PDX Parent June/July 2021 Issue

Nicholas Restaurant’s new kid-friendly space

FREE

Bird-watching at Fernhill Wetlands

for the long days and short years

It’s not too late for

summer camps, pg. 22

Sunny Days Ahead

Where to find your PDXPARENT.COM

fun this summer,

pg. 12

pdxparent.com | June /July 2021 1 PORTLAND | VANCOUVER | JUNE/JULY 2021

Find Your Fun.....................................................12 This summer holds the promise of so much more fun than last summer! Find out what outdoor

contents

FEATURES

activities are open — and don’t miss our splash pad map!

By Denise Castañon.

PDX Parent Picks........................................24 Family Fun: pizza, playgrounds, bike trails and more!

DEPARTMENTS Editor’s Note......................................................... 4 Play Room................................................................ 6 A mom-run clothing line for tiny humans, great graphic novel picks and a quick getaway to Welches.

Field Trip…................................................................ 20 Explore the trails and spot plenty of wildlife at Fernhill Wetlands in Forest Grove. You can even go on a story walk!

By Ali Wilkinson.

Family Supper…............................................... 26 Our editor checks out the new, kid-friendly location of an old favorite: Nicholas Restaurant.

By Denise Castañon.

RESOURCES Summer Fun.................................................... 10-11 TREE-TO-TREE ADVENTURE

Summer Camps.......................................22-23

12

* cover stories

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I

for the long days and short years

’ve been counting down the days until the end of the school year. With a kindergartener and a third grader starting the school year remotely, it’s been a really tough year. But somehow, we’ve muddled through. My son’s kindergarten teacher not only managed to keep kindergarten fun via Zoom, she actually taught him to read. Like whole books. Seriously, I just got him to meetings and had him do maybe one Seesaw assignment a day. She deserves so much credit — and a yacht and a bazillion dollars. We can at least make sure she gets a nice gift card. (Alexa also gets a small shoutout for making sure my very capable third grader was getting to her meetings on time.

Alexa’s not getting a gift card, though.)

But once school is out, everything will be much more relaxed and my teacher husband will be around to take the kids on adventures.

Like I said, counting. the. days. Of course, it’s more than the emotional labor being spread more evenly — it’s summer itself.

The sunny season in Oregon is truly superb.

And after being cooped up last summer because of a new disease we knew so little about — this year knowledge is power. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says outdoor visits and activities are safer than indoor activities for unvaccinated people (like my 6-year-old and 8-year-old), and fully vaccinated people can start taking off their masks, even indoors. Visit cdc.gov for the full recommendations. Knowing that, you’ll definitely want to check out Find Your Fun on page 12 to see what’s open this summer. FYI: I got my shots and I am most excited about the promise of visiting my parents, outdoor concerts and the splash pads turning back on!

I hope your family enjoys some fun in the sun this summer. You deserve it.

TREVOR PARKER

e d i t o r ’ s n ot e

Sublime Summertime

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 Art Director Susan Bard Web Director Michelle Carew, 503-914-6151 michelle.carew@pdxparent.com Eastside Account Executive Lauren Wylie, 503-331-8184 lauren.wylie@pdxparent.com Westside Account Executive Jill Weisensee, 503-309-8272 jill.weisensee@pdxparent.com Newsletter and Calendar Editor Melissa Light melissa.light@pdxparent.com Finance Manager Christie Kline, 503-810-9817 christie.kline@pdxparent.com 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

On our cover: This cover shot by local photographer Shonda Thomas of Shonda Rochelle Photography makes us want to grab our sunglasses and get outside! And we love that big-sister-little-brother bond she caught between siblings

sexual orientation. the accuracy of published material,

answers, facial expressions and natural body language.” See more of her excellent photography at shondarochelle.com and on Instagram @shondarochellephotography. pdxparent.com

disability, gender, gender expression, sex or Although every effort is taken to ensure

mood and engage the family or couple, which leads to real

|

basis of race, color, national origin, religion,

has a degree in journalism and strives for authenticity in her real emotions,” says Thomas. “I ask questions to lighten the

June /July 2021

PDX Parent does not discriminate on the

Zakariah and Symon at the Vancouver Waterfront. Thomas shoots. “I try to create a story from my sessions and capture

4

advertised herein.

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.

How much fun can you pack into one summer?

Sign up for our newsletter to receive our Ultimate Family Bucket List and

find out! pdxparent.com

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p l ay r o o m

Alexis Tanner, mom to 4-year-old Karsyn and 3-year-old Jaidyn, studied business administration and always knew she wanted to be a business owner, but never knew exactly what she would focus on. She recently started JK Girls, a clothing and accessories company inspired by her two daughters. She even collaborates with them on ideas. “I’ve always been in love with the idea that they can have something

Mom to Know:

The Family-business Builder

that is theirs, as sisters,” says Tanner.

In addition to founding JK Girls, Tanner is a single mom who works for Portland Public Schools. “I am so motivated to create financial wealth and stability for my girls — my mind is always spinning with ideas,” she says. “I thought, If I never take the first step in starting this business, then we will be in this same

JK GIRLS

space forever.” JK Girls introduced the Jaidyn line for ages 9 months to 5 years on May 1 and will debut the Karsyn line for the same ages in July. Tanner expects to expand past 5T sizes in the fall. “I would describe each girl’s line as a testament to their personality and overall vibe as a tiny human,” says Tanner. Karsyn’s line is sporty and fun, while Jaidyn’s line is dainty and girly. Find out more at jk-girls.com.

DERON PATTERSON/SUPREME OPTICS PHOTOGRAPHY

Getaway: WelchEs

Yes, Mount Hood is a renowned winter destination, but don’t dismiss it as a summertime vacation spot. Welches serves as

the end. Government Camp’s Mt. Hood Adventure Park at Skibowl offers a slew of activities, but your kids may just want to

a perfect base for mountain-based adventures that are the

do the Alpine Slide, over and over and over. (Pro tip: There’s free

ultimate antidote when the thermostat hits 90+ degrees in

Wi-Fi if you need to check in with work while the kids play.) Or bring

Portland. (Look for house rentals through Airbnb, VRBO or

a picnic and then hike around at Trillium Lake. When it’s time to

Vacasa.) Hit the Salmon River Trail and cool off in the river on sweltering summer days. If you’ve got young kids, Little Zigzag Falls is a perfect easy hike. The trail is truly enchanting, with

6

DENISE CASTAÑON

DENISE CASTAÑON

— Denise Castañon

fuel up, head to Mt. Hood Brewing for solid pub fare including

a standout fish ’n’ chips plate and fried chicken sandwich — and a well-received kids’ menu. (Limited indoor seating and takeout.)

moss-covered stones reminiscent of Kristoff’s family in Frozen;

Pro tip: The Killer Burger truck sometimes sets up shop in the

pebbly, shallow banks to explore; and a picturesque waterfall at

Mt. Hood Village Market parking lot in Rhododendron. — D.C.

June /July 2021

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Kid to Know: The Anti-racist Artist In May, Oregon Congresswoman

youth, and that future is

Suzanne Bonamici announced

on display with this piece.”

that Clara Johnson, a senior

Clara’s artwork will be

at Beaverton High School, won

on exhibit at the U.S.

the 2021 Congressional Art

Capitol Building for the

Competition for Oregon’s First

next year. And two other

Congressional District. Clara’s

students were awarded

piece is titled Xenophobia. “I hoped

honorable mentions:

to express the position such a

Diane Choi and River Rain,

situation puts individuals and

also seniors at Beaverton

whole communities into: feelings

High School. “Knowing

of isolation, alienation, fear and

[my piece] would be hung

hurt,” says Clara. “I was hoping to

in the Capitol as a kind

express how wrong and damaging

of statement against

this type of hatred is and raise

such hatred and fear like

awareness of it.”

CLARA JOHNSON

“The artwork submitted to the Congressional Art Competition

xenophobia, specifically

after a year with large spikes in Asian hate crimes, has motivated

each year is breathtaking and thought-provoking,” says

me even more to continue to make such artistic statements,” says

Congresswoman Bonamici. “I see a bright future for Oregon’s

Clara. — D.C.

Bookshelf: Graphic Novels for All

Spice up summer reading with these excellently illustrated graphic-novel picks from Kim Tano and Madeline Shier, the children’s book buyers at Powell’s City of Books. The Burnside, Hawthorne and Cedar Hills Powell’s locations are now open for in-person browsing. Or you can always order online at powells.com.

The Coldfire Curse (Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly Book #1) by Jordan Quinn

No One Returns From the Enchanted Forest

by Robin Robinson

Allergic

The Arctic Incident (Artemis

by Megan Wagner Lloyd and

Fowl #2 The Graphic Novel)

Michelle Mee Nutter

by Eoin Colfer

This first graphic novel spin-

Portland author Robin

Maggie’s 10th birthday is com-

The Artemis Fowl series is a

off of the beloved Kingdom of

Robinson wrote and illustrated

ing up, and she is super excit-

favorite, and these graphic

Wrenly chapter books is sure

this fantasy graphic novel.

ed to get a dog. (Who wouldn’t

novel adaptations do a brilliant

to be a hit with fantasy-loving

Adventure awaits goblin

be?) Sadly, she discovers she’s

job of bringing it to life for a

kiddos! The prince’s pet

sisters Pella, the thrill-

allergic to anything with fur

new batch of young readers.

dragon, Ruskin, has always

seeker, and Bix, the reluctant

or feathers, and breaks out

Full of emotive characters,

been safe and sound in the

adventurer. Stunning,

in hives with her new pup.

vibrant colors and fantastic

palace, but when another

fantastical illustrations take

Maggie’s experiences are

places, this second installment

young dragon comes begging

the reader on a trip though

relatable, and her resilience

sees young criminal

for help with an evil curse,

the enchanted forest, a

is a good lesson for anyone

mastermind Artemis team

Ruskin will have to leave the

wondrous land filled with

who finds themselves allergic

up with his nemesis, the fairy

comforts of home to save his

demigods and monsters,

to just about anything. This

captain Holly Short, to rescue

kingdom.

alongside

semi-auto-

his missing

Ideal for

the

biographi-

father. A

ages 6

compelling

cal graphic

great pick

and up.

Pella and

novel is

for ages

$9.99.

Bix. Perfect

perfect for

8 and up.

for ages

ages 8 and

$12.99.

8 and up.

up. $12.99.

$14.99.

SIMON SCHUSTER

MACMILLAN

SCHOLASTIC

DISNEY-HYPERION

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p l ay r o o m

Chalkboard: Meeting Needs 61.5% of families with

Researchers from the University of Oregon knew the pandemic would have a drastic

young children who received the first two stimulus checks used them for basic needs such as food, and rent or mortgage payments.

75.2% used stimulus

payments for other essentials such as paying down debt, car payments or household supplies.

800%

Even for families above the poverty level, just over 60% used the first stimulus check for basics and essentials and just under 60% used the second check for basics and essentials.

effect on families with young children. So in April of 2020, they set up the Rapid

Assessment of Pandemic Impact on Development — Early Childhood (RAPIDEC) survey. It was sent to households across the country that have at least one

child under 6 years old. Why? Because the researchers had access to decades of scientific studies that revealed stressful early-life experiences can permanently impact children’s brains and biological systems, increasing the risk of both learning difficulties and lifelong health problems such as obesity and heart disease. And they also knew that documenting the societal impact of COVID-19 would be crucial to getting support to families.

RAPID-EC’s latest survey has tracked how young families are spending their stimulus checks and/or unemployment benefits, showing hardship and disparities.

Only a small percentage of people used the money for purchasing large household items, donations and recreational use. More Black and Latinx families used their stimulus checks to pay off debt when compared to white families at the same income levels. And white families have been more likely to save the money.

The project lead, Philip Fisher, Ph.D, director of the Center for Translational Neuroscience and professor of psychology at the University of Oregon, had this to say about the results: “Our latest report discusses the ‘chain reaction of hardship’ that occurs when families experience material hardship — difficulty paying for basic needs

The survey gathered

140,000

responses

from parents and caregivers across the country.

like food, housing, utilities. Emotional distress increases for parents and within a few weeks, children experience emotional distress. At least 1 in 4 families and sometimes as many as 1 in 3 families have struggled to afford basic needs at any given time during the past year. Still today, as the world feels like it’s returning to normal for many Americans, 25% of families with young children under 6 years are experiencing high levels of financial and emotional distress. This can cause toxic stress and impact child brain development with long-lasting physical and mental risks. Action cannot wait.

Families urgently need more financial and emotional support. Full stop.” — D.C.

SOURCE: RAPID-EC

Gear Guide: Take to the Water It’s the time of year to take advantage of our area’s beautiful rivers and lakes. Bryan Knudsen, founder of Next Adventure, recommends these product picks for kids looking for (safer) water adventures. Find them at Next Adventure’s Paddle Sports Center, 624 SE 7th Ave., or at nextadventure.net.

Youth Livery PFD by MTI

Baby Sun Bucket Hat by Patagonia

want to make sure he has a personal

stand-up paddleboarding

the water, sun protection is especially

flotation device (PFD) when heading

(SUP) and has been

essential. This wide-brim and water-

out to rivers — especially those with

begging to go out this

repellent hat offers UPF 50+ sun

sudden drop-offs. The Youth Livery

summer, it might be time

protection for your baby’s head, face

PFD has a secure, adjustable

to invest in this 9-foot

and neck. It’s also reversible, with

three-buckle closure

Solstice paddleboard

a chin strap that threads to either

that’s easy to put

that is the right size for

side. In sizes 6-24 months. Available

on. For kids 50 to 90

older kids. The super-

in flamingo

pounds with some

stable platform makes

pink and

swimming ability. (MTI

it easy for newbies to

superior

also makes PFDs

paddle, too. Suitable up

blue. $29.

for smaller children.)

to 130 pounds. $519.

— D.C.

June /July 2021

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MTI

SOLSTICE

Kit by Solstice If your kiddo has tried

$39.95.

8

Inflatable Touring Paddleboard

Even if your child can swim, you’ll

For the littlest ones enjoying a day by

PATAGONIA

Ask Dr. Doug : M y toddler is often trying to scratch her bum in her diaper.

DEPOSITPHOTOS

Good Deeds:

Diapers Needed Stat Speaking of families having trouble meeting basic needs, the PDX Diaper Bank sent out this day and age’s bat signal — a GoFundMe — so the organization can purchase diapers in bulk to distribute to families in need. Due to the ongoing economic impacts of COVID-19, more and more families have turned to the PDX Diaper Bank for free diapers. At the same time, inkind diaper donations are down, and the organization has had to cancel annual fundraising dinners and auctions that would normally be a major source of funds for the distribution program. If you’d like to help, go to: gofund.me/b5cdfeee. — D.C.

In the Know:

Little Seeds Have some free space in

your garden? Local fast-food chain Burgerville has rolled out new seed packets with its kids’ meals! Burgerville teamed up with the Culinary Breeding Network to help spread the word about Northwest-grown and -bred seeds. Kids will find new seasonally rotating seed packets in their meals, learn from the “Seed Wizard,” and hear stories from the Northwest farmers who grow the seeds. This season showcases three local varieties.

“Outredgeous” Lettuce comes from Wild Garden Seed in Philomath, Oregon; this lettuce was actually grown in outer space and was planted in the

I’m terrified she has pinworms. How do I tell?

: Toddlers love to explore, and usually that includes the diaper area.

Understanding the body parts that are usually hidden under a diaper is a normal developmental process, so don’t be worried when she wants to be naked or explore in the bathtub.

If it seems like she is uncomfortable, or frequently grabbing the front or back of her diaper, then check for any rashes or discharge. Most itching is due to general irritation and can be cleared up with plain baths, gentle cleansers, and some ointment or Got a question for Dr. Doug? Send it to diaper cream.

AsktheDr@pdxparent.com.

Pinworms can certainly be a cause of itching around the anus. As unsavory as it is to think your child has tiny worms living in her lower intestine, please remember these are very common, not related to “being dirty,” don’t cause any disease, and are easily treatable.

Pinworms are tiny parasites about the size of a staple and the width of a piece of thread. They get into a child’s system when a child eats the eggs by accident, usually after getting them on her hands from clothing, bedding or common play areas. After about one month, the female worms exit the anus and lay eggs around the anal skin, which causes itching. This is usually two to three hours after kids go to sleep. Younger girls will often complain of vaginal discomfort, so if your daughter is waking and saying “owie” at night, consider a UTI, but keep pinworms on your list.

You can sometimes see the pinworms around the anus if you look at night, and sometimes you can see them in the stool. That being said, identifying tiny worms in the stool can be tricky — strands of mucus will sort of look like worms. Sometimes foods like strings from bananas confuse the picture. And everything looks like it kind of moves while you’re staring at it in the toilet water (if potty trained). Your pediatrician can order a test to look for them, but sometimes we just treat if a parent (who maybe has prior experience) is quite sure her child has pinworms.

Treatment is quick and easy and works well — one dose of a medication and another two weeks later. Often it makes sense to treat everyone in the house. Itching usually gets better within a week. Eggs can live on surfaces for two to three weeks, so it makes sense to carefully wash PJs and bedding in hot water after treatment. Prevention is tough, but keeping nails trimmed short and frequent, good handwashing goes a long way.

Tiny parasites and checking poop — the glamorous side of parenthood no one told you about!

?

White House Garden by former first lady Michelle Obama! The Cascadia Snap Pea seed is a variety bred at Oregon State University (OSU) by the late Jim Baggett. And Purple Karma Barley is a hulless heirloom variety that can be cooked and eaten like rice, but can also be enjoyed as ornamental garden decoration. It was rediscovered in the USDA Seed Repository by OSU researcher Brigid Meints. Find out more at: burgerville.com/seeds. — D.C.

Dr. Doug Lincoln practices general pediatrics at Metropolitan Pediatrics in Happy Valley. He is board-certified in both pediatrics and preventive medicine, with special interests in helping parents meet their breastfeeding goals, caring for neurodiverse children with behavioral health needs, and advocating for children via teaching and policy. As a dad of two boys, he understands the joy and hard work that comes with parenting.

Find out more about Dr. Doug and Metropolitan Pediatrics at metropediatrics.com.

pdxparent.com

DR. DOUG

DENISE CASTAÑON

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SUMMER FUN

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SUMMER FUN

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Find Your Fu F Stick to the outdoors and get ready to have fun! Sure, many families found a way to play last summer, but this year more and more attractions are open with COVID precautions in place.

From no-cost outings to big splurges, you are sure to find something that your kids will get excited about.

BY DENISE CASTAÑON

Cool off at Marylhurst Heights Park in West Linn — one of the splash pads on our map on page 17.

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OAKS PARK

un Fun Oregon’s Amusement Parks A pandemic, devastating wildfires and a damaging winter ice storm.

Any one of those catastrophes could have closed the Enchanted

Forest for good. The amusement park brought to life by Roger Tofte in 1971 faced all three calamities in one year. But theme-park lovers

raised more than $450,000 to keep the park afloat. As of press time, the Enchanted Forest is devising a plan to reopen safely. But don’t expect every ride to be open, certain attractions like the shoe slide and the storm-damaged kiddie train will remain closed. Timed entry tickets must be purchased online; tickets go on sale five days in advance at tickets.enchantedforest.com.

From the thrilling AtmosFEAR to the tamer Chipper’s Chopper, the

rides are open on the weekends at Oaks Amusement Park. And

starting June 14, the park will be open seven days a week, noon-7 pm, with limited capacity. General admission with unlimited rides: $39.95.

Under 48 inches admission with unlimited rides: $19.95. Find out more at oakspark.com.

Dive Into a Good Book Summer reading is back! And it will look a lot like it did last year, with Multnomah County Library offering paper and online game boards.

Starting June 16, pick up a game board at your library or

FREE

sign up online. Have your kids mark one space for each day they read, listen to a book, or do any of the

fun activities listed. Each time they mark at least 15 days (they don’t have to be in a row!), go to

the library for a prize. After completing 45 days total, your kids can nab a T-shirt and an entry

in the grand prize drawing. Pro tip: T-shirts can run out, so don’t wait until August 31 to claim prizes! (Other county library systems such as

Fort Vancouver Regional Library and Washington County Cooperative Library Services also offer a summer reading program. So be sure to check with your local library if you do not live in Multnomah County.)

A. ROTKOWSKI

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TREVOR PARKER

A River Runs Through It Driving across the Willamette River day after day makes it start to fade into part of the city’s scenery, and you can easily forget that it’s actually a body of water we can cool off in! For general splashing around, head over to the beach at Sellwood Riverfront Park. But plenty of folks take off on paddleboards from the spot, too. If you are looking for a paddleboard (or kayak!) to rent, check out Next

Adventure Paddle Sports Center, 624 SE 7th Ave. or Portland Kayak Company, 6600 S Macadam Ave. Other family-friendly destinations with riverfront beaches include George Rogers

Park in Lake Oswego and Mary S. Young Park in West Linn. You can also dip your toes in the Columbia River at Walton Beach on

Sauvie Island. (FYI — you’ll need to purchase a $10 parking permit.)

Happy Trails

BILL BERRY

Rose City Celebrations

FREE

This year, the Rose Festival will have an abbreviated schedule. The Grand Floral

Parade is on hold, but the Porch Parade will be back May 31 to June 13. And a new Rose

Festival Queen will be crowned on June 18. Visit rosefestival.org for the Porch Parade map and information on how to view the coronation.

FREE

If you need to bribe your kids to finish a hike, the monthly Family Forest Day at Hoyt

Arboretum might be all the enticement they need. On certain Saturdays, arboretum volunteers will set out activity tables on the trails to help families learn about various nature topics. Go in-depth on pollinators on June 19, birds on July 10, and bugs and slugs on August 21. Check in at Stevens Pavilion at 4000 SW Fairview Blvd. Find out more at hoytarboretum.org/learn/ family-forest-days.

Up in the Air If your family is looking for a treetop thrill, check out one of these aerial or zip line attractions. Families with toddlers to teens can all find some fun at Tree to Tree

Adventure Park in Gaston. While older kids can scamper on the aerial and ropes courses, and zip lines, there’s a special lower-to-the-ground area for kids ages 2 to 8 years old. Find out more at tree2treeadventurepark.com. The adventures at Skamania Lodge and Resort in Stevenson, Washington, are better suited for

families with older kids. Riders must weigh at least 60 pounds to go on the 2.5-hour zip line tour. And the aerial course is for folks ages 8 and older. Find out more at

skamania.com. Pumpkin Ridge Zip Tour welcomes kids 8 to 12 to zip line with a responsible adult, while those ages 13 to 18 may zip with a responsible adult on site, and not necessarily on the tour. The two-hour, guided tours cover seven zip lines and three suspension bridges. Find out more at pumpkinridgeziptour.com. And

Mt. Hood Adventure Park at Skibowl in Government Camp also features an aerial park, among its other attractions. Tour five balance bridges, or hit their zip TREE TO TREE ADVENTURE PARK

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lines or bungee jump. Find out more at skibowl.com/summer.

THE LOT AT ZIDELL YARDS

Mark Your Calendars Browse the booths at the

Imagine browsing local merchants and

waterfront to find the perfect

makers, trying new food and drinks, and

Portland-made product.

listening to live music. If that sounds

Portland Saturday

really good to you right now, then the

Market, the long-running,

Portland Night Market just might be

open-air bazaar featuring

your happy place. This indoor/outdoor

handcrafted jewelry,

event is back with timed-ticketed entry,

pottery, kids’ apparel, soaps,

and limited vendors and attendees. Friday

sweets and more is back.

and Saturday, June 25-26, and Friday and

Saturdays only, 10 am-5 pm.

Saturday, September 10-11, 4 pm-10 pm.

Portlandsaturdaymarket.

100 SE Alder St. Get tickets at pdxnm.com.

com.

While Portland Pride’s iconic waterfront parade is on hold this year, the organization is hosting movie screenings at Zidell Yards. But the event kids will probably enjoy most is the message of love, hope and acceptance delivered

Festival, July 2-5. The 2021 Blues Fest will be a socially distanced event at The Lot at Zidell Yards. Each day of the festival will include two separately ticketed shows, featuring several performances from amazing local, regional and national

chorus will be celebrating

made famous by Whitney Houston, Gloria Gaynor, Lady Gaga and Dolly Parton, as well as emerging queer artists. Friday, June 18, 8 pm and Sunday, June 20, 3 pm. Tickets are free, but donations are accepted.

Register at live.pdxgmc.org.

Lot concert series, you can catch The Dandy Warhols on June 4 and 5,

to be at this year’s Waterfront Blues

purchased by the pod (two-, four- and six-

concerts featuring anthems

Zidell Yards. During the Live at the

live music as we are, you’ll probably want

artists. Livestream tickets will also be

Pride Month with virtual

summer concert coming to The Lot at

If you are as thrilled by the prospect of

by the talented Portland Gay Men’s Chorus. The

The Blues Festival is not the only

available. In-person tickets can be person pods), instead of individual tickets.

Kids are welcome, and babies under 1 do not need a seat, but do count toward the six-person-per-pod limit. For example: Two

THE LOT AT ZIDELL YARDS

the all-female rock group Ashleigh Flynn & The Riveters on June 20, and many more artists. Kids are welcome at the concerts, so it’s up to you whether to go for a grown-ups-only date night or make it a family outing. Zidell Yards also teamed up with the Hollywood Theatre to offer movie screenings, including Troop Beverly Hills on June 22 and The Muppet Movie (the 1979 version) on July 27. And we just got word before press time that the Portland Kids Film

adults, two children over the age of 1 and

Festival will light up the big screen at

one child under the age of 1 would need a

The Lot on July 22 and 29. Each day

four-person pod. But six adults with one

will feature three screenings: a mix of

child younger than 1 would not be allowed

animated and live-action shorts, and

in a six-person pod. FYI: Kiddos need to

two feature-length films. Find tickets

stick to the pod space during the concert.

and more information for all the events

Find out more at waterfrontbluesfest.com.

at thelotatzidellyards.com.

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Make a Splash!

Kids all over the city rejoiced upon hearing that Portland Parks & Recreation’s splash pads are set to start PORTLAND PARKS AND RECREATION

up daily on June 11

FREE

through Labor Day from 11 am-7 pm.

And interactive

fountains opened mid-May. Please do keep in mind

Lunch Al Fresco

FREE

that the water is

recirculated, so it’s

Serendipity will be at work for this year’s Portland Parks

OK to play in, but

& Recreation’s Free Lunch + Play. When families go to

not to drink. (And,

select PP&R parks for the free meals and activities for all

ahem, please do

children under 18, they may happen to stumble upon a free

your part to help

concert or pop-up cultural event. While the time and place

keep the water

the pop-ups will be unannounced. This reimagined version of free summer concerts allows PP&R the opportunity to

bring back music and cultural events to our parks while lim-

iting crowds. Free lunch in the park could end up being your family’s most exciting part of the week! Find parks for Free Lunch + Play at portland.gov/parks/free-lunch-play.

PORTLAND PARKS AND RECREATION

of the Free Lunch + Plays will be published ahead of time,

clean by taking

littles to the potty

if they need to go!)

Check out the map

to find a splash pad near you!

New on the Blacktop Psst. Without much fanfare, Portland Public Schools (PPS) recently updated several playgrounds this year. Need

a new place to play? Explore the new structures at Astor,

FREE

Bridger, Bridlemile, Creston and Peninsula elementary schools. Beaumont Middle School also features a communityfunded depave and design of a new nature play area. And outdated pieces were removed from Richmond Elementary School and replaced with picks from staff. “We are

incorporating more and more inclusive play features into all of our playgrounds and work with school staff on the design and selection of equipment as well as certified playground designers,” says PPS spokesperson Karen Werstein. “We also have added equipment into the engineered wood fiber areas that can be used by physically challenged students as well.”

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TREVOR PARKER

1

2 6

3

5 4

7 8 13

14

9 10

15

12

11

16 21 20

22

19 Parks with a splash pad and playground

18 17

23

SUSAN BARD

Interactive fountains

27

24 25

26

Splash Pads and Interactive Fountains

1 Pier Park N Lombard St. and Bruce Ave.

9 Irving Park NE 7th Ave. and Fremont St.

16 Gateway Discovery Park 10520 NE Halsey St.

23 Spring Garden Park 3332 SW Spring Garden St.

2 Northgate Park N Geneva Ave. and Fessenden St.

10 Dawson Park N Stanton St. and Williams Ave.

17 Raymond Park SE 118th Ave. and Raymond St.

24 Marylhurst Heights Park* 1800 Valley View Dr., West Linn

3 McCoy Park N Trenton St. and Newman Ave.

11 Holladay Park NE 11th Ave. and Holladay St.

4 Columbia Park and Annex N Lombard St. and Woolsey Ave.

12 Grant Park NE 33rd Ave. and US Grant Place

18 Earl Boyles Park East of SE 107th Ave. and Francis St.

5 Kenton Park 8417 N Brandon Ave.

19 Essex Park SE 79th Ave. and Center St.

13 Khunamokwst Park 5200 NE Alberta St.

20 Colonel Summers Park SE 17th Ave. and Taylor St.

7 W oodlawn Park NE 13th Ave. and Dekum St.

14 Luuwit View Park NE 127th Ave. and Fremont St.

21 Jamison Square 810 NW 11th Ave.

8 P eninsula Park 700 N Rosa Parks Way

15 Children’s Fountain 410 NE 2nd St., Gresham

6 Farragut Park N Kerby Ave. and Farragut St.

22 Teachers Fountain at Director Park 815 SW Park Ave.

* planning to open Memorial Day weekend

25 Hammerle Park* 1505 Lewis St., West Linn

* planning to open Memorial Day weekend

26 Murase Plaza at Memorial Park* 8300 SW Memorial Dr., Wilsonville *opening to be announced

27 Cannery Square Park* 22622 SW Pine St., Sherwood *opening to be announced

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PORTLAND PARKS AND RECREATION

PORTLAND PARKS AND RECREATION

FREE

Garden Walk

East Portland has a new, shiny gem in the recently renovated Leach Botanical Garden, which spreads out over 16 acres and is home to more than 1,000 species of plants. Visitors can now take in a stunning treetop view on the aerial tree walk. There’s also a new pollinator and habitat meadow, gathering lawn with an arbor and fire feature on a terrace, central pathway between the Manor House and Upper Garden, and more. Visit leachgarden.org, to reserve a timed entry ticket. (Admission is free, but donations are welcome.)

Skate Party!

The Rose City Rollers are bringing the fun and roller skates to various outdoor spots this summer! After winter’s popular Skatemobile at the Lloyd Center parking garage, the Rose City Rollers will start at the Southeast Waterfront with timed sessions of socially distanced outdoor skating on Saturdays and Sundays.

It’s suitable for all ages and skill levels. $20 for entry and rentals or $10 if you bring your own gear. They’ll also provide maps of suggested routes. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time. Visit rosecityrollers.com for locations in June ROSE CITY ROLLERS

and beyond.

Editor Denise Castañon really hopes McMenamins Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn come back sometime this summer. She’s looking forward to listening to live music — without her kids.

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field trip

Call of the Wild

You and your kids can find flora, fauna and a story at Fernhill Wetlands in Forest Grove.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY ALI WILKINSON

W

ith three kids, it can be hard to find one-on-one time with any child — particularly in our bubble-filled COVID world.

As my husband said when we had our third, “No more man-on-man defense!” But after a magical impromptu bike date with my daughter, we’ve made a bigger effort to carve out solo parent-kid dates.

My son Grady, 11, is an animal fanatic. So when it came time for him to pick his activity, I wasn’t surprised that he wanted to explore an animal habitat. Some searching on the internet led us to Fernhill Wetlands in Forest Grove, about 40 minutes from downtown Portland.

The main parking lot leaves you steps from the main trail, a 1.1-mile, ADA-accessible trail that takes you around Fernhill Lake. (There’s also a visitors center, which was closed in April due to COVID-19; and non-portable bathrooms, which were open.)

The lake is surrounded by natural flora, including blooming red-flowering currant, chokecherry and Pacific ninebark. We also caught sight of numerous salmonberry bushes, which left us knowing we needed to make a return trip!

When we went, the loop had the added bonus of featuring a story walk. Let’s Go Eeling by Mercedes Jones was told in page-long snippets over the course of about a quarter mile of the trail. The story was about a child who goes eeling for the first time with his family, and the historic importance of eels to the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.

Fernhill Wetlands is home to nearly 200 species of birds and is known as a premier bird-watching spot in Oregon. While enjoying the story, we caught our first up-close glimpse of a bird — a redwinged blackbird. The bird was close enough that we could see his throat moving as he called out to his neighbors.

Our hope to see an egret was rewarded when we extended the walk by adding on a loop of the

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For more ideas for fun outings, visit: pdxparent.com / field-trip.

PRO TIPS: Bring binoculars, if you have them, and a notebook and pencil. Grady enjoyed sketching some of the cooler birds we saw. Taking a drawing break was also a great opportunity to take a few minutes to listen to the many bird calls surrounding us. And cap off the adventure with a stop at The Pink Spoon frozen-yogurt shop: 3650 Pacific Ave., Forest Grove.

gravel and bark trails around Cattail Marsh and Eagles Perch Marsh.

Not only that, but we actually saw the egret dive her curved neck into the water and come back out with a fish! A few gulps later, the fish disappeared. Soon after, we saw a blue heron close to enough to get a good look at his yellow, reptilian eye before he elegantly flew off.

We saw more ducks than any other bird — mallards, but also wood ducks, American coots and others. But we also got a good look at a hummingbird, eagle and a hawk that was so near we thought it would land on Grady’s arm.

Besides birds, Fernhill is home to a number of mammals. We mostly saw nutrias, including baby nutrias. Which, even if you don’t like over-large rodents, are really, really cute. But Fernhill is also home to coyotes, bobcats and deer, among others.

In addition to some stellar wildlife spotting, the wetlands have the added benefit of helping to naturally purify 5 million gallons of water per day before flowing on to the Tualatin River.

I’m brand-new to birding, and I was surprised by how exciting it was to see the birds in action and to attempt to glimpse the more elusive ones. We didn’t get to see pelicans while there — which were at the top of Grady’s want-to-see list. But I’ll be back. My youngest son, Teddy, has already said that’s where he wants to go on his one-on-one!

If You Go: Fernhill Wetlands, 1399 SW Fern Hill Rd., Forest Grove.

Fernhillnts.org.

Ali Wilkinson is a Portland-based writer, lawyer and mother of three kids (ages 7, 9 and 11). She’s also the co-founder of PDX Kids Calendar.

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SUMMER CAMPS

Find more camps and classes in our business directory,

pdxparent.com/ directory

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SUMMER CAMPS

Find your summer camp at:

pdxparent.com/ portlandsummercamps-guide

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PD X

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We’re excited to roll out the winners of the 2021 PDX Parent P Find the complete list of winners at pdxparent.com/picks-winners.

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SWEET TREATS – TAKEOUT Winner Pip’s Original Doughnuts & Chai 4759 NE Fremont St., Suite C, pipsoriginal.com If the tiny doughnuts weren’t reason enough to love Pip’s, then there’s the fact that the business is all about supporting the Portland community.

Early in the pandemic, as closures rocked the restaurant scene, Pip’s turned the fryers off and only sold bottles of Community Chai — and donated 10% of the profits to fellow small businesses. Happily, the doughnuts are back on the menu these days. Pro tip: Follow @pipsoriginal on Instagram for the “secret menu”!

Top 5 Blue Star Donuts Cloud City Ice Cream MT. HOOD ADVENTURE PARK

Fifty Licks Ice Cream Ruby Jewel

ADVENTURE ATTRACTION

Voodoo Doughnut

Winner Mt. Hood Adventure Park at Skibowl 87000 E Highway 26, Government Camp, skibowl.com/summer Families have a wide, exciting range of fun choices at Mt. Hood Adventure Park at Skibowl, which opens June 11. Find tamer thrills for younger kids, like the kiddie go-karts, pony rides or carousel. Your tweens and teens will flock to the adrenaline-producing attractions that include a bungee jump, zip lines and sprint karts at the Malibu Raceway. And just about everyone

PLAYGROUND Winner Westmoreland Park SE McLoughlin and Bybee boulevards, portland.gov/parks/westmoreland-park Westmoreland Park’s nature play area is the reigning champ for favorite playground. And it’s no surprise; with a giant rock pile to climb, logs to scamper across, water pump, and shaded sand

loves the Alpine Slide.

area to dig in, kids always

Top 5

ways to keep themselves

iFLY Indoor Skydiving Lumberyard Bike Park Skamania Lodge Zip Line Tour & Aerial Park Stronger Skatepark Tree to Tree Adventure Park

find new and inventive busy. And watching the noisy flock of geese that calls the park home provides even more entertainment.

Top 5 Harper’s Playground at Arbor Lodge Park Khunamokwst Park Murase Plaza at Memorial Park Peninsula Park Washington Park

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PORTLAND PARKS AND RECREATION

Picks! Here are our readers’ top choices in our Family Fun categories.

KID - FRIENDLY BIKE TRAIL Winner Springwater Corridor Trail Portland.gov/parks/springwater-corridor Stretching between Boring, Oregon, and the Southeast Waterfront, the paved Springwater Corridor Trail is designed to accommodate walkers, joggers, hikers, bicyclists, those in wheelchairs and people pushing strollers. (FYI: You might even spot folks on horseback east of I-205.) More reasons why Portlanders love the Springwater Corridor? It’s intertwined with Johnson Creek and connects people to nature areas like the Tideman Johnson Nature Park, Beggars-tick Wildlife Refuge, Leach Botanical Garden and Powell Butte Nature Park.

Top 5 Banks-Vernonia State Trail East Bank Esplanade North Clackamas Trolley Trail Tualatin River Greenway Trail Willamette River Greenway

FAMILY- FRIENDLY HIKE OMSI

Winner Tryon Creek State Natural Area 11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd., stateparks.oregon.gov

MUSEUMS/FAMILY MEMBERSHIP Winner Oregon Museum of Science & Industry (OMSI) 1945 SE Water Ave., omsi.edu

and tryonfriends.org/visit-tryon-creek With its canopy of red cedars, Douglas firs and Ponderosa pine trees that keep you dry in the winter and cool in the summer, Tyron Creek in Southwest Portland is a wonderful year-round hiking spot for

It’s been a hard year for our beloved museums. But we’re so glad

families. (Fun fact: It’s the only state park within a city

OMSI has weathered the pandemic and is back open in a limited

in Oregon.) It’s no wonder many schools bring kids

capacity. Not only that, they’re bringing in exciting, new exhibits like Dinosaurs Revealed.

Top 5 Lan Su Chinese Garden Oregon Zoo

by the busload to partake in its natural wonders on educational guided hikes. Pro tip: The .3-mile, barrierfree Trillium Trail is designed for people of all abilities (and great for parents pushing strollers).

Top 5

Portland Art Museum

Eagle Creek Trail

Portland Children’s Museum*

Forest Park

Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals *The news that the Portland Children’s Museum permanently closed hit us so hard. Everyone on staff has incredible memories of visiting with their children.

Powell Butte Timothy Lake Wachlella Falls Continued on page 27

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fa m i ly s u p p e r

Old Favorites, New Digs The 34-year-old Lebanese spot Nicholas Restaurant moves to a spacious, more family-friendly location in Southeast Portland.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY DENISE CASTAÑON

For more family-friendly restaurant reviews visit: pdxparent.com/ family-supper

W

hen my husband and I moved to Portland 16 years ago, Nicholas Restaurant was one of our favorite spots for satisfying Middle Eastern food — and huge portions at very reasonable prices. But once we had kids, we stopped going to the location on Southeast Grand Avenue. Although Nicholas is a family-run restaurant, the long wait time to snag a table and tightly packed dining room weren’t conducive to eating out with babies or young kids.

IF YOU GO: 1109 SE Madison St.

Libs). And that’s especially impressive knowing they had opened only two days before. I ordered what used to be Stephen’s Chicken and is now the Nicholas Chicken Plate — breaded chicken atop nearly fluorescentyellow saffron rice and piled with tzatziki and tomatoes ($16). My husband had the Meat Mezza, with smooth hummus, tzatziki and tangy tabbouleh perfect for piling on that pita, plus falafel, a mini chicken pizza, and beef kafta ($18). Both were as good as we remembered, even if we had slightly fewer leftovers than in the old days.

Additional locations at 3223 NE Broadway I was thrilled when I drove past a sign that and 323 N Main Ave., Gresham. proclaimed Nicholas would be coming soon to a Nicholasrestaurant.com. spot on Southeast Madison Street with outdoor seating. When I checked the website, I found the new location had just opened. My family went a few days later.

The kids’ plate was incredibly well-received by both kids. My son We waited briefly inside to get a table on the patio. The new had just been talking about chicken kebabs — and some fruit-andlocation feels downright airy with tall ceilings, large wooden booths marshmallow kebabs he’d eaten several summers ago that still loomed and tables spread out — especially when compared with the old large in his memory. The kids’ plate came with skewers of green Southeast Grand Avenue location. (FYI: The restaurant has a state-ofgrapes and oranges, and he was thrilled. The cucumber and cherry the-art air-filtration system.) tomato on a stick also pleased my kids. Adela loves tomatoes, but not The patio is large, with space heaters, but the breeze coming off cucumbers, and conveniently Cruz likes cucumbers and not tomatoes, the Willamette River was a bit strong. And that air-filtration system so they traded. But both said the slightly out-of-place s’more was isn’t the only high-tech development at Nicholas. It is now menu-free, their favorite part of the meal. However, they ate almost all of their so we used a QR code to pull up the menu on our phones. And our chicken. Anytime a kids’ meal has actual fruit or veggies, I am won friendly server entered our order on a handheld device. over. Fruit and vegetables and real food like grilled chicken and saffron So, what’s still the same? That big, pillowy pita bread that comes out rice — that’s a great value at $7. of the oven piping hot and goes directly to your table. My 6-year-old Even though the kids had eaten s’mores, I ordered some baklava son, Cruz, and 8-year-old daughter, Adela, were delighted by the giant to go ($5). They had never had it before, and became just as charmed flatbread and started gobbling it up while waiting for their kids’ meals saying the name as they did biting into the crunchy, honey-laden of chicken kebabs. And the rest of the food still comes out quickly, too layers of phyllo and nuts. We left Nicholas Restaurant full and happy, (about the time it took us to fill out and giggle over three pages of Mad with the kids asking when we could go back.

Editor Denise Castañon loves exploring Portland’s family-friendly dining scene with her husband, 8-year-old daughter and 6-year-old son.

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PIZZA – TAKEOUT

Winner Laughing Planet Café Multiple locations, laughingplanet.com

Family Fun RE

Winner

Even without being able to play with

A

Pizzicato

those dining-room dinosaurs, Laughing families. It doesn’t hurt that kid-approved

Multiple locations, pizzicato.com

smoothies, burritos and bowls add up to

If there were ever a year for

Planet still ranks as a favorite with

one of the healthiest kids’ menus in town.

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takeout pizza — this was it. And Pizzicato

(Just check out all the veggie options

did a solid for exhausted parents who

in the kids’ trifecta!) Their locations in

couldn’t bear the thought of cooking

über-family-friendly neighborhoods

one ... more ... meal. With kid-approved

make it so easy for parents to pick up a

classics and inventive, seasonal pies,

lunch or dinner that kids will eat with no

there’s something on the menu to please

complaints.

everyone in the family.

Top 5

Top 5

Grand Central Bakery

Hot Lips Pizza

Hopworks Urban Brewery Jam on Hawthorne

DENISE CASTAÑON

La Provence - Petite Provence Bistro -

Mississippi Pizza Pub Pietro’s Pizza & Pirate Adventure Pizza Schmizza

Boulangerie Patisserie

Sizzle Pie

Slappy Cakes

If you are new to Portland or visiting for the first time, be

sure to pick up PDX

Parent’s Welcome Guide!

From Portland’s most family-friendly neighborhoods to an itinerary for a perfect long weekend in the Rose City to a year-long calendar of fun events

for families, our special issue will provide readers with a range of useful information all in one publication.

Coming July 2021!

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