PDX Parent May 2022 by PDX Parent

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14 IDEAS FOR KID-FRIENDLY MAY FUN, PG. 32

for for the the long long days days and and short short years years

» Road trip

to the coast or Seattle

» A Totally Portland

Summer camps with space! Pg. 26

Weekend with Kids

PDXPARENT.COM

PORTLAND | SW WASHINGTON | MAY 2022

PART O F T H E 7T H V A N P OR T MOS A I C F E S T I V A L

PRESENTS

BY SHALANDA SIMS

MAY 20 - JUNE 5, 2022 TICKETS WorldStageTheatre.org IN COLLABORATION WITH

May 2022

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Sen so ry Frien d ly Perf o rman ce: May 29 a t 2p m Sponsored by

contents

HIT THE SOUTH WATERFRONT FOR STUNNING CITY VIEWS AND LOADS OF FUN.

CITY OF PORTLAND

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

That PNW Magic...................................................................................... 10

Editor’s Note................................................................................................. 4

Pack up the car because we have two stellar road-trip itineraries where the whole family can explore Seattle and Mount Rainier, or the central Oregon coast.

Play Room....................................................................................................... 6 Volunteer to bake delicious, beautiful cakes at home for

By Erin J. Bernard.

Portland’s at-risk youth; ride on our top five kid-friendly

The Ultimate Portland Weekend with Kids................... 18

your child.

We love Portland! Celebrate our vibrant city with kidapproved activities, restaurants, parks and more — all organized in a three-day weekend. By Denise Castañon and Tiffany Hill, with Judiaann Woo. PDX Parent Picks: Shopping & Services......................... 24

bike paths; and advice on how to have “the talk” with

Time Out........................................................................................................ 32 There’s so much kid-friendly fun this month! Celebrate mom with our roundup of delightful afternoon tea services; head to McMinnville for the UFO Festival; read your favorite comics; go to the county fair; catch two great performances and much more.

RESOURCES Kids

❤

Exploring............................................................................ 14-15

Summer Camps...............................................................................26-31 * cover stories

School Open Houses.........................................................................34

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May 2022

e d i t o r ’ s n ot e

Go. Play. Explore. for the long days and short years

While putting together this issue, in a freak snowstorm no less, I felt a real excitement — Portland is coming back. There’s no denying that we’re

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

still facing some really challenging issues, but that bustle and creativity and stupendous range of fun, family-friendly events are starting to pop back up after our great collective pause. Fireworks will light up the sky as the Portland Rose Festival’s CityFair returns to Tom McCall

Publisher Rose Caudillo, 503-460-2774 publisher@pdxparent.com Editor Denise Castañon, 503-922-0893

Waterfront Park. The Japanese Garden will

denise.castanon@pdxparent.com

celebrate kids with its Children’s Day again.

Managing Editor

And little construction-truck enthusiasts can get back to driving excavators and bulldozers

Tiffany Hill tiffany.hill@pdxparent.com Art Director

at Dozer Day. (See even more amazingly fun

Tiffany Howard

events in our Time Out column on page 32!)

tiffany.howard@pdxparent.com

In addition to venturing out to all the fabulous events scheduled for May, we’ve got more ideas for exploring the city. Check out The Ultimate Portland Weekend with Kids story on page 18 — a perfect resource if you are staying in town for the long Memorial Day weekend. We mention under-the-radar gems (coffee made by robots in the Pearl!) and old favorites (OMSI’s got a new Leonardo da Vinci exhibit). Pick and choose a fun idea or two — or knock out the whole weekend itinerary! And if you feel like going farther afield, we’ve got two great ideas for family road trips on page 10. Pile in the minivan and go north to Seattle and Mount Rainier or head west to the central Oregon coast. You’ll find familyfriendly activities, dining, accommodations and more! Happy exploring! When we road trip to Seattle, one of my family’s favorite stops is Top Pot Doughnuts!

Web Content Coordinator Meg Asby meg.asby@pdxparent.com E-newsletter Editor Renee Peters renee.peters@pdxparent.com Eastside Account Executive Lauren Wylie, 503-331-8184 lauren.wylie@pdxparent.com Westside Account Executive Jill Weisensee, 503-309-8272 jill.weisensee@pdxparent.com Digital Ad Manager/Calendar Editor/ Distribution Coordinator Melissa Light melissa.light@pdxparent.com Accountant Kelli Bagby Truly Bookkeeping, Inc. President Jill Weisensee jill.weisensee@pdxparent.com For distribution issues, e-mail us at distribution@pdxparent.com For calendar submissions, e-mail us at calendar@pdxparent.com

On our cover: Writer and photographer Erin J. Bernard took this moody shot of her daughter at Lincoln City that really captures the wild beauty of the coast. “I find that I get the best shots of my kids on the beach when I give up on the posing and the SLR camera and just let them run free, playing with the contrasts of sun and shadow, water and sand, and embracing the spontaneity and joy of a precious sunny day on the Oregon coast,” she says. Bernard, a former PDX Parent staffer, also wrote the feature article on page 10, which we hope inspires a coastal or Seattle-bound family road trip of your own. Bernard lived in four cities along the North Coast while working as a reporter and editor in her 20s and still feels a deep connection to the area; she visits regularly with her husband and two children. Catch her on Instagram @writerinfull, as well as on her writer’s website, writerinfull.com. 4

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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.

You value health. We value you. Women’s health care for every phase of life. Women have special health needs. Our doctors understand that. They are experts in helping you stay healthy throughout your life with: • General gynecology, including wellness visits. • Family planning, pregnancy and birth. • Postpartum care, including specialty rehabilitation when needed. • Surgery and specialized procedures. • Menopause and hormone therapy.

“The toughness of women will never cease to amaze and inspire me.” Claire Steen, MD Obstetrician/Gynecologist

“I want to ensure my patients feel healthy and able to lead their lives to the fullest.” Bojan Malmin, MD Obstetrician/Gynecologist

At any age and any stage, you can count on us. Make an appointment today at 503-261-4423. Adventist Health Women’s Clinic 10101 SE Main Street #3001, Portland, OR adventisthealth.org/portland/services/womens-care pdxparent.com

| May 2022

p l ay r o o m

Good Deeds: Cakes for a Cause If you upped your baking game during lockdown, you may want to consider joining the Sprinkle Squad, a volunteer team of bakers with For

Goodness Cakes, an organization that hand delivers birthday cakes to children in foster care and at-risk youth on their special days. The best part? Your kids can help, too! Just complete the online food safety training, choose a cake request from the Sprinkle Squad calendar, bake with your kids, and deliver to For Goodness Cakes. Masks are required during baking, despite the mask mandate being lifted, as many of the children receiving cakes are immunocompromised. Amanda Crandall, a local Sprinkle Squad baker, says, “It is difficult to find a place where younger kids can play an active role [in volunteering]. I was thrilled to find For Goodness Cakes, because they encourage participation from both parents and children.” Crandall and her children had a blast baking a “The Incredible Hulk” birthday cake for a 6-year-old in foster care. For Goodness Cakes works with many Portland organizations, including Boys & Girls Aid, a nonprofit serving local children since 1885. “For Goodness Cakes really helps show our youth that they matter,” says Katie MacDonald, donor relations manager at Boys & Girls Aid. “Already we have been able to gift more than 10 cakes across our programs since they reached out to us … each time a For Goodness Cakes volunteer has gone above and beyond to show them that they hear them, see them and celebrate them.” Cake recipients are able to make specific requests for flavor, color and theme, which makes the confections even more meaningful to each child. So put all those baking show hours to good use! Whip out the aprons and make something with love for local youth. Ready to sign up? Register for orientation at: forgoodnesscakes.org/portlandmetro. Hate baking, but love this idea? You can donate to the cause instead. — Meg Asby

FOR GOODNESS CAKES

Chalkboard: Cap

80.6% four-year graduation rate in Oregon in 2020-2021 84.3% the rate of Portland Public Schools high school students that graduated in four years 87.4% the graduation rate of former ELL students 93.1% the graduation rate of career and technical education (CTE) participants 50.4% the graduation rate of homeless students 50% the graduation rate for Native and Indigenous students.

Source: Oregon Department of Education 6

May 2022

& GowN

Around 80% of Oregon’s class of 2021 still managed to graduate in four years — despite having their high school years significantly impacted by COVID-19 school closures. However, the state graduation rate is still a drop from the 82.6% of students that graduated in four years in 2020. In Portland Public Schools, the overall graduation rate increased slightly from 2020’s 83.6% to 84.3%, while the graduation rate among many historically underserved student groups dropped. Some student populations saw increased graduation rates, though. Asian students jumped to a 92.7% graduation rate. And English language learners who completed the ELL program again had a higher graduation rate than the general student population. Interestingly, students who participated in at least one career and technical education class (CTE) that provided real-world, hands-on learning experiences in health sciences, hospitality, culinary and tourism, information technology, engineering and more, graduated at significantly higher rates than peers who did not participate in the program. — Denise Castañon

pdxparent.com

Dad to Know: The

Resale Star

“I’ve always been passionate about resale and wondered what the future would look like if selling stuff was as easy as depositing a check at the bank,” says Byron Binkley, a dad of two in Mount Tabor. “If it was truly that easy, no one would let valuable items sit around collecting dust for 10 years, then toss them in a landfill.” To help create that future, Binkley founded Sella, a service that for a flat rate, plus an additional 20 cents a day, takes your old stuff and sells it for you at sites such as eBay, Craigslist, OfferUp, Facebook, Mercari and Poshmark. While the service is available to everyone, it’s a perfect match for busy parents who want to clear out and cash in on that baby gear that was so vital for such a short time — think jumpers and bouncy seats — and bigger-ticket items like baby video monitors or jogging strollers. Another barrier to parents selling used gear is meeting with people they don’t know and Sella also subtracts that from the transaction. “The ‘I don’t’ like meeting up with strangers’ ranks as one of the main reasons people don’t participate in secondhand commerce,” adds Binkley. “When it comes to parents selling kiddo stuff, as parents ourselves, we absolutely understand the hesitation some might have in meeting up with a stranger to sell (or buy) an item.” Instead, sellers can drop off their gear at one of eight hubs in the Portland area — five in Portland proper as well as locations in Milwaukie, Beaverton and Aloha. Portland and Dallas, Texas are the only two cities with

NATALIE GILDERSLEEVE PHOTOGRAPHY

drop-off hubs at this time, but Binkley has plans to expand nationally.

So how does Binkley balance starting a new business with parenting two boys ages 8 and 6? “Once I slot in the things I’m not willing to give up, like evenings with the kids, the rest falls into place,” he says. “I take work calls while driving to pick up the kids, chat with friends while on the elliptical, and even turned folding laundry into a meditative, me-time activity!” Find out more about Sella at hellosella.com. — D.C.

Ask Dr. Baynham Q: When should I have “the talk” with my 9-year-old son?

and have some critical information gaps you can fill. Assess what

A: While there is no “one age fits all” approach, there are a

than you talk. You may want to check out some books for age-

they already know by asking questions and again, listening more

few guiding principles to help determine what makes sense

appropriate conversation starters like It’s so Amazing and It’s Not

for your family. It may already be on his mind since puberty

the Stork! by Robie Harris. Bottom line: Don’t wait until you’ve

can start as early as age 8 with hormonal changes, or it may

found a box of condoms and are furtively counting them.

be buried underneath soccer practice and math homework.

Making sure your child knows your own family’s values sets

Your goal is to educate, listen more than you talk, and ask

a great foundation. Kids typically don’t want to disappoint their

questions to help tailor the conversation specifically to your

parents, and again, they are listening to you! Family mealtimes

child. This conversation can be a great starting point for

are a perfect opportunity to talk in general terms about values

normalizing sex, providing education and imparting your

and have been shown to reduce “risky behaviors” overall. And, as always, if you’re feeling stuck, don’t hesitate to

own family’s values.

reach out to your pediatrician for support.

Talking about sex early and often around the start of puberty does not encourage

Pediatrician, International Board Certified Lactation

kids who have more information around sex

Consultant, Fellow in the American Academy of

actually wait longer because they know it’s an

Pediatrics and mom of two, Allison Baynham,

important decision and why it’s worth waiting

M.D., knows what it takes to raise healthy, resilient

for. Sex is everywhere in the media, so they

children. Come bond, share your struggles and

probably already know more than you think —

team with her for great care at Metropolitan

or at least have been introduced to the idea

GAIL PARK

kids to become sexually active earlier. In fact,

Pediatrics in Tigard.

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May 2022

p l ay r o o m

TOP

Kid-Friendly Bike Paths

Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade

(pictured left) This popular, urban path is great for families with little riders. Just 1.5

miles each way, the flat, paved esplanade offers stunning views of the Willamette and Portland’s cityscape.

Springwater Corridor Trail Another iconic Portland trail, the Springwater trail is a major part of PP&R’s 40Mile Loop. And at 21 miles long, this paved trail offers a choose-your-own-section adventure, and features vistas of Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, Powell Butte and more.

Banks-Vernonia Trail This forested paved path

was the city’s first rails-to-trails trail meandering 21 miles between the quaint towns of Banks and Vernonia. Don’t let the distance scare you, there are six different trailhead entrances, including at the beautiful LL Stub Stewart State Park. Kids will also love the 13 bridges along and PORTLAND PARKS & RECREATION

through the paved trail, such as the 80-foot high Buxton Trestle.

Trolley Trail The six-mile path stretches from

Milwaukie to Gladstone and runs along an old streetcar line that began operating in 1893! Today, this trail, which has paved and gravel sections, is a great place to spot nestling wildlife, including ducks, herons, beavers and even nutria!

Now that the weather is getting warmer and warmer, it’s time to get back on those bikes for a fun, family adventure. Roll on!

Fanno Creek Trail Adjacent to Washington Square

Mall, this flat, paved path is great for new bikers. The 4.5mile round trip trail weaves through forests, wetlands and several parks, perfect for a mid-ride snack stop. — Tiffany Hill

GGPORTLAND.COM | @GUARDIANGAMES 8

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Kid to Know: The Illustrator Lots of families baked or gardened together when the pandemic closures first struck. But Chari Smith Chari wrote the words to the picture book that’s told from the perspective of a piano. Chari drew from her experience as a piano teacher who taught students on the piano that she had practiced on as a child. And Elle, a recent graduate of Ida. B Wells High School, crafted the illustrations on her iPad.

CHARI SMITH

and her daughter, Elle Smith, of Southwest Portland finished and published a book! For The Piano,

“I have been drawing ever since I could hold a crayon, art has always been a safe space for me to express myself,” says Elle. Elle and her mom had been working on the book since Elle was 7, but she did the final illustrations in 2020. “I did storyboarding first and then changed the storyboards until we were happy with them and then started illustrating the pages,” says Elle. “Then I would go back in with revisions again on the finished pages to do any small changes needed.” Next up for Elle is art school to study illustration and storytelling. “Right now I’m choosing from Columbia College of Art, Rhode Island School of Design and California College of the Arts,” she says. “My goal in life is to tell stories through my art.” The Piano is available at all major booksellers. — D.C. BLACK ROSE WRITING

Everyone is invited to join the May 27-30, June 3-5, June 10-12 Rose Festival CityFair

June 8

Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Fred Meyer Junior Parade

FREE ADMISSION for Kids 6 & Under Courtesy of Darigold Visit the Trail Blazers prize booth May 30!

Hollywood District

June 4 CareOregon Starlight Parade Downtown Portland

June 11 Spirit Mountain Casino Grand Floral Parade Veterans Memorial Coliseum/Central Eastside

For Information, Parade Routes & Tickets, visit

ROSEFESTIVAL.org

@PDXRoseFestival @PortlandRoseFestival

pdxparent.com

| May 2022

THAT PNW

Magic

It’s time for some new adventures! Reconnect with the best of the Northwest with a summer road trip to the central Oregon Coast, or Seattle and Mount Rainier. STORY AND PHOTOS BY ERIN J. BERNARD

Pack the van! Summer vacation is back up for grabs, and there’s no better way to reconnect with your family’s sense of adventure than a good, oldfashioned road trip. The Pacific Northwest has endless options for getting out there with littles underfoot. Our selections for surefire summer fun include a

pick-n-mix adventure in Seattle, Olympia and the foothills of Mount Rainier; and an exhilarating tour of the scenic central Oregon Coast. Gather the crew and set your compass points. It’s time to explore.

HEAD TO NEWPORT’S HISTORIC BAYFRONT TO CATCH AN EYEFUL OF THE LOVELY YAQUINA BAY.

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THE CENTRAL OREGON COAST: AN EXPLORER’S PARADISE WITH ROOM TO ROAM Hoping to avoid the worst of the coastal crowds? Skip Oregon’s lovely, but immensely busy north coast and angle the family chariot down U.S. Highway 101 to the upper half of the central coast. This winding stretch of road-trippable shoreline offers loads of family-oriented lodging, dining and recreation, dotted along the water like a string of pearls. And it’s got lighthouses, too!

YOUR HOME BASE: LINCOLN CITY Full of classic seashore diversions (and sometimes rather windy!) Lincoln City is the perfect place to drop your bags while exploring the wonders of the central coast. The Anchor Inn Resort (theanchorinnresort.com) offers staterooms and funky cabins set around a jovial courtyard peppered with kitschy nautical treasures. This large, kid-calibrated compound has everything from a tree-and-sand-lined croquet course to a game room, sandbox, and covered fire pits perfect for roasting marshmallows and weenies in any weather. Pro tip: Unless the roar of diesel engines is your idea of a lullaby, request a room set back from the highway. Rising early to set out in search of adventure? It’s just a hop across the highway to the Otis Café. Bring a hearty appetite to this long-lived local breakfast spot; the portions are huge.

EXPLORING THE CENTRAL COAST DEPOE BAY The main drag is bursting with antique shops and treat stops, but the crowning jewel of this busy little town, which doubles as the world’s smallest harbor, is Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s Whale Watching Center. (Hours have varied since COVID-19 began, check the schedule before you go: stateparks.oregon.gov.) Summer isn’t prime whale migration season, but the whale-spotting odds are always good at this seawall. Crabbing here is also year-round, though you’ll have the best luck in late summer, when those tasty crustaceans really fill out. If the weather is disagreeable, watch for those telltale spouts from the comfort of The Horn Public House & Brewery (pictured bottom left), a delicious pub across the way from the Whale Watching Center whose spacious upstairs features prime views, minus the whipping winds. Their non-greasy, freshcaught seafood preparations and strong drinks are perfect for bolstering parental resolve after a day spent schlepping littles.

OTTER CREST LOOP AND OTTER ROCK Rain or shine, a drive along Otter Crest Loop really delivers when it comes to scenic stop-offs. The loop’s high point (literally!) is the Cape Foulweather viewpoint, perched 500 feet above the ocean and proffering soaring, mist-shrouded views. Selfie time! End your drive at Otter Rock, an adorable hamlet famous for the Otter Rock Marine Reserve and Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area, featuring a frothing hollow rock formation that spits out waves large enough to occasionally douse bystanders. A riot of swirling colors makes this unique rock intriguing (and photogenic) at high tide or low. Right nearby is Otter Crest Beach, a sprawling surfer stop perfect for wading or rockhounding. Pro tip: It’s a long climb down from street to sand. This beach isn’t suited for strollers, mobility devices, or anybody who requires assistance walking. Before you leave, grab a bite at Mo’s West. Tiny, vintage-y and full of personality, this is easily the cutest of the restaurants in the Mo’s Seafood chain. (Seasonal hours vary.)

YAQUINA BAY, FROM LAND AND SEA Double your fun with visits to the lighthouses at the Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site and Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area (pictured left). These sister sentinels are situated at opposite ends of Newport and both have fun interpretive centers and dramatic ocean vistas. Don’t forget to investigate the stellar tidepools at Cobble Beach, tucked just beneath the Yaquina Head lighthouse. Next, head to Newport’s Historic Bayfront (discovernewport.com/bayfront) to see Yaquina Bay in action. Older kids comfortable in the water can learn about the bay’s thriving fishing community and local wildlife on the Oregon Boating Foundation’s guided two-hour kayak tour (oregonboatingfoundation.org). No experience or special gear required! Afterward, feast on locally sourced seafood and panoramic views at Newport’s upscaleyet-surprisingly-kid-friendly Clearwater Restaurant. Watch for sea lions; these rubbery clowns love to cozy up along the outdoor dining deck.

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May 2022

SEATTLE, OLYMPIA AND ASHFORD: URBAN ADVENTURING WITH A SIDE OF MOUNTAIN AIR Our northerly neighbor is calling! On water and on land, Seattle is jampacked with family fun, but why rush a good thing? Break up the journeys there and back with a pit stop in the happening capital of Olympia and a worth-thedetour drive to Ashford, a cozy town nestled west of the main entrance to Mount Rainier National Park.

PIT STOP: OLYMPIA Stop midway and stretch your legs in Washington’s congenial state capital. Pick up an artisan sandwich to-go at The Lucky Lunchbox where kiddie options abound and the turkey club is a true crowd-pleaser. Grab something caffeinated from Olympia Coffee Roasting next door, then head to the Hands On Children’s Museum (pictured below) to get those wiggles out. Paint on the walls in a maker space, pull the taps at a pint-sized play brewpub, and explore a replica longhouse. Pro tip: Babies under 17 months play for free! (hocm. org)

WORTHY DETOUR: ASHFORD AND MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK Craving some extra-fresh air? Hop off I-5 and head for the wilds of Mount Rainier National Park (nps.gov/mora). Ashford, six miles from the park’s southwest entrance, is a great jumping-off point for sampling the park’s wonders, which include wildflower meadows,

DEBY DIXON AND VISIT RAINIER

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waterfalls and a mighty old-growth forest, all in their prime from May to October. Pick up a hearty trail lunch from Basecamp Bar & Grill, then hit the Nisqually Vista Trail, which delivers stunning glacier views along an easy mile-long jaunt. The 1.75-mile Alta Vista Trail loop (pictured left) poses a worthy 1.8-mile challenge for older kiddos with its 600-foot elevation gain. The reward: fantastic summit views. Cute nearby lodging is abundant if you decide to stay over. Pro tip:

To avoid the worst crowds, hit Rainier in June or September and arrive at the park entrance bright and early; by 10 am, things get busy.

YOUR HOME BASE: SEATTLE Forget Seattle’s overpriced boutique hotels and far-flung Airbnb rentals and check into the Hampton Inn & Suites Seattle-Downtown. This affordable lodging option scores points for its suites, which come with a pullout couch and separate bedroom (great for those traveling with babies), plus a balcony, full kitchen, and generous breakfast buffet that’s open early. Pro tip: Request a room with a view of the Space Needle. It’s just a 10-minute walk to Seattle Center (seattlecenter.com), home to the

Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass (best for older kids), and Artists at Play, an artist-designed playground boasting an eye-popping 30-foot rope climbing tower (pictured right), ADA-accessible carousel and whimsical labyrinth.

EXPLORING SEATTLE DOWNTOWN DONE RIGHT Try hitting Pike Place Market (pictured below) between 8 am to 9 am — fish aren’t yet flying and stalls are still setting up, which equals a remarkably less-chaotic visit (pikeplacemarket.org). Make your sticky contribution to the legendary Gum Wall (pictured top), then skip the tedium of the endless line outside the original Starbucks and step instead into the colorful neighboring storefront, Maíz (pictured right) Fresh masa is just the beginning of the magic at this Mexican tortilleria and street food stop, whose fun snacks feature 59 types of corn. Our faves: The tamales and the stellar fresh-fruit cups. You can also fill your belly (and soul!) with fluffy fry bread and Indian tacos at Off the Rez Cafe, a Native American graband-go spot on the University of Washington campus.

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May 2022

KIDS

❤

EXLORING

WATERY DELIGHTS Seattle sits on an isthmus, with 41% of its total area underwater! No surprise, then, that so much of the fun here happens on or near the wet stuff. Book a one-hour Viator Seattle Harbor Cruise (viator.com/ Seattle-tourism/) and explore Elliott Bay and Seattle Harbor as you learn about Seattle’s historic waterfront and motor through the city’s mighty shipping terminal. Ahoy! Next, test your mettle aboard the Seattle Great Wheel (seattlegreatwheel.com), a formidable Ferris wheel at Pier 57 that towers 175 feet high and glows with 500,000 LED lights on weekend evenings. Another great wateradjacent pick: The Ballard Locks (pictured below). This national historic site, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, keeps Seattle’s water traffic flowing through two working locks, moving everything from kayaks to ocean tugs, and you can catch the action up close (ballardlocks.org). The Fish Ladder Education Center and a wellappointed museum round out the attractions.

SPEND THE DAY WITH US AND

FIND YOUR INNER ROCKHOUND

OPEN THURSDAY - SUNDAY 26385 NW Groveland Drive Hillsboro, OR 97124 503-647-2418 .

KEEPING SEATTLE WEIRD No tour of Seattle is complete without a visit to see the city’s snaggle-toothed unofficial mascot, the Fremont Troll. Grab pastries from the nearby Milstead & Co., then live the steampunk dream at Gas Works Park (seattle.gov/parks/gas-works-park), a one-of-a-kind 20-acre park set in the shadow of a former gasification plant (pictured right) along the shores of Lake Union. The playground has structures accessible to all ages and abilities, and the waterfront grass makes a dreamy picnic spot.

May 2022

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Erin J. Bernard is a freelance writer and editor who lives in Northeast Portland with her husband and two rather noisy and opinionated kids. They can often be found exploring the mountains and coastlines of the PNW in their trusty green Subaru.

KIDS

❤

Columbia River Maritime Museum Three Reasons to Celebrate

EXLORING

ON STAGE JUNE 11  12, 2022 NEWMARK THEATRE

• The Museum’s 60th Anniversary • Return of the Restored Lightship • Opening of the Shipwrecks! exhibit

LOTS OF REASONS TO VISIT • MORE THAN YOU IMAGINED 3D THEATER • MUSEUM STORE • LIGHTSHIP TOUR • MODEL BOAT POND

1792 Marine Drive, Astoria, Oregon Open Daily 9:30 to 5:00 • 503.325.2323 • crmm.org

SEE THE STARS OF TOMORROW, TODAY! Tickets at obt.org Image by Jingzi Zhao; ballroom: Paolo Chiabrando, unsplash.com

STEAMsational Summer Fun Awaits! @ 116 Marion St NE Salem OR 97301 Open Monday - Saturday 10am to 5pm between the bridges in Salem Riverfront Park

Inspiring children to learn through creative play for over 30 years.

acgilbert.org pdxparent.com

| May 2022

Find your place to play. Mountain biking is just one of the ways to experience nature in all its wonder. Find a Metro destination near you. oregonmetro.gov/parks

Parks and nature Arts and events Garbage and recycling Land and transportation Oregon Zoo

May 2022

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Visit the

Award-Winning

Now Enrolling

FAL L 202 OF 2!

Children’s Museum INSPIRED LEARNING

On Olympia’s East Bay Waterfront

PORTLAND’S NEWEST INTERGENERATIONAL LICENSED PRESCHOOL • Situated in the heart of Rose Villa Senior Living’s 22-acre community • Ages 3-5 years old • Reggio Emilia Emergent Curriculum • Full day play-based program

t Contac us for more inf ormatio n! preschool@rosevilla.org 503-654-3171

Summer Adventures! Fire Rescue Spectacular

Animal Encounters • Artists in Residence Rock Climbing • Sluice for Treasures

Explore

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!

150 Exhibits • MakeSpace • Art Studio Outdoor Discovery Center 414 Jefferson St. NE • Olympia, WA 98501 • (360) 956-0818 • www.hocm.org

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| May 2022

t l eU

d n a l t r o P e t a im

Explore the city and fill your long weekend Pick and choose what sounds best for your family — or BY DENISE CASTAÑON AND TIFFANY HILL, WITH JUDIAANN WOO.

SATURDAY Expl 8 am: Since you’ll be exploring Portland through various modes of transit, you’ll need your energy! Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at Daily Cafe at the Tram. Try a breakfast panini for yourself; the menu also offers plenty of kid-pleasing options like peanut butter toast or a bowl of granola. 3355 S Bond Ave., dailycafeatthetram.com. 9:30 am: Normally we’d say take the Portland Aerial Tram to ride up to Marquam Hill, but the tram is still only open for essential travel to OHSU — i.e. hospital workers and patients. (If it’s open to the general public when you visit, definitely hop on!) Instead, try romping at Elizabeth Caruthers Park. After either adventure, stop in at Blue Star Donuts, 668 S Gaines St., bluestardonuts.com.

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11 am: Head to Golf on Tap (pictured below) for virtual golfing that lets you play the PGA National Championship Course without leaving Portland! There are more than 100 courses to choose from — or let the kids just smack around golf balls in the driving range simulator. 3739 S Bond St., golfontappdx.com.

Noon: You can either jump on the Orange Line MAX train that goes across Tilikum Crossing or walk across The People’s Bridge. To take the MAX: Walk to the South Waterfront/S Moody MAX Station, board the Orange Line MAX going toward Milwaukie. Exit at the OMSI/SE Water station. (Kids 6 and under ride free on Trimet!) 12:30 pm: Head to Mount Hood Brewing Co. for tantalizing, wood-fired pizza. It’s Neopolitianstyle — that means a slightly chewy crust with a little char. Pro tip: Ask to be seated in the green train car! 401 SE Caruthers St., mthoodbrewing.com.

GOLF ON TAP

Weekend with

Kid s

with under-the-radar gems and old favorites. try to knock out a whole weekend’s worth of fun!

loring Bridge City 2 pm: Walk to OMSI, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, and choose your own adventure! 1945 SE Water Ave., omsi.edu. You can opt to explore the museum’s excellent exhibits including the one celebrating artist, architect and engineer — you know, Renaissance man — Leonardo da Vinci (pictured below). Kids will dig the hands-on, OMSI-designed Inventor’s

DA VINCI FOLIO COURTESY OF L3

Workshop that focuses on exploring simple machines, drawing self-portraits and testing one of da Vinci’s experiments — the parachute. Pro tip: OMSI is usually closed on Mondays, but will be open on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30. Another option: The Willamette Jet Boat 2-hour Willamette Falls tour starts running for the season on Saturday, May 28 at 2:45 pm. Pro tip: It leaves from the OMSI dock! Willamettejet.com. Also located at OMSI: Kerr Bikes rents surreys, kids’ bikes, tandem bicycles, adaptive bikes and more so you can cruise the Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade in the pedaled vehicle of your choice. Bonus: Kerr Bikes helps support the Albertina Kerr Foundation, which provides programs and services for people with intellectual and

developmental disabilities, and mental health challenges. Albertinakerr.org/support-ourwork/kerr-bikes. 5 pm: Feast on Mediterranean delights at Shalom Y’all. These plates are made for sharing, so get the lemon zest fries, hummus and fried cauliflower, chicken kebab (pictured right), and lots of extra pita and SESAME COLLECTIVE taste it all. 117 SE Taylor St., shallomyallpdx.com. (Reservations encouraged.) — D.C.

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May 2022

SUNDAY Hopping Along Hawthorne 9 am: Music puns and egg-sandos collide at Fried Egg I’m in Love (pictured below). Grab a Yolko Ono or ’Rito Sauve for yourself. Let the kids design their own sandwiches with a Smells Like Protein Spirit. Be sure to get Hash Bites on the side! Pro tip: Skip the “Magic Egg Dust” if your kids aren’t into pepper. 3549 SE Hawthorne Blvd., friedegglove.com.

Noon: Opening at noon on Sundays, swing by the adorable Maggie Mae’s Kids Books in Gresham. Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to catch one of the supremely fun events, like a meet and greet with a LEGO master builder! Or just browse the vast collection of wonderful books for kids — and games and puzzles. 43 NW 3rd St., Gresham, maggiemaesbooks.com. 1 pm: Gresham locals rave about the breakfast and lunch options at Sweet Betty’s. Try the stacked Club or Monte Cristo sandwiches. We also love that Sweet Betty’s helps build community by hosting pop-ups for new businesses and giving tons of shout outs to nearby women-owned businesses on their Facebook page! 543 NW 12th St., Gresham, sweetbettysbistro.com.

2 pm: Toddlers may need a nap break. But if you’ve got bigger kids, head back to Hawthorne Boulevard and experience some DENISE CASTAÑON of the best people watching in Portland. Duck in and out of the shops stretching between 10:30 am: Venture to the outer eastside. The SE Cesar Chavez and SE 30th Avenue city is showing more love for outer southeast Check out Presents of Mind or Tender Portland with the new Verdell Burdine Loving Empire for the perfect Portland Rutherford Park (pictured below). The kids’ tees. Kids at Heart toy shop is a dream playground is accessible for kids of all abilities for stuffy aficionados. From pastries to ice and just plain cool. SE 167th and Market cream, you’ll come across plenty of places Street. to stop for a snack break. Presentsofmind.tv; tenderlovingempire.com; kidsathearttoys.com.

4 pm: Ready for some arcade goodness? QuarterWorld (pictured below) opens at 4 pm. You’ll find old- and new-school video games, pinball and even skeeball! Pro tip: The four-player Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles game provides a chance for parents to get in on the action with kids! And if you need a snack, order from the in-house cafe. 4811 SE Hawthorne Blvd., quarterworldarcade.com. 6 pm: Head back down Hawthorne to see what’s playing at the McMenamins Bagdad Theater. This beer-and-pizza moviehouse shows new movies in a refurbished theater. Eat at the pub before the show or have food delivered to your seats in the balcony. 3702 SE Hawthorne Blvd., mcmenamins.com/ bagdad-theater-pub. — D.C. DENISE CASTAÑON

NAIM HASAN

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FoPo: A NEW VEGAN HOTSPOT DENISE CASTAÑON

DENISE CASTAÑON

When it opened in 2021, Vegan Junk Food, at 5052 SE Foster Rd., joined several establishments in the Foster-Powell neighborhood that cater to vegans — those who abstain from meat, dairy and eggs. Thunderbird Bar, has an extensive vegan and gluten-free menu in addition to beef burgers. (Bonus: It has lots of covered outdoor seating and kids are welcome until 8 pm.) 5339 SE Foster Rd. Atlas Pizza offers six vegan pies on its menu, plus the option to build your own vegan pizza. 6529 SE Foster Rd. Off the Griddle’s complete menu is vegan with some vegetarian substitutes available — it’s packed for weekend brunch. 6526 SE Foster Rd. And, yes, a convenience store, One Mart, is a hidden gem for Indian curries. It always has one vegetarian (often vegan) option and one meat selection each day. Plus truly excellent veggie samosas! 5154 SE Foster Rd. — D.C.

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MONDAY Peruse the Pearl 8 am: Reboot your morning caffeine routine at Broobee Cafe. This cute shop in the Pearl serves fresh coffee and teas prepared by … a robot! That’s right, all drinks are made by Billie, the animatronic barista. Place your place order — with a human — and then watch the multi-tasking robot take it from there. Kids (and grown-ups, let’s be honest) will delight in Billie grinding coffee beans, steaming milk and grabbing a paper cup before deftly setting it down. This robo barista also dances. Broobee has an assortment of fresh baked goods, including kid-approved doughnuts, plus, bagels, scones and more. 433 NW 10th Ave., broobee.com.

10:30 am: Who wants more sugar?! (Like you even need to ask.) Wailua Shave Ice is the perfect, post-Powell’s treat, and it’s conveniently located across Burnside. This authentic, from-Hawaii outpost features syrups made with fruit juice and purees, like pineapple, guava and mango. We love the Guava Flow, made with guava juice, guavastrawberry puree, haupia foam and topped with toasted coconut. 1022 W Burnside St. Unit O, shaveiceorderspdx.com.

9 am: Once the sugar high for the kids kicks in (and you’re fully caffeinated) walk five minutes south on NW 10th to Powell’s City of Books. This giant and beloved bookstore is a Portland institution and full of undiscovered gems, whether it’s your first or fiftieth visit. The kids’ books section (pictured below) is stellar with everything from classic board books to the latest YA novels. 1005 W Burnside St., powells.com.

11 am: Take to NW 10th Avenue once again for a half-mile, 10-minute walk to Jamison Square (pictured below) or take the A Loop line on the Portland Streetcar, which arrives every nine minutes. This is a perfect place to get the wiggles out, especially with the warmer weather late spring brings. The highlight of this downtown park is the tide pool-like fountain — which turned back on last month — edged by stone steps. Pro tip: Pack a towel and a change of clothes for the kids ahead of time! 810 NW 11th Ave.

12:30 pm: Reminiscent of In-and-Out, or Shake Shack for those hailing from the East Coast, SuperDeluxe slings the burgers, fries and shakes fast-food dreams are made of. The local burger chain is known for its diner burgers made with locally sourced beef. They also have chicken sandwiches and nuggets, a

DARIUS KUZMICKAS

MICK HANGLAND

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LOVE AT FIRST BITE in Lake Oswego

RACHELLE HACMAC

Who said you have to go to Portland to get jaw-dropping eats? The secret is out as Lake Oswego continues to build its reputation as a solid foodie suburb, complete with its own stand-alone restaurants and your favorite Portland chains. Here are some of our favorites. The Mercato Grove alone is worth the visit to Lake Oswego. Here you’ll find your family-friendly Portland eateries all in one convenient, beautiful location. There’s Tasty for can’t-miss brunch, the family-friendly FILLS doughnuts (pictured right, top), — get the Maple Bacon Butterscotch — the thin-crust pies at Oven and Shaker (pictured middle and bottom), and fresh-made pasta at Grassa. Mercatogrove.com/ retail. PLAYDATE PDX

veggie patty sandwich, and a kids’ menu with a little cheeseburger or grilled cheese. Kids will also love the Real Fruit Fizzy Water and the SuperTasty shakes. 870 NW 13th Ave., eastsuperdeluxe.com. 2 pm: If you have littles in tow, nap time it is (and a great excuse to crack open that new tome from Powell’s)! But if your children are raring to go, then visit Play Date PDX (pictured above), only 10 minutes Northeast from SuperDeluxe. This Medieval-themed indoor playground has three stories, two interactive dance floors, and even a cannonball area! While the kiddos play, sip on a coffee, local beer on tap or a glass of wine, while hopefully still getting in a page or two of that new book. $11.50 per child per hour; 1434 NW 17th Ave., playdatepdx.org.

Chuckie Pies is a beloved family-owned, familyfriendly pizzeria. The Neapolitan-style pies are crafted with fresh-made dough, fired in a wood oven and topped with local, seasonal ingredients. Be sure to get an order or two of the breadsticks. Chuckiepies. com.

OVEN AND SHAKER

Kyra’s Bake Shop is what happens when a fourtime winner on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars opens a bakery in Lake Oswego. The end result is delicious creations from cupcakes to cookies and even savory galettes and sandwiches. And for those with sensitive stomachs, Kyra’s is gluten-free and also boasts tasty dairy-free options, too. Kyrasbakeshop.com. — T.H.

DOUGLAS HUEGLI

5:30 pm: End the day with some classic comfort food at Mother’s Bistro. This Portland mainstay is known for its brunches, but dinner here is equally satisfying. There’s Mom’s Meatloaf and Gravy, the five-hour braised pot roast, chicken and dumplings and more. Kids will chow down on the mac ‘n’ cheese, available in half-sizes, plus, there’s a mac ’n’ cheese of the day! And everything here is homemade, including the salad dressings. Just like mom used to make. 121 SW 3rd Ave., mothersbistro.com. — T.H. pdxparent.com

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Shopping & Services

Drum roll, please! We are rolling out the winners of the 2022 PDX Parent Picks! Here are our readers’ top choices in our Shopping & Services category. Find the complete list of winners at pdxparent.com/picks-winners.

BICYCLE STORE/REPAIR

Top 5

Winner River City Bicycles

Bikes for Humanity PDX

RIVER CITY BIKES

706 SE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and 534 SE Belmont St., rivercitybicycles.com

Clever Cycles

As one of the best bike-friendly cities in the U.S., we have

Community Cycling

our fair share of bicycle shops. But when it comes to biking

Center

needs for the whole family, readers love River City Bicycles. With two eastside locations, River City has a wide selection of bikes, for the littlest beginners to pro setups. The shops also sell all the necessary accessories, and even sponsor

Sellwood Cycle Repair Trek Bicycle Portland

and support weekly Saturday rides in the community.

TUTORING & LEARNING SERVICES

LOCAL NEW KIDS' CLOTHING

Winner Sylvan Learning Center

Winner Hanna Andersson

Multiple locations; sylvanlearning.com

hannaandersson.com

Sometimes our children need a little extra help with the

We love a good photo op where the whole family dons

schoolwork they’re learning each day. That’s where the trained, friendly teachers and staff at Sylvan Learning Center come in. With four locations in the Portland area — plus, live online tutoring — Sylvan offers a convenient, winning approach to boosting skills and confidence for learners in grades kindergarten through 12. The centers also have a team on hand to prepare high school students for the SAT and ACT tests.

adorable, matching PJs! Look no further than Hanna Andersson’s online store for everyone’s jammies, including colorful new prints from the spring line (like pink tulips and bright lemons). In addition to these sleeptime favorites, Hanna Andersson also sells comfy dresses, shirts, shorts and more, made from organic cotton and terry. HANNA ANDERSSON

Top 5 Black Wagon

Top 5

Bridge City Kid

Club Z

the Bull & the Bee

Kumon

Grasshopper Store

Lindamood Bell

Posh Baby

Mathnasium The Tutoring Center

KIDS' HAIR SALON Winner Sit Still Kids Multiple locations, sitstillkids.com SIT STILL SALON

Let the skilled stylists at Sit Still Kids work their hair magic on your kiddo. This bright studio offers traditional cuts — from baby’s first to styling for short to long locks — as well as fun extras like temporary color and feather extensions and essentials such as conditioning treatments for little swimmers. Another fun bonus of Sit Still is the braiding class, where parents can learn five types of braids!

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Top 5 Cookie Cutters Haircuts for Kids Tualatin Bishops Cuts/Color Kid’s Castle Cuts Lil’ Snippers Hair Care 4 Kids Pigtails & Crewcuts

BEANSTALK CHILDREN’S RESALE

CONSIGNMENT SHOP/EVENT Winner Beanstalk Children’s

Resale

3527 NE 15th Ave. and 8021 SE Stark

Top 5 Hoot-N-Annie

St., beanstalkpdx.com

Children’s Boutique

Beanstalk Children’s Resale is a

Just 4 Kids

beloved kids’ consignment shop and they are once again a PDX Parent Readers’ Picks winner! This Portland mainstay not only has everything parents need to outfit their kids, including essentials like rain gear and shoes, but also fun extras like toys,

Consignment Piccolina Children’s Resale Boutique Super Kids Resale Sweetpea’s Resale

dress-up costumes and sports gear. Even better? You can shop online!

ONE-TO-ONE INSTRUCTION | LIFE CHANGING RESULTS RAPIDLY INCREASE ACADEMIC SKILLS AND BUILD CONCENTRATION SPAN

(503) 303-4491 | 22290 SALAMO RD., WEST LINN, OR 97068 WWW.WESTLINN.TUTORINGCENTER.COM pdxparent.com

| May 2022

SUMMER CAMPS

Drop’N’Go themed summer

camps!

We put the “art” in Party! www.ceramicafenw.com

Clackamas • Beaverton • Lake Oswego

Summer Art Camp Themed Art Camp for kids aged 5-14

13329 SE Misty Drive Happy Valley, OR 97086 info@venvinoartstudios.com 503-342-8644 www.venvinoartstudios.com

$10 Off Promo code: PDXparent22

summer camps

at the theater & in your community nwcts.org • 503-222-2190 26

May 2022

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SUMMER CAMPS

Experience an Unforgettable Summer

JOIN US AT PNCA! At Oregon Episcopal School, we apply our acclaimed inquirybased approach to summer fun in academics, creativity, wellness, and movement. Ages 4–17. Full vaccination required. Ask about flexible camp fee pricing.

June 27–Aug. 19, 2022 • Register at: oes.edu/summer

PRE-COLLEGE GRAPHIC NOVEL WEEK Monday, July 18 to Friday July 22 9:00 am - 5:00 pm register: pnca-ce.corsizio.com

Summer at OES 6300 SW Nicol Road • Portland, OR 97223 503-416-9500

AIM HIGH SUMMER CAMPS

-Wild Waters - Jedi Galaxies - Summer In Color - STEM and MANY MORE options for 2022!

For more information, please visit www.aimhighma.org/camps Call us @ 503-298-3277 pdxparent.com

| May 2022

SUMMER CAMPS

Sing, Dance, Act, REPEAT ...All Summer Long! y Summer Acting Academy: June 13-August 26, 2022

2022

Registration Opens Saturday, April 2 Saturday, April 2 - In District Monday, April 4 - Out of District

May 2022

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SUMMER CAMPS

FOR AGES 3 & UP

2022 SUMMER PROGRAMS

JUNE 27-AUG 5, 2022 SCHOOL.OBT.ORG pdxparent.com

| May 2022

SUMMER CAMPS

Tucker Arts Camp 2022 June 27 - Aug 19 Ages 3 to 5th grade

Only a few spots left!

Find more summer camps and other familyfriendly local businesses in our online directory:

pdxparent.com/ directory

May 2022

pdxparent.com

Eight weeks of art, music, and culture from around the world!

TUCKERMAXON.ORG/TUCKERARTSCAMP

SUMMER CAMPS

ART

CAMPS SUMMER CAMPS JUNE 13TH- AUG 19TH 2:00PM-6:00PM

$185 WEEK HEY FAMILIES! Our unique summer camps are designed to inspire creativity, conÞdence, and friendship in our students while introducing them to exciting new ideas and experiences.

503-957-4915 WWW.THEHANGOUTPDX.COM pdxparent.com

| May 2022

time out

May 2022

Go. Play. Explore. Ring Around the Roses This year’s Portland Rose Festival theme is Rose City Reunion — appropriate since the festival has been on hiatus for the past two years! And being reunited feels so good. CityFair will kick off on Friday, May 27 with a spectacular fireworks display. Fair goers will find carnival rides, fair food, entertainment and more. On May 29, pack your uke and join in the Ukulele Jam at CityFair. And the kids will love the characters and clowns bopping around during a special kids’ day on May 30. There will be extra kids’ entertainment as well — magic shows, kids’ musicians, face painting, bubble shows and more. (And FYI, the Starlight Parade, Junior Parade and Grand Floral Parade are a go for June!) May 27 to June 12. Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Free admission for kids 6 and younger! Rosefestival.org. — D.C.

sunday rides Oregon Children’s Theatre brings to life the popular children’s book Last Stop on Market Street with this sweet musical at Newmark Theatre. Ride along with CJ and his nana during their trip on the No. 5 bus as they encounter new and old friends, and treasured neighborhood gems. With a dynamic blend of hip-hop, rap, gospel and Motown, it’ll be impossible not to tap your feet and bob your head! Pro tip: On Saturday, May 7 at 2 pm, OCT will have a sign-interpreted show for families, as well as additional streaming options for those who want to watch from home. May 1-29. Octc.org/last-stop-on-market-street. — T.H. CHRISTIAN ROBINSON

the truth is out there Calling all fans of the extraterrestrial! The delightfully weird UFO Festival is back. Now in its 22nd year, this popular event — second only to the Roswell, New Mexico festival — features a spooky UFO parade, speaker panels on all things alien, live music, a familyfriendly 5K and a pet costume contest. The UFO Festival began in 1999, in honor of the 1950 UFO sighting in the area. Friday and Saturday, May 13-14. McMenamins Hotel Oregon, 310 NE Evans St., McMinnville. More info at mcmenamins.com/ufo-festival. — T.H.

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DENISE CASTAÑON

bigger diggers

DENISE CASTAÑON

Construction vehicle fans, your time has come. Dozer Day is back, and this year kids will again be allowed in the cabs to help adult operators move some earth! Excavators and bulldozers aren’t the only machines kids will get a closer look at; they’ll also get to explore a garbage truck, fire engine and ambulance. Pro tip: Get in the line to operate the heavy equipment first and prep your kids for a wait. The line is long, but worth it! Saturday and Sunday, May 14-15, 11 am-4 pm. Clark County Event Center, 17402 NE Delfel Rd., Ridgefield, Washington. Admission for 2 and older is $15; younger than 2, free. Find tickets and more information at vancouver.dozerday.org. — D.C.

for the children PORTLAND ROSE FESTIVAL

win a ribbon It’s time for the Multnomah County Fair! And if you have a young artist, baker or photographer in the house, you can have them enter their work to win ribbons — and cash! (And grown-ups can enter, too.) The fair takes place Memorial Day weekend. In addition to browsing through winning entries, you can catch concerts, dance performances, weiner-dog races and more. And since the fair is at Oak Amusement Park, you can also hit some rides. Entries must be turned in Friday, May 27 between noon-7:30 pm at the Oaks Park Dance Pavilion. The fair runs Saturday-Monday, May 28-30, noon-7 pm. Admission is free, rides require ride bracelet purchase. Find entry rules here: multcofair.com/pageserver/exhibits. — D.C.

May 5 in Japan is celebrated as Kodomo no Hi, or Children’s Day, where your child’s development is honored and their continued good fortune is desired. Show your little some love at the Portland Japanese Garden during the return of its Children’s Day Festival. This familyfriendly event includes taiko drumming performances, a scavenger hunt for kids and crafting activities. The garden will also be festooned with colorful cloth carp streamers, or koinobori, to bring good fortune to children. Sunday, May 8, 10:30 am-2:30 pm. Japanesegarden.org/events/ childrensday-2022 — T.H.

KATE SZROM, WORLD STAGE THEATRE

remember vanport Northwest Children’s Theater is proudly collaborating with World Stage Theatre to bring Vanport the Musical to life. Vanport, a racially diverse housing community for workers at Portland’s Kaiser shipyard, was destroyed in a flood on Memorial Day 1948. This musical brings a fresh perspective on a little-known piece of Oregon history. Recommended for ages 8 and up. May 20 to June 5. Northwest Children’s Theater. PDX Parent is proud to sponsor a sensory-friendly performance on May 29 at 2 pm. Nwcts.org.

PORTLAND JAPANESE GARDEN

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| May 2022

time out

tea for mom If you are a mom tasked with planning your own Mother’s Day festivities on May 8, we’ve got you covered! Head out for tea at one of these spots, but be sure to get reservations early! Mother’s Day marks the last weekend of afternoon tea at Gracie’s at the Hotel deLuxe (pictured right), Gracie’s does a traditional English tea with tiny sandwiches, scones, dainty pastries and custom tea choices from Steven Smith Teamaker. Graciesdining.com/afternoontea. At The Clockwork Rose Tea Emporium in Beaverton, the Victorian-glam, steampunk decor is just as fascinating as the menu. For their high tea, you’ll get hot savory pastries, mini desserts and more. Clockworkrosetea.com. Lovejoy’s Tea Room in Northeast will offer a special “Queen Mum” menu that includes a pomegranate mimosa and much more! This sweet little tea room offers a kids’ tea service as well. Lovejoysportland.com. — D.C.

GRACIE'S AT HOTEL DELUXE

comic collectors come alive!

It’s the best day of the year for comic book fans! Free Comic Book Day is back. And Books With Pictures (pictured below), Cosmic Monkey Comics, Bridge City Comics and Floating World Comics are just some of the local shops that will be handing out comics to fans

BOOKS WITH PICTURES

let’s taco ’bout it Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Portland Mercado during its Makers de Mayo festival. The mercado will spotlight local makers, including several BIPOC business owners, with delicious food, artisan goods, live music and more. Saturday, May 7, noon-6 pm. Portland Mercado, 7238 SE Foster Rd. Free. Portlandmercado.org/ events. — T.H.

Find more family fun on our

online calendar: pdxparent. com/events-calendar.

Be sure to confirm the most up-to-date info with event organizers before heading out. 34

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young and old. Pro tip: Many shops also plan special sales and fun activities for the day, too! So check in with your favorite store to see what they are doing. Saturday, May 7. Find more shops here: freecomicbookday.com/ StoreLocator. — D.C.

OPEN HOUSE

OPEN HOUSE Thursday, June 16 from 6:30-7:30

R E I M A G I N E

E D U C AT I O N RSVP at renpdx.org/enrollment Email admissions@renpdx.org Call 971.221.2311 234 S. Bancroft Street, Portland

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| May 2022