PDX Parent June/July 2023

90+ ideas for fun in the sun

TRACTOR TALK

FREE: Farmer Kat brings out a different farm animal to learn about and pet.

Family-friendly concerts are back! Free 5+ under. $7.50 Kids, $15 Adults. Tix: topazfarm.com 6PM, JULY & AUGUST

FREE: Farmer Jim lets your little farmer explore a different tractor each week.

By Meg Asby, Denise Castañon, Kate Hagan and Tiffany Hill.

By Denise Castañon and

By Kat Merck.

Sunny Days

Don’t worry if you don’t have plans with the kids this summer, this whole issue is packed with ideas for your family’s most fun Portland summer ever! Find Your Family’s Dream Staycation on page 12 where we’ve curated a list of 17 new places and lesser-known gems for you to check out while the kids are out of school. There’s a new pod with LGBTQ+ and BIPOC-owned carts, pickleball courts you’ll want to hang at, Mike Bennett’s new interactive exhibit, shiny new splash pads, a new, inclusive playground, and much more.

Plus, our big summer calendar is back. Managing editor Tiffany Hill and I listed at least one family-friendly event or activity for every single day of June, July and August. Even better, many events on the daily calendar, including a laser light show, open-air Shakespeare, playground romps, concerts in the park and summer outdoor movies, are all free! We know that when you are keeping your kids busy over the summer, free is good!

And we also list our Reader Favorites winners for the Family Fun and Food & Drink categories. Find out what your fellow readers ranked as their favorite playground, sweet shop, kid-friendly bike trail and more. Hope you enjoy your Portland summer!

What is your family’s favorite Portland summer activity?

Spontaneous backyard get-togethers. I love when all the neighborhood kids play and the parents put together a potluck.

My ideal Portland summer day is browsing at a neighborhood street fair, swimming in my in-law’s pool and then grilling something delicious for dinner.

We love camping, hiking and kayaking! Our kids basically live in the pool, even if it’s barely warm enough outside to tolerate it.

P.S. Be sure to check out our new podcast In the Know by PDX Parent presented by Legacy GoHealth! Find it on streaming platforms and at pdxparent.com/podcast

Now that I have teenagers, activities are changing, but looking back I’d say Sunday Parkways and outdoor festivals/concerts are our favorite family activities. Really looking forward to the familyfriendly Topaz Farm concerts this summer!

ON OUR COVER

Thanks to Art Director Tiffany Howard for this fun illustration of the many ways families enjoy summer in Portland: Family bike rides, hikes among evergreen trees, kid-friendly shows and movies, rose garden romps, and, of course, plenty of sweet treats like doughnuts and popsicles. See more of her work at tiffolio.com.

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 Anne King anne.king@pdxparent.com

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

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

Sales Account Executive Alice Schulz alice.schulz@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 For calendar submissions, e-mail us at calendar@pdxparent.com

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. PDX Parent is distributed free of charge throughout the Portland, OR / Vancouver, WA metropolitan area. 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.

Visit Orcas: Our Shared Future, and dive deep into the stories and science of the magnificent orca, apex predator of all oceans.

Featuring 100+ artifacts, life-size orca replicas, fossils, and original artwork from the Indigenous peoples of the North American West Coast.

Exhibit open now!

Inspire curiosity and experience fun for all ages!

• Splash and climb in the Science Playground

• Tour the USS Blueback submarine

• Catch a planetarium show

• Experiment in hands-on labs

• Explore our exhibitions

Image Credits: Royal BC Museum

Ask Dr. Baynham

A: Acne remedies have come a long way from the old, “put some toothpaste on it.” Now grocery stores and pharmacies devote multiple aisles to skin care. And there are numerous online options. The acne-treatment industry is currently valued at over $9 billion as companies market a wide array of products promising treatments to self-conscious teens and tweens. To help narrow the search, let’s review a few simple guidelines.

Acne is categorized as mild, moderate, or severe. For mild acne, which comprises most teen and tween acne, starting with a benzoyl peroxide-based face wash in the morning is a great first step. If that’s not doing it, adding a thin layer of a topical retinoid at bedtime is the next step. Don’t use the benzoyl peroxide at the same time as the retinoid — use the face wash in the morning and the retinoid in the evening. Topical retinoids include Retin-A, which is a prescription, and adapalene which is now available over the counter (Differin gel). Side effects of retinoids include skin redness, irritation and peeling, so start with two days per week and work up to nightly based on tolerance.

Retinoids also increase the risk of sunburn, so it is crucial to add a light facial moisturizer with SPF in the morning after cleansing. For moderate or severe acne, treatments may include higher potency topical retinoids, topical antibiotic creams, oral antibiotics, or possibly Accutane for nodular or cystic (scarring) acne. Most teens will need a referral to a dermatologist to start Accutane. For hormonal acne in females, combined oral contraceptives (birth control pills) can be helpful. All of these options are prescriptions and take up to four to six weeks to be effective, so don’t hesitate to schedule a visit with your pediatrician to get started. And save that toothpaste for your teeth.

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.

Some kids today might be surprised to learn that sports weren’t always accessible to girls, women and people of color. This month, Kim Tano and Madeline Shier, the children’s book buyers at Powell’s City of Books picked three kid-appropriate books that focus on not-so-distant sports discrimination — plus a purely fun soccer board book for babies and toddlers. Look for these titles at the Burnside, Hawthorne or Cedar Hills Powell’s locations, or order online at powells.com

Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas

Bree is excited to start at her new middle school until she realizes she’s stuck with only one elective that fits her schedule — swimming — and must face her fear of the water. With help from her elderly neighbor, Etta, who is a former swim team captain, Bree explores her own fear and its relation to segregation of public pools and racism that Black people face. An engaging graphic novel and Oregon Battle of the Books selection for ages 8 and older. $12.99.

The Wilkins Regional High School girls’ basketball team, The Lady Bears, have no buses to take them to away games and homemade uniforms. But they push through to an undefeated season! Inspired by the true story of Judi Warren and her 1976 state-champion-winning teammates from Warsaw, Indiana, this graphic novel explores the battle women fought for equality in sports. For ages 8 and older. $12.99.

Contenders: Two Native Baseball Players, One World Series by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Arigon Starr

Charles Bender and John Mayer made history in the 1911 World Series as the first Native American pro players to take the baseball diamond. This picture book, from Cherokee Nation author Sorell, and Kickapoo Tribe illustrator Starr, is a beautifully laid-out look at that championship and the players’ lives. For ages 6 and older. $18.99.

This interactive board book is a perfect first introduction to soccer for babies and toddlers. Your future goalie or striker will learn the basics of the sport through sweet, colorful illustrations and lift-theflaps. And if they can’t put this book down, the series has entries on baseball and (American) football as well! $7.99.

PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE COTTAGE DOOR PRESS

HARPER COLLINS

PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE

Q: My 13-year-old is starting to break out on his face. What kind of skin-care products should he use, and any to avoid?

Hoops written and illustrated by Matt Tavares

Let’s Play Soccer by Ginger Swift, illustrated by Villie Karabatzia

Tree Folk Summer Camp

Science, Art and Outdoor Adventure!

Find

Opening Summer 2023, Tree Folk Summer Camps are ready for your adventurer! Located on 150 acres of forest and farmland in beautiful Oregon City, less than 30 minutes from Portland. Tree Folk Summer Camps combine science, art and outdoor adventure that will create an unforgettable experience for your child. Camp hours are 9am - 3pm daily with optional early drop off starting at 8am and optional late pick up until 5pm. Ages 5-11.

www.treefolkoc.com 503-461-6314

camps for kids at: pdxparent. com/portlandsummer-campsguide.

Camp options in July or August!

Ages: 6–14

summer at Lovegood promises FUN PERFORMING ArtS CAMPS FOR YOUR STUDENTS Sign up now! Space is limited.

Lovegood Performing Arts Company has created a summer packed with plenty of performance and backstage opportunities, with camps and evening programs, too!

Camps for Tweens, Teens & Young Adults

• Improv

• Hip Hop

• Tap Dance

• Audition Prep

Register: lovegood.company/summer

503.278.5898 • 16260 NW Bronson Road, Beaverton, OR 97006

Email: classes@lovegood.company

July 28th – August 6th

Tickets: www.lovegood.company

summer theater camps

KIDS ACTION SUMMER CAMP

Kids (K-6th) play FUN & ACTIVE games, such as capture the flag, obstacle courses, relay races, and a huge favorite... wrecking ball! Every child and age group is different, so we tailor games to ensure that they are physically and mentally challenging for everybody. Your child will have a blast!

Programs for Pre-K through 12th grade

Weekly Camps

2 to 4 hours

Cost & Ages: $49 - $125 | 5 to 12

Cities: Portland, Beaverton, Vancouver

June 26–Aug. 11

Register at oes.edu/summer

Dates: Programs start June 19

Equipment Provided Scholarships available

Register Today: rectennis.com/programs

SIGN UP FOR 2023 FOR AGES 3 & UP

REGISTRATION OPENS APRIL 4

Your Family’s

Staycation

Vacations are nice, but sticking around the Portland area in the summer offers so many fun opportunities for families. It’s the perfect time of year to get outside and try out new and new-to-you parks, frozen treats, art exhibits and so much more. Here’s our curated list of fun ideas and places to try out during your family’s Portland summer staycation!

Family’s Dream

Staycation

Immersed in Art

So there are no goats on Belmont anymore (see page 17 to find them!), but HOPSCOTCH , a new art, light, and sound experience, will open on June 9 on Belmont’s Goat Blocks. This family-friendly art installation will span 23,000 square feet of gallery space and show off experiential creations that explore the intersection of art and technology. During the 90-minute experience, guests might question their relationship with waste and nature, play with light and sound on a cosmic trampoline, and wander through an LED maze of lights.

Portland’s love of the arts and indie vibe drew Hopscotch co-founders Nicole Jensen and Hunter Inman to our city. (There’s also a Hopscotch in San Antonio, Texas.) “We were very selective about what city to go to next,” says Jensen. “We knew if we were going to expand, it had to be somewhere that shared our values and beliefs as a brand. Creativity is ingrained in Portland’s culture, it is a city of artists, makers, and entrepreneurs. It is proudly inclusive and celebrates individualism. We really fell in love with Portland, so much so, that my wife and I moved our family here.” 1020 SE 10th Ave. Admission: adults: $24; students, seniors (65+), military, teachers, health care and first responder ID-holders: $20; children (ages 4-13): $15; children 3 and under are free. Minors under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. More info at letshopscotch.com. — Denise

Castañon

Splashing in the ’Burbs

The City of Tigard recently unveiled its first SPLASH PAD AND INTERACTIVE WATER FEATURE at the newly opened UNIVERSAL PLAZA, an accessible community space also home to shared tables, porch swings, event spaces, food carts, and a bike and pedestrian boardwalk that connects to the Fanno Creek Trail. “Universal Plaza is a statement project,” says Tigard’s Community Development Director Kenny Asher. “It’s going to bring people together, which is what folks in Tigard want. Too many things lately are pulling people apart.”

Universal Plaza is also the new home of the weekly Tigard Farmers Market that takes place on Sundays from 9 am-1:30 pm. In the second phase of construction, which has not yet been funded, Universal Plaza aims to gain a large architectural canopy for shade in the summer and shelter in the winter, along with an all-access community room. 9100 Burnham St., Tigard. — D.C.

Retro Cute

MERCI MILO launched their Northeast Portland store after successfully opening a kids boutique in the Highland Park neighborhood of Los Angeles. Inspired by the owners’ daughter Milo, and her love of artisan and global toys, you’ll find many vintage-inspired toys as well as locally made favorites. (For this reason, the online store and local selection may vary.)

Merci Milo packs a wide array of toys into a small area, yet still provides a large selection. Standout features include a significant selection of costumes for dress-up play and a diverse and inclusive selection of toy dolls. While toys are easily accessible to browsing young ones, strollers may be a tight fit while shopping. Merci Milo is currently open every day (except Monday), 11 am-6 pm, but will close for staff lunch breaks around 1 pm. 2438 NE Broadway St. Shopmercimilo.com. — Kate Hagan

KATE HAGAN

Stick With It

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that kids are more likely to try new foods if those foods are on a stick. Enter TWO HANDS CORNDOGS, which recently opened in Hillsboro. The California-based chain marries the iconic state fair treat with Korean flavors; think a spicy corn dog rolled in Hot Cheeto dust. And you can customize your corn dog quite a bit. You have the choice of a cheese stick, beef frank, a combo of the two, or spicy beef frank. Pro tip: You can take a pass on added sauces or seasonings if you wish. Skip the American Classic Dog (my daughter’s was undercooked) and go straight for the Crispy Rice Dog or Two Hands Dog. (My spud-loving daughter had been looking forward to trying the Potato Dog, but they were out when we visited.) These two corn dogs are dipped in batter that’s more akin to pizza dough than the cornbread batter in American-style dogs. The truly crunchy Crispy Rice dog was a hit with both my son and daughter. My son was amazed that it was dipped in sugar. And, surprisingly, my kids devoured the spicy fries doused with Kimchi seasoning. Be sure to grab an uber-puckery lemonade slush that my kids gave a thumbs up to as well. Is this the healthiest place for lunch? Absolutely not. But we all had a really good time trying something new. 2055 NW 185th Ave, Hillsboro. Twohandsus.com. — D.C.

Don’t Worry, Be Happy

If you need a few more rainbows in your life, then the HAPPY PLACE, HAMMER AND JACKS toy store’s new play space, is the perfect fit. Crafted with sturdy natural woods and vibrant colorful add-ons — like clouds hanging from the ceiling and faux grass — this 750-square-foot indoor playground space is perfect for preschoolers, but both younger and older kiddos love it, too. The playspace is dotted with Pikler triangles, a slide and fort-style platforms. A unique and standout feature is the wavy rolling wall at the back where kids (or playful adults) can toss colorful and light-up balls along a track.

Attendance at the play space requires a signed waiver and a fee of $5 per kid upon entry. Play passes are available at $20 for 5 play sessions or $40 for 10. The playspace capacity is 12 and on rainy days it can fill up fast. But the location can also be rented for private events. Outside food is welcome in the picnic table area nearby, and a bonus for working parents is the many wall plugs for laptops. Check online for schedule updates. Hammerandjacks.com/pages/play. — K.H.

DENISE CASTAÑON

Mike Bennett will bring a farm and flower stand pop-up experience with cartoon fruits and veggies and other unique surprises to the PDX Parent Family Festival on Saturday, June 24 from 10 am-2 pm at Topaz Farm!

Hit the Court

If your hearts are still broken over the closure of The Lumberyard bike park in Northeast Portland, there’s good news coming this summer! THE PEOPLE’S COURTS is taking over the beloved space, making it even easier to find a place to play the trendiest of sports, pickleball. In addition to indoor and outdoor pickleball, families can also play ping-pong, cornhole and arcade games. There’s even a 9-hole disc golf putting course — think miniature golf, but with discs. With two restaurants offering exceptional local food and kid-friendly eats such as pizza and ice cream, families can stay all day long. Adults can even enjoy a cocktail while the kids play! Sign up for the email list at thepeoplescourts.com

to be the first to know when opening day arrives. 2700 NE 82nd Ave. Pro Tip: While you wait for the opening of The People’s Courts, or if you live in the Clackamas area, RECS recreation center is another great spot for a family-friendly game of pickleball, 17015 SE 82nd Dr., Clackamas. — Meg Asby

Cool Cool Cool

Kulfi is a South Asian dessert that’s created by simmering milk into more of a custard — instead of churning — before being frozen into a popsicle. You’ll find this cool treat at a shop with the eponymous name, KULFI, which just opened its second location on North Williams and will frequent the King Farmers Market. Enjoy classic local flavors like marionberry cheesecake or rotating specials like the vegan Pride Pop featuring individually poured fruit and vegetables into colorful layers. In addition to popsicles, try a Falooda for a more textural adventure that combines kulfi, vermicelli noodles, basil seeds, jelly, sweet milk and nuts. The new walk-up shop is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 2-9 pm. 5009 NE 15th Ave. Kulfipdx.com.

Can’t get enough frozen desserts? ICE QUEEN offers paletas, Mexican-style popsicles known for rich, creamy ingredients and fresh fruit. Ice Queen owner, Rebecca Smith, who identifies as Native and Chicana, creates icy treats that are plant-based and dairy-free during store hours from 3-9 pm Thursday through Monday. Standout flavors include Mangonada, a soy-based mango sherbert bar with locally made chamoy, with an optional chocolate dip, and the Bunny Munch, a carrot, orange, and ginger-themed popsicle with a water base. Kids will get a kick that it actually looks like a carrot with a green base and orange top. Pro tip: Ice Queen also delivers! 2012 SE 11th Ave., icequeenyouscream.com. — K.H.

KATE HAGAN

JOSH CHANG

THE PEOPLE’S COURTS KULFI

A New Adventure Awaits

Portland families were thrilled when artist Mike Bennett opened his immersive art installation Wonderwood: The Scourge of Castle Maplehold and a complementary cafe in the fall of 2022. This summer, families can continue the adventure at WONDERWOOD: THE RAT KING’S BAZAAR OF THE BIZARRE. The next chapter of the Wonderwood story, which opened in May, is set in the troubled town of Maplehold, where the Rat King has taken over the village and invited all his minions to join him. The Bazaar seamlessly weaves together original art, storytelling and live performances. And like a true bazaar, you’ll have the ability to purchase limited-edition Mike Bennett art while in the installation instead of at a traditional gift shop at the end. Every surprising creature and landscape you will encounter was hand-painted by Bennett and his team of collaborators.

The Rat King’s Bazaar of the Bizarre: 7410 N Chicago St. Open Thursday-Sunday, 10 am-6 pm. Admission is free. Wonderwood Springs Café: 8811 N. Lombard St. Open Monday-Sunday 8 am-8 pm. Find out more at mikebennettart.com/rat-kings-bazaar. — D.C.

Keep Portland Kid-friendly

When I took my tween to visit the BELMONT GOATS in their new location in North Portland, I was afraid she had outgrown farm animals. To my delight, she was obsessed with Bambi, the loner goat who prefers to spend her time resting under a tree, distanced from the small herd angling for a brushing. Despite the goat’s introverted nature, Bambi loves humans, and my daughter spent a peaceful 15 minutes petting her and enjoying the quiet. I shouldn’t have doubted — kids never outgrow goats! Visiting hours are every Saturday and Sunday, from 11 am-2 pm, weather permitting. I recommend wearing rain boots and watching where you step, but there’s a boot brushing station at the gate if you need it. The experience was so lovely I couldn’t believe it was free. According to their website, these animals are “goats of leisure,” not working goats. They are supported completely by donations, accepted at thebelmontgoats.org. 6631 N Syracuse St. — M.A.

Silver Screen Delights

The JUDY KAFOURY CENTER FOR YOUTH ARTS, known as “The Judy,” is the new home for Northwest Children’s Theater and also includes a redesigned MOVIE THEATER SHOWING SECOND-RUN FAMILY FAVORITES. (Perfect when you are looking for cool heat-wave activities.) Navigating from box office to cinema involves heading to the event basement down a grand staircase (or accessible elevator) and mirrors the childhood version of a fancy Broadway show in many ways. Lights, camera and action reveal a snack bar at the bottom of the stairs and a large theater space. Standout amenities are the purple bean bags beneath the viewing screen, in addition to regular cinema seating.

Parents need neither stress about their wallets nor hungry tummies as the concession offerings include family-friendly options like $3 bags of cheddar popcorn or candies such as M&Ms, $5 pizza slices, and sodas for $4. Tickets are $8 per person. The theater offers Friday Family Movie Nights, as well as weekend showings. Nwcts.org/the-judy. — K.H.

Family Fun, Vineyard-style

14 ACRES WINERY, rebranded from Ridgefield, Washington’s former Three Brothers Winery in 2022, kept many of the same beloved family features and added a few more items. Not only is this winery open to fans of all ages, but the large and expansive yard truly gives a kiddo room to roam. The winery itself offers selections of both reds and whites as well as beer and non-alcoholic beverages.

Order housemade pizza and appetizers and have a picnic in the grassy field. And we’ve never had anyone object to bringing snacks for the kids as needed. In winter, this winery has a large covered patio with multiple propane heaters and in summer the grass lawn features a multitude of concerts and performances. 14acres.com. — K.H.

Playground Fun for All

ESTHER SHORT PARK is the central community area of downtown Vancouver, Washington, and is filled with fun family events. The park is the weekend host to the Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market running March through October on Saturdays and Sundays. And once the summer season kicks off, the far side of the park is host to a streamlike water feature specifically designed for kids to splash in. Waterfalls pour over easily climbable boulders and are a favorite of local kids. Pro tip: In the summer, the water features are on daily, from dawn to dusk.

But the standout feature of a family outing in this area is the long-awaited inclusive playground by Harper’s Playgrounds. This new play area, which opened in April, combines carefully crafted hills with highly accessible play features. Highlights include a double slide and a faux grass-covered play hill, a boulder scramble, climbing dome and zero entry “merry go all.” Cityofvancouver.us/ parksrecculture/page/esther-short-park. — K.H.

KATE HAGAN

Slurp 'n' Play

If your family is looking for a low-key game night, but don’t have the energy to visit a fullon arcade, then TOYSHOP RAMEN is the place to go. This cute game room/noodle shop on Killingsworth is not only a fun spot to play a few rounds of pinball, but everyone can dig into house-made noodles immersed in piping hot ramen broth. Even better, there are vegan noodles and broth in addition to traditional pork- and beef-based bowls. The Zevi Kid’s Noodle Bowl is perfect for smaller appetites. Don’t overlook the starters, like the hand-dipped katsu corn dogs or the crunchy chicken karaage. And we could have eaten two of the lemon-curd taiyaki, a Japanese fish-shaped cake (upper left photo).

After dinner, engage in some family game time at one of the nostalgic pinball machines (like Street Fighter and Baby Pac Man). Kids will also love the various Mario toys and Funko Pop vinyl collectables.

Pro tip: For grown-ups looking for a fun night out sans kids, Toyshop Ramen is open until 1 am Fridays and Saturdays. There’s even a lineup of DJs spinning in the corner those nights. Plus, the cocktails, all gamer-themed, are inventive and smooth. 3000 NE Killingsworth St., toyshopramenpdx.com. — Tiffany Hill

Food Cart Nirvana

My tween daughter is no stranger to food carts, and as we left LIL’ AMERICA in Southeast Portland, she said, “This is the best food cart pod, ever.” She meant the food — which was delicious — but I was delighted to support a pod that features exclusively BIPOC- and LGBTQIA+-owned carts. I’m from Texas, and the chicken quesadillas my daughter ordered at LOS PLEBES tasted like home. I ordered the Hainanese braised pork belly rice dish at HAWKER STATION, with a perfectly cooked, soft-boiled, soy sauce egg. My daughter loved the mildly flavored pork belly so much she stole my plate (I managed to eat that perfect egg before she took over, though). We ended the meal with a vegan dessert at SPEED-O-CAPPUCCINO, a cart owned by and honoring sex workers with donations from their daily specials. My daughter is obsessed with tamales, so we tried the strawberry and blackberry dessert tamal, and the fruit inside was the perfect blend of tart and sweet. The venue itself is beautiful, with a large mural and plenty of covered seating, with access to Fracture Brewing Taproom. Lil’ America regularly hosts special events, and I can’t wait to come back and check one out. Find out what’s coming up next by following @lilamericapdx on Instagram. 1015 SE Stark St. — M.A.

Play in the Street

Did you know you can apply to the City of Portland for a FREE BLOCK PARTY PERMIT that will temporarily close off your nonarterial street? And summer is the perfect time to plan a block party with your neighbors. Pro tip: If you had one of those memorable ’80s or ’90s childhoods in which the neighbor kids all played together all summer long, this is a great way to help foster that same experience for your own kids. The street must be classified as a “Local Service Traffic” roadway and intersections must remain open. The application takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete, and you’ll need to submit the application at least 15 business days before your event.

Once it’s time for your block party, be sure to plan lots of fun activities for the kids: Sidewalk chalk paint, sprinklers or a water slide, or a collage craft table are a few ideas. And think of other games that can accommodate a large number of people: neighborhood dog show, freeze dance off, or a paper airplane contest. Pro tip: Be sure to talk to your neighbors before committing to a date to make sure the street closure won’t affect any events they already have planned. Find out more at: portland.gov/transportation/permitting/apply-block-partypermit and portlandoregon.gov/transportation/76866 — D.C.

MONDAY

One of our favorite Rose Festival events is the Starlight Parade with its glow-in-the-dark floats, marching bands and brightly lit Portlanders strutting downtown. Starts at 8 pm. Rosefestival.org/ events/2023/starlight-parade.

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Watch these beautiful boats take to the Willamette near the Hawthorne Bridge as more than 60 teams compete during the Rose Festival Dragon Boat Race. Rosefestival.org/events/2023/ dragon-boat-race. ¢ T

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Got a crafty teen with lots of free time? Drop them off at the Rockwood Library on Stark Street for the weekly Rockwood Makerspace. There’s 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines, art supplies and more. Multcolib.org/events/ makerspace-drop-teens.

Get ready for a summer of reading! The “Find Your Voice” reading program kicks off today at the Cedar Mill and Bethany Community Libraries. Pro tip: The Summer Reading Festival is June 23, from 6-8 pm at the Cedar Mill Library. Library.cedarmill. org.

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A story time with bubbles. What more could your little want?

Join the Literacy Lady PDX every Friday at 10:30 and 11:30 am at The Rec Room at Hammer and Jacks. hammerandjacks.com/ pages/events.

Visiting military fleets have been docking at Portland’s waterfront for more than 80 years during the Rose Festival. Don’t miss the chance to tour these big boats. Pro tip: Wear closedtoed shoes if you want to tour the ships. Rosefestival. org/events/2023/fleet- week2. ¢ T

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Portland’s most adorable parade, the Rose Festival Junior Parade goes from 1-3 pm through the Hollywood district. Rosefestival.org/events/ 2023/fred-meyer-junior- parade. ¢

Read to Rover! Head to either the Hollywood or Sellwood libraries to have your kiddos practice their skills by reading to therapy dogs. Multcolib.org/events/read- dogs. ¢ R

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Pedalpalooza, the summer-long biking event, will have a family-friendly ride down the South Park blocks in downtown to Street Books, Portland’s mobile, bicycle-powered street library. There will be cake! Shift2bikes.org/calendar/ event-16563. ¢ T

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Support BIPOC artisans with a shopping spree at the My People’s Market at The Redd event space on Salmon Street from noon-6 pm. Mypeoplesmarket.com.

Celebrate Oregon’s vibrant Latino culture during the Latino Cultural Festival at the Ron Tonkin Field in Hillsboro. Washingtoncountychamberor. com/events. ¢

In 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday. Honor this important day during the Juneteenth Oregon Parade and Festival at Albina Park. Juneteenthor. com. ¢

Celebrate Native American peoples and their culture during the Delta Park Powwow in Kenton. There will be Native arts, crafts and foods, as well as drumming, and ceremonial and competition dancing. Facebook.com/profile.

php?id=100064731936859.

Get those bookmarks ready! The annual summer reading program at Multnomah County libraries kicks off with a fun party in North Portland from 1:30-3:30 pm. ¢ T

Schoooool’s out for summer!

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Celebrate summer with PDX Parent during our annual, free PDX Parent Family Fest from 10 am-2 pm. This year, all the fun is at Topaz Farm, featuring cute farm animals, kindie musicians, vendor booths, art from Mike Bennett and more! Pdxparent.com/family-festival.

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Multcolib.org/events/ summer-reading-kickoff- party/125371.

Grab some popcorn and catch a flick during $2 movies every Tuesday and Wednesday at one of Portland’s Regal cinemas. ¢ Regmovies.com/static/en/ us/smx.

Try out a new sport during the week-long disc golf tournament at Pier Park in North Portland. Participate in a ninehole competition from 3-8 pm. There are prizes for first through third place and a BBQ afterwards. ¢ T Sojournpdx.org/ events/2023/7/10/disc-golf- tournament.

Transport the family back to 16th century Europe with a visit to the Oregon Renaissance Faire. Kiddos will delight in watching dueling knights, listening to music on a hurdy gurdy and eating yummy treats. Three weekends in June in Canby. Oregonfaire.com.

Watch as colorful hot-air balloons take flight during the annual Tigard Festival of Balloons — or even enjoy a (tethered) ride on one. Tigardballoon.org.

Dinosaurs come to life during the Jurassic World Live Tour at the Moda Center. This prehistoric event features more than 24, life-sized dinos. Tickets start at $20. Rosequarter.com/calendar- events/jurassic-world-live- june-23-2023.

Git along little doggie. Don’t miss the 87th annual St. Paul Rodeo. In addition to the headlining rodeo, there’s also a carnival and fireworks. Stpaulrodeo.com.

Roll out to the not-so-secret Secret Roller Disco skate event every Thursday from 7-9 pm, usually at the former Marshalls department store at the Lloyd Center. The event is always free, and rentals are available for a fee. Secretrollerdisco.org.

Portland Parks & Recreation’s Free Lunch + Play kickoff party is at K h unamokwst Park in Northeast. There’s live music, arts activities, lawn games and, of course, free lunch for kids 0-18. 10:30 am–noon. See the 24 weekday locations of Free Lunch + Play at portland.gov/parks/ freelunch. ¢

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Have your teen celebrate Beaverton District’s last day of school with a round or two of free video games at the game truck in Bethany Village Plaza. Cedarmillbethany.libcal. com/event/10184804

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Who is better at gardening: Albert Einstein or Darth Vader? Join in a round of Who Would Win?, the popular card game during game night at Cedar Mill Library from 10:30 am–noon. Cedarmillbethany. libcal.com/event. ¢

Celebrate National Vanilla Milkshake Day at Creative Culture and cool off while making a tasty work of art. Everyone will leave with the ultimate sugar rush. Creativeculturediy.com.

Have your kids hone their bowling game during the summer-long Kids Bowl Free program. Bowling alleys across the Portland area participate, giving kiddos ages 2-15 two free games every day. Sign them up at kidsbowlfree. com.

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Watch as musicians, comedians, dancers, magicians and more take the stage during the weekly Open Mic Monday at the Craft Factory. 7-9 pm. Craftfactorypdx.com/ events. ¢ R

¢ R T OREGON RENAISSANCE FAIRE PORTLAND ROSE FESTIVAL GREEN BEAN BOOKS BILL LAWLESS DELTA PARK POWWOW

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Bring the family down to King School Park in Northeast Portland for the last day of the annual Good in the Hood neighborhood festival. Goodnthehood.org/2023- festival.html

SATURDAY

It’s the first day of the Waterfront Blues Festival! Check out Los Lonely Boys and be sure to stop by the family area. July 1-4. Kids 12 and younger are free! Waterfrontbluesfest.com. T

Small stages tell big stories at Beaverton’s Ten Tiny Dances. 5 pm. Free. Beavertonoregon. gov/498/Ten-Tiny-Dances. ¢ T Or decorate a treat for National Sugar Cookie Day at a Bob’s Red Mill kids’ class. 12:30pm-2pm. Facebook.com/WholeGrainStore.

FRIDAY

Bring a picnic and a blanket and bop along to Micah and Me at the Troutdale Historical Society’s Barnyard Concert. Free admission, popcorn and lemonade! 6-8 pm. Troutdalehistory. org/barnyard-concerts. ¢ R

THURSDAY

WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY

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Soak up the sounds of Ashleigh Flynn & the Riveters while surrounded by farm animals, berries and flowers at Topaz Farm’s Americana Nights concert series. Doors at 4:30 pm, show at 6 pm. Free admission for kids 5 and younger. Topazfarm.com/ live-music. R

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Today is unofficially known as Oregon’s official start of summer. Splash at a Portland Parks & Recreation pool near you to celebrate! Portland.gov/parks/ recreation/pools.

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Watch fireworks at Oaks Park. Oakspark. com/july4policies. Or if your kiddo hates loud noises, check out the free laser show at Wilsonville’s Town Center Park, 9:30-10:30 pm. Explorewilsonville.com/ event/fourth- of-july-laser- light-show. ¢

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7 SUNDAY

Meet at Creston Park for a Slide Ride with Portland’s favorite clowns Olive & Dingo. Every Monday at 10:30 am until school starts. Oliveanddingo.wordpress. com. ¢ R

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It’s $5 Day at OMSI! Explore the museum’s permanent exhibit halls and labs for just $5 per person. omsi.edu/ accessibility. ¢ R

July PORTLAND PARKS & RECREATION WATERFRONT BLUES FESTIVAL OMSI 24 June/July 2023 | pdxparent.com

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It’s the first day of the free Cathedral Park Jazz Festival in St. Johns. Jazzoregon.org/2023- festival. ¢

Samba along to the sounds of Bloco Alegria at Mt. Tabor Park Amphitheater, 6:30 pm. Or catch Woman in Gold at The Fields Park, movie at dusk. Portland. gov/parks/arts-culture/sffa. ¢ R

Celebrate the food, culture and art of Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders and Asian Americans at the Tiger Tiger Festival at Fernhill Park. And catch a performance by Hi Joe Kye! 2-9:30 pm. Tigertigerpdx.com. ¢

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Wands at the ready! It’s Wizarding Weekend at McMenamins’ Kennedy School. Pdxhpa.com.

It’s the last day of National Picnic Month. Hit a destination playground with a blanket and basket of treats. Pdxparent. com/10-best- playgrounds. ¢

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Mermaids are taking over downtown at the Portlandia Mermaid Parade! 1:30 pm. Portlandiamermaidparade. com. ¢ Or go back to the time when steam power ruled at the Great Oregon Steam-Up at the Powerland Heritage Park in Salem. Free for kids 12 and younger. Antiquepowerland.com/ steam-up

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Head to the Grove Shelter at Murase Plaza for a Reptile Man show at 11 am. (More shows earlier in June and July!) Wilsonvillelibrary. org/lib/page/summer-fun- shows. ¢ R

If you’ve got a Multnomah Library card, check out the My Discovery Pass program, which allows you to get free passes to local attractions and events, including two free adult tickets to the Portland Art Museum. (Kids are always free.) Multcolib. org/how-it-works-my- discovery-pass. ¢ R

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It’s National Ice Cream Month

— hit your favorite scoop shop or try out newcomer Nico’s Ice Cream for a fruit-blended frozen treat.

Did you know it’s National Hot Dog Day? Did you know you could celebrate it at a Portland Pickles baseball game? 7:05 pm at Walker Stadium. Portlandpicklesbaseball. com. R T

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Pdxparent.com/celebrate- national-ice-cream-day-at- these-portland-scoop-shops.

Downtown Hillsboro comes alive as local artists, food vendors and performers join together at the Hillsboro Tuesday Night Market. 5-8:30 pm. Tuesdaymarketplace.org. ¢ R T

Get your kid’s energy out at Verdell Burdine Rutherford Park’s fabulous accessible play area, then stick around for PP&R’s Free Lunch + Play from 11:30 am-1 pm. Portland.gov/parks/ freelunch. ¢

Let the rainbow flags wave at the Portland Pride parade that weaves through downtown! Portlandpride.org.

NAIM HASAN PHOTOGRAPHY ANGEL

Gear up for high-energy blues and soul from Rae Gordon at K h unamokwst Park at 6:30 pm. Portland.gov/parks/ arts-culture/sffa. ¢ R

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Rock lovers ages 6-11 can dig into hands-on geology activities at the Cedar Mill Library. 10:30-11:30am. Cedarmillbethany.libcal. com. ¢

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Head to The Lobby at the Ellen Browning Building for its new, free public art exhibit, Between Two Points. Find the river sculpture from Maya Lin, designer of the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial in Washington, D.C. Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am–2 pm or by appointment. Ellenbrowningbuilding. com/the-lobby. ¢ R

Beat the Monday blues with a dinner of corndogs and cotton candy on the midway at Washington County Fair, 5-10 pm. View additional days and hours at bigfairfun.com. ¢ T Pro tip: Free admission and parking on July 24.

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Get even more Hawaiian culture at 4 Days of Aloha at Vancouver’s Esther Short Park. 4daysofaloha. com.

OCASIO

ZBYNEK BLAHUTKA

PORTLAND

PARKS & RECREATION

Little truck lovers are in for some fun at Big Truck Day! 9:30 am-1 pm at the Conestoga Recreation and Aquatic Center. thprd. org/events/big-truck-day. ¢

The Lee Farms Sunflower Festival is the stuff of Instagram legend. Don’t miss the chance to click some pics of your kids running through flower fields. August 4-5 and 11-13.

Oregonsunflowerfestival. com. T

It’s Pickathon! Not only is there a stellar music lineup for grown-ups on eight stages, there’s also a kids’ stage where you’ll find Red Yarn, Nikki Brown Clown, Tallulah’s Daddy and many more kindie greats. Plus Trackers Earth, Cedarwood Waldorf School and more will provide kids’ activities. August 3-6. Pickathon.com.

Cool off at an Academy Theater matinee for $6 per person before 3:30 pm. The theater shows a great mix of blockbuster flicks and retro classics. Academytheaterpdx.com.

The first Tuesday in August you’ll find neighbors gathering at local parks or block parties to promote community safety at National Night Out events. Find an event near you at Portland.gov/community- safety/pop. ¢

You’ll find monster truck battles, spectacular laser light shows, Hot Wheels toy giveaways and more at the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party™. Three shows August 12-13 at the Moda Center. Hotwheelsmonstertruckslive. com/event/portland-or-2022.

Go to Wilsonville’s Town Center Park for a free outdoor screening of Super Pets ! Movie starts at dusk. ¢ R

Whatever you do, don’t talk about Bruno at the free outdoor screening of Encanto at Wilshire Park. Event begins at 7:30 pm, movie at dusk. ¢

Red Yarn and his critter puppets head to Sellwood Library at 11 am for songs and fun! ¢

Rose City’s roses are in full bloom! Head to the International Rose Test Garden, Peninsula Park or the Ladd’s Addition Circle to stop and smell the roses! ¢

Cool off at a PP&R splash pad! Find one at pdxparent. com/splash-pad- map-2021. ¢

Head to Pioneer Courthouse Square to savor the flavors, music, dance and culture of the largest country in south Asia at the India Festival. 11 am-8:30 pm. Free admission. icaportland.org/india-festival-1. ¢

PORTLAND PARKS & RECREATION

So many choices, so little time: PDX Adult Soapbox Derby, Multnomah Days and the Jade Night Market are all happening today! Soapboxracer.org. Multnomahvillage.org/events. Jadedistrictnightmarket.org.

If your kid is obsessed with big machines, get to Topaz Farm for a Tractor Talk with Farmer Jim. Each week kids will get the chance to get up close to a tractor or tool on the farm. 10:15-10:45 am. Topazfarm. com. ¢ R

It’s Metro Free Parking Day, the perfect time to head to Oxbow Park for gentle hikes or splashing in the Sandy River. Don’t forget life jackets! ¢ R

Strolling entertainers, 4H farm animals, fair food, carnival rides and a nightly rodeo round out the fun at the Clackamas County Fair & Rodeo. Free admission for kids 6 and younger! August 15-19. Clackamascountyfair. com. T

A children’s librarian will lead you and your 1-year-old through stories, songs and toy time at Tiny Tots at the Hollywood Library. At 10:15 and 11:15 am. ¢ R

Take a deep dive into our state’s history at the Oregon Historical Society. The museum does an excellent job at telling the state’s story from diverse perspectives — and admission is free to Multnomah County residents! ohs.org. ¢

It’s the one day of the year when bikes take over Portland’s bridges! Pro tip: The 3-mile Kids Pedal over the Hawthorne and Steel Bridges is free! Find more routes at providence.org/ lp/bridge-pedal.

So many fairs are happening this month, but this one is the biggie: The Oregon State Fair. August 25-September 4. Oregonstatefair.org .

At the Original Practice Shakespeare Festival, actors aren’t necessarily cast for roles by gender (as in Shakespeare’s day). And the free Gentlethem’s performance of The Tempest at Mt. Tabor Amphitheatre will highlight the skills of nonbinary actors. 7 pm. Opsfest.org. ¢ R

Delight in nearly 50 acres of huge, showy blossoms at the Swan Island Dahlia Festival through September. 9 am-5:30 pm. Free admission. Dahlias.com/ events/category/festival- hours/2023-08. ¢ R

Farmers markets are bursting with peaches, summer squash and tomatoes right now. See what else you can find at the Shemanski Park Farmers Market in downtown, 10 am-2 pm. R

It’s your last chance to catch Opera a la Cart at Pioneer Courthouse. Noon. Free admission. Thesquarepdx.org/event- calendar. ¢ R

Since all the big kids are back in school, take your toddler to the Oregon Zoo for a visit without the crowds. Oregonzoo.org.

Swing by Luuwit View Park for the fun inclusive playground and stay for Free Lunch + Play served from 12:15-1 pm. Through August 25. ¢ R

Yes, you can swim in the Willamette River! Hit Poet’s Beach or Sellwood Riverfront Park for a dip. Pro tip: Have the kids wear water shoes and life jackets! ¢

Score back- to-school shopping deals at the Columbia Gorge or Woodburn Outlet stores. Or visit our list of kids’ consignment shops: Pdxparent.com/ consignment- stores-portland- oregon.

It’s the first day of school for PPS students in 1st through 12th grade!

How will you celebrate the last day of summer break? Splash pad? Pool? Ice cream? All three? Pro tip: Don’t forget to set those alarm clocks!

For a true dog day of summer, hit the Canine Community Carnival at the Garden Home Recreation Center. There will be pop-up dog parks, raffle prizes and plenty of treats for good boys. 9 am-noon. Thprd.org/ events . ¢

KEY:

PORTLAND PARKS & RECREATION

There’s No I in TEAM

odds are you’ve experienced it. Parents and extended family members sitting quietly and respectfully in collapsible canvas chairs of varying heights, perhaps fiddling with phones or plying younger siblings with auxiliary snacks, when out of nowhere, it rings out — like the first mortar at Fort Sumpter: “C’MON, REF!” The source could be a dad, a mom, or even a grandma, red-faced and wild-eyed, primed for a fracas. Everyone nervously glances in the direction of the sound, but they already know: A parent has lost control. Will they storm onto the field and hassle the teenage referee? Will they throw their water bottle like a toddler who just learned that it’s bedtime? It doesn’t matter, because this unfortunate individual has already outed themselves as a Bad Sports Parent.

Sadly, the Bad Sports Parent is everywhere, in every city and town, and in every sport. In fact, it’s such a common affliction, psychologists have come up with a name for it: Little League Parent Syndrome. Among the symptoms: ranting, raving, inappropriate comments, criticism and disparagement of coaches, to name few. Obviously, this behavior is bad for kids — all kids within earshot, not just the offender’s kids — and for the community at large. So, how can we work to reduce our risk of turning into a Bad Sports Parent? We’ve rounded up a few tips for you below, based on input from local coaches.

GAME ETIQUETTE

Most parents already know that screaming at people in general is not good etiquette, but according to Brandon McNeil, chief operating officer of United PDX soccer club and board vice president of the Portland Youth Soccer Association, good sideline behavior comes

down largely to the expectations and mores set by the coach and club leadership.

“Crazy sideline behavior tends to invite more crazy in,” he says. “We work hard to model and educate from a leadership perspective. A lot of times it’s a reflection on the leadership and head coach: (If) you’ve got a yeller and screamer, you’re going to get a yeller and screamer on the sideline because they see that behavior is OK. It goes a long way if you set the tone and expectations.”

Thankfully, after more than 20 years of coaching, McNeil has plenty of tricks to help parents help themselves. First? Bring a chair. “If you’re sitting down, you’re not a player at that point — you’re not standing up and moving. That movement gets your emotions and heart rate up,” McNeil says.

Second? Try sitting alone. “Being off in your own space allows you to not get caught up in the masses,” McNeil says. “That crescendo as a kid gets close to the goal to

Ifyou have at least one child in recreational or club sports,

How to root for your kid in sports without crossing the line of poor sportsmanship. Plus advice on how to handle losses and what to do when your child wants to bail mid-season.

BY KAT MERCK

shoot, you can just say, ‘Oh man, nice, that was a great play,’ stuff like that, under your breath instead of getting caught up in the rahrah cheering. This is not professional sports — the level of cheering is different at a Blazers game versus your kid’s Saturday-morning game at Delta Park.”

Finally, consider keeping your mouth busy to remove any temptations. “Another thing I’ve seen that works is having a lollipop in your mouth, or coffee to drink,” McNeil says. “I’ve even seen coaches hand out lollipops on the sideline, like, ‘Hey, you’re here to take in the game, not coach the game.’”

SUPPORTING VS. “STAGE-PARENTING”

If you’re unhappy with how much play time your child got, how the game went, or anything else related to your child’s performance, the absolute worst thing you

can do is fire off an angry email to the coaches, says David Carr, owner of Carr Sports Academy in Southeast Portland. Not only are you probably still heated from the moment, you probably don’t know as much as you think you know about your kid’s abilities. The healthiest way to support your child is to let them manage their own experience.

“If a kid’s not playing, have your kid talk to the coach,” Carr says. “A lot of parents want their kid to play all the time, and they want to win. Not everyone’s kid is going to be the best player, and having that understanding of where your kid falls and supporting them to speak up for themselves is a big thing. If it comes from the parent, it’s going to sound more like complaining, and I can tell you as a coach and someone who runs a big club, it’s not beneficial for the kid in any way. Having (your) kid talk to the coach goes further and means more to the coach and the team. It tells us this kid cares about his development and

wants to know what he can do to potentially earn minutes.”

Carr is so adamant about keeping high emotions at bay that his club has a rule about coaches giving parent emails a 24-hour buffer, so everyone can have time to reflect on the game instead of firing off a reactionary rejoinder. In the end, however, the best tack is still to just let your kid handle it.

“I’m one of seven kids,” Carr says. “My mom might have said something to a coach once, and my dad never said anything, ever. It was always on us as players to do better, and I think that was very helpful.”

HOW TO HANDLE LOSING

Many sports parents are familiar with the dreaded car ride home after an unexpected loss or otherwise unsatisfactory game. McNeil says the most important thing parents can

do in this situation is to hold off on any commentary until your child is ready to talk about it.

“You’ve got to wait until your kid engages with you,” McNeil says. “If a result goes a different way, or if you disagree with the coach’s decisions, that’s not on you to push onto your player or family member. They’re exploring their sport; if it’s something they’re engaged with and love, or are developing the love for, that top-down push from parents to young children generally isn’t received very well. Kids clam up. They go, ‘I don’t want to talk about it,’ or respond angrily, and that’s not a productive experience for anyone. The best thing you can do is reinforce the positive. Just say, ‘Hey, I loved to watch you play today,’ and that’s it — see where they go.”

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR KID WANTS TO SKIP PRACTICE

It’s a tale practically as old as time: Your child begs to sign up for a team, you buy all the expensive gear, and several weeks later, they whine and complain when it comes time to go to the gym or field. What not to do in this situation, according to Carr, is to give in.

“If a kid doesn’t want to show up at the beginning of the season, you can’t force a kid to play. But if a kid doesn’t want to show up during, say, the middle of the season, the parent has to remind them that, ‘Hey, you committed to this and you’ve got to follow through with your commitment to your teammates and to playing,’” Carr says. “Sports can demonstrate valuable lessons down

the road. It’s important for kids to learn to do things they don’t necessarily want to do once they’ve committed … if you constantly bail your kids out and allow them not to go, it’s only going to enable them to bail on commitments throughout their life.”

If they’re really sick or legitimately hurt, Carr clarifies, that’s a valid excuse. But they’re just feeling tired, or they have a bruise?

“They’re not going to learn the lesson that ‘I may not feel great, I don’t want to go, but I’ve got to show up and do my best,’” Carr says.

“That’s the main thing kids can get out of sports — how to be a team player. If kids learn that lesson, it’s just as valuable as playing Division 1 or whatever. It’ll help them the rest of their lives.”

“Crazy sideline behavior tends to invite more crazy in. We work hard to model and educate from a leadership perspective.”

— Brandon McNeil, chief operating officer of United PDX soccer club

Kat Merck is a freelance writer and editor living in Camas, Washington; her 10-year-old son plays soccer, basketball and tennis.

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PDXPARENT PDXPARENT WINNER

2023 READE R FAVORITES

Food Drink

AND Family Fun

ADVENTURE ATTRACTION

Winner Mt. Hood Adventure Park at Skibowl

7000 E Highway 26, Government Camp, skibowl.com

Whether your family loves wintertime activities or heads out when the sun is shining (or both!), there’s plenty to do at Skibowl. This multi-season attraction features tubing and skiing, as well as ziplining, race karts, bungee jumping, and more.

SWEET TREATS

Winner Salt & Straw

Multiple locations, saltandstraw.com

Ice cream is always a good idea. This Portland favorite, and repeat PDX Parent Reader Favorites winner, satisfies any sweet tooth with its fun, inventive flavors. Strawberry cilantro lime cheesecake, anyone?

Top 5

Blue Star Donuts

Cloud City Ice Cream

Fifty Licks Ice Cream

Pip’s Original Doughnuts & Chai

Voodoo Doughnut

KID - FRIENDLY BIKE TRAIL

Winner Banks-Vernonia State Trail

Stateparks.oregon.gov/index.

cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=104

Located between the bucolic towns of Banks and Vernonia, this 21-mile trail takes walkers, bikers, skaters and strollers through sprawling pastures into lush forests and more. And kids love the 13 bridges that dot the path.

Top 5

East Bank Esplanade

North Clackamas

Trolley Trail

Springwater Corridor

Trail

Tualatin River

Greenway Trail

Willamette River

Greenway

Top 5

DEFY Beaverton

Escape Games PDX

Skamania Lodge Zipline Tour & Aerial Park

Skyhook Ninja Fitness

Tree to Tree Adventure Park

FAMILY- FRIENDLY HIKES

Winner Tryon Creek State Natural Area

11321 S Terwilliger Blvd., stateparks.oregon.gov

Tryon Creek is Oregon’s only state park located within a major metropolitan area (just 15 minutes from downtown). This sprawling park is great for families of all ages, and features eight miles of hiking trails, eight bridges and a boardwalk built over a wetland.

Top 5

Eagle Creek Trail

Forest Park

Powell Butte

Timothy Lake

Wahclella Falls

See the whole list of our Reader Favorites winners at pdxparent.com/reader -favorites-winners.

PLAYGROUND

Winner Gabriel Park

SW 45th Avenue and Vermont Street, portland.gov/parks/gabriel-park

This destination park is a crown jewel of the Portland Parks & Recreation park system. Featuring a new, large and impressive play area that’s both accessible and inclusive, this Southwest park also boasts a skate park, fenced off-leash dog area, and fields and courts for baseball, softball, soccer, basketball, volleyball and tennis.

Top 5

Harper’s Playground at Arbor Lodge Park

Khunamokwst Park

Pirate Park

Washington Park

Westmoreland Park

KID - FRIENDLY DINING

Winner Laughing Planet Cafe

Multiple locations, laughingplanet.com

Healthy and delicious? The menu at Laughing Planet nails it every time. There’s burritos, bowls and salads for teens and adults, and a kid’s menu with favorites like a plain cheese quesadilla, or beans and cheese with tortilla chips on the side.

PIZZA

Winner Pizzicato

Multiple locations, pizzicatopizza.com

Another repeat

PDX Parent Reader

Favorites winner, hungry families can’t go wrong with a takeout pie or two from Pizzicato. There’s also salads, paninis and breadsticks. And picky eaters will rejoice in the plain cheese pizza.

Top 5

Hot Lips Pizza

Mississippi Pizza Pub

Pietro’s Pizza & Pirate Adventure

Pizzeria Otto

Pizza Schmizza

MUSEUMS/FAMILY MEMBERSHIP

Winner Oregon Zoo

4001 SW Canyon Rd., oregonzoo.org

Lions and tigers and bears — oh, my! Find creatures big and small, covered in fur, lined with scales, or sporting feathered wings or eight legs, all at the Oregon Zoo. It’s also home to one of Portland’s favorite wintertime light displays, the annual ZooLights.

Top 5

Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum

Gilbert House Children’s Museum

Lan Su Chinese Garden

OMSI - Oregon Museum of Science & Industry Portland Art Museum

Top 5

Grand Central Bakery

Hopworks Urban Brewery

La Provence - Petite Provence

Bistro - Boulangerie Patisserie

Pine State Biscuits

Slappy Cakes

ARCADES/BOWLING/FAMILY FUN/CENTER

Winner Enchanted Forest

8462 Enchanted Way SE, Turner, OR, enchantedforest.com

A beloved family destination since 1971, the Enchanted Forest has weathered storms, the pandemic and more to continue providing a unique experience to kiddos. Classic rides, like the carousel, a ferris wheel, a kiddie train, bumper boats and much more await you.

Top 5

Electric Castle’s Wunderland Cinema and Nickel Games

Grand Central Bowl

KingPin’s Family Entertainment Center

Wilsonville Family Fun Center/Bullwinkle’s Entertainment Topgolf

ENCHANTED FOREST

PORTLAND PARKS & RECREATION