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Summer in Fun City
12
Portland recently ranked high on the list of America’s top cities for fun. We show you how we earned it with great, family-friendly recommendations.
By Bethany Marcel.
The PDX Parent Summer Calendar
18
Our big summer calendar is packed with 92 days of fun!
Find daily picks for your family in June, July and August — including plenty of free and low-cost events!
By Denise Castañon and Tiffany Hill.
PDX Parent Reader Favorites 34
Reader favorites revealed for Family Fun and Food & Drink categories — the most popular playgrounds, sweet treats, adventure attractions and more.
How to cope when your kid has swimmer’s ear; a new app that coaches parents; and baby-friendly sunwear.
Field Trip
A new playground for kids of all abilities is now open in Tualatin.
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By Cassandra Johnson.
Family Supper 42
Dig in to delicious dim sum at the new, kid-friendly Dough Zone in Clackamas.
By Denise Castañon.
I love Portland all year, but the sunny days of summer are always extra special. The warm sunshine isn’t the only thing I look forward to — Portland has so many fun, family-friendly events and activities in the summer months. Want to see real-life knights, listen to world-class Blues (or rock, Latin or country) musicians in the open air, or watch a lit-up nighttime parade? You’ll find all that local fun on our Big Summer Calendar starting on page 18. We’ve got three months of fun for your family. And look for the ¢ to find the free or low-cost events like Portland Parks & Recreation’s Free Lunch + Play and Summer Free for All programs, deeply discounted kids’ movies, opera in the park, and more. You’ll want to keep this calendar handy all summer!
And we’re keeping that summer fun theme rolling with Summer in Fun City on page 12 by writer Bethany Marcel. Did you know that Portland recently ranked as the 13th Most Fun City in the United States? Bethany goes over the poll’s metrics and outlines even more ideas for summer fun for you and your kids. After reading her story, you might even think that we should have ranked even higher!
Also in this issue, writer Cassandra Johnson ventures to a new, truly inclusive playground in Tualatin and mentions more great accessible playgrounds throughout the metro area. Plus my family hits Oregon’s the newest Dough Zone in Clackamas for extremely family-friendly (and delicious) dim sum.
This is our most fun issue of the year for Portland’s most fun time of year. And one more kid-friendly summer activity? Our annual, free PDX Parent Family Festival at Topaz Farm on Saturday, June 22 from 9 am-1 pm. Hope to see you there!
Illustrator Julz Clementine captured the summertime tradition of cooling off in a local river with an original illustration for our cover. A lifelong artist, Clementine’s work has decorated Burgerville kids’ meal seed packets. She also creates large-scale murals, surface pattern designs, and illustrations for various home and apparel products. Plus she teaches summer camps and workshops. “My artwork is most often colorful,” says Clementine, the mom of a teenager. “I enjoy incorporating whimsical characters and imaginary scenes into my art and illustrations with the hopes of sparking imagination and play.” Find her at julzclementine.com and on Instagram @julzclementine.
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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. 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.
Summertime is all about adventures. Let these four book picks spotlighting the great outdoors by Kim Tano and Madeline Shier, the children’s book buyers at Powell’s City of Books, be your inspiration to go camping, learn new skills or just enjoy nature.
Indestructibles:
Let’s Go Outside! by Ekaterina Trukhan, series created by Amy Pixton
This washable, nontoxic book is nearly babyproof. Washable is a particularly good quality for an outdoor book; take this one along with you to keep your baby (newborn to age 2) entertained on hikes, lake trips, camping adventures, and more — and clean off the inevitable film of dirt/sand/sunscreen/ generalized baby gunk when you get back home! $5.99.
Gather Round written and illustrated by David Covell
Gather Round features one of the best parts of camping and enjoying the outdoors: a nice, warm, crackling fire with all the s’mores ingredients nearby. David Covell’s illustrations and text bring the wonders of the outdoors and community along with some great fire safety tips. Perfect reading for ages 3 and up. $18.99.
Create Your Own Camping Activities by Laura Baker Bring along Lonely Planet’s Create Your Own Camping Activities on your next camping trip. From what to pack, creating a nature obstacle course to learning Morse code and how to build a pizza-box solar oven, this guide features 80 projects. Most projects are geared for ages 8 and up (with some supervision). $18.99.
Q: This time of year, my 10-year-old practically lives in the pool. She is prone to getting ear infections, though. What can I do to help her prevent swimmer’s ear?
A: Although swimmer’s ear is usually fairly mild, it does require a trip to the doctor for an exam and treatment with prescription ear drops. Here are some tips to help avoid an extra trip to the doctor this summer and keep your kids happily splashing away in the pool.
Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the ear canal caused by retained water that breaks down the skin barrier, which allows bacteria to invade. Symptoms range from mild ear pain to a sensation of a plugged ear to more severe pain including pain when touching the ear. Risk factors include frequent swimming, a history of eczema or seborrheic dermatitis, or damage to the ear canal from cotton swab use. Side note: Avoid cotton swabs. The risk of injury from accidental mishaps far outweighs any benefit they might offer. I once saw an eardrum rupture from a mom who
Alone
by Megan E. FreemanAlone is a survival story in verse for kids who’ve devoured the I Survived series, Hatchet, or Island of the Blue Dolphins. When Maddie wakes up one morning to find herself the sole occupant of her hometown, she’ll have to use a pile of books and her own cleverness to keep herself — and rottweiler George — going. Great for ages 10 and up. $8.99.
was cleaning out her child’s ear when brother walked by, saw a spider, and jumped backwards into mom’s elbow causing her to shove the cotton swab straight through the eardrum. Ouch!
Swimmer’s ear is typically easily treated with prescription antibiotic ear drops, but no swimming until the treatment course is completed, usually five to seven days. It rarely requires oral antibiotics.
Strategies to prevent swimmer’s ear include mixing 1 part white vinegar with 1 part rubbing alcohol and placing a few drops into each ear after swimming, limiting swimming to one hour at a time, and drying the opening of the ear canal with a towel (not a cotton swab) when your child comes out of the pool. Happy swimming!
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.
Sunny days are here at last! Keep your babe protected from the sunshine all summer long with these made-for-littles sunwear.
Babiators sunglasses
What’s cuter than a baby in sunglasses? These sunglasses, specially made for little faces, are a great way to protect your kiddo’s eyes and come in a range of fun colors, shapes and sizes for babies to kids. They even have polarized lenses. $30+. Babiators.com.
Green Sprouts brim hat
Not only do these cute hats offer ample sun protection on your baby’s head, face and neck, they stay on and are soft and super packable. $19.99. The Bull and the Bee; 7044 SE Milwaukie Ave. bullandbeebaby.com.
ThinkBaby SPF 50+ sunscreen
Safe for baby — and the environment — this mineral sunscreen is gentle for sensitive skin, easy to apply and long lasting, making park hangs more enjoyable. $16.79 for 6 ounces. Target.com.
— Tiffany HillEver been faced with a parenting challenge and wished you could consult a parenting coach for personalized advice? Vancouver father of two Joshua Iwata’s Portland-based company, Parent Lab, has an app for that. It’s called Era and it uses AI technology to find attachment-parenting-based advice tailored to your family’s needs. “The app’s goal is to support parents in their journey by offering guidance and resources that are increasingly personalized over time,” says Iwata. “As you start to get into the app, you’re able to take things like relationship quizzes or temperament quizzes, and that’s all stored in the child’s profile and your profile, and it learns and gets better and is able to have more meaningful interactions over time.”
Dismayed by a lack of tech investment in helping parents, Iwata used his 20 years of experience in the tech industry to create a product that helps parents build secure connections with their children. “I realized throughout my career that my longest, hardest, most
important job was being a parent — and there’s no training in that,” says Iwata. “Most of us are doing what our parents did, or the opposite of what our parents did, with no formal training to back us up.”
Iwata lost his own parents when his children, now teenagers, were young. “It made me realize that if you don’t have grandparents or other support to guide you on your parenting journey, there’s not a lot of other places to turn to, especially for personalized advice,” he says. And that’s where Era is especially helpful, filtering information to provide personalized support. Era is $11.99 a month or $79.99 a year. To find out more, visit parentlab.com.
— Denise Castañon
My Spidey-senses have been extra tingly since my son joined us last summer. I can move and react to things quickly when I see he’s about to be in trouble. When he’s sitting upright and leans back a little too far, I’m there with an outstretched hand. When he squirms around during a diaper change, my hands are nimble in changing him. Toss me that pacifier from across the room — don’t worry, I can catch it.
What gives? Like a lot of new parents, I haven’t had consistent sleep for months. While we’re no longer in the newborn phase, being a parent is still exhausting work, not to mention having a full-time job on top of that. Shouldn’t I be slower to react?
After some internet research, I found quicker reflexes are a common side effect for parents. Studies have shown that after their child is born, parents have brain chemistry changes that release larger amounts of hormones that trigger fight or flight mechanisms if they think their child is in danger. Being lightning fast despite my tiredness means my body may react a lot quicker than my thought process would allow otherwise, which is good because my little guy loves to grab at everything.
It’s wild to think, having a baby has literally given me what feels like superpowers.
Matt Tuohy is a first-time dad living with his wife, son and dog in Northeast Portland. Outside of spending time with family, Matt enjoys exploring the outdoors as a nature photographer. Follow along as he learns on the job.
Need a little uplift in your day? Check out the In Your Corner podcast by Portland preschool teacher and music instructor Maia Pillot. Pillot, who has been working with children for 10 years, interviews her students who range in age from 2 ½ to 11 years, gleaning nuggets of wisdom that just might help you shift your perspective to a sunnier outlook. “There have been so many bits of wisdom I’ve learned from the kids, but one of my favorite moments was in Sofia’s episode in the second season,” says Pillot. “When I asked her what she was grateful for, she rattled off this long list of beautiful things, including appreciation for all the love in her life, her creativity, and her good friends and good grown-ups. That she could name an endless stream just off the top of her head was remarkable and something I think we adults often take for granted.”
Pillot’s respect for the kids’ opinions shines through her interviews and the kids give thoughtful responses — even if sometimes they don’t necessarily answer the questions. “I prepare with a bunch of questions as prompts to start each conversation, but I also try to be flexible and roll with whichever way they’d like to take the conversation,” says Pillot. “For instance, in season 2, Frances, who’s 2 ½ years old, answers pretty much every question I ask with a non sequitur. Initially, I tried to get her to answer my questions, but since I found that she’d rather talk about other things, I decided to just go with the flow and let her lead the conversation. … I aim to create an environment where kids can fully express themselves so that we can all hear the funny, profound, and unexpected things they have to say.” Find In Your Corner on Apple podcasts and Spotify.
— D.C.
Find out why Portland recently ranked in the top 15 “Most Fun Cities in America.”
BY BETHANY MARCELe all know Portland is a fun city — but now it’s official. According to WalletHub’s 2023 report on the Most Fun Cities in America, Portland ranked 13th in the country overall, and it’s no surprise given the abundance of attractions, festivals, restaurants, playgrounds and so much more our incredible city has to offer. WalletHub based their rankings on 65 different metrics. Here are our family-friendly picks for seven of their categories.
You could spend all summer attempting to explore all the playgrounds Portland has to offer and you still may not hit them all (though we have no doubt your kids will want to try!). From the popular inclusive playground at Gabriel Park to the nature-inspired Westmoreland Park, it’s clear our city is dedicated to unique, fun and accessible parks for everyone. And right now, we’re excited about the improvements coming soon to George Park in North Portland. Portland Parks & Recreation is partnering with both the advocacy group The Kidz Outside and the Portland Parks Foundation to develop a concept plan for the park’s redevelopment, which will include improving the play structure, adding better lighting and making the park more accessible. The work is expected to begin later this year once the plan is finalized. We’re also excited about the newly opened Errol Heights Park in Southeast Portland, where families can explore 16-acres of restored natural areas, as well as enjoy the splash pad, skateboard area and brand-new playground with natural features and increased accessibility, including an ADAaccessible boardwalk.
It’s true that you can’t travel far in Portland without stumbling upon an excellent restaurant. And we can’t get enough of Oven and Shaker, where the wood-fired pizzas are enjoyed by the whole family, and their artisan cocktails hit the spot for grown-ups. They don’t have an official kids’ menu, but they say their “servers are happy to suggest child-friendly dishes (everybody loves pizza!).” Kids love the fried mozzarella and crispy chickpeas on the snack list. They also have plenty of high-chairs and a changing table available. Open 11:30 am-9 pm Sunday through Thursday and 11:30 am-10 pm Friday and Saturday. 1134 NW Everett St. There’s also a location in Lake Oswego. Ovenandshaker.com.
We also love Produce Row Cafe on the eastside for their relaxed vibe, and delicious burgers and bowls. Their kids’ menu is great and features plenty of choices like grilled cheese and fries, a quesadilla, mini corn dogs and fries, and more all for $9 each. Don’t miss their flourless chocolate torte or gelato sando for dessert. Their covered patio is a pleasant place to sit year-round. 204 SE Oak St. Open noon to 4 pm Monday, noon to 7 pm Tuesday through Thursday and noon to 8 pm Friday and Saturday. Producerowcafe.com.
Starting on June 17 and going through Labor Day, Hopscotch is extending its hours from 10 am-10 pm Wednesday through Monday so more families can explore this art experience!
With the number of fun attractions we have in Portland, the summer break cries of “Mom, I’m so bored!” are hopefully few and far between. From the well-known Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) to the newer interactive art exhibit Hopscotch, there are so many appealing options for family fun.
In Portland, bars aren’t only for parents staying out past their bedtime. At Pips & Bounce, minors are permitted until 7 pm from Wednesday through Sunday. And that’s a good thing for kids who love ping pong. With plenty of ping pong tables and unlimited balls, the whole family will want to stay and play. Their drinks are good and their food menu is straightforward, with bar classics like nachos, sandwiches and pizza. Pro tip: They’re also available to rent for parties. Open 4-10 pm Wednesday and Thursday, 4 pm to midnight Friday, noon to midnight Saturday and noon to 10 pm Sunday. 833 SE Belmont St. Pipsandbounce.com.
Next check out Level Beer, where kids will live their best life at the Level 2 Multnomah Village location. Not only do they have an outside area for gorgeous summer days, they also have a great selection of pinball. The beer is fantastic, but be advised they don’t serve food. However, you’re welcome to bring in food from any of the other Multnomah Village restaurants, so your family won’t go hungry as they crush new high scores. Open 3-10 pm Monday through Thursday and noon to 10 pm Friday through Sunday. 7840 SW Capitol Hwy. Levelbeer.com/level2.
In the summertime, Oaks Amusement Park can’t be beat. This park located in Sellwood features so many attractions your family will want to spend all day hopping from ride to ride. From the heart-pounding Adrenaline Peak rollercoaster to the classic “Big Pink Slide” and gentle carousel, there is something for everyone at the park. There’s also a fun, classic, indoor roller skating rink open year-round. The amusement park is open Saturdays and Sundays in the spring, then six days a week in the summer (closed Mondays). Pro tip: Reserve one of their picnic areas in advance for birthday parties or other summer gatherings. 7805 SE Oaks Park Way. Oakspark.com.
It’s no secret that Portlanders of all ages cherish our time outdoors. And when school lets out for the summer, there’s no better time to hit up one of our many parks and trails. We love Columbia Children’s Arboretum, where you can find peace among the trees as you search for wildlife, have a picnic, or use their shrub and flower guide for nature scavenger hunts. The 28-acre site used to be nothing more than blackberry brambles — until 1970, when local families and students planted over 8,000 trees. Now it’s a great place for family nature walks. And since it reopened last June after a major renovation, it’s even better. We love the ADA-accessible pathway, which is also great for strollers. There’s also portable, ADA restrooms and ADA parking. 10040 NE 6th Dr. Portland.gov/parks/columbia-childrens-arboretum.
Next head over to the westside, where Tryon Creek State Natural Area is deemed the “oasis in the city” with its 8 miles of hiking trails, eight bridges and a boardwalk over a wetland. There’s no better place for exploring the forest and keeping an eye out for local wildlife. You may even spot a horse, as the park features 3.5 miles of equestrian trails. We love that Tryon also hosts tons of family-friendly programming, including the Tryon Forest Adventures Camp, a summer camp where kids can learn about science, explore the forest and more. For summer camp details, see Tryonfriends.org/forest-adventures
That’s right, fitness really can be fun for the entire family. Enter Eastside Athletic Club, where your kiddos can play while you work out or even enjoy fun games and sports of their own. As Eastide Athletic says on their website, “We pride ourselves on being a family fitness facility and have various programs to encourage families to stay healthy together.” Their child care is excellent, but they also have fun programming for kids, such as KidFit, an hour of active games that encourage teamwork and sportsmanship. KidFit is for ages 5 to 10 and is held from 6-7 pm, Monday through Thursday. Eastside Athletic also offers karate, private swim lessons and even summer camps with fun programming like “Super Hero’’ or “Video Games Unplugged.” Child care is for ages 6 months to 10 years. Child care hours are 8:45-11:15 am, Monday through Friday, 5-7:30 pm, Monday through Thursday, and 9-11 am on Saturday. 4606 SE Boardman, Milwaukie. (They also have a second location in Clackamas.) Eastsideathleticclub.com
And if your kid is seeking an outlet for their boundless energy, you can’t miss KidStrong in Lake Oswego. With their fun, active 45-minute classes, kids will be healthy and more confident than ever. The coaches are friendly and encouraging, the equipment is top-notch, and their programs encourage physical, mental and social development. Pro tip: They also offer birthday parties and camps! Ages 14 months to 11 years old. 9 am-7 pm, Monday through Thursday, 9 am-1 pm Saturday and Sunday. 7 Monroe Pkwy #407B, Lake Oswego. Kidstrong.com/locations/lake-oswego.
There’s no better way to celebrate summer than at one of our many local festivals. (There are so many options to choose from that we’re surprised we didn’t place higher than 22nd!)
If you’ve got a kiddo who loves music, The Waterfront Blues Festival is sure to entertain. As Portland’s largest music festival, they’ve featured over 2,000 acts since 1988, so you can sing and dance along to your favorites while your kids enjoy all the festival has to offer. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Tom McCall Waterfront Park. July 4-7. Waterfrontbluesfest. com.
And our lively street fairs are perfect for families — we especially love the Mississippi Street Fair, which features live music and typically includes several kid-friendly performers. July 13. Mississippiave.org/streetfair.
For a true Nordic experience, check out the Oregon Midsummer Festival, where there will be plenty of fun activities, including rousing games of tug-of-war and adorable face painting. Don’t miss out on the raising of the Midsummer Pole, where kids and adults will delight in dancing and singing to celebrate the arrival of summer. There’s also live entertainment and delicious Nordic cuisine from local favorites like Broder Söder. Friday and Saturday, June 28-29. 8800 SW Oleson Rd. Oregonmidsummer.com.
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Kick off summer with the beloved Starlight Parade with funky, lit-up floats and marching bands. Starts at 8 pm. Don’t miss the Starlight Run ahead of the parade. Rosefestival. org/events/2024/ starlightparade. ¢ Or out in Beaverton hit up the free Shine the Light: A Community Celebration. Thereser.org/event/shine-the-light-a- community-celebration-3/ ¢ T
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Cheer on your favorite team as they row in the Willamette near the Hawthorne Bridge during the Rose Festival Dragon Boat Race. Rosefestival. org/events/2024/dragon-boat-race ¢ T
Hora del Cuento en español! Join the friendly folks at Linda Letra Bilingual Books for storytime in Spanish at 10:30 am (and on June 21). Lindaletra.com. ¢ R
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While CityFair and the parades are annual Rose Festival traditions, don’t forget about the big military vessels docked at the waterfront — they’re free to tour! Pro tip: Wear closedtoed shoes. Rosefestival.org/ events/2024/2024fleetweek. ¢ T
Portland’s cutest parade, the Rose Festival Junior Parade goes from 1-3 pm through Hollywood. Rosefestival.org/ events/2024/2024juniorparade. ¢
Enjoy storytime en plein air on the back patio of Green Bean Books every Tuesday at 11 am. Greenbeanbookspdx. com. ¢ R
Get mini with it! Visit one of our city’s mini galleries. Find one in your neighborhood here: pdxparent.com/portlands- mini-galleries. ¢
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Enjoy berries, blooms and BBQ during the festival of the same name at French Prairie Gardens. Kids can feed the farm animals, too! Fpgardens.com/events.
Celebrate and honor Juneteenth during the parade down Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. and a community festival at Albina Park. Juneteenthor.com. ¢
Learn about 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.
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All aboard! Visit Kazoodles Toys in Vancouver on Thursdays from 11 am-1 pm with your little train enthusiast for hours of wooden train play. Kazoodlestoys.com/pages/ calendar. ¢ R
Whether you roll out on two wheels or eight, join in during a bikeand roller skate-friendly ride hosted by Pedalpalooza, the summer-long biking event. Shift2bikes.org/ calendar/event-18521 ¢ T
Join Big Bird and crew as they visit the moon during One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure at OMSI’s Kendall Planetarium. The 30-minute show is at noon, Tuesday through Sunday. Omsi.edu/events/one- world-one-sky-big-birds-
Visit Beaverton City Library for DAM — Design and Make
— Open Lab from noon — 2 pm. Use equipment like a 3D printer, Cricut machines, fiber art equipment, button and sticker makers, and more. Beavertonlibrary.org/408/ makerspace-dam. ¢ R T
Support BIPOC artisans with a shopping spree at the My People’s Market at The Redd event space on Salmon Street from noon6 pm. Mypeoplesmarket.com. For ren faire fans, the annual Oregon Renaissance Faire kicks off this weekend (plus two other weekends) in Canby. Oregonfaire.com.
Celebrate with us! The free PDX Parent Family Festival is from 9 am-1 pm at Topaz Farm. There will be cute farm animals, kindie musicians, vendor booths, tasty food for purchase and more. Pdxparent.com/family-festival . ¢
Take flight during the 40th annual Tigard Festival of Balloons. Tigardballoon.org. T Or head east for the free, annual Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts. Lakewood-center.org/ festival-of-the-arts . ¢
Strike! Kids ages 2 to 15 bowl for free during the summer-long Kids Bowl Free program. Sign them up at kidsbowlfree.com . ¢ R T
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 . ¢ R T
You know it’s officially summer when the splash pads turn back on! Find your favorite here: portland. gov/parks/recreation/ splash ¢ R
Ready. Set. Read! There are freebies, prizes and of course lots of books during the annual summer reading program at Multnomah County libraries.
Treat Dad to a farm-to-table brunch at Topaz Farm or with a free ride bracelet at Oaks Amusement Park. Or head to the Cully neighborhood for the second Portland Sunday Parkways event. Portland.gov/ sunday-parkways ¢
Support the little entrepreneur in your life during Kid Mart at Hammer and Jacks. Held the last Saturday of the month, this kid-artisan marketplace is from 10:30 am12:30 pm. Hammerandjacks.com/ products/kid-mart-at-hammer-jacks. ¢ R
Rock out with the animals of the Oregon Zoo during Zoo Nights. Tonight, Life During Wartime, a Talking Heads tribute band takes the stage. Oregonzoo.org/ nights. T
Have your kiddo practice their reading skills as they read aloud to Louie the therapy dog. Held every other Thursday at Maggie Mae’s Bookshop. Maggiemaesbooks.com. ¢ R
Multcolib.org/summer- reading ¢ R T
Celebrate Oregon’s vibrant Latino culture during the Latino Cultural Festival at the Ron Tonkin Field in Hillsboro. Washingtoncountychamberor.com/ events . ¢
Grab a cup of coffee while your little enjoys a storytime followed by an art session at Awake Coffee & Art. Held each Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10 am. Awakecoffeeart. com/events. R
Have your kid put their creative building skills to use during Lego Club at the library. Today, the fun is at Woodstock Library from 3:30-5 pm. Multcolib.org/events- classes/lego-club. ¢ R
Portland Parks & Recreation’s Free Lunch + Play kicks off today with activities and free lunch for kids 0 to 18 from 11:30 am-1:30 pm. See the 24 weekday locations of Free Lunch + Play at portland.gov/parks/ freelunch. ¢ R
With boats made out of recycled materials, the annual Milk Carton Boat Race is a unique Portland summertime tradition. Catch the race at the Casting Pond in Westmoreland Park. Royalrosarians.com/ page/2024-milk-carton-boat- race. ¢
MONDAY
Keep Portland weird at the Pedalpalooza Pasta Costume ride. Your family can make costumes out of macaroni at noon (no seriously) and ride through Southeast Portland. Departs from Martha’s Cafe at Revolution Hall at 12:30 pm. Shift2bikes.org/ calendar/ event-18637. ¢
Hit the second day of The Waterfront Blues Festival (July 4-7) to see Lucinda Williams, Ashley Flynn & the Riveters and more. Don’t miss The Playin’ Ground family area. And kids 12 and younger are free! Waterfrontbluesfest. com. T
If staying up for fireworks is out of the question for your little, head to the Hillsboro Rotary 4th of July Parade at 10 am. If your kiddo can stay up late, but doesn’t like loud noises, Wilsonville’s Laser Light Show at 9 pm at Town Center Park is a fun way to celebrate. ¢
Groove to Aaron Nigel Smith’s reggae rhythms at Gateway Discovery Park at 11:30 am, part of PP&R’s Summer Free for All. ¢
The weather should be great to visit a food cart pod for lunch or dinner. We like the Hinterland pod on Division, The Heist in Woodstock and Hillsboro Station. The St. Paul Rodeo starts today! In addition to nightly shows, there’s a carnival and vendor market. Visit stpaulrodeo.com for schedule and tickets.
¡Viva Tualatin! honors Tualatin’s vibrant Latinx, Pacific Islander and Asian communities. Enjoy live performances, art activities, food and more. Tualatin Community Park, 1-8 pm.
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There’s a good chance you had a poster of at least one of the cast members of Newsies on your wall as a kid. ( �� David Moscow.) Relive your crush with your kids at a Summer Free for All screening at Overlook Park. Popcorn at 7:30 pm, movie at dusk. ¢
Your kids will become Blues aficionados after listening to the truly astounding vocals of Wendy and DB at the St. Johns Library, 2-3 pm. ¢
Learn some Bollywood dance moves as DJ Anjali and The Incredible Kid bring a South Asian dance party to Gateway Discovery Park. 11:30 am. ¢
Preschool truck lovers will have the best day ever at the Touch-a-Truck event at the Oregon City Public Library, 10 am-noon. Orcity-library.libcal.com/ event/12235699. ¢
Splash it up during 1:30-3:30 pm open swim time at the Creston or Pier pool — or another one of PP&R’s seven outdoor pools open June 20 through late summer. Portland.gov/parks/ recreation/pools. ¢ R
See a surprise Grammy-winning artist at PP&R’s East Portland Summer Arts Festival at Ventura Park! 6 pm. ¢ T
Hear ye, hear ye! Sherwood’s Robin Hood Festival is back with knights, archery, music, dancing and vendors. Don’t miss the community parade at 10 am. Free admission. Robinhoodfestival.org. ¢
Listen for your lucky number at Family Bingo Night at the Camas Library. 5 pm every third Friday of the month. ¢ R
It’s Metro Free Parking Day. Head to Oxbow Park to cool off in the Sandy River — don’t forget your life jackets! ¢ R
Children’s songwriter Nathalia Palis gives an interactive musical performance in English and Spanish at Hillsboro’s Shute Park stage. 1:30-2:30 pm. ¢ R
Do your shopping late at the Hillsboro Tuesday Night Market, 5-8:30 pm, and enjoy live entertainment and classic cars cruising by. Tuesdaymarketplace.org . R T
Get ready to do the Mashed Potato and Twist as Red Yarn brings his Get-Together show to Bethany Library at 10 am. Later in the day, kids can learn the secrets of birdwatching with Nature Nerd Expeditions at the Sellwood-Moreland Library, 2-3 pm. ¢
Fins up! It’s the Portlandia Mermaid Parade. Parade starts at the Japanese Historical Plaza along Tom McCall Waterfront Park at 2 pm. Portlandiamermaidparade. com . ¢
It’s 4th Friday in the Sellwood neighborhood. Take part in free art activities from Children’s Healing Art Project and glide on a skatepark from Stronger Skate. Or browse sidewalk sales, find food and drink specials, and listen to live music. Sellwoodmoreland. com. ¢ R
It’s National Merry-go- round Day! Take a spin at the Albany, Oaks Park or Oregon Zoo carousels.
Listen to amazing voices at Opera a la Carte at Pioneer Courthouse Square. Noon. Thesquarepdx org/ event/opera-a-la-cart- at-the-square/all. ¢ R
Swim in the Willamette River. Westside Poet’s Beach and eastside Sellwood Riverfront Park access points are suitable for kids with close supervision. ¢
Double your free fun with a trip to a splash pad and Free Lunch + Play site! PP&R hands out free lunches to kids 18 and younger at Essex Park from 11:30 am-1 pm every Monday to Friday through August 16. ¢ R
Find corn, green beans and blackberries at the downtown Shemanski Park Farmers Market, 10 am-2 pm. R
If you’ve got budding astronomers, sign up for the Oregon Star Party at Ochoco National Forest. It’s a six-day camping experience for the whole family with speakers, mentoring for new telescope users, and lots of stargazing. Oregonstarparty.org.
Join Creature Teachers at the Rockwood Library from 2-3:30 pm to learn about weird and wonderful animals. And kids can meet some scaly, feathery and furry friends! Multcolib.org/events- classes. ¢ R
Lace up your running shoes and race in the $5 5K at Pier Park. Each event will include raffle prizes, music, face paint, crafts, vendors — and lots of bananas. There are shorter races for kids and those 17 and younger race for free. Portland. gov/parks/sports/5k- series-fun-runs.
¢ R
Wave a rainbow flag at the Portland Pride Parade weaving through the North Block Parks at 11 am or take part in the Multicultural Kids’ Fair at Ventura Park noon to 5 pm. ¢
Join Dumbledore’s Army at the last day of Wizarding Weekend at McMenamins Kennedy School. Pdxhpa.com.
Your kids can attend or vend at the Children’s Entrepreneur Market at Overlook Park in Ridgefield, Wash. 9 am-2 pm. Childrensentrepreneurmarket. com. Or head over to Big Truck Day at Beaverton’s Conestoga Aquatic and Recreation Center, where kids can clamber on bulldozers, fire engines, tow trucks and more for free. 9 am-1 pm. Thprd.org/events/bigtruck-day.
Snap a pic of your kiddo prancing through fields of bright yellow blooms at the Lee Farms Sunflower Festival that starts today!Fridays,SaturdayandSundaysthrough August 18. Leefarmsoregon.com.
It’s Free First Thursday at the Portland Art Museum so get an eyeful of Monet and Matisse at the French Moderns exhibit. (Kids 17 and younger are always free!) ¢ R
If your kids love history (or spooky stuff) get a guided tour of the graves of Portland’s founders at the Lone Fir Cemetery. 10 am-noon. Reservations required, friends- of-lone-fir-cemetery-store.square. site. R T
The littlest book lovers can make new friends at Baby Playgroup with the Literacy Lady at Hammer and Jacks toy store at 1 pm. Sliding scale tickets available at hammerandjacks.com . R
The laid-back vibe and reasonable ticket prices at Topaz Farm’s Americana Harvest Fest outdoor concert series make it super family friendly. Your family can listen to Riley Downing, while chilling with a farmmade popsicle and petting the farm animals. Topazfarm. com.
Head to Hillsboro’s Butternut Creek Park for Library on the Loose, to check out or return books, play with STEM toys and more. 10 am-12:30 pm. Hillsboro-oregon.gov/ our-city/departments/library/ events-and-programs. ¢ R
The first Tuesday in August, evening neighborhood parties pop up for National Night Out and Night Out for Safety and Liberation — both focused on community building for safer living spaces. ¢
Harold and the Purple Crayon dropped in theaters last week, go see this film adaptation of the popular children’s book without the opening day crowds.
Take a picnic dinner to Peninsula Park for Opera in the Park’s presentation of La Traviata . 6-8 pm. Operaintheparkportland. org. ¢
Multnomah Days is a classic Portland street fair with a parade, live music, vendor booths and lots of free kids’ crafts. 9 am-6 pm. Mnapdx.org/events/multnomah- days-2024.
See live theater acted as it was back in The Bard’s day with the Original Practice Shakespeare Festival tonight at Washington Park. Find more locations and showtimes at opsfest. org. ¢ R T
It’s National Lemon Meringue Pie day! Bake one with the kids or grab a slice or two from Banning’s Restaurant and Pie House or Lauretta Jean’s.
Play tourist by renting a surrey from Kerr Bikes and cruising the waterfront. Pro tip: Their OMSI location provides adaptive bikes at a discounted rate for kids and grown-ups with disabilities. Albertinakerr.org/support- our-work/kerr-bikes . T
Don’t miss Nikki Brown Clown at the new Holgate Library! 2-2:45 pm. Pro tip: It’s also Special Prize Day at Holgate Library, so that means extra Summer Reading prizes for kids! Multcolib.org/events- classes. ¢ R
Head to the Bethany Library at 10 am to hear local kindie performer Jessa Campbell sing. ¢ R
Rock lovers of all ages will have a blast at the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals’ Summer Bash . Ricenorthwestmuseum.org.
Come hungry (there’s pizza and popcorn!), get comfy and enjoy a second-run or classic flick during Friday Family Movie Nights at NWCT’s The Judy. Nwcts. org/cinema. R
Wilsonville’s Party in the Park at Town Center Park promises live music, free games and activities, and giveaways. 5:30 pm. Wilsonvilleparksandrec. com/parksrec/page/party- park . ¢
Gresham Library hosts Hip Hop Summer Jam as part of its Black storytime. 6-6:45 pm. ¢ R
Catch a matinee at The Academy Theater, it’s only $6 per person before 3 pm! R T
It’s hot! K h unamokwst and Spring Garden Parks both have splash pads. 10 am-8 pm through Labor Day. Find more at pdxparent.com/ splash. ¢
Is it ever too early to prep for Halloween?
Hit the Halloween Swap Meet at Oaks Park if you answered no. Noon-7 pm. Halloweenswampmeet.com.
Celebrate the first week back at school by seeing an evening performance of Peter Pan at the Keller! Portland.broadway.com/ shows/peter-pan.
Unwind after school with an interactive concert from ICAN Radio at Irving Park. 6:30 pm. ¢
Now that all the big kids are back in school, take your toddler to OMSI for a lowkey play time.
It’s the first day of school for most PPS students!
Say goodbye to summer with a scoop of ice cream from St. Francis Ice Cream, 50 Licks or Cloud City. And set those alarm clocks!
Grab your bikes and helmets, it’s the Providence Bridge Pedal! There are five different routes over two to nine bridges, but the 3-mile Kids Pedal is free for kids under 13 and adults accompanying them. Providence.org/lp/bridge- pedal.
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Can’t get enough of street fairs? Hit the Kenton Street Fair for more vendors, music and fun. Get updates on Instagram @Kentonbusinesspdx.
Hop along Hawthorne Boulevard for the 41st annual Hawthorne Street Fair. 11 am-5 pm. Hawthorneblvd.com. T
This musical adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic The Jungle Book features professional actors supported by an ensemble of our kids’ drama camp participants. AT THE DEB FENNELL AUDITORIUM IN TIGARD
Box Office: 503.620.5262 www.broadwayrose.org Title Sponsor Show Sponsor JUL. 31 – AUG. 3 HARVEY & SANDY PLATT
Capitol Hill Sat June 1, 2:15-3pm
Gregory Heights Fri June 7, 11:15-11:45am
Hollywood Sat June 8, 3:30-4:30pm Gresham Wed June 26, 2:30-3:30pm
Children from birth to age 6 (with their favorite adults) enjoy books highlighting LGBTQ+ families, along with songs, rhymes and movement activities building language, literacy, and community in an identity-supporting environment.
Learn more about these recurring events at
multcolib.org /events-classes
Explore paleontology’s fiercest family tree this summer at OMSI
Preschool, Kindergarten & Childcare Center
4845 SW Murray Boulevard, Beaverton, OR 97005 503-644-1466 | sunshine-montessori.com
Ages: 2 years through Kindergarten
Hours: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm (Mon - Fri)
• Locally owned and operated
• Serving the community since 1996
• Qualified & consistent staff
525 SW 150th Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97006
503-626-0457 | www.nwlearning.com
Ages: Infant through Kindergarten
Hours: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm (Mon - Fri)
Early Learning School
14950 SW Osprey Drive, Beaverton, OR 97007 503-579-0600 | childs-place.com
Ages: Infant through Kindergarten
Hours 7:00 am - 6:00 pm (Mon - Fri)
• Large outdoor play areas
• Snacks & lunch prepared and served daily
Preschool, Kindergarten & Childcare Center 17650 SW Alexander Street, Aloha, OR 97003 503-591-9660 | www.mayflower-montessori.com
Ages: Infant through Kindergarten
Hours: 7:00 am - 6:00 pm (Mon - Fri)
AMGA accredited for over 20 years Providing families with outdoor climbing adventures at
www.goclimbing.com
541-318-7170
Winner Topaz Farm
17100 NW Sauvie Island Rd., topazfarm.com
There’s a reason why PDX Parent hosts its annual free festival — this June 22! — at Topaz Farm: Families love this farm! In addition to special events like concerts, pumpkin patches and a colorful Holi festival, Topaz Farm grows tasty produce, all for sale in its market, and has a petting zoo of adorable farm animals.
Top 5
Bella Organic Farm
Liepold Farms
Packer Orchards
Triskelee Farm
Yesteryear Farms
Winner Banks-Vernonia State Trail
stateparks.oregon.gov
A family that bikes together, has fun together! And this repeat PDX Parent Reader Favorites winner for best kid-friendly trail is 21 miles of paved paths, making it a great spot to take in the fresh air, get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors.
Top 5
Eastbank Esplanade
North Clackamas Trolley Trail Rock Creek Trail
Springwater Corridor Trail
Tualatin River Greenway Trail
Winner Gabriel Park
SW 45th Avenue and Vermont Street, portland. gov/parks/gabriel-park
This Southwest playground is both fun, and inclusive and accessible, making it a go-to park for many Portland families. And for sports-loving kids, there’s also soccer, softball and baseball fields, and courts for tennis and volleyball.
Harper’s Playground at Arbor Lodge Park
Hidden Creek Park West in Hillsboro
Pirate Park
Washington Park
Westmoreland Park
Winner Enchanted Forest
8462 Enchanted Way SE, Turner, enchantedforest.com
A trip to Enchanted Forest, not far from Salem, is a rite of passage for every family in the Portland area. Whimsical rides and attractions based on classic storybooks will delight kids and give grown-ups some major nostalgia.
Top 5
Electric Castle’s Wunderland Cinema and Nickel Games
Grand Central Bowl
KingPins Family Entertainment Center
Topgolf
Wilsonville Family Fun Center/Bullwinkle’s Entertainment
Winner Tryon Creek State Natural Area
11321 S Terwilliger Blvd., stateparks.oregon.gov
This repeat PDX Parent Readers Favorites winner has 8 miles of hiking trails and is a great place to spot birds and other wildlife. Plus it’s a forest oasis in the city, located only 15 minutes from downtown.
Top 5
Forest Park
Hoyt Arboretum
Powell Butte
Trail of Ten Falls
Wahclella Falls
Winner Oregon Zoo
4001 SW Canyon Rd., oregonzoo.org
What kiddo doesn’t love looking at zoo animals? The Oregon Zoo boasts an impressive number of mammals, birds, reptiles, insects and amphibians (and family memberships start at $98). And this summer, don’t miss the popular — and family-friendly — Zoo Nights evening concert series.
Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum
OMSI - Oregon Museum of Science & Industry
Portland Art Museum
Portland Japanese Garden
Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals
Winner Mt. Hood Adventure Park at Skibowl
7000 E Highway 26, Government Camp, skibowl.com
When most people think of Mt. Hood, snow-covered peaks perfect for shredding come to mind. But Mt. Hood Adventure Park is a cold- and warm-weather destination. With activities like zip lining, inner tubing, go-kart racing and much more, there’s an activity for every member of the family.
Top 5
Escape Games PDX iFLY Indoor Skydiving
Skamania Lodge Zipline Tour & Aerial Park
Sky Zone Beaverton (formerly DEFY Beaverton) Tree to Tree Adventure Park
Winner Pizzicato
Winner Slappy Cakes
4246 SE Belmont St., slappycakes.com
With “play with your food” as their motto, you know kids, and kids at heart, love Slappy Cakes. This DIY pancake place has all the toppings to make the ultimate griddled breakfast.
Top 5
Hopworks Urban Brewery
Laughing Planet Cafe
La Provence - Petite Provence
Bistro - Boulangerie Pâtisserie
Tin Shed
Waffle Window
Multiple locations, pizzicatopizza.com
Pizzicato makes meal times easy. The family-friendly pizza joint has more than 20 pizzas on its menu, from classics like pepperoni or margherita to creative pies such as the Thai chicken or the Squisita, topped with lamb sausage, artichoke hearts, and feta with an arugula-walnut pesto sauce.
Top 5
Hot Lips Pizza
Mississippi Pizza Pub
Pietro’s Pizza & Pirate Adventure
Pizza Jerk
Pizza Schmizza
Winner Salt & Straw
Multiple locations, saltandstraw. com
No matter what your dessert flavor profile is, Salt & Straw has the scoop for you. And with limited release flavors — including knockout vegan varieties — you can come back again and again to discover your new favorite, or bring a pint home for later.
Top 5
Blue Star Donuts
Cloud City Ice Cream
Fifty Licks Ice Cream
Pip’s Original Doughnuts & Chai
Voodoo Doughnut
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As a 3-year-old, my son was fully capable of climbing the couches, tables and kitchen counters in our house, but he was still not walking. We tried to take him to nearby city parks; unfortunately, many of the playgrounds in our area were not accessible to him. Even the more accessible playgrounds were not always inclusive, being too intimidating, too hard to navigate, or having only a small area of accessible equipment that was separated by bark chips — not easy with his walker. Still, we went out. He loved to watch other children, but I could tell that he wanted to play, too.
That’s why I was excited to hear that The Neighborhood Church (right off of I-205 at exit 3) in Tualatin was opening a brand-new accessible and inclusive playground for the community. (Meaning you don’t have to attend the church to visit the playground.) My son and I attended the playground opening in April, and I loved seeing the smile on his face when he realized this park was different from the others. We have since been back numerous times, and each time we find a
new favorite aspect of the playground that captures our attention.
The first time he played there, I was struck by the turf. Light and springy, the astroturf provides accessibility for crawlers, and those with wheelchairs or walkers. My son easily toddled and crawled over it without getting scraped or ripping his pants. In fact, every part of this playground was easily accessible. One special swing set could even fit a wheelchair. It took a team of children working together to get the swing to move, which was great for supporting inclusivity and teamwork.
My son loved the toddler play structure. I watched him climb up to the tunnel and holler “Hi! Hi!” to all passersby, and even sometimes just to hear the echo. He also worked on his dance and rhythm skills as he and I took turns playing the bongos. Unsurprisingly, he was the one to find the hidden bells in what I thought were decorative musical notes embedded on the play structure. It turns out they can be moved and wiggled to produce lovely chime sounds.
Still, I think my favorite moment was when he made it to the top of the climbing structure. Unlike many traditional climbing structures, the one at this park didn’t use a ladder or steps. Instead, it had a heavyduty, yet bouncy, rubber material that could be climbed. I watched my son work and problem-solve that structure all the way to the top. Often, the terms accessible playground and inclusive playground
The Neighborhood Church playground. 21065 SW Stafford Rd., Tualatin. Open 3-7 pm on school days, 9 am-7 pm on weekends and in the summer. TheNeighborhoodChurch.org/ Playground.
are used interchangeably; however, there is a difference. An accessible playground is one that allows children of all capabilities physical access to the play equipment, such as a paved pathway and ramp access to the play structures. An inclusive park is one that not only provides accessibility, but also promotes interaction with the equipment in a sensory-friendly and engaging way and encourages connection with other playground users, making it especially great for children with sensory processing disorder and autism. The Neighborhood Church Playground fully meets criteria for being accessible and inclusive, and as a mom, it makes my heart happy to see my son be able to thrive at a playground. We are also looking forward to attending the different community events held there such as Doughnuts with Dad and Corn Hole & Pizza Night.
Cassandra Johnson has lived in the Portland metro area for over a decade where she has worked in the early childhood education and special needs fields for public and private schools. She spends most of her days singing the Thomas & Friends theme song to her train-obsessed toddler. But when she has a moment, she goes back to her love of writing and devouring any book she can fit into her son’s nap time.
This flagship accessible park in Portland has led the way for the multitude of others that have popped up since its founding in 2012. It hosts a play area complete with a sand pit, slides, a sound area, and turtle sculptures throughout that symbolize the success children can have when provided with the right environment. Portland.gov/parks/arbor-lodge-park#toc-harper-s-playground.
Filled with wheelchair-accessible swings, a sand pit, musical instruments, a variety of climbing features and sculptures by a local artist, this special park celebrates inclusivity and accessibility by bringing in the best of both worlds. Harpersplayground.org/playgrounds/marshall-park
This playground combines the delights of a natural environment with the accessibility needed for different abilities. Designed with a nature-themed, fairy-tale aesthetic, children are transported into a forest wonderland, complete with large wooden houses, a carved chair fit for a giant, a “secret” library and a sleeping dragon. Harpersplayground.org/playgrounds/anna-abbys-yard.
Redesigned for accessibility and inclusivity after a fire burned down the original structure, this playground is full of vibrant colors, enchanting pathways, painted nature scenes and turrets. Children can easily get lost in their explorations of this castlelike playground. Troutdaleoregon. gov/publicworks/page/columbiaparkimagination-station
This park easily caters to the senses. From the colorful light show in the slide to the water feature and built-in trampoline, this park is a sensory dream for children. Its turf makes it easy for children of all abilities to scamper around and they will delight in exploring the special sensory wall. Portland.gov/parks/gabriel-park.
Dough Zone’s newest Oregon restaurant is a fun, family-friendly spot for discovering new favorites.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY DENISE
CASTAÑONIf You Go
Dough Zone, 11840 SE 82nd Ave., Ste. 3060, Happy Valley. Open daily 11 am-10 pm. Doughzonedumplinghouse.com/clackamas.
I felt like a parenting champ after my family’s visit to the new Dough Zone in the Clackamas Town Center. My kids actually tried new-to-them foods without a fuss (and liked them!) and we all had a really good time together.
The Portland metro’s newest Dough Zone is housed in the former California Pizza Kitchen space. The Chinese dumpling chain originated in Bellevue, Wash. and has outposts on Portland’s waterfront and in Beaverton, as well as in Washington, California and Texas. Upon entering the Clackamas location, we were able to get a table right away. The space is large and open, and we noticed plenty of high chairs available. Our friendly server asked if we had been in before. Since we hadn’t, he explained that we could mix our own dipping sauces using soy sauce, vinegar, grated fresh ginger and chili oil. My 9-year-old son, Cruz, loves dipping sauces and got right to work creating his perfect sauce with lots of ginger and a touch of heat from the chili oil.
We scanned the QR code to see the full menu description and to help us fill out the paper ordering form at our table. Dough Zone offers several styles of dumplings, buns, and vegetable and noodle dishes. We ordered the Q-BAO pan-fried pork buns ($9.95 for 4), pork xiao long bao soup dumplings ($9.40 for 8), pan-fried chicken potstickers ($7.30 for 6), pan-fried wontons with sweet spicy garlic sauce ($7.30 for 6), Dan Dan noodles ($7.90), and sweet and sour cucumbers ($7.30). Cruz said the kale with sweet spicy garlic dressing sounded good. Anytime one of my kids expresses even the slightest interest in a vegetable they’d normally refuse, I’m gonna order it. So we, of course, got the kale, too ($7.30).
The cucumbers and kale were the first to come out. The cucumbers were cut in a spiral/accordion style and doused in a delicious dressing heavy on the sesame oil. I loved it. The kale was indeed spicy, Cruz tried it but thought
it was a little too spicy. My husband really liked it though. Pro tip: Anything marked spicy is spicy. But as someone who likes medium heat, it was just the right amount of spice for me. The springy, spicy and rich Dan Dan noodles came out next.
I was really excited for my kids to try the Q-BAO. Both Cruz and my 11-year-old daughter, Adela, really like potstickers. But they’d resisted trying bao buns in the past even though I knew it was a food they’d love if they gave it a chance. They finally agreed to them, and did indeed love the steamed buns filled with savory-sweet pork. They were a hit with everyone actually. The potstickers and wontons came with crispy, lacy-looking bottoms and were also very tasty. But everyone agreed the xiao long bao were the best thing we tried. (And this was again something my kids had never eaten before!) Cruz was charmed by the fact that our chopsticks came with instructions for eating the soup dumplings. So we followed the
directions: Pick up the dumpling carefully, put it on the spoon, bite or poke a hole in the dough, slurp out the soup, then eat the dumpling. The kids loved the whole process. “These are really fun to eat,” said Adela. My husband wished he could drink a whole bowl of the broth in the dumplings. We agreed next time we’d order even more soup dumplings.
“We need to bring Nana and Grandpa here,” said Cruz. This is the designation the kids give to the restaurants they hold in the highest regard — the ones they know their food-loving grandparents from California will appreciate when they are visiting us in Portland. I agreed. The whole experience was wonderful: delicious food at a surprisingly reasonable price; easy, relaxed atmosphere; and quick, friendly service.
Editor Denise Castañon loves exploring Portland's family-friendly dining scene with her husband, 11-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son.
Learning to save is a skill that lasts a lifetime.
We started the OnPoint Savers Account for children 17 and under so that kids can get a head start on learning healthy savings habits. Just open your child’s membership with a minimum of $25 and we’ll deposit an additional $55*. Plus, they’ll earn 5.00%* on the first $500. Not a bad way to start for a beginner, don’t you think?
57 branches with one near you!
Get started today. Visit onpointcu.com/onpoint-savers
*Rates subject to change. Stated APY (Annual Percentage Yield) is for balances up to $500; balances over $500 earn posted Regular Savings Account rate. Account must be established for members age 17 or younger by parent or guardian with a minimum $25 deposit. Parent or legal guardian must be on the membership and present to open the OnPoint Savers Account. When primary member attains the age of 18, accounts will be converted to Regular Savings Account, earning that account’s published rate at that time. Fiduciary memberships, including UTTMA and Minor Settlement Accounts are not eligible for OnPoint Savers. One OnPoint Savers Account per member/TIN. One $55 bonus per tax ID for new members only. Bonus will be included on a 1099-INT for tax purposes. Cannot be combined with other offers for opening a new membership, such as new branch promotions or Refer a Friend. Federally insured by NCUA. 4/24
