for the long days and short years
THE Spooky SEASON
Falltime Favorites
Fall in Portland is pretty amazing. Crisp air, trees blazing with color, farms and markets bursting with autumn produce, and amazingly creative neighborhood Halloween displays. Every year my family has a list of fall must-dos. Venture to the Hood River Fruit Loop. Stop by Davis Graveyard. Walk in the Sellwood Monster March. Head to A Hauntingly Good Halloween Map on page 18 to find all our favorites and many more. There are so many fun, spooky ideas, your family can start your own list of fall and Halloween traditions.
Oh, one more thing my family looks forward to every fall: Seeing a show! My musical-loving kids are excited to see Wicked, but we won’t want to miss Oregon Children’s Theatre’s Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical either! This month, writer Miranda Rake not only lists tons of wonderful, family-friendly performances happening this fall and winter, she got the inside scoop from performing arts companies on how they are working to make sure all families can access their shows. For some companies, that means ticket prices are less than $10 per kid. For others, it’s offering sensory-friendly shows with lowered volume or performances with American Sign Language interpretation. Our Portland-area performing arts companies are a true treasure and we love being able to spotlight their inclusion efforts.
Last year’s Sellwood Monster March was a blast for Hamilton, Eliza, King George and George Washington!
And we’ve got another way to revel in fall — take your kids on a mushroom foraging trip! Writer Roma Sidelinger details where to go, what to look for and how to keep safe on a mushroom hunting trip! Pro tip: Chanterelles are superb on pizza!
See you out there!
A huge thanks to photographer Meghann Street for this ghoulishly good cover photo! “The cover image is a special photo for me, because it was my daughter‘s 17th birthday photo shoot,” says Street, who also has a 21-year-old. “It was her idea to include her friends and have a spooky session in the cemetery.” Street has a degree in oil painting and filmography, and describes her photography style as “dreamy, painterly portraits.” She’s also a big fan of Halloween and has worked with clients on extremely creative Halloween family portraits. Check them out at meghannstreetphotography.com and on Instagram @meghannstreetphotography
PDX Parent
P.O. Box 13660
Portland, OR 97213-0660
Phone: 503-460-2774
Publisher Jill Weisensee, 503-460-2774 publisher@pdxparent.com
Editor
Denise Castañon, 503-922-0893 denise.castanon@pdxparent.com
Managing Editor
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Art Director
Tiffany Howard tiffany.howard@pdxparent.com
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Accountant
Kelli Bagby Truly Bookkeeping, Inc.
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PDX Parent is published monthly (except July) by Northwest Parent, LLC., and is copyright 2021 Northwest Parent, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. PDX Parent is distributed free of charge throughout the Portland, OR / Vancouver, WA metropolitan area. PDX Parent reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason. Distribution of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised herein. PDX Parent does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, gender, gender expression, sex or sexual orientation.
Although every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of published material, Northwest Parent, LLC., and its agents and employees cannot be held responsible for the use or misuse of any information contained herein. The contents of PDX Parent and its website are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or treatment.
Saturday, November 2
Vera Ahiyya
Tracy Baptiste
Max Brallier &
Brian Churilla
FEATURING 100+ AUTHORS, INCLUDING
Ani DiFranco
Dan Gemeinhart
Max Greenfield
Shannon & Dean Hale
Dane Liu
Eunice & Sabrina Moyle
Jewell Parker Rhodes & Kelly McWilliams
and more!
Jonathan Hill, Lisa Congdon, Daren Todd, Jarlisa Shunte, and Arielle Wilkins
Bookshelf: Spooky Stories
Trick or treat! Give me something good to read! Snuggle up with your kiddos for a spooky fun story time this month. Handpicked by Kim Tano and Madeline Shier, the children’s book buyers at Powell’s City of Books, these four books are sure to get everyone in the Halloween spirit. Look for these titles at the Burnside, Hawthorne or Cedar Hills Powell’s locations, or order online at powells.com.
Little First Stickers
Halloween by Sam Smith
Little First Stickers
Halloween is a super fun Halloween activity book! This book includes over 250 adorable and spooky stickers with scenes to decorate, such as a haunted house, a pumpkin patch and a monster party. Perfect for a cozy October afternoon at home — or on the go. Best for ages 3 and up. $7.99.
¡Vamos! Let’s Celebrate Halloween & Día de los Muertos by Raúl the Third
Three-time Pura Belpré award-winning author Raúl the Third brings his signature amazing illustrations to this new Halloween and Día de los Muertos picture book. Little Lobo and his friends go trick-or-treating on Halloween night, then everyone in the town prepares to celebrate the spirits of the people they love for Día de los Muertos. Illustrated with lots of details and written with some Spanish vocabulary, this fall picture book is perfect for any Halloween or Día de los Muertos library. Best for ages 4 and up. $16.99.
The Haunted Scavenger Hunt: A Spooktacular Storybook by Steve Patschke, and illustrated by Roland Garrigue
This spooky read will try to scare you off, but you know what to do with a box that says “don’t open,” don’t you? After all, forbidden adventures are the most compelling of all! Join four friends on their Halloween scavenger hunt in this fun read-aloud. Best for ages 3 and up. $15.99.
or Treat
Yes, that Lance Bass!
The NSYNC singer has crafted a charming, rhyming adventure down Scary Street, where classic Halloween beasties hand out candy and fun frights. The detailed illustrations will lead to new discoveries on each reread. Best for ages 4 and up. $18.99.
In the know: Halloween Candy Buybacks
If your trick-or-treaters are anything like ours, Halloween results in a massive candy haul. And while kiddos would happily eat every piece, that’s a lot of sugar. Thankfully, it’s not too hard to entice them to trade in their stash — for money! These three places offer Halloween candy buybacks. Saving their teeth and getting some extra cash, that’s a win-win.
Hollywood Children’s Dentistry, hcdpdx.com
When: November 1, 4 and 5 from 8 am-4 pm.
What: Get $1 per pound of candy.
Aspire Dental, aspiredentalpdx.com
When: November 1-8 from 8 am-5:30 pm.
What: Get $1 per pound of candy and a prize bag with Pokemon cards. Kids can also enter to win prize packages for their class, including skate passes to Oaks Park, Trailblazer tickets and more!
Bricks & Minifigs Beaverton, bricksandminifigs.com/beaverton-or
When: Beginning November 1.
What: For every pound of candy, kids will receive .50 cents to use toward a store credit. The candy will then be sent to troops overseas.
Pro tip: Are you a Ridwell subscriber?
(Or know of a friend or neighbor that is?) This month, the recycling organization will take leftover Halloween candy, too, and donate it to local nonprofits. Visit ridwell.com/whatwe-take/candy. — Tiffany Hill
Trick
on Scary Street by Lance Bass, and illustrated by Roland Garrigue
Q: I
Ask Dr. Baynham: New COVID Vaccine
heard there is a new COVID vaccine available. With school back in session and the upcoming holidays, should my kids
(and I?) get vaccinated?
A: The FDA recently approved the 2024-2025 COVID vaccine which contains an updated variant that hopes to boost protection against currently circulating strains. This summer’s surge has faded — but up next is the winter COVID surge.
I think the bigger question isn’t if you get the updated vaccine, but when
COVID vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. While the initial fear and threat of dying from COVID has subsided, and rates of MIS-C (the multisystem inflammatory syndrome affecting children resulting in high rates of ICU hospitalization) are decreasing, there are many reasons to maintain your immunity. During the winter season, there are other circulating diseases affecting children including influenza and RSV. Having two or more of these respiratory infections at the same time significantly increases the risk of severity of illness.
Secondly, vaccines can help prevent long COVID, which we tend to see more in the adolescent and young adult population in pediatrics, but which also affects adults. Lastly, vaccinations help
protect infants who are too young to receive the vaccine.
The timing of getting vaccinated has some theoretical strategy but is not exact. If you are considered high risk, you should try to get it as soon as possible since variants may change again. If you are not high risk and want to time it to the winter surge, sometime this month is probably your best bet. If you have never had a COVID vaccine, then you would want to get it as soon as you can. If you recently had a COVID vaccine, you need to wait at least eight weeks to get the new one. If you recently had COVID, you likely have immunity from that infection for up to three to four months.
To make things easier, Metropolitan Pediatrics offers family flu and COVID vaccines. In my clinical and personal experience, it’s usually the moms who go first. Why is it always fun for kiddos to see their mom get a shot?!
Pediatrician, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatrics and mom of two, Allison Baynham, M.D., knows what it takes to raise healthy, resilient children. Come bond, share your struggles and team with her for great care at Metropolitan Pediatrics in Tigard.
Gear Guide: Wet-weather Picks
Yes, it rains here. A lot. But the right rain gear means you can still send your kids outside to play when the clouds are letting loose. Pro tip: These are also great gear picks if you are venturing to a muddy pumpkin patch this month!
Columbia Boys’ Watertight and Girls’ Arcadia
Jackets
These mesh-lined rain jackets both have watertight seams to keep kids dry on the playground or on a hike. The lightweight jackets are great for layering with a fleece when the weather gets colder. Both styles come in several color choices. $55. Available at Columbia Sportswear at 911 SW Broadway or columbia.com.
Tuffo Muddy Buddy Rainsuit
Zipping your toddler or preschooler into a Muddy Buddy rain suit is just about the easiest way to keep them dry on a neighborhood walk as they insist on splashing in every. single. puddle. Pro tip: The roomy fit helps the suit last for more than one season and allows for adding warm layers underneath. Sizes 18 months to 5T. $38.95. At bridgecitykid.com and themuddybuddy.com.
Oaki Children’s Rain/Trail Pants
Tough, breathable and waterproof, these pants are made for kids who never let the rain stop them from playing outside. They come in a range of colors and sizes for toddlers to big kids. $35. At oaki.com — Denise Castañon
GAIL PARK
COLUMBIA
OAKI
Mom’s The Boss: Improving IVF Pregnancy Education
In 2021, Bella and Tina Mody harnessed the tragedy of losing their unborn daughter, Maya, into Maya’s Wings Foundation, a nonprofit to help other families who have experienced loss.
The Modys were blindsided by the loss of Maya during Tina’s second trimester, especially because Tina’s doctors couldn’t answer why it happened. So, the two, who have two sons, ages 6 and 1.5, went searching on their own. The Modys are in the medical profession, but despite their backgrounds, acknowledge that assisted reproductive technology is complex.
Their accumulation of information on IVF pregnancies led them to start the organization named in Maya’s honor to educate and support others on their journeys to parenthood. Maya’s Wings provides free reproductive health, and fertility and pregnancy resources. Evidence-based information and education is available for families and providers in an easy-tonavigate online database. The foundation also offers support groups for those expecting and those who have experienced loss.
And thanks to local sponsors and donors, the foundation has also created and donated “passports” for expecting parents. The passports contain all essential info in one place — and are designed to fit in a handbag — including retrieval numbers, monitoring records, appointment dates, ultrasound photos, risk factors and more. “Our focus is to arm patients with the knowledge and education to have empowered conversations with their providers (and) to advocate for their care,” say Tina and Bella. To date, they’ve donated 600.
In addition to educational support, Maya’s Wings also partners with the American Society of Reproductive Medicine and funds a biennial research grant of up to $25,000 to study the placenta and the role of abnormal placentation in IVF pregnancies. Visit themayaswingsfoundation.org. — T. H.
Dad 101: The Short Years
After losing Maya, Bella Mody wrote a children’s book about pregnancy loss for her oldest son. I am STILL a Big Brother is written for kiddos experiencing the loss of a sibling during their parent’s pregnancy. Visit themayaswingsfoundation. org/support-for-siblings-1
He’s on the move! If you turn your back on him, the folly is yours because my 13-month-old can cruise and crawl to the other side of the room and pull the contents off a table in seconds. Don’t even get me started on his ability to zero in on the exact thing he shouldn’t be playing with. We’ve had to thoroughly babyproof our home.
I love this part of being a dad. My guy is not quite an infant but not quite a toddler — a wobbler! He is curious, smiley and playful as he discovers his mobility and other skills that will soon help him walk on his own. And talk. And ride a bike. It’s all happening so fast.
The long, sleepless nights of the first six months of his life feel like a fever dream — no more early morning feedings, near-constant diaper changes, and sizing up his
clothes every few weeks. When I look at photos of the tiny creature that joined us last summer compared to the smiling little boy on the verge of walking, the phrase “long days and short years” feels right.
He’s a baby now, but soon he will be a boy, teenager and eventually a man. I already miss having long naps on the couch with him laying on my chest, hearing his coos as he drifted off to sleep. While these moments are fleeting and, on occasion, there is a sense of loss, my parent friends have assured me that there are so many amazing memories and moments to come.
Matt Tuohy is a first-time dad living with his wife, son and dog in Northeast Portland. Outside of spending time with family, Matt enjoys exploring the outdoors as a nature photographer. Follow along as he learns on the job.
SHOOTT
Playlist: Express Yourself
If you need help boosting your preschooler’s social-emotional skills take a listen to Jamming with Jules! by Jules! The sweet songs are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers and celebrate being your authentic self as well as being OK with differences among friends (like liking jalapeños or just plain cheese on pizza). You might recognize Jules! who is the nonbinary co-star of the Songs for Littles YouTube channel made popular by Ms. Rachel. Where Jules! really shines is with their emotional-regulation songs; Crabby Crab might just help bring your toddler back from the brink of a meltdown. And It’s OK to Cry is another gem that helps kids (and adults) know it’s OK to express their emotions. Listen at jammingwithjules.com —
St. Rose School strosepdxschool.org/open-house 503-281-1912
Childpeace Montessori School childpeace.org/open-house 503-222-1197
CLASS Academy classacademy.com
503-223-9099
French International School of Oregon frenchintl.org/admissions 503-292-7776
Scuola Italiana di Portland scuola.us/preschool 971-270-470
International School of Portland intlschool.org/admissions-center 503-226-2496 x110
A Renaissance School of Arts and Sciences renpdx.org 971-221-2311
L'Etoile French Immersion School letoilefrenchschool.com/admissions/events 503-843-8119
Franciscan Montessori Earth School and St. Francis Academy fmes.org 503-760-8220
The Portland Forest School of the Pacific Northwest portlandforestschool.org 503-662-8079
Portland Waldorf School portlandwaldorf.org/open-houses-tours 503-654-2200
Tucker Maxon School tuckermaxon.org 503-235-6551
NORTHEAST
Located in the heart of NE Portland, St. Rose School helps raise saints and scholars in a small community centered on Catholic faith and values.
NORTHWEST
Empowering children from 12 months to 14 years, Childpeace Montessori School is developing champions of positive change, one child at a time.
PreK-8 Call for tours in October!
Evergreen Virtual Academy evergreenvirtual.org 541-751-8060
We are a Preschool - 6th grade private school. We offer tailored academics and sciences, and before and after care included in tuition.
Independent, Language Immersion, and IB World School, educating global minds from age 2.5 through eighth grade.
Scuola Italiana offers a part-time Italian language and cultural immersion preschool in NW Portland, mirroring the scuola dell’infanzia (preschool) in Italy.
SOUTH
Embrace the World! For 34 years, we’ve provided full Chinese, Japanese, or Spanish immersion and engaging academics through its acclaimed inquiry-based, International Baccalaureate approach.
Art, design, engineering, and the sciences are natural contexts for the introduction, development, and application of skills. We have a rolling enrollment for grades K-8.
PreK-12 10/20: Toddler - Elementary at Childpeace Montessori School. 10/30: Middle School at Metro Montessori
Pre-6 11/6, 6pm
2.5 years8th grade 11/02 at 10 am, 11/13 at 9 am
PreK Please email to set up a tour date or time.
October 29, 6:00-7:30 pm. December 10, 6:007:30 pm
L’Etoile French Immersion School is an independent school accredited by the French Ministry of Education for students aged 2½-12. Ages 2.5-5th grade 10/10, 9-10 am
SOUTHEAST
The Franciscan Montessori Earth School, a diverse community of students from age 30 months through 8th grade,
Discover Portland Forest School Kindergarten-8th grade. Nature, academics, and community inspire our lifelong learners. Our holistic education features powerfully low class ratios. We nurture resilience.
PWS is a private, independent school that inspires initiative and cultivates compassion through academic excellence, artistic expression, and an exceptional inquiry-based, multidisciplinary approach.
Tucker Maxon has been teaching strong communication skills since 1947. Our goal is to help every child reach their full potential in school and life.
VIRTUAL / OUT OF AREA
Tuition-free online public charter school for Pre K through 12th grade students in Oregon. Live instruction from Oregon certified teachers. Laptop and supplies are provided. Event is at Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, 500 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way, McMinnville, OR 97128
PreK-12 11/02, 11am-2 pm
Pre K-5 11/22
Pre K-12 10/10, 5:30 pm
Arbor School of Arts & Sciences arborschool.org/admissions
503-638-6399
Catlin Gabel School catlin.edu/openhouse
503-297-1894
Cedarwood Waldorf School cedarwoodschool.org/welcome-to-cedarwood
503-245-1477
Edison High School edisonhs.org
503-297-2336
Fine Art Starts fineartstarts.org
503-740-8220
German International School gspdx.org
503-626-9089
Oregon Episcopal School oes.edu/openhouse-ppg
503-768-3115
SOUTHWEST
Cultivating intellect, character, and creativity in a small school setting. K-8 10/27; 12 pm -3 pm
Catlin Gabel is recognized as one of the top schools in the nation. Join us at Open House to discover the benefits of progressive education. Pre K- 12 10/27, 1-4 pm
At Cedarwood, families learn, grow, and connect with community. We nurture children’s skills, creativity, and inner strength, blending arts, academics, and movement.
Pre K- 8 1/23, 7 pm; 2/1, 10 am; 3/1, 10 am
Edison High School’s mission is to empower students with learning differences to experience academic success and personal growth, while preparing them for a productive future. 9-12 11/16, 10 am-1 pm
Come see our new studio! Fine art classes in drawing, painting, sculpture, and pottery. After school, Saturdays, and summer Art Camp since 1998. K-12 10/19 12 pm-4 pm
As a language immersion & International Baccalaureate World school, we educate our students to be globally-minded, adaptive, independent thinkers who grow to become lifelong learners.
Since 1869, Oregon Episcopal School has educated students to realize their power for good as engaged citizens of the world.
2 years8th grade 11/3, 10 am
Pre-K–12 10/17, 6–8 pm for Pre-K- 5. 10/20, 1–4 pm for Grades 6-12
Preschool - 8th grade NOVEMBER 3, 2024
OPENHOUSE
Thursday, October 17 • 6–8 p.m. PRE-K TO GRADE 5 (PARENTS/GUARDIANS ONLY)
Sunday, October 20 • 1–4 p.m. GRADES 6 TO 12 (PARENTS & STUDENTS)
oes.edu/openhouse-pp admit@oes.edu 503-768-3115
Inspiring cultural intelligence, curiosity, and kindness since 1990.
JOIN US FOR DISCOVERY DAY - OCT 25!
Chinese • Spanish • Japanese International Baccalaureate Preschool – 5th grade
Accepting Applications for 2024-2025
INFO SESSIONS
6:00-7:30 pm October 29 and December 10
A Small K–8 Learning Community Cultivating Imagination, Intellect, and Insight
Learners are challenged, contribute to the community, and discover areas of personal interest. Enrolling ages 4+ to 14.
234 S. Bancroft Street, Portland Schedule a tour today! admissions@renpdx.org 971.221.2311 renpdx.org
Visit www.FMES.org to schedule a
Our Children’s House Program nurtures your child’s intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and social development through a beautifully prepared environment, experiential education, and cultivating a safe, respectful climate for independent choice.
• Small class size
• Pre-K to 8th grade
• Foreign language programs
• Earth experiences
• Before and after care
• 10 acres campus with extensive gardens
Reggio-inspired intergenerational preschool in Portland, OR
Located on the campus of Rose Villa Senior Living, we combine the colorful, creative, child-centered approach of Reggio education with meaningful programming that includes Rose Villa residents
OPEN HOUSE
Kindergarten through 8th grade Sunday, October 27, 2024 12:00-3:00pm Children welcome!
Small Classes, Big Virtues
Since 1913, St. Rose School has helped raise saints and scholars in a small community centered on faith and values. Our comprehensive PreK-8 education helps form lifelong learners who respect others and serve their community.
Cultivating intellect, character, and creativity in a small school setting.
Olivia Bagot,
Avery Hutcheson, PNP, CLC
Rachel Rittenhouse, DNP
Jordyn Luttrell, PNP Courtney Cotner, PNP
3 4 5
6 2 1
A Hauntingly Good
ILLUSTRATED BY SUSAN BARD WRITTEN BY DENISE CASTAÑON
1. Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals’ Halloween Celebration
Rockhounds won’t want to miss this event at the Rice Museum, which includes trick-or-treating for rocks, a costume contest, pumpkin painting, geode cracking and their Spooky Minerals display! Saturday, October 26, 10 am-2 pm. Members free, general admission prices for nonmembers. 26385 NW Groveland Dr., Hillsboro. Ricenorthwestmuseum.org.
2. Howloween and Squishing of the Squash at Oregon Zoo
At the Oregon Zoo’s Howloween, kids can show off their costumes, fill their bags with treats made with deforestation-free palm oil, and learn about wildlife. All activities are included with zoo admission. Saturday and Sunday, October 19-20 and 26-27. And watch elephants and other animals play with their food at the Squishing of the Squash, which will take place before Howloween; check the Oregon Zoo website for more details. 4001 SW Canyon Rd. Oregonzoo.org/howloween
3. Topaz Farm
Reserve tickets to Topaz Farm for a quieter pumpkin patch experience that includes friendly farm animals, playgrounds, a sunflower maze and more. 17100 NW Sauvie Island Rd. Topazfarm.com
4. Bella Organic Farm
Find your perfect pumpkin on this 100acre, certified-organic farm. Admission is free, but bring cash for extra activities on the weekend such as face painting, the cow train, grain train, hay maze, duck races and more. And we love the theme of this year’s maze! Pro tip: Pets on leash welcome. 16205 NW Gillihan Rd. Bellaorganic.com.
5. The Pumpkin Patch
This Sauvie Island farm grows over two million pounds of pumpkins each year! You’ll also find plenty of food and cow train rides on weekends in October. And this year The MAiZE is celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Peanuts cartoon with a corn maze design featuring Snoopy and Charlie Brown. 16511 NW Gillihan Rd. Thepumpkinpatch.com.
9. Oddities and Curiosities Expo
Find an assortment of creepy and cool taxidermy, preserved specimens, original artwork, animal skulls and bones, and much more. Saturday and Sunday, October 5-6. $10 general admission. Kids 12 and younger are free. Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. Odditiesandcuriositiesexpo.com
6. Halloween Ball at The Judy
Give your kiddos another reason to wear their costumes! Northwest Children’s Theater’s Halloween Ball includes a costume parade, interactive storytime, and an enchanting dance party and sing-along! Most enjoyed by ages 4 and up. October 12-27, Saturdays and Sundays 12:30 pm and 3:15 pm. Tickets are $12. Free for infants younger than 1. 1000 SW
Broadway, T-100. Nwcts.org/shows/ halloween-ball
7. Underhill Haunted House at Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Your teens will love heading to the classic haunted house with three themed mazes. Pro tip: The Kids Monster Fest afternoons for kids under 12 are still pretty scary for sensitive kids, even with actors pretending to fall asleep when kids wave a “magic wand” and tell them to “go to sleep!”
Starting October 4 with select evening dates through November 2. Kids Monster Fest afternoons on Sunday, October 20 and 27. General admission: $30 plus fees; Kids Monster Fest: Kids $9 plus fees; adults $12 plus fees. 300 N Ramsay Way. Underhillpdx. com
8. Fazio Farms
Fazio Farms has all your fall fun options in one place. Pick a pumpkin, hit the corn maze or get some fresh veggies from the produce tent. 9028 NE 13th Ave. Faziofarms.com/pumpkin-patch.
10. Lone Fir Cemetery
In addition to Saturday morning guided tours, Friends of Lone Fir Cemetery will be offering Tombstone Twilight historical tours every Saturday evening in October. October 5, 12, 19 and 26 starting at 7 pm. 649 SE 26th Ave. Friendsoflonefircemetery.org.
11. Sellwood-Moreland Monster March
This kids’ parade through Westmoreland is a fun way to build excitement for the big day. Parents love seeing all the creative family costumes and kids love another chance to get candy! Sunday, October 27. Free. Starts at 3pm at Llewellyn Elementary, 6301 SE 14th Ave.
12. ScareGrounds PDX at Oaks Amusement Park
These three themed haunted houses and sideshows are not for the faint of heart. And for an even bigger adrenaline rush, your teens can also purchase ride bracelets. Pro tip: Not recommended for kids under 13. Fridays to Sundays for all of October until November 2, plus additional dates. Tickets start at $23; ride bracelet is an additional $36. 7805 SE Oaks Park Way. Scaregroundspdx.com
13. Davis Graveyard
Every October, Jeff and Chris Davis transform their front yard into a delightfully spooky graveyard. Tombstones feature funny puns about the dearly departed and tributes to popculture icons. Weekend evenings often feature lights and music. Pro tip: A trip during the daytime is great for littles who might not yet appreciate ghoulish attractions. Free. 8703 SE 43rd Ave., Milwaukie. Davisgraveyard.com.
14. Schilling Lights on Lark
Another fabulous DIY home display, this dazzling front yard features more than 50,000 lights. Free. 15909 SE Lark Ave., Milwaukie. Facebook.com/schillinglightsonlark.
DENISE CASTAÑON
Hood River Fruit Loop pumpkin patches and apple picking
Revel in the bounty of fall at the farms and orchards on the Hood River Fruit Loop. Some of our favorite fall stops with kids include Kiyokawa Family Orchards, Draper Girls Country Farm and Packer Orchards & Bakery. Hoodriverfruitloop.com
Spirit of Halloweentown
From September 28 to October 31, the city of St. Helens transforms into a Halloween wonderland with an extra special nod to the 1990s Disney channel movie that was filmed in there. Haunted tours, photo ops and celebrity appearances are all part of the fun. SpiritofHalloweentown.com.
Former Art Director of PDX Parent, Susan Bard is delighted to haunt its pages once again. Editor Denise Castañon is hoping to hit many of the events in the Halloween map — and get her family into themed costumes again this year.
West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta
People come from all over to watch paddlers race in giant gourds across the Tualatin Lake of the Commons. Stick around for food carts, entertainment and pumpkin bowling. Sunday, October 20, 10 am-4 pm. Pumpkin races at noon and 2 pm. Free admission. 8325 SW Nyberg St., Tualatin. Tualatinoregon.gov/ pumpkinregatta
DENISE CASTAÑON
ERIC M. HERMANN
PICK YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
ON THE MT. HOOD TERRITORY HARVEST TRAIL
The fall months are special in Mt. Hood Territory as our farms celebrate rich traditions such as corn mazes, hayrides and pumpkin patches. This marks the second year you can celebrate fall by participating in the Mt. Hood Territory Harvest Trail passport!
Throughout October, pick up a FREE passport stamp card at eight participating farms: Dolan Creek Farm, Bushue’s Family Farm, Yesteryear Farms, Fiala Farms, Liepold Farms, Frog Pond Farm, Triskelee Farm and Historic Kirchem Farm. Simply complete at least five fun activities (like those pictured to the right) at two or more locations.
Once you’ve finished your experiences, redeem your stamped passport for a custom Mt. Hood Territory Harvest Trail knit scarf! As a heartfelt bonus, each redeemed stamp card helps provide a Thanksgiving meal to a local family in need through the Sandy Community Action Center, a nonprofit serving the Sandy, Oregon area.
Take a pig train ride at Bushue’s Family Farm
Purchase u-cut flowers at Fiala Farms
Complete the corn maze at Yesteryear Farms
The Arts
From low-cost tickets to less-intense sound effects, Portland’s kid-friendly performing arts companies want to make sure all families can reap the benefits of attending live shows.
BY MIRANDA RAKE
This November, Oregon Children’s Theatre will go back to the hysterical world
of Dav Pilkey with Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical
for All
Enjoying our local arts scene has not always felt within reach for many families — whether because of a toddler’s short attention span, the cost of taking the whole family out for a night of theater, or because of more specific needs, like ASLinterpretation. But as the cultural needle moves towards wider accessibility for all, our local arts organizations are working harder than ever to make their work truly accessible to families with all sorts of needs.
Understandably, accessibility and inclusion look a little different, company to company. For example, the approach and broad-reaching inclusion efforts of contemporary dance nonprofit White Bird are the result of lengthy brainstorming sessions that happened in 2020. “I don’t want to put a silver lining on the pandemic, but it did give us an opportunity where we weren’t in a constant churn to sit down and think. We had nothing else to do but envision how we could change,” says Executive Director Graham Cole.
This meant a growing focus on making dance accessible to all Portlanders, regardless of socio-economic status. “We now have a pretty robust system of providing complimentary tickets as well as discounted tickets,” Cole says. Each summer, White Bird staff partner with nonprofits, such as Central City Concern, Friends of the Children and P:ear, whose clients might benefit from attending upcoming White Bird performances, and offers them complimentary tickets.
While many families do benefit from this outreach, all families can get excited about a new affordability effort that White Bird is launching this season: $6 tickets for kids. “With our old pricing, if a family of four wanted to go to a performance, it could easily cost them a hundred dollars. We hope that this can be a good, affordable option for families to introduce their kids to dance.”
In Hillsboro, Bag&Baggage Productions offers usually two shows that are Pay
What You Can (PWYC) per show run of every performance staged. They also feature at least one performance that is audio-described and one that is American Sign Language (ASL) interpreted.
Meanwhile, Northwest Children’s Theater (NWCT) Artistic Director Sarah Jane Hardy says that their robust accessibility initiatives are the result of an ongoing conversation with their own NWCT community. “A lot of our audiences and students identify as having sensory needs,” says Hardy. “For over a decade, we’ve been in communication with the sensory-sensitive community, and now we are quite confident with some of our choices.” With the qualifier that the learning and growing never ends, Hardy explains that one guiding principle behind any of their sensory-friendly offerings is ensuring that the intended community feels truly welcome.
Families that attend sensory-sensitive and inclusive theater experiences at NWCT can expect simple, yet effective adjustments. For example, house lights remain on so that the transition from the lobby to the theater feels less abrupt, and any intense sound effects are also lowered. Sensory-friendly shows open with a curtain speech reminding folks that it’s OK to move around, and even to come and go. It’s always OK to do that at The Judy, Hardy reminds, but they really want to drive home the point for their sensory-sensitive audiences.
Demystifying some of the workings of the play itself can help, too, Hardy says. Sometimes they introduce a few of the
actors before the play begins or give a heads up about a moment that might be a bit surprising or exciting so guests can know what to expect. Over the years, many NWCT families mentioned the painful experience of paying for something you aren’t sure your child will be able to sit through, so they’ve priced their sensoryfriendly shows on a sliding scale starting at $0, which she says has been “quite resoundingly popular.”
Even companies that typically have more offerings for grown-ups and teens are providing sensory-friendly shows. Last year, Oregon Ballet Theatre’s new Artistic Director Dani Rowe launched In A Nutshell, an incredibly thought-through, sensory-sensitive, hour-long version of The Nutcracker that is tailored for families with sensory needs or very young children (pictured below).
Plus, since 2019, the Portland’5 Centers for the Arts have partnered with a nonprofit called KultureCity to ensure every single performance at their theaters (the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Keller Auditorium, Newmark Theatre, Winningstad Theatre and Brunish Theatre) is sensory-inclusive. That means training staff to support any guests with sensory needs and offering them sensory bags packed with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools and weighted lap pads. Anyone who needs these supportive tools can request them at the coat check window of any Portland’5 venue.
Whatever your family’s needs may be, however much wiggling your kids tend to do, it is safe to say that there has never been a better time to enjoy theater, dance and music in our community.
JAMES MCGREW
What’s On Stage
Oregon
Symphony Orsymphony.org
Melodies of the Animal Kingdom
Featuring the Pacific Youth Choir, this whimsical show promises to be “a toetapping, tail-wagging experience” centered on enjoying animals through music. Expect Korsakov’s Flight of the Bumblebee and selections from Swan Lake in this interactive concert for the whole family. Ages 4 and up.
When: Sunday, November 10 at 2 pm at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.
Disney’s Frozen in Concert
A fabulous chance for the kids to enjoy their favorite Disney movie on a big screen, with the Oregon Symphony performing the score live. Ages 4 and up.
When: Saturday, November 16 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, November 17 at 2 pm at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 in Concert
Catch the powerful film with its equally powerful score performed live to kick off the new year.
When: Friday and Saturday, January 3-4 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, January 5 at 2 pm at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.
The Sounds of Science
Via several popular compositions and onstage demonstrations by Oregon Symphony musicians, curious little minds can learn all about vibrations, pitch, volume, sound waves and more! This promises to be a fun, educational and interactive concert. Ages 5 and up.
When: Sunday, February 16 at 2 pm at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.
Northwest Children’s Theater
Nwct.org
Blue Marigold
Sammy Flores navigates a new home, new school, and a mom who doesn’t seem to understand her. When she discovers her secret superpower from the Land of the Dead, everything changes. This show is part of the Theater for Young Audiences (TYA) BIPOC Superhero Project, an initiative dedicated to celebrating the stories being created by TYA playwrights across the United States. Ages 10 and up.
When: October 12-27, Saturdays and Sundays at 12 pm and 3 pm at The Judy. ASL performance: October 13 at noon.
Oregon Symphony weaves together classical music, lively narration and young choir voices in their Music for Families Series.
NWCT will offer an American Sign Language interpreted showing of their holiday romp, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
A staged version of the holiday classic! Most enjoyed by ages 3 and up.
When: November 30 to December 29, Saturdays and Sundays at 11 am and 2:30 pm at The Judy. ASL performance on December 8 at 2:30 pm.
Oregon Ballet Theater
Obt.org
Hansel & Gretel
Riffing on silent, black-and-white films and inspired by the spooky season, this ballet starts slowly and then quickly explodes into a candy-filled wonderland! You might need to take the kids out for treats after seeing it, but it’ll be worth the sugar high. Ages 8 and up.
When: October 5-12, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2 pm and 7:30 pm at the Keller Auditorium.
The Nutcracker
George Balanchine’s dreamlike holiday ballet is a Portland tradition. A gigantic Christmas tree, toy soldiers, naughty mice, candy canes leaping and snowflakes whirling — it’s an easy-to-love introduction to the beauty of ballet for kids 6 and up.
When: December 7-24, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2 pm and 7:30 pm at the Keller Auditorium.
Nutcracker “In A Nutshell”
A one-hour version of OBT’s beloved Nutcracker (the full version tops two and a
half hours), tailored with young children and those with sensory needs in mind. Sensory bags are offered at the entrance featuring headphones and fidgets, guests are invited to come and go as needed, and there is even a “calm down” room available. It’s a once-a-year offering, so nab your tickets ASAP. All ages.
When: Friday, December 20 at noon at the Keller Auditorium.
World Stage Theater
Worldstagetheater.org
Who I Am Celebrating Me
The 19th annual production of Who I Am Celebrating Me is presented as part of the Black History Festival NW 2025 and promises to be family friendly, affordable and have at least one ASL performance per production.
When: February 2025, check the website for dates.
Bag&Baggage
Bagnbaggage.org
Hard-Boiled Eggnog:
A Christmas Noir
Though this is a family-friendly play, Producing Artistic Director Nik Whitcomb wants parents to be aware that as the play opens, the main character Jangle (one of Santa’s elves) is mourning the loss of his brother when he learns that Santa has been murdered. Despite the grief-stricken start, Whitcomb promises a fun, joyful holiday
play and that, yes, Santa is in fact alive and well. Ages 8 and up.
When: December 5-22, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 7:30 pm at the Vault Theater and Event Space. ASL-interpreted and pay-what-you-can (PWYC) performance Thursday, December 12 at 7:30 pm, audio-described and PWYC performance Saturday, December 21, 7:30 pm.
Patricia Reser Center for the Arts
Thereser.org
Kids’ New Year’s Eve
A New Year’s celebration at a time that doesn’t mess with bedtime, the Portland Trail Blazers’ DJ OG One will be there spinning family-friendly tunes! Best for families with kids 10 and under.
When: Tuesday, December 31, 11 am-2 pm at The Reser.
123 Andres
This Grammy-winning duo is known for their interactive, high-energy shows and songs that blend Spanish and English, with an eclectic mix of sounds from all corners of Latin America. All ages.
When: Friday, January 31, 11 am to noon at The Reser.
What’s On Stage
Metropolitan Youth Symphony
Playmys.org
The Force of Love
This show will feature work that explores love as a force that can break barriers, through the classic stories of Leonore and Florestan, Orpheus and Eurydice, and Romeo and Juliet.
When: Sunday, November 10, 7:30 pm at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.
Portland Youth Philharmonic
Portlandyouthphil.org
Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto
PYP kicks off their 101st season with this rich concert. Ages 10 and up.
When: Saturday, November 9, 7:30 pm at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.
Concert-at-Christmas: Out of this World
A concert around the holidays that’s anything but ordinary, it’ll feature John Williams’s Flying Theme from E.T., and more. Ages 10 and up.
When: Thursday, December 26, 7:30 pm at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.
Spring Sunrise
Uplifting pieces like Lili Boulanger’s D’un matin de printemps celebrate the return of warmer days. Ages 10 and up.
When: Saturday, March 1, 7:30 pm at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.
White Bird
Whitebird.org
BodyTraffic
A joyful, upbeat dance performance featuring music from the ‘50s and ‘60s. Ages 6 and up.
When: Thursday to Saturday, October 10-12 at the Newmark Theater
Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo
A light-hearted, silly show from a company of world-class, all maleidentifying ballet dancers performing in drag that promises to be good, campy fun. Ages 6 and up.
When: Wednesday, February 12 at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
Dance nonprofit White Bird brings world-class dance troupes to Portland stages.
Children ages 8 and older will be fascinated by the magical, good-versusevil storyline of The Portland Ballet’s The Firebird.
The Portland Ballet
Theportlandballet.org
Petrushka and The Firebird It’s hard to think of a better way to enjoy Thanksgiving weekend and the start of the holiday season than with this pair of performances. Set at the Heathman Hotel in the 1950s, Petrushka loves a dazzling lounge singer, who happens to love a dashing doorman.
The Firebird tells the enchanting tale of a magical bird and a young prince’s quest to break an evil sorcerer’s spell. Ages 8 and up. When: November 29 to December 1 at 1 pm and 5 pm at Lincoln Performance Hall.
Oregon Children’s Theatre
Octc.org
Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical Calling all Dave Pilkey fans! You’ve read Dog Man and Captain Underpants, so you know your kids are going to love Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical! The Newmark Theatre partners with KultureCity to provide sensory kits to families free of charge. Ages 6 and up.
When: November 1-17, Fridays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 2 pm and 7:30 pm and Sundays at 11 am and 2 pm.
Miranda Rake is a writer, editor and cohost of the Mother Of It All (motherofitall. substack.com), a podcast that explores the culture of modern motherhood with curiosity and compassion. She lives in Northeast Portland with her two little kids.
OCT. 12-27
The fun kicks off with a costume parade in The Grand Lobby, followed by an Interactive live storytime, splendiferous dance party, and enchanting sing-a-long!
Most enjoyed by ages 4 and up
OCT. 12-27
WORLD PREMIERE!
Part of the TYA BIPOC Superhero Project
Sammy Flores is just trying to survive her new home, new school, and a mom who doesn’t seem to understand her. When she discovers her secret superpower from the Land of the Dead –everything changes.
Most enjoyed by ages 10 and up
NOV. 30 - DEC. 29
ENCORE PERFORMANCE OF THE 2023 HIT!
Because of his shiny nose, Rudolph doesn’t feel like he belongs in Christmastown and sets off to find a place that accepts him.
But when a storm threatens to keep Santa’s sleigh from taking flight, it’s up to Rudolph to save Christmas!
Most enjoyed by ages 3 and up
The Judy Kafoury Center for Youth Ar ts
KIDS MUSEUMS
Portland Art Museum
Exhibits + Events
Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm
Through January 19, 2025
Psychedelic Rock Posters and Fashion of the 1960s
More than 250 photographs from Paul McCartney’s personal archive invite visitors to intimately experience The Beatles’ meteoric rise from British sensation to international stardom.
This exhibition reveals the passion and creativity of the era through the iconic rock posters of San Francisco and beyond. Enjoy more than 200 rock posters, including work by the “big five” designers of the day.
Opens October 19, 2024
PAM CUT: Tomorrow Theater, Summer Camp & Classes
PAM CUT offers year-round classes and camps for kids and families, including popular summer camps. The Tomorrow Theater, at 3530 SE Division, offers $5 Fam Jam family favorite movies!
Museum Info
ADDRESS: 1219 SW Park Ave., Portland, OR 97205.
WEBSITE: portlandartmuseum.org.
PHONE: 503-226-2811.
HOURS: Wednesday-Sunday: 10 am-5 pm; Free First Thursdays, 10 am-7 pm.
ADMISSION PRICE: Kids 17 and younger free. General admission: $25; seniors and students: $22. Visit the website for more ways to visit for free or at a reduced cost.
FREE/DISCOUNT DAYS: Free First Thursdays, 10 am-7 pm
RECIPROCAL MEMBERSHIPS: Access to a number of art museums regionally and nationally with a PAM membership at the Friend level and above.
CAMPS/CLASSES: portlandartmuseum.org/colaboratory.
INCLUSIVITY INFORMATION: portlandartmuseum.org/accessibility.
GET SOCIAL FACEBOOK: @portlandartmuseum, Instagram: @portlandartmuseum.
Why Kids It
Colors, shapes, people, places and ideas that expand their world!
Why Parents It
Free admission for kids age 17 and under.
Museum Info
ADDRESS: 1855 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97201
WEBSITE: pdx.edu/museum-of-art
PHONE: 503-725-8013
HOURS: Tuesday-Saturday open 11am-5pm; Thursday open 11am-7pm on Thursdays
ADMISSION PRICE: Free admission
MUSEUM CAFE: Case Study: Monday-Saturday, 8 am-2:30 pm
INCLUSIVITY INFORMATION: sites.google.com/pdx.edu/jsma-at-psu/plan-your-visit
GET SOCIAL: Facebook: @JSMAatPSU Instagram: @psu_museum_of_art
Why Kids It
Bright colors, shapes, and stories that spark curiosity! JSMA at PSU provides free activities and storytime events for children to build community through the arts.
Why Parents It
Free admission and activities for all!
Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at PSU
Exhibits + Events
Color Outside the Lines
From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation, this exhibition features the work of 18 contemporary artists who have used color to question institutions, beliefs, and expectations.
Storytime
Join us for Storytime at the PSU Farmers Market! Led by Portland-based artist Latoya Lovely, she will read stories exploring color and its ability to build friendship and community.
On view through December 7, 2024 Saturday, November 2, 11 am-noon
Just Playin’ Around
Play is creative, imaginative, active, fun. This exhibition seeks to give visitors a peek at how art is play, play is art, and play is in art, and in all of us.
January 21April 26, 2025
Columbia River Maritime Museum
Museum Info
ADDRESS: 1792 Marine Dr., Astoria, OR 97103.
WEBSITE: crmm.org PHONE: 503-325-2323.
HOURS: 9:30 am-5 pm.
ADMISSION: Adults: $18; seniors: $15; children 6-17: $8; children 5 and younger: free. Lightship only: $5. 3D movie only: $5.
FREE/DISCOUNT DAYS: Museums for All Discount honored every day.
RECIPROCAL MEMBERSHIPS: Yes. CAMPS/CLASSES: Yes.
INCLUSIVITY INFORMATION: crmm.org/accessibility
CURRENT OR UPCOMING EXHIBIT/EVENT: Sensory Sunday 1st Sunday each month.
GET SOCIAL: Facebook: @Columbia River Maritime Museum Instagram: @columbiarivermaritimemuseum
EXHIBIT/EVENT: Sensory Sunday 1st Sunday each month
Oregon Historical Society
Museum Info
Why Kids It
Climb aboard a floating lighthouse, forecast the weather, watch a 3D movie, stand on a tugboat or Navy destroyer bridge and sail the model boat pond.
Why Parents It
A wide variety of hands-on, interactive experiences for all ages on Astoria's waterfront. Indoor and outdoor exhibits, 3D movie theater — something for everyone!
ADDRESS: 1200 SW Park Ave., Portland, OR, 97205. WEBSITE: ohs.org. PHONE: 503-222-1741.
HOURS: Monday-Saturday: 10 am-5 pm; Sunday: noon to 5 pm.
ADMISSION: General admission: $14; seniors/teachers/students: $12. Free for youth 17 and younger and Multnomah County residents.
FREE/DISCOUNT DAYS: OHS is free every day for members, youth 17 and under, and Multnomah County residents.
GET SOCIAL: Facebook: @oregonhistory Instagram: @oregonhistoricalsociety.
NEW EXHIBITS/EVENTS: Our newest permanent exhibition, Rivers, Roses, and Rip City explores Portland’s remarkable history. Through 500 objects and photos, this immersive space highlights Portland’s distinct geography and its diverse people and perspectives.
Why Kids It
With three floors of permanent and rotating exhibitions, the Oregon Historical Society brings the past to life for visitors of all ages. In our cornerstone exhibition, Experience Oregon, kids can touch a real beaver pelt, be transported to the Oregon Trail by walking through a covered wagon and compete in the Pendleton Round-Up by playing a touchscreen video game!
Why Parents It
Who lives in Oregon, where did they come from, and what are some challenges and choices they have faced? Parents and young history buffs can explore these questions in History Hub, a hands-on, highly interactive exhibition designed for youth and families.
Why Kids It
Sparkling crystals, glowing rocks, fossilized dinosaurs — and their poop!
Why Parents It
Situated on 23 acres, there is room to eat lunch, run and explore.
Museum Info
Rice Museum of Rocks & Minerals
ADDRESS: 26385 NW Groveland Dr., Hillsboro, OR 97124.
WEBSITE: ricenorthwestmuseum.org. PHONE: 503-647-2418.
HOURS: Winter hours (Dec.-March) Wed.-Sun.: 10 am-4 pm; summer hours (April-Nov.) are Wed.-Sun.: 10 am-5 pm.
ADMISSION: Members are free. Adults: $18; seniors (60+)/veterans/ active military/educators/first responders: $15; students (6 through college): $10; kids (up to 5 years): Free.
FREE/DISCOUNTED DAYS: The Museums for All program provides reduced admission year-round. The Blue Star Museums program provides free admission from Armed Forces Day through Labor Day. Check your local library for free passes.
RECIPROCAL MEMBERSHIP: Portland Attraction Marketing Alliance.
CAMPS/CLASSES: ricenorthwestmuseum.org/camps.
GET SOCIAL: Facebook: @RiceNWMuseum Instagram: @RiceNWMuseum.
EXHIBIT/EVENT: Agates!
Museum Info
ADDRESS: 116 Marion St., NE, Salem, OR 97301.
WEBSITE: acgilbert.org. PHONE: 503-371-3631.
HOURS: Tuesday-Sunday: 10 am-5 pm.
ADMISSION: $14.
Gilbert House Children's Museum
FREE/DISCOUNT DAYS: Tuesdays from 2-5pm is half off admission.
RECIPROCAL MEMBERSHIPS: Yes. Acgilbert.org/reciprocal-partners.
CAMPS/CLASSES: Yes.
INCLUSIVITY INFORMATION: acgilbert.org/accessibility.
GET SOCIAL: Facebook: @Gilbert House Children's Museum, Instagram: @gilbert_house.
EXHIBIT/EVENT: Outdoor discovery area.
Why Kids It
Kids love the variety of roleplay indoor exhibits where they can use their imaginations. They also love the large outdoor discovery area where they can play, jump, dig and more!
Why Parents It
Parents love the open-ended play in each exhibit. Allowing their children to learn through discovery and their imaginations.
Hands On Children’s Museum
Museum Info
ADDRESS: 414 Jefferson St. NE, Olympia, WA, 98501.
PHONE: 360-956-0818.
WEBSITE: hocm.org, hocm.org/camps, hocm.org/sensory-friendly.
HOURS: Monday-Saturday: 9 am-5 pm; Sunday: 10 am-5 pm.
ADMISSION: General admission: (18 months-64 years): $17.95 online/$18.95 at the door; seniors (65+): $16.95 online/$17.95 at the door; military (with valid ID): $15.95 online/$17.95 at the door. Free to members.
FREE/DISCOUNT DAYS: Discount admission: $3 (with EBT, P-EBT, CHIP, Provider One, WIC, or Apple Health card and ID). First Friday Night $1, 4-8pm.
MUSEUM CAFE: Play Day Café open 11 am-3 pm daily.
RECIPROCAL MEMBERSHIPS: 25% off general admission for NWAYM members. 50% off general admission for ACM members.
CAMPS/CLASSES: hocm.org/events-programs/camps.
INCLUSIVITY INFORMATION: hocm.org/events-programs/ sensory-friendly-programs.
GET SOCIAL: Facebook: @handsonchildrensmuseum Instagram: @handsonchildrensmuseum.
EXHIBITS/EVENT: Boo Bash, October 25-31; Noon Year's Eve Party, December 31.
Experiment PDX
ADDRESS: 1421 SE Stark St., Portland, OR 97214.
WEBSITE: experimentpdx.com PHONE: 503-889-0931.
HOURS: Tuesday-Sunday: noon-5 pm.
ADMISSION: $10 per person.
MUSEUM CAFE: Coffee and tea available for purchase.
CAMPS/CLASSES: No-school Day Camps. Our STEAM Day Camps are offered on all no-school days and part of winter break, as well as on earlydismissal Wednesday afternoons. Camps include LEGO robotics, handson science activities, crafting and story hours with Dr. L Ektron.
INCLUSIVITY: Yes.
GET SOCIAL: Facebook: @facebook.com/ExperimentPDX, Instagram: @experimentpdx.
Why
Kids It 150 interactive exhibits and half-acre of outdoor play space including a giant climbing boulder, dino dig, vintage schooner, lighthouse lookout, trike loop and children’s garden. Plus, Art Studio, MakeSpace, two-story climber and stream slide, Ballcano, water table, Emergency! gallery and Airways Maze. Seasonal themed events with special guests and activities.
Why Parents It Washington’s award-winning museum on Olympia’s waterfront. Near downtown and the Farmer’s Market. Clean and beautiful facility with fresh foods in the Play Day Café. Consistently voted “Best Family Destination,” by Showcase Magazine, and Best of South Sound for “Family Destination,” “Museum,” “Children’s Party Venue” and “Summer Camp.”
Why Kids It From the physics of our marble runs, electrical circuits and LEGO robotics to the biology of mantises, microscopic organisms, and Ziggy Stardust — our resident bearded dragon — the museum is a science playground where kids escape screens and schedules for an afternoon of “awe.” Together with our Craft Lab, which provides all the supplies and inspiration needed for an afternoon of artistic creativity, there is something for everyone.
Why Parents It Experiment PDX exists to foster curiosity and creativity with a range of STEAM activities. Come into our relaxed and cozy space to play along with your child, meet up for play dates with other families, or bring your computer and access our free Wi-Fi while your kiddos make the rounds of our fun, interactive exhibits.
Museum Info
Flavor Explosions
TikkaTacoRito spotlights Indian and Mexican cuisines in a fastcasual atmosphere.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY TIFFANY HILL
I love a good fusion food concept.
more from ready-made rices, meats and toppings. But unlike the TexMex chain, the ingredients and flavors also hail from India.
Bright and colorful new inner eastside cart pod WonderLove packs in tasty food, room to play and spectacular views.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY DENISE CASTAÑON
So when I read about the newly opened TikkaTacoRito in the Pearl, my husband and our 13-month-old son went to check it out for an early weeknight dinner. TikkaTacoRito is located in the ground floor of The Rodney luxury apartment building and was established by Hari Venkatram, who’s been brainstorming fusion dishes between the two flavorful cuisines.
If You Go
TikkaTacoRito, 1436 NW Glisan St., tikkatacorito.com.
When we arrived on a Wednesday evening, there were people chowing down on burritos at the bistro tables lined up outside. Upon walking in, we were the only customers — but with dinnertime for the baby quickly approaching, being able to quickly order was welcome. Another win: It was happy hour, which runs Monday through Saturday from 3-6 pm. Pro tip: The eatery does have a high chair, but only one, so be mindful of that if it’s busy or your family needs more than one.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 11 am-8 pm; Saturday, 8 am-8 pm; Sunday, 9 am-2 pm.
The fast-casual concept of TikkaTacoRito can best be described as Chipotle-esque; there’s an employee behind the counter ready to create your bowl, burrito, taco and
Since we were the only customers, the employee was helpful in going through the menu — there’s a lot of possible combinations! — and even let us sample some of the sauces and salsas. You can choose from Indian-style white or brown rice, spiced chickpeas, black beans or black-eyed peas, and meats cooked in the restaurant’s tandoor or claypot oven. Everything can then be topped with tikka, vindaloo or verde sauce, and roja, tamarind or cilantro-basil salsas. Shredded lettuce, cheese, pico de gallo and kachumber, an Indian salad made with carrots, cucumber, onion and lemon juice are also available.
The restaurant specializes in taco bombs ($9.99 or $6.49 during happy hour). Meant to be eaten in one bite, they are Venkatram’s take on the Indian pani puri. Hollow round shells roughly the size of golf balls are deep fried until crispy and filled with beans, meat and sauces. We had to try them. We let the employee make his favorites, mixing a variety of flavors for each. For our son, we settled on a rice and chicken and black-eyed-pea bowl ($10.99), minus any of the spicy sauces and salsas (pictured opposite page, top). Curious about the pizzas, my husband also ordered the chicken tikka masala pizza ($15.99). The 12-inch pies have a naan crust and are cooked in the claypot oven. Lastly, we ordered chicken wings ($9.99 or $6.49 during
happy hour) with the vindaloo sauce.
Before the pizza arrived, my husband fed our son part of the rice bowl. Pro tip: The food here is flavorful, which might be a stretch for some palates. Even without the sauce, the rice and peas still proved too spicy for him. Shortly after, the pizza arrived and he enjoyed some bites of the pizza toppings, especially the fresh pico de gallo. My husband and I both liked the pizza, the tikka curry was a flavoral sauce base, the chicken was smoky and the pico de gallo and kachumber salsas gave it added textures and freshness. Pro tip: It should be eaten immediately after being served; the naan crust quickly succumbs to the tikka sauce and toppings. The wings were a disappointment; we suspect they were left in the oven for too long as they arrived overly dry and crunchy.
The hit of the evening were the taco bombs. They are inventive, fun-toeat and allow you to try many flavor combinations of TikkaTacoRito. My favorite one was stuffed with yellow Indian rice, carne asada and topped with tikka.
Only open for a month when we visited, the restaurant is still ironing out its operation (there were no plates when we dined in), but the magic here lies in the flavors and the many combinations possible.
A mom to a happy, curious 13-month-old, Managing Editor Tiffany Hill takes advantage of Portland’s bustling happy hour specials with her son and husband — when they manage to dine out.
Fungi Fun field
Hit the Old Salmon River Trail for a mushroom foraging adventure with kids. Plus advice on how to stay safe.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY ROMA SIDELINGER
There is something undeniably enchanting about wandering through the woods with kids, the fall air crisp with the scent of pine and earth, as you search for hidden treasures beneath the forest canopy. In late September — and after a few soaking rain showers — I drove my three young boys to Old Salmon River Trail in Welches for a mushroom hunt. The forest was alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant bird calls, but for my young children, the magic of the day lay not in the trees or the sky, but on the damp, earthy floor beneath our feet.
Our mission was to find the golden chanterelle (pictured above), one of the most prized edible mushrooms. We eagerly grabbed our baskets and started walking the trail. The forest here is filled with mature Douglas fir trees, creating the perfect environment for chanterelles to thrive.
If You Go
Take Hwy. 26 to Welches, Oregon. One mile east of the traffic light, turn on to Salmon River Road (2618) and continue to the trailhead. There are multiple trailheads along the road.
If you look closely, you will find a wide variety of fungi in the forest this fall. My 7-year-old son, Grady, is always intent on finding mushrooms with whimsical names like “witch’s butter,” “blood tooth fungus,” and “turkey tails” that are all safe to touch. Sure enough, he found a decaying log adorned with velvety, fan-shaped fungi. The colors were mesmerizing — a swirl of browns, greens and blues creating intricate patterns. I
explained that turkey tails are a kind of fungus that helps break down wood, turning it back into soil. On a stick nearby, a translucent, golden jelly fungus (witch’s butter) glistened in the sunlight.
Meanwhile, my older son, Nolan, had wandered off the trail and found a cluster of golden chanterelles nestled among the mossy undergrowth. Their trumpet-shaped caps glowed in the sunlight: vibrant yellow to orange with smooth, wavy edges.
He knelt to get a closer look, gently touching the thick, false gills that ran down their stems. Once he confirmed that these were indeed golden chanterelles and not their false look-alike (wooly chanterelles) he carefully trimmed the stems and put them in his basket.
Even my 4-year-old, Calum, found a pinecone with a tiny mushroom growing out of it and added a variety of fungi to his little basket. As we returned to the trail and hiked back, I reminded my boys that every mushroom tells a story. The bright red caps of a toxic fly agaric (pictured top right), the intricate pattern of a turkey tail fungus, the parasitic fungus that creates the lobster mushroom, or the strange, bulbous shape of a puffball — all these fungi are part of an intricate ecosystem in our Oregon woods. With each foraging trip, their understanding of the natural world deepens, as does their appreciation for the small wonders that often go unnoticed. And if we are lucky, we come home with a basket full of edible mushrooms for dinner as well!
Navigating the Woods with ON x Maps
While the thrill of discovery is a big part of mushroom foraging, ensuring your family’s safety is paramount. Forests can be vast and disorienting, especially when you’re focused on the ground looking for mushrooms. It’s surprisingly easy to lose your sense of direction, so it’s important to have a reliable way to stay on track. This is where technology comes in handy. Using a navigation app like ON x Maps can be a gamechanger. Before you start your foraging adventure, open the app and mark your starting point. As you explore, you can track your route, making it easy to find your way back if you stray off course. The app also allows you to mark spots where you’ve found mushrooms, so you can return to those areas in the future.
Mushroom Safety Tips
While foraging is fun, it’s crucial to remember that not all mushrooms are safe to touch or eat. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
Never consume a mushroom unless you’re 100% sure it’s edible. Many mushrooms look similar to poisonous varieties, so if there’s any doubt, leave it out. The fully illustrated field guide Mushrooms of Cascadia by Christian Schwarz and Noah Seigel can help you learn more about safe mushroom picking.
Teach kids not to touch their faces or put their hands in their mouths after handling mushrooms until they’ve washed their hands.
Stick to well-known areas for foraging, and avoid picking mushrooms near roadsides or in areas that may have been treated with chemicals.
More spots to forage
Tillamook State Forest This hilly and off-trail wilderness area is well known for its lobster mushrooms (starting in late summer into fall) and chanterelles later in the fall and early winter.
Tumala Mountain Area This wilderness area teeming with coniferous trees does not have many marked trails. We have found hedgehogs, cauliflower mushrooms, chanterelles and lobster mushrooms here in the fall. Early in the fall we have also found matsutake mushrooms.
Cape Lookout Trail This 5-mile, round trip trail is all switchbacks downhill to a beach. A variety of fungi such as oyster mushrooms and lobster mushrooms grow right next to the trail in the fall after a soaking rain.
Roma Sidelinger is a homeschool mom to three young boys and founder of Wild and Barefoot Nature group. She created wildandbarefootadventures.com, a website with nature curriculum that links learning topics to outdoor adventures throughout Oregon. When she isn’t in the woods with her kids, Roma is a brown belt in jiu jitsu and co-owns a gym with her husband in Molalla.
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OCTOBER 2024
Go. Play. Explore.
behind the wheel
There’s just something about construction trucks that toddlers and preschoolers adore. Let your littles get their fill of garbage trucks, bulldozers, excavators and more at Dozer Day Vancouver. The best part is kids actually get to operate the heavy equipment (with the help of a grownup, of course). Pro tip: Get there early and get in the line to drive the equipment right away — and prepare your kiddos for a wait, but it’s totally worth it! Saturday and Sunday, October 5-6, 11 am-4 pm. Clark County Event Center, Ridgefield, Wash. $15 per kid or adult. Babies 2 and younger are free. Vancouver.dozerday.org — Denise Castañon
defying gravity
One of our favorite backstories, Wicked, the “untold true story of the witches of Oz,” opens this month at Keller. The Broadway show will be a fun night out for Wizard of Oz fans, musical theater buffs and everyone in between. Pro tip: Recommended age for children is 8 and up; no children under 5 admitted. October 16 to November 3. Tickets start at $59. Portland.broadway.com/shows/ wicked-2. — Tiffany Hill
bountiful
Head to Hood River’s scenic waterfront for the Gorge’s biggest fall celebration: the Hood River Valley Harvest Fest. Stock up on seasonal favorites like apples and pears, smoked salmon and fresh fruit pies. Plus live music and an artisan marketplace. FridaySunday, October 11-13 at the Hood River event site. Admission is $12 adults; kids 12 and under are free. Hoodriverharvestfestival.com. — T.H.
pumpkin spice season
Celebrate the bounty of the harvest at Triskelee Farm’s Fall Fest. Kids can trick-or-treat, play carnival games, scamper on the hay pyramid and bounce house, watch a kids’ performer at 11 am and much more! Food and drinks for purchase. Saturdays and Sundays in October, 10am-3 pm. $15 for kids 2-12. Purchase tickets at triskeleefarm.com. — D.C.
so classic
Celebrating its 70th year, the Portland Greek Festival is one of the city’s most popular, and biggest cultural fall events. Join in the fun for Greek food delicacies, dancing, music, games and more. Even better, a portion of admission proceeds is donated to local nonprofits in the Portland metro area. FridaySunday, October 4-6 at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Admission is $5; kids 10 and under are free. Portlandgreekfestival.com.
— 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.
Top 3 Free Fun stuff for zero dollars!
If you’ve ever carved a jack o’lantern for Halloween, then you know it’s work. That’s why we have a huge appreciation for the gourd-slicing artisans who participate in the annual Pumpkin Display at West Linn. Here you’ll find more than 200 intricately carved pumpkins in a variety of themes from scary-movie characters, pop culture trends, local scenes and much more. In addition to the pumpkin display, there’s also a fun laser and light show each night. October 19-20, 25-27 and on Halloween from 5-9:30 pm. Free admission. Pumpkindisplaywestlinn.com. — T.H.
Runners of all ages will hit the streets for the annual Portland Marathon, half marathon and 10K races. Kids can join the race excitement for free with the Doernbecher Kids Run, a spectatorfriendly, out-and-back route on Naito Parkway along Waterfront Park. The kids’ race begins under the same large start arch that is used by the marathon runners. Sunday, October 6; kids race at 11:30 am. Find out more at portlandmarathon.com/info#kids_run — D.C.
Get cooking at the Multnomah County Library to celebrate the second half of Hispanic Heritage Month! Local chef Edurne Garcia-Andre teaches your family how to make healthy and delicious Mexican black bean soup on Monday, October 7, 5:30-7 pm at Sellwood-Moreland Library and on Wednesday, October 16, 4:30-6 pm at Gresham Library. Craving something sweet? Attend a churro-making demonstration on Sunday, October 6, 1-2:30 pm at Fairview-Columbia Library and on Sunday, October 13, 2-4 pm at Central Library. Free, but registration is required. Multcolib.org/events-classes. — D.C.
