorite, saying that all three ube desserts were extremely delicious. Even after the somewhat lackluster response to the ube latte, I am going to say my kids approve of Portland’s ube trend. — Denise Castañon Portland Cà Phê, 2815 SE Holgate Blvd., portlandcaphe.com St. Barbra Pinoy Bakery, 2311 SW 6th Ave., stbarbra.com.

Then I ventured to St. Barbra Pinoy Bakery, a Filipino bakery in Southwest Portland, and brought home more ube Pro tip: This bakery is hard to find and nearby construction makes parking scarce. Expect to circle around a few times.) I picked up an ube ensaymada, a frosted brioche roll rippled with ube (pictured left, $2.75); a fabulously purple ube cheesecake ($5.50); and ube butter mochi, a pleasantly gummy Japanese rice treat with a slightly crunchy exterior (pictured far left, $2.75). My kids are already fans of butter mochi. (They do have some Portland foodie traits!) I couldn’t resist trying a piece of the butter mochi before they got home from school and I thought it was mind-blowingly

More

places to try ube: HeyDay Donuts, find their pop-up shops at heydaypdx.com Magna Kusina offers an ube cassava cake, magnapdx.com Less and More Coffee also offers an ube latte, lessandmorecoffee.square.site.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MEG ASBY AND DENISE CASTAÑON

Ideas to help your kids become adventurous eaters!

Sample at Salt & Straw. Trying something new is easier when it’s ice cream.

Make it easy. Let them order their favorite, and offer bites of your (more adventurous) meal.

Use positive peer pressure. Eat with more adventurous friends.

Make it silly. It’s easier to eat potatoes and broccoli, if you call it a snow covered mountain with trees.

Get cooking. Kids are more likely to try something if they have a hand in making it. And if you want someone else teaching them, check out kids’ cooking classes from Cookshop, Little Kitchen Academy and The Merry Kitchen.

Talk about your yums. Instead of talking about your child’s experience during the meal, talk about your own. A love of food is contagious. — M.A.

Trend: Street Food

The biggest barrier to dining out for many families is cost, which is why street food is one of my favorite trends. Affordable and fast, street food also lends itself nicely to teaching children to be more adventurous. The experience sets them up for success; no one is going to tell you to sit still at a food cart, and eating outside makes it easier to manage messes. Your food is often handed to you by the person who made it, making the shared food culture especially personal. The biggest plus for me is that the food is often spectacularly delicious, and that is never more true than at ¡Chayo! on Southeast Division. [Editor’s note: Chayo is currently closed for the season, but thankfully, there are other great street food options listed below to try this winter.]

My children are always asking for a grilled cheese “with crispies,” those crunchy bits of cheese that ooze out of the sandwich and crisp in the pan. So when I saw the Gringa on the menu with its layer of crisped cheese wrapped around carne asada, I knew I had a winner. My 9-year-old daughter opted for the special of the day, the Adobado Gringa (pictured left, $10), just like the classic but with pork loin. The trio of toppings — pico de gallo slaw, avocado salsa and fire roasted tomato salsa — perfectly complement but don’t overpower the meat. And while this is definitely a cart that’s meatforward, there are two vegetarian options on the menu that look amazing, and three tacos can be made gluten free.

I took one bite of the Gringa and wished I had ordered two. My husband and I kept eyeing our daughter to see if she would reject her taco and give it to us, but, unfortunately for us, she loved it. We also tried the Sonoran Hot Dog ($7.50), wrapped in bacon and topped with caramelized onion, pickled jalapeño, tomato, mustard and crema. It was great, but the tacos were the stars of the show. You can also order a child’s cheese quesadilla or bacon wrapped hot dog for a mere $4. We also ordered a Mexican Coca Cola, sweetened with cane sugar instead of corn syrup, which brought on an unexpected rush of nostalgia for the grown-ups.

The charming seating area in the back is covered, so not even Portland rain should keep you from this ultimate taco experience. Check Chayo’s social media for potential changes to hours before you go. — Meg Asby ¡Chayo!, 3601 SE Division St., on Instagram @chayopdx. Check Instagram for when they will re-open.

More places to try street food:

Hand-rolled, deep-fried taquitos take center stage at Tito’s Taquitos, titostaquitos.square.site. Try the Italian sandwiches on cart-made bread at Sorbu Paninoteca, sorbupdx.com. Vietnamese flavors meld with American-style sandos and burgers at Matta, mattapdx.com.

Trend: Portland Pizza

With Netflix’s recent Chef’s Table pizza episode that featured Sarah Minnick of Lovely’s Fifty Fifty, there’s renewed buzz over Portland’s genre-defying and utterly delicious pizza scene. So much buzz that our first attempt to snag a Lovely’s table at 5:30 pm on a Sunday evening ended with us being told the wait was an hour and a half. We decided to try again midweek.

My kids have had plenty of pizza at top-notch places such as Apizza Scholls and Rally Pizza. But we always let them pick their favorites. Plain cheese for Adela and pepperoni for Cruz. We went to Lovely’s Fifty Fifty with the expectation that they’d try the seasonal combinations, not their usual choices. (We watched the Chef’s Table episode before going to the restaurant, so Adela and Cruz were impressed and eager to try the unexpected topping combinations.)

We arrived at 4:50 pm on a Wednesday in the hopes of being in the first seating when the restaurant opened at 5 pm. It worked. We started with Castelvetrano olives and two salads: the garden lettuces with Point Reyes blue cheese and roasted beets, and the little gem lettuces with creamy garlic dressing, Parmigiano Reggiano and bread crumbs ($14 for each). My kids eat a variety of veggies, but don’t like salad or dressing. But they both ate one piece of little gems salad and hesitantly admitted it was pretty good! My husband and I thought the preparation of the salads really made the quality of the produce shine.

Since the menu said the pizzas were 12 inches, we ordered three. Pro tip: The pies are definitely big enough for two people; two pies would have been plenty for the four of us. We tried the corinna potatoes two ways with kale and parsley pesto ($28). Adela loves potatoes. She finished the half slice we gave her to try and asked for another! And then waxed poetic about the pizza. “Pizza shouldn’t be allowed to be that good,” Adela said. “It’s not at the top of the pizza ladder, it’s in the clouds!” She’s learning about metaphors in school right now.

We also tried fennel sausage, kale and fontal pizza ($29), which was good. But our third pie, the chanterelle mushroom, onion, spinach, gremolata and extagerai cheese pizza ($29), was even better. With the combination of toppings, the chanterelle almost took on a bacon flavor. Adela tried it even though she isn’t a fan of most of the toppings. “I can stand the mushroom and onion because the cheese pops out,” she said.

Cruz was less of a fan of all the pizza. But he did love the crust that had a sourdough tang and some whole-grain flour. All four of us gushed about the crust. “We make good pizza, but this crust tells me we need to keep working on it,” said my husband. “The crust is amazing,” said Adela. “It’s roasty and crunchy and nearly burned — but just perfect.”

The Chef’s Table episode also covered the ice cream Sarah Minnick creates. The kids really wanted to try the fig leaf and vanilla bean flavor ($6) that was mentioned in the episode, so we ordered it along with a scoop of the malted milk ice cream with Valrhona hot fudge sauce ($9). With our first bites, we all started loudly exclaiming about the ice cream. “This is the best ice cream in Portland,” my husband declared.

I think I need to find every TV show that has ever featured a Portland restaurant and show it to my kids. Watching Chef’s Table and understanding how much chefs in Portland think about what they are creating, seeing how much work goes into the food we get served was a lightbulb moment for them. It really made them willing to expand their food horizons and gave them some pride in the fact that they live in a place where people care passionately about food. — D.C. Lovely’s Fifty Fifty, 4039 N Mississippi Ave., lovelys5050.com.

The Wish List

We rounded up the best gift ideas for your kiddos — from tot to teen — according to their interests. There are creative presents for artsy children, cool kits for your tech-savvy tween, accessories for your budding fashionista, baby must-haves and so much more.

BY ALI WILKINSON

ARTS

When shopping for kids, you can’t go wrong with art. These gifts are great for keeping kids entertained while exercising their creative muscles.

Oregon Children’s Theatre performance. Expand your child’s sense of creativity and make believe with a fun, kid-approved show, or class, produced by Oregon Children’s Theatre (OCT). OCT offers gift certificates — perfect for taking in a show as a family (tickets start $12) or attending an Acting Academy class.

Music in Montreal puzzle. Feel the spirit of the holidays with this festive, wintery, 1,000-piece puzzle. Available at Grasshopper. $24.

Michelle with Peonies paint by number kit. Local artist Rachel Austin makes it easy to create an inspirational piece of art. Recommended for ages 13 and up. Available at Crafty Wonderland. $38.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RESPECTIVE MANUFACTURERS

JEREMY DANIEL

Shrinkies ultimate collection. Do you all remember the joy that was Shrinky Dinks? Bring that delight to your favorite kiddos with this fun assortment of color-in Shrinkies. Ages 5 and up. Available at Kazoodles Toys. $12.99.

The Reverse Coloring Book. For the kid who has gone through all the coloring books. In this book, the colors are already there — they just need to draw in the lines. Available at Collage. $14.95.

5 Stocking Stuffer Ideas

These small presents pack a punch!

Cat Donuts Color Changing Bath Book. The title kind of says it all. Available at Black Wagon. $10.

Tenzi Dice Game. The fastest player to get all ten dice on the same number wins! Available at Hammer and Jacks. $16.

Dark Arts Magic black light. Your kid can make their glow-in-the-dark products glow longer. Available at Collage. $7.

Set of three wooden instruments. It’s never too early to foster a love of music. These beautiful and durable wooden instruments are a great first set for your toddler. Available at Made You Look. $56.

Soap for Cat People. The perfect gift for the cat lover in your life. Available at Presents of Mind. $11.

Galaxy Nightlight. Your little can tame the monsters with this stellar nightlight. Available at New Seasons and Kikkerland.com. $7.

DRESS UP AND PRETEND PLAY

The sky’s the limit with these imaginative gifts.

Starry Night dragon cloak. Reenact the Wings of Fire books or let your kid create their own character with this dragon cloak. Available at Oodles. $34.99.

Pretend & Play cash register money, give change, and even swipe a credit card. This toy, which has won 23 awards, is the perfect addition to any pretend store. Ages 3-6. Available at Thinker Toys. $44.99.

Hair chalk. From toddler to teen, sometimes kids just want to mix things up. Get a temporary new look with an assortment of 12 hair chalks. Ages 3 and up. Available at Oodles. $27.99.

Glow Battle, ninja style. Unleash your child’s inner warrior with this set of four glowing katanas and four dojo markers. The game also includes ideas for more expanded group play. Ages 8 and up. Available at MudPuddles Toys & Books. $39.99.

Bird’s Nest Café. Your kid can run their own café with this complete coffee shop set up. Make tea or cappuccinos, serve sandwiches or pastries, or make a panini for their most discerning customers. Ages 3 and up. Available at Grasshopper. $140.

Gift a sewing class. Help your budding tailor hone their sewing skills – or learn the basics – with a one-off class, like sewing stockings or cloth napkins. Available at Modern Domestic. $42.

Catapults & Crossbows experiments kit. Your kid will learn physics while perfecting the art of medieval weaponry. This kit makes 10 different models. Ages 8 and up. Available at Finnegan’s Toys & Gifts. $25.

Azul. This multiple award-winning tile placement and strategy game is many games in one. Ages 8 and up. Available at Cloud Cap Games. $40.

Brew It Yourself Caveman Cola. If your kiddo is constantly asking to help in the kitchen, they’ll love making home-brewed soda, while also learning chemistry. Uses all-natural ingredients, and a little brain power. Ages 8 and up. Available at Black Wagon. $20.  Forensic Science Lab. Follow the clues to figure out whodunit. In this kit, mini investigators have all the tools to dust for prints, match DNA, test fiber samples and more. Best for ages 8 and up. Available at MudPuddles Toys & Books. $39.99.

Robotikits: Solar Wild Boar. What do kids love  better than building a robot? Building a solar-powered one that looks like a wild boar, of course! Ages 8 and up. Available at Thinker Toys. $15.99.

The Genius Square. For kids who could spend hours at the OMSI brain teasers! There’s always at least one solution to this brainteaser game. Best for ages 6 and up. Available at Hammer and Jacks. $28.

Gifts for Baby (but are really for you!)

OMSI membership. The science playground is a great place to hang out with other caregivers while your littlest one explores. $115 for annual family membership. Omsi.edu/membership.

On-the-go changing mat. Be prepared anywhere with this attractive changing mat. Available at Grasshopper. $35.

Magnetic PJs. Why do snaps when you can do magnets? It’s brilliant! And adorable! Available at the Bull & the Bee. $59.99.

Taco teether. Everything is cuter with tacos. Even babies. Available at Grasshopper. $26.

STEMWith all the cool kits and experiments out there, your kids won’t even realize that they’re learning while playing.

TRENDY

Get the gift everyone will be talking about.

Playmobil Waterpark with Slides

Bring the joy of summer fun to your child any time of the year. This Playmobil waterpark can be filled with water, includes a usable diving board and slide, and lots of other fun features. Ages 4-10. Available at Oodles. $70.99.

Scavenger Hunt Potions Kit

Your curious explorer will enjoy hunting for (natural) treasures. They can then make them into magical potions. Comes with seven recipes to try, or make your own! Ages 4 and up. Available at Collage. $25.

Virtual Reality Dinosaurs. With this kit, your kiddo can safely view dinosaurs that look so real they can almost touch them. The kit includes VR googles, a dig-out fossil and an informative, colorful book on dinos. Best for ages 8 and up. Available at Kazoodles Toys. $49.99.

Like Herding Cats. Nothing says family bonding like looking utterly ridiculous together. In this miming, cooperative game, your family will be sure to giggle their way to hilarious family memories. Available at MudPuddles Toys & Books. Best for ages 10 and up. $19.99.

Ali Wilkinson is a Portland-based mom, writer, and lawyer. She loves exploring the Pacific Northwest with her family, particularly when those explorations lead outdoors.

PHOTOS

WHERE TO BUY:

Black Wagon, Blackwagon.com, 3964 N Mississippi Ave.

the Bull & the Bee, Bullandbeebaby. com, 7044 SE Milwaukie Ave.

Cloud Cap Games, Cloudcapgames. com, 1226 SE Lexington St.

Collage, Collagepdx.com, 1639 NE Alberta St., 7701 SE Division St. and 1634 SE Bybee Blvd.

Crafty Wonderland, Craftywonderland.com, 808 SW 10th Ave. and 2022 NE Alberta St.

Grasshopper, Grasshopperstore.com, 1816 NE Alberta St.

Finnegan’s Toys & Gifts, Finneganstoys.com, online only.

Hammer and Jacks, Hammerandjacks. com, 6406 SE Foster Rd.

Kazoodles Toys, Kazoodlestoys.com, 13503 SE Mill Plain Blvd, Ste. #B-3, Vancouver, WA.

Made You Look, Madeyoulookpdx. com, online only.

Modern Domestic, Moderndomesticpdx.com, 422 NE Alberta St.

MudPuddles Toys & Books, mudpuddlestoys.com, 2305 NW Kearney St.

OMSI, Omsi.edu, 1945 SE Water St.

Oodles, Oodlesoftoys.com, 7727 SE 13th Ave.

Oregon Children’s Theatre, Octc.org

Presents of Mind, Presentsofmind.tv, 3633 SE Hawthorne Blvd.,

Thinker Toys, Thinkertoysoregon.com, 7784 SW Capitol Hwy.

BOOKSTORE

Winner: Powell’s City of Books

Multiple locations, powells.com

GAME STORE

Winner: Guardian Games

345 SE Taylor St., ggportland.com

TOY STORE

We all know and love Powell’s, and it’s a repeat PDX Parent Picks winner for good reason: It’s the largest locally owned bookstore — in the world! That means there’s a page-turner for every member of the family, including a solid children’s book section with weekly Saturday morning storytimes, events and more.

Top 5

Annie Bloom’s Books

A Children’s Place Bookstore

Green Bean Books

Maggie Mae’s Kids Bookshop

MudPuddles Toys & Books

Calling all gamers — Guardian Games is your ultimate gaming destination. This Southeast shop specializes in all types of games, including tabletop, board, mini-figure, role playing, collectable card games and more. So whether your kiddo is into Pokémon, Warhammer or Settlers of Catan (or all three), the friendly staff can help them get their game on. Guardian Games also hosts frequent events and game nights, where players can strategize, share, build community and more. It’s a win-win!

Top 5

Bricks & Minifigs Cloud Cap Games

Other World Games & Comics Rainy Day Games Red Castle Games

COMIC BOOK SHOP

Winner: Books With Pictures 1401 SE Division St., bookswithpictures.com

Winner: Thinker Toys

7784 SW Capitol Hwy., thinkertoysoregon.com

Three-time PDX Parent Picks winner, Thinker Toys knows what kids love. This toy store, located in Multnomah Village, has fun toys for babies to teens, from stuffies, to dress-up costumes to STEM kits to board games. Thinker Toys also makes it easy to shop: You can visit the Southwest store for in-person shopping or curbside pick-up. They also have an easy-to-use website, and offer toy delivery to most Portland and Lake Oswego zip codes. Buying a gift? The staff at Thinker Toys will wrap your items for you — for free! And don’t forget to grab one of their frequent buyer cards; shoppers can earn store credit up to $50 after 12 purchases.

Top 5

Bricks & Minifigs

Hammer and Jacks Kids at Heart Toys

MudPuddles Toys & Books Piccolo Mondo Toys

Top 5

Bridge City Comics

Comic Cave

Cosmic Monkey Comics

Head down Division Street and into Books With Pictures for all your comic-book needs. This shop is woman-owned and kidfriendly. Readers will find a wide variety of comics, from wellknown Marvel and DC series to locally published books. The children’s section is robust and you can even find coloring books here. And most Fridays from 3 to 5 pm, Books With Pictures holds queer and trans youth safe space hours, where tweens and teens can hang out, browse the shelves and read. This year, the comic book shop also held its inaugural Books With Pictures Con, featuring live music, activities and guest speakers.

Excalibur Books and Comics

Things from Another World

The votes are in and we are rolling out the final winners of the 2022 PDX Parent Picks! Here are more of our readers’ top choices in the Shopping category. Find the complete list of winners at pdxparent.com/picks-winners.

THINKER TOYS

Into the Wonderwood field trip

STORY AND PHOTOS BY KATE HAGAN GALLUP

Portland parents in search of an adventure won’t want to miss Wonderwood in the St. Johns neighborhood, the new art installation by local “public joy creator,” Mike Bennett of Dinolandia fame. Consisting of both a walkthrough art experience and themed cafe, Bennett brings to life fantastical characters and landscapes for visitors to explore.

I went opening weekend with my husband and our 7-year-old son. Families enter the part digital, part board game adventure portal which starts with a short introductory video. Playing the role of “Brave Hero,” guests are welcomed to the magical realm of Wonderwood. The quest: Travel through the realm and deliver Castle Maplehold from the Scourge. With limited group entry of roughly one family at a time, there’s no need to worry that your Wonderwood journey will be crowded, and masks are strongly encouraged to help keep patrons safe as well.

Our first stop was the quiet farm, with whimsical clouds and pastoral scenery at every viewpoint. The lighting is a series of reds, blues and purples to set the scene. The tour (or adventure) follows Lord Sap’s evil magic as plants and objects begin to magically come to life. Narratives posted on the wall helped us follow the story as illustrated chaos continues into the town square with Hench-things and bug-eyed unicorns. During our opening weekend visit, we had an extra special treat: We met two unicorns that my first-grade son described as “really real” — absolutely adorable horned ponies that enjoyed petting and selfies.

The story encouraged us to be brave as we traveled through the town toward the castle, dodging leaky sewer pipes and the rat king. While there is only one route, it’s at your own pace, so if a moment feels too scary or crowded you can speed through. Next, we encountered the royal family, drawn as captives behind bars. My son was enthusiastic

about helping them escape. The moral of the story at the end focuses on kindness and forgiveness, followed by an optional route to the gift shop where you can take home some magical beasts of your own (for a price). Our family was so enamored with the plastic yard signs that we went back to purchase some dinos on our way to the car.

Directly across the alley from the art exhibit is Wonderwood Springs, a brick-andmortar cafe decorated in the Wonderwood theme. We continued our fantastical journey, which featured intricately painted boards on the barrel tables and rope lighting with Bennett’s hanging plant illustrations.

When we visited on the opening weekend, the cafe offered a limited menu featuring delicious, themed treats. Highlights included snail cookies ($4) illustrated in Bennett’s artistic style and latte potions including a Butter Brew and a Royal Raisin Latte ($6.50 each for 16-ounces). My kid also loved the gummy and gold-coin goodie bags ($5) and we all enjoyed the Butter Brew and the

Portland artist Mike Bennett’s newest family-friendly immersive art experience in St. Johns is also home to a themed café. Find out what you need to know before you go with your kids.

If You Go:

Wonderwood costs are a suggested donation of $8 per person; children ages 5 and under are free. The cafe opens at 8 am daily and the art installation at 11 am (closed Mondays), so plan your journey if you want to visit both. There is limited parking behind Wonderwood leading to an alley between the two locations. Pro tip: Don’t miss the painted exteriors in the alley which also offers overflow cafe seating and additional photo ops. The main exhibit entrance and exit also have ADA-accessible ramps and the cafe has no stairs. There is a unisex, single-stall bathroom sans changing table. Pro tip: The interior art is worth a trip to the bathroom alone. Wonderwood, The Scourge of Castle Maplehold: 7410 N Chicago Ave.; Wonderwood Springs Cafe: 8811 N Lombard St.; wonderwoodsprings.com.

sugar cookies. The café also has a series of lunch and breakfast sandwiches (listed from $8 to $11 each) plus and a variety of bagels. We tried the toasted cheddar bagel with cream cheese ($4). For adults, there’s also wine and ciders and beers by the can. There’s also a large selection of stickers at the counter and a merchandise section at the back. The staff was lovely, the food was good, but the ambiance was absolutely fantastic. Both locations are excellent for both the young and the young-at-heart looking for affordable and unique family fun.

Kate Hagan Gallup has experience with marketing clients big and small. A mother to a little boy, her most recent roles and digital skills help share her passion for parenting, eco-consciousness and all things food with a larger audience.

delightful displays

You may have already walked through some of the Portland area’s light displays, like the Oregon Zoo’s Zoolights, the Christmas Light Festival at the Grotto, Winter Wonderland at the Portland International Raceway and the Oregon Garden’s Silverton Christmas Market. But local organizations are cranking out even more dazzling displays starting this month. Visit Beaverton’s Winter Lights for a tree lighting downtown and a holiday bazaar hosted by Beaverton High School (beavertonoregon.gov/502/BeavertonWinter-Lights). Don’t miss twinkling lights aboard a festooned fleet during the annual Christmas Ships (pictured right). These decorated boats chug down the Willamette and Columbia on select December nights (christmasships. org). A tour of holiday light displays isn’t complete without a trip to Peacock Lane, Portland’s Christmas Street. Neighbors go all out decorating their homes beginning on Thursday, December 15 (peacocklane.org). — Tiffany Hill

spread the cheer

One of the best ways to spread the holiday spirit is by giving back. And there are plenty of ways to volunteer with the whole family this winter (and the rest of the year!). Help end food insecurity in the Portland area by volunteering at the Oregon Food Bank (oregonfoodbank.org/get-involved/volunteer). Have your kiddos donate their gently used books to the Children’s Book Bank — which has merged with SMART (smartreading.org/bookbank). Families can also help clean, sort and distribute books. Help neighbors experiencing homelessness at Blanchet House (blanchethouse. org/get-involved). Families can volunteer — from home! — by making sack lunches and hygiene kits, as well as donating winter clothing. Pride Northwest is also seeking winter items for its Fall Community Support Drive (pridenw.org/community-supportdrive). Pro tip: For more ideas on how to volunteer with your family, visit pdxparent. com/category/volunteer. — T.H.

Find more family fun on our online calendar: pdxparent.com/events-calendar.

holly and jolly

There’s just something about going to the theater around the holidays. Treat the family to a fun night — or afternoon — out with these festive performances. Be sure to watch A Very Merry PDX-mas presented by the Broadway Rose Theatre Company in Tigard (broadwayrose.org/pdx-mas). This play celebrates all things Portland. For those looking for a laugh, there’s Elf, the Musical on stage at Lakewood Theatre Company (lakewood-center.org)

Pro Tip: Little audiences can enjoy two performances of Elf, Jr., the Musical on Saturdays, December 10 and 17. This adaptation is shorter and features student performances.

Don’t miss the Oregon Ballet Theatre’s production of The Nutcracker (obt.org/2022-23season/nutcracker-2022) or Portland Ballet’s A Victorian Nutcracker (portlandballet. org/vicnut22). Transport to the Hawaiian Islands during a Kalani Pe a Hawaiian Christmas at the Reser in Beaverton (thereser.org/event/ kalani-peas-hawaiian-christmas).

T.H.

Be

Santa represents

We love that Portland offers so many magical iterations of the Big Guy in Red, including some that provide an extra connection for children of color or a calmer space for kids with autism.

Leroy Barber, Portland’s Black Santa, has seven dates up on his calendar so far, including a parade on Saturday, December 10. Find out more and register at blacksantapdx.com PILEA Play in Multnomah Village is hosting a visit from Asian-American Santa on Saturday, December 3 The $50 package includes an hour of play at the indoor play space, guaranteed one-on-one time with Santa and 3-by-5-inch edited photos with Santa. Register at pileaplay.com. And the tattooed Hipster Santa is back at Pioneer Place. This year, both Hipster Santa and traditional Santa will hang out downtown December 1-24. Additionally, Pioneer Place will be hosting the sensory-friendly Santa Cares Day on December 4. Register at whereissanta.com/mall/0042

And traditional Santas will be popping up at several malls. Get photos now through December 24 at Washington Square Mall. Pro tip: Santa Cares, a sensory-friendly experience, is slated for Sunday, December 4. Register at whereissanta.com/mall/0608 Bridgeport Village has moved Santa’s Cozy Cottage next to Regal Theaters. And there’s a Silent Santa sensory-friendly option, too. Book online to see him there through Saturday, December 24: amusemattebooksanta.com/bridgeport-village. On the eastside, Santa is showing up at Clackamas Town Center through Saturday, December 24. And the sensoryfriendly Santa is on Sunday, December 4. Register at whereissanta.com/mall/0975. And the Lloyd Center’s Santa station lets you snap your own photos with the big guy for a $10 donation that benefits the Salvation Army. Saturday and Sunday, December 10-11, and December 17-24. Book your time at bookeo.com/lloydcenter Pro tip: Saturday and Sunday, December 3-4 are the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who, and Nightmare Before Christmas meet and greets, respectively. — Denise Castañon

cruisin’ on through

If you’re looking for a festive way to spend the morning with your little, then hop aboard the Portland Spirit for its annual Cinnamon Bear Breakfast Cruise. The whole family can indulge in tasty morning-time foods, while the Cinnamon Bear and his friends from Maybeland entertain with stories, music and more. Tickets also include a souvenir picture with Cinnamon Bear atop his magical throne. Weekend days, December 4-27. Tickets start at $64 for adults and $48 for children 0-12. Visit portlandspirit.com/cruise/cinnamonbear. — T.H.

CRAIG MITCHELLDYER

OREGON BALLET THEATRE

AARON GREENE

time out

engine-eous rides

All aboard! Holiday trains are ready to take you aboard for a cheerful journey along the Willamette River, the Oregon Coast and through Hood River. Sit back, enjoy the view, and sip on hot cocoa while your littles give Santa their holiday wish list. There’s the Holiday Express, run by the Oregon Rail Heritage Center, that departs from Oaks Amusement Park (orhf.org/events/holiday-express); the Candy Cane Express, organized by the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad (oregoncoastscenic.org/candy-caneexpress), that runs from Garibaldi to Rockaway Beach and back and the Mt. Hood Christmas Train in Hood River, departing from the quaint Mt. Hood Railroad depot (mthoodrr.com/trainrides/the-train-to-christmas-town). — T.H.

city center concerts

On your mark, get set, sing! The Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition is a team, a capella sing-off at Pioneer Courthouse Square — and you can help pick the winner. Participating groups gather around downtown performing their spins on holiday carols. The top three groups will then compete in a “carol-off” and the winning team, decided by audience applause, will take home $1,000. Friday, December 9 starting at 6 pm. And then 200 tuba players will spread holiday cheer as only they can at the 31st annual Tuba Christmas. This festive brass concert is truly one-of-a-kind. Saturday, December 10, 1:30-3 pm. Both events are at Pioneer Courthouse Square. Free. Visit thesqarepdx.org for more info. — D.C.

Hanukkah highlights

The Mittleman Jewish Community Center (MJCC) and Ora are hosting a Hanukkah Fair. It’s the perfect chance to stock up on lovely gifts for eight days of giving. Monday to Friday, December 5-9. Monday and Tuesday, 9 am-7:30 pm; Wednesday and Thursday, 9 am-5 pm; Friday, 9 am-3 pm. At Mittleman Jewish Community Center, 6651 SW Capitol Hwy. MJCC is also hosting a Lighting and Latkes celebration. Find music and fun at the community, candle-lighting celebration. Wednesday, December 21, 5 pm.

And Chabad of Oregon will light Portland's public Hanukkah menorah at Pioneer Courthouse Square, Sunday December 18 to Sunday December 25. First night festivities start at 4 pm on December 18 and include live music, Hanukkah food and more. ChabadOregon. com/Hanukkah — D.C.

OREGON RAIL HERITAGE FOUNDATION

MITTLEMAN

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER

PIONEER COURTHOUSE SQUARE

Welcome back to checkups for kids.

If your child has missed out on health care over the past few years, our providers are ready to welcome them back. Well-child visits, screenings, immunizations, teeth cleanings, youth mental health and more. Best of all, if you’re a CareOregon member, it’s free.

careoregon.org/kids