PDX Parent December 2019

FREE

for the long days and short years

h g i r B Merry & Top Toy Picks ★ Winter Road Trip Holiday Fun

PDXPARENT.COM

PORTLAND | VANCOUVER | DECEMBER 2019

contents

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GREGOR HALENDA

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

The Road to Ashland....... 14

Editor’s Note............................................................................ 6

A Portland-to-Ashland road trip is a great way to see our state, so why rush a good thing? Pack the kids into the car and head south slowly — a winter wonderland of family-friendly eats, arts and recreation awaits you.

By Judiaann Woo.

The Gift List............................. 21 Our editors’ picks for cool toys on any budget. Plus

Play Room.................................................................................. 8 Meet the mom bringing music diversity to classrooms, rad travel toys, and handmade holiday fairs.

Adulting.................................................................................... 28 It’s possible to save for retirement and college! We give you tips on how to start. By Brooke Strickland.

Field Trip.................................................................................. 30

Recipe File......................................................... 34 Whip up a fragrant batch of these irresistible apple scones with your kids.

By Judith Rich.

Time Out.............................................................. 35 You best bets for phenomenal light displays, Santa sightings, and Kwanzaa, Solstice and Hanukah fun for the whole family.

Stronger Skatepark in Milwaukie offers fun and

Parentlandia.................................................... 42

varied terrains to please newbies and pro skaters

A comic for parents. By Tom Toro.

alike. By Sarah Vanbuskirk.

RESOURCES

presents with a purpose

Hands On................................................................................ 32

and whole-family gifts of

Dial in scientific principles with fun and easy

experience. By Erin J. Bernard

experiments for kids from Mad Science Portland.

Holiday Gifts.................................................26-27

and Denise Castañon.

By Dan Clayton.

Holiday Highlights..................................... 39-43

School Open Houses...................................... 20

* cover stories pdxparent.com

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December 2019

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e d i t o r ’ s n ot e

for the long days and short years

The Visiting Season

B

PDX Parent P.O. Box 13660 Portland, OR 97213-0660

eing an Oregon transplant means travel during the holiday season. My family either

Phone: 503-460-2774

heads east to be with my husband’s relatives, or we head south to visit my parents, aunts,

Publisher

uncles and cousins. This

Rose Caudillo, 503-460-2774

is a California year. And

publisher@pdxparent.com

even though we’ve flown

Editor Denise Castañon, 503-922-0893

extensively with our kids

denise.castanon@pdxparent.com

since they were babies,

Managing Editor

we haven’t done a proper

Erin J. Bernard erin.bernard@pdxparent.com

road trip. (Mainly because

Art Director

we’re still traumatized

Susan Bard

from baby Cruz’s long,

Web Director

loud protestations

Michelle Carew, 503-914-6151 THE MOODY MAMA

every time we got in the car. Thankfully, my son, who is now almost 5, grew out of it.) But this month’s travel story, The Road to Ashland by Judiaann Woo, might convince my family to pack up the minivan and hit the road. Judiaann plots must-see stops all along the journey south, offering scores of ideas for family fun in Ashland and the surrounding area. (Plus plenty of incredible places to chown down!) Need some ideas for toys to keep your kids amused while you’re on the road? Check out page 9.

And because my family is always traveling for Christmas, we’ve gotten away with not giving the kiddos ginormous gifts — we’ve got to pack everything back into our suitcases (and Santa knows that)! But it was still fun to scour Portland toy stores to find some of the coolest kid gifts around. Managing editor Erin J. Bernard and I made a point to look for gifts that won’t break the bank, page 21. But if the thought of an influx of new toys makes you shudder, don’t worry; we’ve also got a list of ideas for gifts of experience that the whole family can enjoy.

And don’t miss this month’s jam-packed Time Out section, which lists Hanukah, Kwanzaa, Solstice and Christmas events for the whole family. Whatever you celebrate, I hope your

michelle.carew@pdxparent.com Calendar / Newsletter Editor Amy Conway calendar@pdxparent.com Customer Accounts Manager Christie Kline, 503-810-9817 christie.kline@pdxparent.com Distribution & Digital Production Coordinator Melissa Light melissa.light@pdxparent.com Eastside Account Executive Lauren Wylie, 503-331-8184 lauren.wylie@pdxparent.com Westside Account Executive Jill Weisensee, 503-914-6151 jill.weisensee@pdxparent.com President Keith Goben, 503-460-2774 keith.goben@pdxparent.com For distribution issues, e-mail us at distribution@pdxparent.com

family has a wonderful one. See you in 2020.

—

For calendar submissions, e-mail us at calendar@pdxparent.com PDX Parent is published monthly by Metro Parent Publishing, Inc., and is copyright 2019 Metro Parent Publishing, Inc. 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.

On our cover: Photographer Stephanie Young snapped this simply stunning shot during one of her “Sessions from the Couch” pop-up family shoots, which she announced on her Facebook page. “The idea was that I had set up my tree,

advertised herein. basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex or sexual orientation.

Although every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of published material, Metro Parent Publishing, Inc., and its agents and em-

and is a photographer with the awesome Capes and Crowns

ployees cannot be held responsible for the

Foundation, which provides photo sessions for children

use or misuse of any information contained

who’ve suffered trauma or are battling serious illness. See more of her work at syoungphoto.com or on Instagram @syoung_photog and @syoung_uncommon. pdxparent.com

endorsement of the products or services PDX Parent does not discriminate on the

photo sessions, Young also does elaborate artistic shoots

|

of this publication does not constitute an

do any planning, minimal editing, and get the images up on she adds. In addition to spur-of-the-moment minimalist

December 2019

advertising for any reason. Distribution

I have great light and I wanted to challenge myself to not social the same day,” says Young. “... I’m kinda spontaneous,”

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PDX Parent reserves the right to refuse

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.

p l ay r o o m

Kid to Know: The AI Master versus Cancer Watch out, pancreatic cancer. 14-year-old Rishab Jain is

visiting a laboratory in Boston, I learned about pancreatic cancer

coming for you. The ninth grader at Westview High School in

DNA sequencing,” says Rishab. “I questioned if I could use my

Portland recently took home a technology award at the Broadcom

knowledge in programming and artificial intelligence to help tackle

MASTERS 2019, a program of the Society for Science & the Public.

the pressing problem.”

(It’s the nation’s premier

Rishab won $2,500 to

STEM competition for

use for a STEM summer

middle-school students.)

camp and is looking into

Rishab designed an

camps focused on artificial

artificial intelligence tool

intelligence. And he plans

that works in conjunction

to keep his sights on

with the results of gene

cancer. “I want to pursue

sequencing to help

a career in medicine.

diagnose patients who

Having the opportunity

have pancreatic cancer.

to make an immediate

Rishab calls it The

difference in the lives

Pancreas Detective.

of people is something

Rishab, who has

that is important to me,”

family friends who have

he says. “Hopefully, I

died from cancer, started

can become a surgeon

thinking about what

who can treat and cure

he could do to address the disease. “While

pancreatic cancer.” — Denise Castañon

SOCIETY FOR SCIENCE & THE PUBLIC

Support our city’s crew of talented makers this holiday season at a local craft fair.

➊ The Big

Kahuna of holiday markets, Crafty Wonderland Holiday Art + Craft Market features more than 250 crafters selling everything from small-batch stuffies to upcycled journals. December 14-15.

Oregon Convention Center.

Craftywonderland.com.

TOP 5 ... Holiday Craft Fairs

➋ Baerlic’s WoodWorker Holiday Market is a show that might change the minds of dads who have little patience for craft fairs.

It celebrates all things made of or inspired by wood, like furniture and housewares, but the best part is that it’s held in a brewery, and Tastebud wood-fired pizza will be slinging slices. December 7. Baerlic Brewing Co. and Taproom. Woodworkermarketpdx.com.

➌ More

than 70 professional artisans will bring their jewelry, ceramics and fine arts to the Da Vinci Arts Fair. Proceeds benefit the art-loving students at Da Vinci Middle School. December 7. 2508 NE Everett St. Facebook.com/davinciartsfair.

➍ Got Star Wars, comic-book

or die-hard Harry Potter fans in your house? Head to Geek the Halls for awesomely nerdy gifts by local makers. December 14-15.

DoubleTree Hotel, 1000 NE Multnomah St. Facebook.com/GeektheHallsPDX.

➎ And finally check out the adorable kid-made crafts at

Scott Elementary School’s Mercado de Artesanías/Maker Fair. This bilingual bazaar won an award for the best Portland PTA event and features decorations, crafts, food and more. December 14. 10 am-1 pm. Scott School, 6700 NE Prescott St. — D.C.

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December 2019

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GEEK THE HALLS

tea blends to handmade

Gear Guide:

Toys that Travel ’Tis the season for family tripping, and whether you’re getting there by car, plane or Amtrak train, you’re gonna need backup. These travel toys are compact, cleanish, and entertaining enough to engage kids for a good stretch of your journey. Happy adventuring!

Sweeten the prospect of a long trip

Who:

In 2012 Amy Richter, a Beaverton mom of two, learned that her children’s

school district was being hit with major budget cuts.

One of the first things on the chopping block was music education. With an educational background in music,

Kingdom’s Topper Takes a Trip. In this carry-along game, which fits into an adorable suitcase, kids pick a destination (like Grandma’s house or the mountains), select and match

PEACEABLE KINGDOM

AMY RICHTER

for your 2-year-old with Peaceable

the items they’ll need to pack along, and playact the vacation of their dreams. At iSpark Toys.

psychology and music therapy, Richter knew music was Workshop, an organization that provides free music lessons for educators. Music Workshop is taught in more than 80 schools throughout the Portland-metro area. But it is more than a local program; over 1,750 schools in the United States and across the globe teach Music Workshop lessons.

What:

Take the waste out of on-theroad entertainment with Jaq Jaq Bird’s Bored Boards, games edition.

These sturdy, reusable tiles, featuring classic travel games like 4 in a row and JAQ JAQ BIRD

vital to all forms of learning. So she founded Music

tic tac toe, come with four pieces Richter, who is the executive director of Music Workshop, is

now focusing on diversity in music education. “The Native

of ButterStix no-dust chalk, and they wipe clean in a jiffy. At Hammer + Jacks, Polliwog or jaqjaqbird.com.

American Traditional Music Course is the first in this series of culturally specific music education courses designed

Make new tracks wherever you roam

to promote inclusion, celebrate diversity and empower

with a compact roll of “classic road”

students to incorporate music into their lives,” says Richter.

PlayTape, perfect for recasting a car

“The new course will focus on the musical styles, traditions

window or airplane seat into a mini car or

and instruments used by tribes throughout North America.”

school bus super-highway. When you’re done,

Why:

At Hammer + Jacks and inroadtoys.com.

“For students of color, [diverse music

peel it off, throw it out, and be on your merry way.

INR

OA D

education] can provide a sense of

in their academic learning,” says Richter. “Even though more than half of students in the U.S. are students of color, music education traditionally focuses on European

Markers? Paints? Pastels? Whatever they are, Chunkies Paint Sticks

by OOLY rule for long road trips.

These quick-drying, rainbow-hued

musical traditions and this can lead to a sense of isolation

sticks glide smoothly onto any

for children from other cultural backgrounds.” Richter

surface, from coloring books to

also notes that classrooms that employ culture-based

in-flight magazines, and they

strategies benefit all students and lead to higher student

last for eons if you remember

emotional well-being, a deeper sense of belonging at

to cap ’em. At Collage or ooly.com.

school, and enhanced self-esteem. — D.C.

— Erin J. Bernard

OOLY

inclusion as they see their cultural heritage reflected

TO YS

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p l ay r o o m

In the Know: Find Your

Parenting can be joyous — and tough.

tribe

But the support of other

parents can make things just a little easier. Enter the Milagros Daily Pod parent groups. The baby boutique in Northeast Portland has long focused on building community, and they are now spreading the love to other spots in the city including the New Seasons on North Williams and Hoot-n-Annie in Southwest. Parents can come to group with or without kids to share successes and stresses. Find out more at milagrosboutique.com. — D.C.

Better to Give

Holiday wish lists

We Recommend:

Tossits

If you are anything like me, there’s a multi-layered

and chilly temps

pile of kid art, crumbled-up Goldfish crackers, empty

can present a

squishy packs, and assorted sticks and leaves

double-whammy

lining the floor of your car. Now I get a lot of product

for Portland families

pitches, but for obvious reasons, Tossits car

struggling to make ends

garbage bags caught my eye. Seriously — within

meet. This December, get

a day of hanging the pack of 10 tear-off trash bags

your kids (ages 4 and up) into the giving spirit by helping

over the back of the passenger seat in my minivan,

Northwest Children’s Outreach sort and package orders

my ride was noticeably cleaner. I finally had a place

of donated toys, clothing, books, baby gear and more. The

to toss the multitude of gum wrappers clogging up

volunteer sessions — which take place all around Portland

the little compartment I use for holding lip balm and

metro — are lively, no training is required, and donations

coins. I even got my 4-year-old to throw away some

support Oregon’s low-income and foster families through

of his garbage in the bag and not on the floor. Good

the winter months and beyond. (Pro tip: This is a faith-

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TOSSITS

Good Deeds:

to know: The bags are made of recycled materials

based organization; an optional prayer takes place at the

and are recyclable. So thumbs up for an easy way

start of each session.) To volunteer, or to request a helping

to tidy up and get just a tiny bit more sanity in my

hand for your own family, visit northwestchildrensoutreach.

life. 3 packs of 10 bags for $15.99. At tossits.com. —

org. — E.J.B.

D.C.

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p l ay r o o m

Playlist:

Ask Dr. Doug : Our friend’s newborn was diagnosed with CMV and has some

started paying more attention to the lyrics, I stopped loving it so much. The sexism and homophobia common in so many songs was not something I wanted to support — and later as a parent did not want to normalize for my kids. That’s why I loved the Alphabet Rockers when I first heard their 2016 album The Playground Zone. They delivered bodyrocking hip-hop and ultrapositive lyrics.

But with their newest album

ALPHABET ROCKERS

The Love, the GRAMMY-nominated Alphabet Rockers have made rap something I really needed to share with my kids. Tommy Shepherd and Kaitlin McGaw have turned their social justice focus on topics such as toxic masculinity, nonbinary identity, pronoun usage and trans awareness.

“It was tough at first because [as CIS-gendered people] we felt we didn’t have a right to this.

Because in this world, I was like a white person — with privilege ... and biases,” says Shepherd.

“Both Kaitlin and I had to dig into ourselves and figure that out, too.” So they enlisted the help of nonbinary and trans artists such as The Singing Bois. “And we just kept asking permission, asking permission from the Native artists, too,” says Shepherd. The intro track, This Is Ohlone Land, features Native chanting and the Two-Spirit drum. It’s amazingly powerful and was inspired by a letter the group got asking them to acknowledge the land they perform on. Pro tip: This album (of kids’ music!) is so moving you may get a little choked up listening to the song Until You’re Free like I did.

— D.C.

December 2019

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hearing loss. I’d never even heard of CMV before. Is it only transmitted in utero? Or can kids get it, too?

: CMV, or cytomegalovirus, is a common virus that most of us have never heard of. By age 40, the majority of adults have been infected with it. In healthy kids and adults, it causes mild symptoms and in many cases causes no symptoms at all. In some teenagers, CMV infection looks like mononucleosis, with sore throat, fever, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes. It’s transmitted through fluids like urine, saliva or blood. Like some other viruses, once you’ve been infected, the virus remains dormant in your body without causing any trouble.

CMV becomes an issue when the virus is passed from mom to baby during pregnancy. This is called congenital CMV. The majority of babies born with congenital CMV have no problems and never develop any. However, around 10 percent have symptoms at birth that can include a rash, yellow eyes and skin (called jaundice), low birth weight, a small head, enlarged liver and spleen, and damage to the eyes. About 50 percent of babies born with symptoms will go on to have long-term problems, including hearing loss, blindness, intellectual disability and seizures. Treatment with an antiviral medication can lessen the severity of hearing loss and may improve head and brain growth, but there is no cure.

Unfortunately, even babies born with congenital CMV who have no symptoms can develop hearing loss later in life. That’s Got a question for Dr. Doug? Send it to why we screen all babies in the hospital for AsktheDr@pdxparent.com. hearing issues after they are born, and if you have any concerns about your child’s hearing or language development, see an audiologist and have their hearing checked.

Preventing CMV in pregnant women is complicated, because women might be infected prior to becoming pregnant, and if that infection is reactivated, there aren’t any good treatments available. In general, pregnant women should practice good handwashing and try not to get covered in saliva from kids in day care (generally a good rule of thumb for everyone who wants to avoid getting sick).

CMV can also be life-threatening for those with decreased immune systems, such as adults with HIV or children undergoing cancer treatment or after an organ transplant.

There is no vaccine for CMV. A similar disease for which we do have a vaccine is rubella (the “R” in MMR). In healthy kids, rubella causes a mild rash and fever that resolves quickly. However if a pregnant woman gets infected with rubella, it can cause blindness, deafness, brain damage and heart defects in the fetus. All the more reason to get immunized against the diseases for which we do have vaccines.

?

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

DR. DOUG

I grew up loving hip-hop and rap. But once I

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Q A

O A D R T O S A E H T

W

inter fun awaits you in this Southern Oregon mountain town, nestled right near the California border. Even in wintery driving conditions, you can travel safely if you follow a few key road-safety rules — check our Arriving Safely sidebar on page 15 for details. Without any stops (or inclement weather), you’ll get there in under five hours, but in classic road-trip fashion, we recommend breaking up the journey with a few easy pit stops — and we’ve got just the spots to recommend.

PLAY ALONG THE WAY 1

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Gilbert House Children’s Museum Learning through creative play is what it’s all about at this charming children’s museum named after Salem native A.C. Gilbert — scholar, Olympic gold medalist, entrepreneur, and inventor of the Erector toy construction sets. Best for kids 2-10. 116 Marion St. NE, Salem. Tuesday-Sunday, 10 am5 pm. $8 general admission; free for kids under 1. Pro tip: Portland Children’s Museum members get in free!

The Oregon Garden Need some fresh air? Stroll through the Children’s Garden on the 80-acre property that makes up the Oregon Garden.

You’ll find a Swiss Family Robinson-style treehouse, a Hobbit house/tunnel, animal-shaped topiaries, and a dinosaur bones dig area, plus a working replica of the train that once ran through Silverton and the Willamette Valley. 879 W. Main Street, Silverton. Open daily, 10 am-4 pm. $8 for adults; $5 for kids 12-17; $2 for kids 5-11; free for kids under 4.

Pro tip: November 29 to January 5, a portion of the gardens transforms into Christmas in the Gardens, a Europeanstyle nighttime Christmas market. (Visit oregongarden.org/ christmas-in-the-garden for activities and prices.)

Historic Albany Carousel & Museum See (and ride!) the carousel that a whole community built. It took more than 200 volunteers 10 years and 160,000-plus

hours to lovingly restore and rebuild this historic 1909 carousel. The care and craftsmanship of each of the 52 handcarved animals will leave you spellbound. 503 First Ave. West, Albany. Open Wednesday-Monday, 10 am-5 pm. Rides start at 11 am with a $2 token. Museum admission free.

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C ascades Raptor Center Visit one of the largest collections of native raptor species in the Pacific Northwest, where kids can view over 50 different birds of prey, including eagles, hawks, owls and vultures in large outdoor aviaries. You can also learn about the work being done at the onsite wildlife hospital. 32275 Fox Hollow Rd., Eugene. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10 am-4 pm. Admission is $9 for adults; $6 for kids 2-12; free for kids under 2.

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W ildlife Safari Observe wildlife from the comfort of your car at this 600-acre drive-through animal park, which resembles the African plains and is also home to the country’s most successful cheetah-breeding program.

1790 Safari Rd., Winston. Open daily 10 am-4 pm.

Admission is $21.95 for ages 13 and up; $15.95 for ages 3-12; free for kids under 2. (Additional animalenrichment encounters start at $20.) No pets allowed; onsite kennels available.

SUSAN BARD

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D N A L SH

BY JUDIAANN WOO

Arriving safely

Winter driving in Oregon can be intimidating — prepare for the unexpected by packing along essential safety items and making a plan of action just in case you do get stuck. Below, our tips for helping you get safely on your way.

Know Before You Go Before you leave your house, always

1

2

check the weather report and make sure driving conditions are safe. Within Oregon, call 5-1-1 for updated road conditions, or visit tripcheck.com for up-to-the-minute updates, including weather alerts, road closures and detours.

Stock Your Car’s Emergency Kit No matter the season, ODOT recommends keeping your car fully stocked with essential safety items. The basics include: a car-escape tool and a pocket knife (stored within reach of the driver’s seat); a first-aid kit with

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kid-appropriate medications; drinking water; high-energy, shelfstable snacks; a headlamp with extra batteries; and basic road safety items like flares, jumper cables and triangle reflectors.

A paper map of Oregon is also good to have on hand. In the winter, pack extra emergency blankets or sleeping bags (one for each family member!); extra cold-weather waterproof gear; a

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small shovel; an ice scraper with snow brush; cat litter or sand for traction; and tire chains and a tow strap. (For the full list of recommended items, visit tripcheck.com/pdfs/27537_Winter_ Driving_Guide-web.pdf.) Pro tip: always keep phones plugged into a USB charger when driving to avoid a low battery during an emergency.

You’re Stuck! Now What? Let’s say you’ve used your snow shovel to move the snow away from your wheels and sprinkled the cat litter to try to gain some traction, and you’re still stuck.

Don’t panic! First, call or radio for help, and if you can’t get a cell signal, trying texting. While you wait, make sure your car is as visible as possible by doing the following: Turn on your hazard lights, put out triangle reflectors, place some brightly colored cloth on your antennae, and light a road flare. Move all your emergency supplies into the cab of the car, and bundle up as you

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wait. Conserve gas by only turning the engine on every now and then to keep yourself and your water from freezing. If the sun goes down, keep a light on in the car to make it easier to spot in the dark. If snow accumulates on the car, brush it off using the snow shovel, and brush the car as needed to keep it visible.

Conserve food and water, but stay hydrated while you wait.

Unless you can clearly see help in the immediate distance, do not attempt to walk for help. Stay put, and stay safe.

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NEUMAN HOTEL GROUP

WHERE TO STAY Drop your bags at the Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites, a fully remodeled family-friendly midcentury modern hotel just a short drive from downtown Ashland. The hotel will be fully decked out for the holidays and in January will offer a Kid’s Package that includes a winter-themed welcome bag with activity book, stickers, and other fun surprises, plus complimentary hot chocolate from Luna Cafe, the hotel’s all-day eatery and mercantile. Hotel amenities include: deluxe continental breakfast, laundry access, rollaway beds, portable cribs, complimentary board games, family movie rentals, and a photo booth. New this year: an on-site spa. (Because massages and road trips go together so well.) Pro tip: Be sure to snap a pic of your littles in the lobby’s groovy “Ball Chair.”

Room rates begin at $89 plus tax.

WHERE TO PLAY DOWNTOWN Downtown Ashland will be illuminated this holiday season with more than a million lights during the Festival of Light Celebration, beginning November 29. Make a reservation to decorate gingerbread cookies and have Brunch with Santa on December 15 at Larks Home Kitchen Cuisine at the historic Ashland Springs Hotel. While you’re there, explore the lobby’s cabinets of curiosities — each is filled with rare objects from around the world.

Your kids will love searching for 30 tiny gnome doors hidden throughout the downtown area. Get a map from Tree House Books and find your first door just outside the bookstore entrance. Some miniature doors open to reveal a tiny treasure inside. Pack along some of your own trinkets and play gnome for the next child to discover. And Tree House Books is a great place to pick up last-minute gifts and stocking stuffers. In December, their shop window display will feature a “Gnome for the Holidays” diorama, with a very detailed gnome home complete with bedrooms, kitchen, and a magical crystal garden. Pro tip: The city of Ashland is a plastic-bagfree zone, so pack your own reusable shopping bags or pay a small fee for paper bags in stores.

The entrance to Lithia Park, the 93-acre crown jewel of Ashland, is located just around the corner from the bookstore.

Before heading inside, sample the famous (and famously stinky) Lithia mineral water from the bubbling fountain.

Pro tip: Have a camera ready to capture your kids’ best “Yuck!” faces. Inside the park, just across from the yearround playground, you’ll find the seasonal Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink, which operates from mid-November through February. The rink is covered, but it’s open air, so come dressed for the weather. On-site ice skate rentals are available, from toddler size 9 up to men’s size 15.

Fans of the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry will really enjoy ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum. (Pro tip: OMSI members get in free!) Kids will love the numerous interactive hands-on exhibits. Don’t miss the Bubble Room, where visitors can stand inside a giant soap bubble!

GREGOR HALENDA

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WHERE TO EAT Morning Glory Breakfast, Lunch & Espresso (1149 Siskiyou Blvd.) A local favorite where breakfast is the star.

Substitutions are politely declined — you’ve been warned!

Sammich (424 Bridge St.). Before Portland fell in love with Sammich Portland and the Pastrami Zombie food truck, there was Sammich in Ashland.

Best-in-class sandwiches by Ashland’s unofficial mayor chef/owner Melissa McMillan.

JUDIAANN WOO

Flip (92 N. Main St.) Artisan fast food with grass-fed beef, housemade organic brioche buns, fresh-cut fries, and all-natural sodas and shakes.

JUDIAANN WOO

Hither Coffee & Goods (376 E. Main St.) A thoughtfully curated cafe with a small but well-executed menu of hot selections, wine and flowers for sale — and the best chocolate chip cookies in Ashland.

GREGOR HALENDA

Ashland Food Co-Op (237 N. 1st St.) Ashland’s only certified organic retailer features daily hot bar specials, made-to-order sandwiches, tacos and burritos, smoothies, and food to go. Check their calendar for events, including a free gingerbread-cookiedecorating party on December 7 from 11 am-1 pm.

Happy Bowl Restaurant (1401 Siskiyou Blvd.) This no-frills spots (a favorite among local chefs) is the place to go for Vietnamese pho noodle soup and spring rolls at a bargain price.

Standing Stone Brewing (101 Oak St.) A full-service brew pub with an expansive kids’ menu featuring all the greatest hits, plus a kid-approved snack tray. Kids’ beverage options include everything from organic cider (chilled or steamed) to housemade sodas and draft root beer.

GREGOR HALENDA

Zoey’s Cafe & All-Natural Ice Cream (199 E. Main St.) Choose from 40 handmade flavors at this downtown scoop shop. If you’re hungry, grab a homemade calzone or wrap.

JUDIAANN WOO

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Fun Facts, Southern Oregon Edition

BEYOND ASHLAND From farm stays to winter wonderlands, holiday options abound for families visiting Southern Oregon — and many of our favorites are within 30 minutes of Ashland proper!

BET THE FARM

On weekends between midDecember and early January, you

If your kids like animals, visit Willow-Witt Ranch, an Oregon Tilth Certified Organic Ranch and farm stay. The 445-acre property is open to visitors throughout the year by reservation. (Just call ahead to let them know you’re coming and to ensure the roads are clear.) Tours are self-guided and no-charge. Since the weather can be cooler at this higher elevation, bring extra layers and wear waterproof boots if you’re worried about snow or mud.

can adventure around Crater Lake

— the deepest lake in North America!

— on snowshoes. Call 541-594-3100 to sign up for a ranger-led snow hike.

For kids 8 and up; no experience necessary. $15 per vehicle; includes snowshoes.

Founded in 1935, Ashland’s Oregon

Shakespeare Festival is one

of the oldest theater companies in North America, attracting visitors from all over the world to its MarchOctober calendar of performances.

The best cheese in the world comes from Southern Oregon!

Rogue River Blue by Rogue

Creamery in Central Point was

crowned The Best Cheese in the

GREGOR HALENDA

CHRISTMAS CLASSICS

Step back in time to historic Jacksonville, Oregon, and experience a true Victorian-era Christmas. You’ll find the town decorated in greenery, with white lights to evoke a bygone era. Enjoy strolling carollers dressed in Victorian garb, complimentary hot cider, and $1 rides on the Holly Jolly Trolley, which makes a quick loop around town. Make time to tour the Beekman House, the historic home of Jacksonville’s wealthiest and most prominent pioneer family, and see how the rich and famous celebrated Christmas in 1873. Weekend tours are $5 at the door and offered every 15 minutes from 11 am-2:45 pm every weekend from November 30 to December 20. Be sure to visit Scheffel Toys & More, an independent toy store with perhaps the largest Playmobil selection in Oregon.

World at the World Cheese Awards in 2019. (Rogue River Blue is the only American-made cheese ever to receive this honor.)

For most of its history, the Ashland

Springs Hotel in downtown

Ashland was the tallest building between Portland and San Francisco. This year marks its 95th anniversary.

GREGOR HALENDA

SNOW FUN Mt. Ashland Ski Area is tiny compared with other Oregon ski resorts, but that’s what makes it perfect for young families on a ski day — experienced or not. Kids under 6 and seniors always ski free, and an all-day pass on the MT. ASHLAND SKI AREA beginner run is just $10 for everyone else. Mt. Ashland offers a range of super-affordable ski and snowboard rental packages as well as free door-to-door shuttle service from the Ashland Hills Hotel and Suites. If sledding sounds better, check out the Grouse Gap Sno-Park beyond the back parking lot of Mt. Ashland Ski Area or Table Mountain Snow Park, which now has a BYOW (bring your own wood) warming hut with wood stove. Pro tip: Neither has easy bathroom access, and carrying tire chains is recommended when driving at this elevation, so be prepared.

Judiaann Woo is a food and travel consultant based in Portland. When she’s not helping brands better connect with their audience, she’s out seeking adventures with her two kids, dog, cat and her photographer husband. Follow her travels on Instagram at @judiaann.

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OPEN HOUSES

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Suyon nontoxic, peel-off nail polish dries quickly and goes beyond pink and purple to include, green, blue, yellow and glittery black.

SUYON

An adorable owl, squirrel, fox or monkey face tops each bottle. All ages. $11 each. At Hammer + Jacks.

under

$20

GLO PALS DOUGLAS TOYS

Got a kid who hates taking a bath? Light-up Cubes by Glo

If your kid is hoping for a

to the tub. These ingenious

at least get her a school-

colored cubes light up when

approved pet. The Legend

Pals could have him rushing

letter from Hogwarts, you can

dropped in water and turn your

Snowy Owl by Douglas

tub into an underwater light

Toys resembles Hedwig and

show. Ages 3 and up. $10 for a

will not deliver Howlers. Ages

pack of 4. At The Bull and The

3 and up. $19.99. At Thinker

Bee and Hammer + Jacks.

Toys, and Barnes and Noble.

The

Gift List

We’ve scoured Portland’s toy shops for the coolest kid gifts around, no matter your budget. And don’t miss our presents with a purpose and roundup of gifts of experience the whole family can enjoy.

BY ERIN J. BERNARD AND DENISE CASTAÑON

Watch Glowing Putty Gels and Slime kit by Stay Curious/Copernicus Toys pairs a perennial kid-favorite with a bit of simple science education. Explore the wonders of chemistry and study states of matter as you ponder the wonders of gels, polymers and glowy phosphorescence. Ages 10 and up. $18. At Grasshopper, Collage and Finnegan’s Toys & STAY CURIOUS/COPERNICUS TOYS

Gifts.

microcrystals bloom on the Crystal Growing Cherry Tree by Copernicus

Toys before your very eyes.

COPERNICUS TOYS

Seriously, this kit works fast! Also available in maple tree and volcano shapes. Ages 6 and up. $7. At Kids at Heart, OMSI Science Store, Portland Children’s Museum Gift Shop and Kazoodles.

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launched a new DNA & Traits science kit that

YELLOW SCOPE

DISCOVER WITH DR. COOL

Started by two local moms, Yellow Scope

teaches kids how to gather cells — from their own cheeks or from fruit — and how to isolate DNA strands. Ages 8 and up. $49.99.

At Oodles 4 Kids, MudPuddles Toys & Books, Piccolo Mondo, iSpark and OMSI Science Store.

Transform those random rocks lining your kid’s pocket into sparkling bits of treasure with the

Adorable Soft Star Shoes are flexible and rugged

Hobby Series Rock

and come in leather or vegan in a variety of (often

Tumbler by Discover

customizable) styles that are great for new walkers. But

with Dr. Cool. Pro tip:

PEACEABLE KINGDOM

they also cobble

It’s actually pretty quiet!

pairs for older

Ages 5 and up.

kids and

$74. At Oodles 4 Kids,

adults.

Piccolo Mondo Toys and

Starting at

iSpark Toys.

$40.

under

Think of GraviTrax as a marble run on steroids. Your kids will discover how turns, junctions and freefalls can affect the speed of their track. Pro tip: This is the kind of toy that even some parents may have a hard

SOFT STAR SHOES

$100

The Dinosaur

Escape cooperative game by Peaceable Kingdom allows kids

as young as 4 to work together with other

time putting away. Ages 8 and up.

players to save three

$59.99. At Thinker Toys, MudPuddles

dinosaurs before the

Toys & Books and

volcano erupts! Ages

Piccolo Mondo

4 and up. $24. At

Toys.

GRAVITRAX

Hammer + Jacks.

UNIPLAY

Smooshy Soft Blocks by UniPlay are made of food-grade materials with antibacterial properties and are perfect for littles ones who put everything into their mouths. Ages 3 months and up. Sets $20 and up. At Hammer + Jacks.

LAKESHORE LEARNING

Where to Buy: All stores in Portland, unless otherwise noted ■ Barnes and Noble: 12000 SE 82nd Ave., 1317 Lloyd Center, 7227 SW Bridgeport Rd., and Collage: 1637 N Alberta St., 3701 SE Division St., 1634 SE Bybee Blvd. ■ Finnegan’s Toys & Gifts: 820 SW Washington St. Kazoodles: 13503 SE Mill Plain Blvd., B-3, Vancouver, Washington ■ Kids at Heart: 3445 SE Hawthorne Blvd. ■ Lakeshore OMSI Science Store: 1945 SE Water Ave. ■ Oodles 4 Kids: 7727 SE 13th Ave. ■ Palette at Pioneer Place: 700 Portland Children’s Museum gift shop: 4015 SW Canyon Rd. ■ Red Castle Games: 6406 SE Foster Rd. ■

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Prettify playtime with minimalist wooden playthings, Sticks & Stones by Water and Lightning Toy

Company. Inspired by natural objects a small child might collect while tromping a field, each oneof-a-kind set includes two sticks and six stoneshaped blocks, perfect for stacking, sorting and other baby busywork. Ages 1-3. $40. At MudPuddles

WATER AND LIGHTNING TOY COMPANY

Toys and Books, and Grasshopper.

HANDMADE BY SENG

Soft, snuggly and available in a rainbow

If your kids love hiding out in homemade forts, but you

of colors, Felt Dolls by Handmade by

hate having every blanket in your house appropriated

Seng are crafted from all-natural materials

for fort construction, you’ll both love AirFort. Add

right here in Portland and available in five

your box fan, and this tent magically

skin tones and 20 hair colors (availability

puffs up to 70 inches wide by 50

varies by store). Dolls and outfits are sold

inches tall, big enough for kids to

separately. Ages 4 and up. $39.95 per

easily scoot in and out of. Ages

doll; $14.95 per outfit/accessory kit. At

4 and up. $50. At Kids at Heart,

Beanstalk Children’s Resale Clothing and Palette at Pioneer Place.

Oodles 4 Kids and Thinker Toys.

AIRFORT

Tokyo Highway by itten Games

Kiddos with a taste for tech will love the Remote Control Gear-

is a super-cool, uber-minimalist

Bot by Lakeshore Learning and

strategy game inspired by the

its vibrant assortment of heads,

Tokyo Metropolitan Expressway.

gears and claws, which can be

Tokyo Highway encourages

snapped together and attached

finger balance, creative construction and a bit of

to a motorized base to create realmoving robots of endless variation.

Ages 4-10. $49.99. At Lakeshore Learning.

teamwork as kids build up

TECH WILL SAVE US

Electro Dough Kit by

Tech Will Save Us is the perfect STEM-inspired preschool gift. Thanks to the conductivity of dough — made at home

their very own working minisuper-highway. A good game for families with kids in a broad age range. Ages 8 and up. $50.

At Grasshopper and Red Castle Games.

or purchased with the kit — plus customizable buzzers and switches, kid creations come to life with light and sound, teaching littles about electricity.

Ages 4 and up. $27 for the kit; $8 for the dough. At Grasshopper.

ITTEN GAMES

7700 NE Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver, Washington ■ Beanstalk: 3527 NE 15th Ave. and 8021 SE Stark St. ■ The Bull and the Bee: 1540 SE Bybee Blvd.

■

Grasshopper: 1816 NE Alberta St. ■ Hammer + Jacks: 6416 SE Foster Rd. ■ iSpark Toys: 925 NE Orenco Station Loop, Hillsboro

Learning: 16901 SW 65th Ave., Lake Oswego ■ MudPuddles Toys & Books: 2305 NW Kearney St., and 16420 SW Langer Dr., Sherwood SW 5th Ave., Suite 1180 ■ Piccolo Mondo Toys: 4768 Bethany Blvd., C5 and 12345 SW Horizon Blvd., #43, Beaverton Soft Star Shoes: 914 Main St., Philomath or order at softstarshoes.com. ■ Thinker Toys: 7784 SW Capitol Hwy.

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gifts with a

Conscience

Plug some groovy into your tween’s room with the 27-inch Lava

Purchase a present, save the world?

Lamp by Schylling.

It might not be that simple, but these

(You know you always

product-makers take their social good

At Thinker Toys.

$100 + The Kinderboard

by Kinderfeets is a Waldorf toy that helps with

SCHYLLING

wanted one.) $109.99.

mandates seriously — and that gives us hope for the future.

PLAN TOYS

Time-In Toolkit by Generation Mindful A “time-in toolkit” isn’t just a gift for the grownups! This collection of positive-discipline-inspired posters and card games helps kids to develop social and emotional skills while teaching selfcalming

find so many other uses

and two-legged carrots with It’s made from “PlanWood,”

keep the

which thermally heats and

learning

shapes surplus wood scraps GENERATION MINDFUL

tip: Frame or laminate the cards and posters

rocking

before gifting. Ages 3 and up. $59. Online at

chair for

genmindful.com.

reading, a

results from rejecting

this realistic produce set.

light. Pro

for it: a

eyes to the waste that

embrace curly cucumbers

graphics

kids will

Produce has opened our

fruit and veg. Teach kids to

through Beautiful

but your

by Plan Toys Imperfect

cosmetically flawed (ok, ugly)

strategies mindful play.

balance,

Wonky Fruit & Vegetables

into long-lasting toys. Ages 13 months and up. $30.

At Hammer + Jacks and Grasshopper.

tunnel for trains, a step stool,

Kid Power Band by UNICEF This kid-friendly fitness band

or a seesaw.

helps kids track daily exercise, but that movement also

Ages

unlocks therapeutic food packets, delivered by UNICEF to

18 months

severely malnourished kids worldwide. An accompanying

and up. $100.

app lets friends and family compete on positive impact, while

At Hammer +

in-app missions teach about worldwide cultures. (No GPS or

Jacks.

location-tracking involved!) Ages 10 and up. $39.99. Online at unicefkidpower.org.

UNICEF

Stick-lets Encourage nature play and build the stick fort of your dreams with the help of these flexible silicone rubber connectors.

They’re far more environmentally friendly than plastic and free from harmful ingredients.

Pro tip: Pack them on your next camping trip! Ages 6 and up.

Packs start at $15.

At Hammer + Jacks.

KINDERFEETS

STICK-LETS

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Unbeatable kids’ shows from

Take a day to

Oregon Symphony, Northwest

play in the snow!

Children’s Theater, Oregon

Hit the slopes at

Children’s Theatre and

Timberline or Mt.

out through the winter and

And for those

Journey Theater are rolling

Hood Meadows.

spring. Snag some tickets and

who don’t ski,

soak up some culture as family!

Mt. Hood

Find tickets at orsymphony.

Skibowl has

org, octc.org, nwcts.org and

eight tubing lanes,

journeytheater.org.

SKIBOWL

a maze, carousel and giant indoor play area.

whole-family

Gifts Membership has its perks.

The biggest one is that this huge gift — a year’s admission to OMSI, Portland Children’s Museum or the Oregon Zoo — won’t clutter your house at all.

OREGON COAST AQUARIUM

SUPER NATURE ADVENTURES

Book an overnight tour at the Oregon Coast

Passages of the Deep tunnel as sharks, halibut and rays glide overhead.

Anna’s songs after seeing

Nature Adventures. The Hoyt

Frozen 2? Grab tickets

Arborteum’s Redwood Trail

to Disney’s Frozen the

pack celebrates evergreens

musical. It’s hitting the

and includes a trail map with

Keller March 5-22. Visit

stickers and a field guide with an

portland.broadway.com DEENVAN MEER / DISNEY

activity that helps kids learn the cones. At supernatureadventures.

participants bunk down underneath the

singing all of Elsa and

winter hike with a kit from Super

com.

best possible way. Sleep in the Deep lets

Are your kids back to

Lead your family on a guided

differences between fir and pine

Aquarium to sleep with the fishes in the

for more info.

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H O L I D AY G I F T S

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H O L I D AY G I F T S

PDX Parent Picks 2020

RENT PI PA

S CK

Celebrate the winners with us at Oaks Amusement Park on June 20!

PD X

Get ready to VOTE in our PDX Parent Picks readers’ poll.

Tell us your favorite people, places and spaces!

VOTE 2020

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a d u lt i n G

Save Smart

Retirement vs. college? Clarify your family’s goals and unpack this perpetual savings conundrum. BY BROOKE STRICKLAND

D

iapers, formula, school clothes, piano lessons, visits to the doctor … sound familiar? It’s no secret that being a parent is expensive. So, when it comes to saving for college and planning for your own retirement, it can be a real balancing act. If you’re looking at your finances and trying to figure out how you’ll be able to save for both, don’t panic. While it might take a little juggling at first, it can be done. Here are some helpful guidelines to plan for your family’s successful future.

» Start with retirement savings.

Financial experts recommend that your priority should be to focus on saving for retirement first. Look closely at your household budget, identify your net income, and get a clear picture of where your money goes monthly. Once you have your planning budget, determine if your employer has a retirement contribution match and use that as your minimum contribution. For example, if your employer will match contributions up to 6 percent of your salary, contribute the full 6 percent. The employer match is essentially free money, so it’s a great thing to take advantage of. Experts recommend putting away at least 10 to 15 percent of your yearly gross income for retirement.

» Determine your college savings goals.

Do you want to pay in full for a private university? Maybe you’ll just want to partially fund an in-state school. As a family, decide how much you are willing to save for college. (Several candidates in the 2020 presidential race have shared their desire to make college free. But even if one of those candidates wins the White House, there is no guarantee that all universities will be totally free of charge.) There are several options for setting up a college savings plan, and one of the most efficient and tax-friendly ways of doing that is with a 529 College Savings

Plan. Natalie Berning, Raymond James Financial Advisor at OnPoint Community Credit Union, says, “Contribute monthly. Speak with a financial professional if you need assistance figuring out the exact amount you need to save for college to reach your goal — it will depend on many factors including how long the child is in college, what return you can earn on your savings, and estimated college cost inflation.”

Berning also adds that if your budget only allows you to save a small bit, you shouldn’t be deterred. “Families should resist feeling like only contributing a small amount isn’t worth it — contribute what you can, every little bit helps,” she says. “When you get a raise at work, even if just a cost-of-living increase, increase your contribution amount as well.”

She also suggests making sure that the college savings account you’re opening will be owned by either the student (your kid) or the student’s parent (you). If accounts are owned by someone else, like a grandparent or aunt, it could impact financial aid eligibility.

» Get creative.

To help boost savings accounts, encourage your family to contribute to the student’s college account in lieu of, or in addition to, gifts. When your child is entering high school and college is right around the corner, ask grandparents or other important family members if they wish to contribute to upcoming college costs.

Another way to get creative? BottleDrop now lets recyclers transfer funds from their BottleDrop accounts directly to their Oregon College Savings Plan accounts.

» Just do it.

No matter how large or small you decide to start, the important thing is to develop a savings habit where money is being put away on a regular and consistent basis. Even if you save a little each year, you’ll be much better off than if you didn’t save at all.

For more info on saving for retirement and college, Berning recommends these resources: » oregoncollegesavings.com/what-is-the-oregon-college-savings-plan » onpoint.enrich.org/videos/achieving-financial-goals » collegesavings.org/college-cost-calculator » onpointcu.com/onpoint-savers

Brooke Strickland is a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading a historical novel on her front porch, trying a new recipe in the kitchen, or spending time with her husband, two kids and elderly pug.

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field trip

Just Droppin In

Good vibes and cool terrains make the indoor Stronger Skatepark in Milwaukie a hot spot for kids to skateboard through the winter. STORY AND PHOTOS BY SARAH VANBUSKIRK

M

y kids have grown up skateboarding — their dad gave them each (all five of them, ages 8 to 16) skateboards for their first or second birthdays. Still, Portland’s rainy winters and my kids’ love of many different sports have meant they’ve always skateboarded in fits and starts. But at the beginning of the school year, after about a yearlong lull, my three younger boys (Walter, age 8, Noah, age 10, and Hank, age 12), and seemingly just about every other kid they know, were suddenly obsessed with skateboarding. This renewed passion has them skateboarding to school, after school, and just about any other time they can.

Fast forward to the first rainy weeks of fall, and my boys were begging to go to an indoor skatepark. They’d been to Commonwealth Skatepark in inner Southeast, but didn’t feel totally comfortable there as they thought it was awesome but a bit better suited to more advanced skaters. So we decided to try out Stronger Skatepark, the brainchild of AJ Waters, which opened in April 2019. It’s located a mile outside of Portland, in Milwaukie, right next to Urban Warrior, the indoor obstacle training park. I’d heard great things, as had my boys, and Stronger Skatepark’s positive reputation didn’t disappoint.

In addition to building a skatepark, Waters sought to build community among Portland skateboarders, and the veteran skater has done just that. My kids were hooked from the second they peeked through the wall of windows that faces the parking lot, and they felt right at home when they walked through the door.

It’s a bright, clean space with an engaging, mellow, welcoming vibe.

The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, as is the clientele. The wooden indoor park, built by local ramp builder Scott Everly, features a Baltic birch top surface and a range of terrain, including multiple quarterpipes and banks, a street section, a 4-foot mini ramp, and a 2-1/2-foot micro mini ramp. The course welcomes newbies and challenges experienced riders. On the night we were there, there were enough other kids (and young adults) to build a thrumming energy without it being too many. They all had enough room to explore, plus lots of “pro skaters” to inspire them.

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In fact, my boys were so excited to start skating that they had their helmets on even before getting out of the car. Once we got through signing waivers and paying, they literally scrambled to get out onto the park. (Although they were happy to kill time while I signed waivers messing around with Tech Decks — a popular brand of fingerboards, which are another obsession and are essentially mini skateboards you ride with your finger — on the mini skateboard course in the lounge area next to the signin desk.) They then hurriedly made their way up to the bank, where a group of kids stood waiting for their turns to drop in. Then, they too waited. A few minutes passed. I noticed they were still waiting, and their excited grins had dimmed, replaced with worry.

I wasn’t sure what to do, particularly as I was of no help since I can’t even step on a skateboard myself, let alone give advice on how to ride one.

So, I just smiled at them and watched them stand up there for a while. But soon I noticed that weren’t just waiting, they were watching, too. Then, one by one, they, too, took tries at dropping in — and off they went. Yes, there were a few tumbles (and a bandage or two and multiple breaks for something to drink) but their anxious faces quickly transformed into thrilled ones as they began zipping across the park. “It takes courage to drop in,” shared Noah, “but once you do, it’s awesome.”

I liked that, as an observer, I could sit along the counter that lines the park, which is close enough to the action but also not in the line

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

M

or

e

Pla

c e s t o S ka t e

Commonwealth

Skatepark, which opened in 2013, is the other indoor skatepark in town. This park is a 4500-square-foot course skateboarders love. My kids, who are beginners, have found the clientele and staff here to be very welcoming, but the course a bit intimidating. A good entry point is to attend the 10 am-noon Saturday kids-only session, which is a steal at $9. commonwealth skateboarding.com.

There are also numerous outdoor skateparks

of fire. Instead, I sat working on my computer while they skated away, but I was right there to witness it all. There is also a comfy assortment of sofas to sit on in the adjacent lounge as well as quick (mostly healthy) snacks and drinks, such as chips, bars, applesauce, chocolate milk and bubble waters for purchase.

Two hours later, as the park was closing, none of my boys wanted to leave. Instead, they were already plotting for a return visit. In addition to the varied terrain and the fact that “everybody here is nice,” (according to Hank), they liked that they could also use their trick scooters and hope to come back on a Wednesday, the day that BMX bikes are also allowed. (Foldable or adjustable scooters are not permitted during regular sessions.)

Walter loved it, too, especially the mini ramps, and had so much fun he decided to come back for his birthday the following week.

All three of my boys left the park exhausted, happy, and in need of showers. If that’s not a successful outing, I don’t know what is.

where kids can drop in on non-rainy days. These include Ed Benedict Park (SE 100th Avenue and Powell Park), Gabriel Park (SE 45th Avenue and Vermont Street), Gateway Discovery Park (10520 NE Halsey St.), Glenhaven Park (NE 82nd Avenue and Siskiyou Street), Holly Farm Park (10819 SW Capitol Highway), Khunamokwst Park (5200 NE Alberta St.), Luuwit View Park (NE 127th Avenue and

Before You Go: Stronger Skatepark, 6102 SE King St., Milwaukie. 503-850-4572, strongerskatepark.com.

Hours vary, so check the website. Stronger Skatepark is open daily for various sessions and is generally open Monday-Thursday: noon-9 pm; Friday: noon-10 pm; Saturday: 10 am-10 pm; and Sunday: 10 am-7 pm.

(There is an additional 10 am-noon session for ages 6 and under on Wednesdays, and BMX bikes are only allowed on Wednesdays.) Various clinics and special sessions are scheduled throughout the week. The park is welcoming to skaters of all ages and abilities and encourages those who need special accommodations to contact them. $12 for 2 hours, $20 for all-day entrance, and $75 for monthly access.

Fremont Street), and Pier Park (N Lombard Street and Bruce Avenue). My kids’ favorite is Glenhaven Park, where the great variation of terrain is both challenging and accessible and the vibe from more experienced (teens and older) skaters is generally generous and helpful.

Sarah Vanbuskirk is a writer, editor, and producer living in Portland, Oregon. While she can’t skateboard (or scooter or BMX for that matter), she does have five children, a 16-year-old daughter and four sons ages 14, 12, 10 and 8, a feat that also requires plenty of balance and bravery (and joy) — but, thankfully, no scraped knees. pdxparent.com

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hands on

Gettin a Reaction K

ids are natural scientists — they are always engaging in informal science experiments by asking questions about things and then testing their hypotheses. Expanding the idea of science from something you do formally in a lab into something that people do all the time in their lives helps children to feel more like scientists themselves. And home is a perfect place for a child to comfortably observe, test their ideas, and learn about the world.

ELEPHANT’S TOOTHPASTE

What does this project teach?

Materials Funnel 1 empty 16- or 20-ounce bottle ½ cup hydrogen peroxide Food coloring (optional) 1 tablespoon dish soap Newspaper or plastic tablecloth 1 tablespoon or 1 packet active dry yeast, such as Fleischmann’s 3 tablespoons warm water

The Elephant’s

Toothpaste experiment

helps kids learn about the properties of chemical

reactions by focusing on reaction products that would not typically be visible. The reaction here (the foam) is an accelerated breakdown of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen gas by use of a

Instructions 1. Using a funnel, pour hydrogen peroxide into the bottle. If you want to make the bubbles colorful, add 10-15 drops of food coloring.

soap and food coloring, we

2. Add dish soap and mix gently.

product that would usually be

3. Cover the area where you’ll be doing this experiment with newspaper or a plastic tablecloth.

up the reaction to the point

4. In a separate cup, add yeast and warm water. Gently mix and wait 1 minute.

5. When ready, add the yeast water into the bottle and wait for the foam.

STOPPER POPPER Materials 1 empty 32-ounce bottle or flask with a narrow opening A stopper for the bottle 3 tablespoons vinegar 1 tablespoon baking soda Instructions 1. Add vinegar and baking soda to the bottle. Mix it up and put a stopper in the top. Watch the pressure build up inside until the stopper pops out.

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ALL PHOTOS: TREVOR PARKER

For more kid-friendly projects, visit: pdxparent.com/ hands-on.

This winter break, turn your kitchen into a makeshift science lab with these fun (and only mildly messy) experiments from Mad Science Portland. BY DAN CLAYTON

December 2019

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pdxparent.com

catalyst — yeast. By adding are able to trap the oxygen in foamy bubbles and see a invisible. The yeast speeds where it produces enough heat that the foam feels warm.

What does this project teach?

The Stopper Popper project helps kids to learn about the properties of chemical reactions by focusing on

acid-base interactions. Kids learn that when an acid (vinegar) and a base (baking soda) react, they form water and often gas bubbles.

Closing the system with a stopper before the reaction occurs causes the top to pop off — a fun demonstration that the gas has been produced.

Dr. Dan Clayton, Chief Mad Scientist at Mad Science Portland, spent many years working in the health care field before taking time off to be a stay-athome parent. He now hopes to use his experience and education to engage and inspire the next generation of scientists.

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recipe file

Cozy Scones

Beat the chill with a warm plate of these apple-cider scones. STORY AND PHOTO BY JUDITH RICH

W

Looking for more kid-friendly recipes? Visit: pdxparent.com /recipe-file.

ith wintery days and nights upon us, it’s fun to turn to cozy and comforting food that’s filling for the tummy and for the soul. I often have an abundance of apples in my fridge, which is why it was fun to create these wholesome and slightly indulgent apple scones. Getting my 4-year-old daughter Edie involved in the prep was a blast, as she took charge of creating the homemade apple cider and cinnamon glaze. And she did her best Jackson Pollock impression drizzling the beautiful golden glaze on the still slightly warm scones!

Pro tip: If you don’t have apple cider on hand (which we didn’t), you can use the leftover apple juice you get from grating the apples. It works perfectly and is as natural as it gets. Enjoy these alongside your morning coffee, a hot cocoa on a cold eve, or a tall glass of milk. And beware — there will be crumbs!

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Apple Scones with Apple Cider Cinnamon Glaze Makes 8 scones 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt cup sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, frozen ½ cup whole-milk Greek yogurt 1 cup peeled and grated apple (I used Fuji apples) 1 egg

1. Preheat oven to 400˚ F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients — flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar and cinnamon.

3. Grate butter into flour mixture using the largest grater opening of a box grater.

Incorporate the butter into the flour mixture with your fingers. It should look like coarse meal.

4. I n a small bowl, whisk the yogurt and egg until smooth and then add the grated apple.

5. Using a fork, stir yogurt mixture into flour mixture until large dough clumps form. Use your hands to press the dough against the bowl into a ball. Make sure the dough comes together nicely.

6. P lace onto a floured surface and form into a 7-inch circle about a ¾-inch thick.

Use a knife to cut into 8 triangles and place on baking sheet about 1 inch apart.

Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

7. Cool for about 10 minutes.

Glaze 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 1 cup confectioners’ sugar ½ teaspoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoons apple cider (or leftover juice from grating apples) ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon December 2019

Directions

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8. I n a medium bowl, mix all of the glaze ingredients together until smooth. Use a fork to drizzle the glaze over the scones, and enjoy them slightly warm. (The glaze keeps well for other things such as fruit, sweet rolls or just on its own.)

Judith Rich creates kid-inspired recipes and writes about her family’s dining-out adventures in the Portland-metro area in her blog, Eaty Pie, eatypie.com.

time out

December 2019

Go. Play.

Explore.

SUNSHINE DIVISION

sparkle on There’s nothing like seeing your kid’s pure amazement at a fantastic light display.

Here are our favorite spots to see holiday lights around town. The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights in Northeast Portland combines a sparkling display with choral concerts in the chapel every night through December 30. They’ve also got outdoor caroling and a petting zoo for the kiddos. Or walk along the Wenzel Christmas Fantasy Trail in Oregon City, December 2-28. Want to stay inside while viewing a display? Cruise through the Portland International Raceway’s Winter Wonderland Holiday Lights in the comfort of your car, visit portlandraceway.com for more info. Or drive (very slowly) down Southeast’s Peacock Lane December 18-31. (Pedestrian-only nights are December 15-17.) Another option: The Christmas Ships floating light parade, which sails down the Columbia and Willamette Rivers on various nights. Visit christmasships.org for dates and viewing locations. (You can even be part of the parade if you book a dinner cruise on the Portland Spirit!)

Or view the Victorian Belle’s Miracle of a Million Lights with a sumptuously decorated mansion and garden, December 8-28.

CITY OF MILWAUKIE

umbrella’s up!

Yes, Portland gets all the credit for being quirky, but our neighbors in Milwaukie can bring the weird, too. For years, citizens of Milwaukie have marched through downtown carrying elaborately decorated brellys at the delightfully odd Umbrella Parade.

Participants can compete for prizes for most creative, most festive and most Milwaukie.

wintery realms

And there’s cookies, hot cocoa and cider, and grilled cheese bites for everyone, too.

Cedarwood Waldorf’s Winter Faire is a magical wintery wonderland filled with wizards, princesses and fairies. Kiddos can venture into the Crystal Cookie Cave, dip beeswax candles, create festive ornaments, boogie through the cupcake disco, visit the Wishing Stone Wizard, choose a treasure from the Pocket Peddler, and so much more. Saturday, December 7, 10 am-4 pm. 3030 SW 2nd Ave. Morning activities are best for ages 7 and younger, while the afternoon is better suited for kids older than 7, but families are welcome at any time. Visit cedarwoodschool.org/ winter-faire to purchase wristbands and tickets.

Looking for accessible events for kids of all abilities? Check out

Saturday, December 7. Starting at 11222 SE Main St. Parade participants are asked to gather at 3:45 pm, the parade marches at 4:15 pm, and the tree will be lit at 5 pm. Free.

Get social with us!

! /pdxparentonline ( @pdx_parent % /pdx_parent/ $ /pdx_parent/

an accessible and inclusive digital directory

at pdxparent.com/inclusive-pdx-events-calendar. pdxparent.com

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time out

short and sweet If you want to introduce your 2-year-old to the Nutcracker story, but know she won’t appreciate a full-length ballet, consider heading to the Little Ears Concert at the Old Church.

Pianists Maria Antonia Garcia and Momoko Muramatsu will perform a four-hand arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s beloved holiday masterpiece as Multnomah County Youth Librarian Susan Smallsreed reads The Nutcracker and The Mouse King

tickets at theoldchurch.org/kids.

don’t sweat it Feeling winter’s chill? It’s time to pull out those hideous, err, festive beaded and bedazzled holiday sweaters and cardigans from the back of your closet in celebration of National Ugly Sweater Day, Friday, December 20. Families can also parade their hilarious holiday duds at West Linn’s annual Ugly Holiday Sweater Dash, Saturday, December 14.

Pets and strollers welcome. For info, visit westlinnoregon.gov/ parksrec/ugly-holidaysweaterdash.

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YI YIN

by E.T.A Hoffman. Tuesday, December 10, 10 am. $5. Get

santa spotting The man in red is making the rounds — here’s where to spot him in Portland metro, and maybe get a commemorative photo or two: Diving Santa will return the Oregon Zoo to frolic underwater with the harbor seals of Steller Cove from 11 am-11:45 am on December 7, 14, 21 and 22. See Santa and his reindeer at Dennis’ 7 Dees in Lake Oswego December 7-8 during the Reindeer Magic event. Pro tip: You can take your own photos with the big guy and his reindeer or pay for professional shots. Board the Holiday Express Train now through December 15 and enjoy a magical ride with Santa and his elves aboard a historic steam locomotive. The Portland Willamette Valley chapter of Jack and Jill of America will host its annual Black Santa fundraiser at the Matt Dishman Community Center December 8, with proceeds benefiting Albina Early Head Start. Enjoy games, vendors and raffles, and get your very own framed photo with Black Santa!

Pro tip: This is a cash-only event. Portland has bid farewell to downtown’s Santaland, formerly located in the Meier & Frank department store (and later purchased by Macy’s), but the Oregon Historical Society has preserved a portion of the magic in perpetuity, including Santa’s chair and some animatronic elves. Santa will visit OHS December 8, 14 and 21; families can take their own photos. If your kid isn’t sold on the Santa concept, give the Lloyd Center Mall’s Santa-in-residence a try now through December 24; he’s got a way with nervous littles — and the mall’s holiday decorations are on point.

JODI MELLO

OREGON HISTORICAL SOCIETY

see a show!

This month, Portland’s stages are flooded with with family-friendly shows — holiday-themed and otherwise. Oregon Ballet Theatre’s George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, one of Portland’s best-loved holiday performances, follows Marie, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and the Prince as they journey through the Land of Sweets to Tchaikovsky’s joyous score. December 7-26. Keller Auditorium. Visit obt.org for tickets and more info. For a shorter show, check out Classical Ballet Academy’s Children’s Nutcracker, December 19, 20 and 22 at Lincoln Performance Hall at Portland State University. (The Friday performance will feature 10-year-old Aanaiyah Jones as Clara.

Aanaiyah started Portland Parks and Rec classes at age 3 before joining CBA, and she’ll be the first African American actor to dance in the show’s leading role for the company.)

Visit classicalballet.net for tickets. Combining mime, dance, music — and lots of fun animals from polar bears to penguins — ZooZoo from Imago Theatre is a show the whole family IMAGO THEATRE can enjoy. Best for ages 3 and older. December 13-January 5. Tickets available at ticketswest. com. Take your little activists to Northwest Children’s Theater’s production of Matilda the musical. Based on the book

by Roald Dahl, Matilda and crew take on a horrible headmistress and save the day. December 7 to January 5. More info at nwcts.org. The kid actors of Journey Theater will take you on a trip to Bedford Falls with A Wonderful Life — the theater version of Frank Capra’s classic film. December 6-15. Visit journeytheater.org for tickets and times. Watch Ebenezer Scrooge learn what’s really important in life at Stumptown Stages’ A Christmas Carol the Musical.

December 5-22. Winningstad Theatre. Tickets at portland5.com.

sounds of the season If you love Christmas carols and maybe the Pitch Perfect movies, then the a capella Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition is the event for you. Teams big and small will battle off in front of crowds and be judged on singing ability, creativity, outfits and street presence.

Friday, December 13 at Pioneer Courthouse Square. Teams start singing at 6 pm. If nothing says “holiday” to you like a sonorous brigade of gigantic brass instruments (and you don’t mind a little joyful noise), head back to PCS on Saturday, December 14, 1:30 pm-3 pm, for the 29th Annual Tuba Christmas Concert, when some 300 tuba players will join forces to belt out your favorite seasonal tunes.

the darkest day Head to Milwaukie Bay Park on Saturday, December 21 from 4:30 pm-7:30 pm for a family-friendly Winter PIONEER COURTHOUSE SQUARE, INC.

Solstice celebration that doubles as a fundraiser for the Lewelling Neighborhood District Association. A bonfire, six smaller barrel fires and cups of cocoa will keep tiny hands toasty as the Christmas Ships pass by (around 5:30 p.m and 7 p.m.) and the Dickens Carolers belt out merry tunes. (There’s mulled wine and beer available for older revelers.) Pro tip: Ship times subject to change; get there early

PIONEER COURTHOUSE SQUARE, INC.

just in case.

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time out

nailed it, really!

Ingenious teams of makers and bakers are back for OMSI’s 4th annual Gingerbread Adventures competition and exhibit.

Last year, pyramids and sarcophagi ruled as the theme was ancient Egypt in honor of the King Tut OMSI exhibit. This year expect to see lots of edible insects since the theme centers on OMSI’s Exquisite Creatures exhibit. Now through January 2. OMSI. Included with admission.

design by the book PORTLAND PARKS AND REC

guiding lights Head to downtown’s Director Park on any evening of Hanukah (December 22-30 this year) to get a gander at the city’s biggest and brightest Hanukah Menorah Lighting, brought to you by Chabad of Oregon. Watch as the nine flames of the 12-foothigh menorah come to life, one by one, each night of the season. Come Sunday, December 22 from 4 pm-6 pm to enjoy snacks, kids activities, music

Bibliophiles will delight in this year’s Christmas at Pittock Mansion theme: Wonderful World of Books. Local decorators transform the mansion’s rooms into settings from beloved books. Everything from children’s classics to modernMICHAEL HENLEY day mysteries will serve as inspiration. Now through January 5. Included in the price of admission.

Visit pittockmansion.org to purchase tickets.

and traditional Hanukah snacks.

seven days, seven lights Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration of African American culture, heritage and values. This year at the Multnomah County Library’s annual event, the third principle, Ujima, or collective work and responsibility, will be highlighted. Light refreshments provided. Saturday, December 28, 11 am-2 pm. North Portland Library. Free.

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party at noon!

If you’ve got preschoolers, then the days of staying up till midnight to ring in the New Year are long gone. But our awesome public libraries are stepping in to help families with young kids celebrate at a much more suitable time.

All these events take place on Tuesday, December 31.

Get gussied up and head to Cedar Mill Library for crafts, games and of course a countdown to 12:00 (noon)! Ages 2 and up. 11:30 PORTLAND CHILDREN’S MUSEUM am-noon. At Midland Library, their New Year’s party is in English and Spanish and includes lively singing dancing and bell ringing! Plus balloons and snacks. 11:30 am-12:30 pm. Or boogie on down to the Northwest Library where families with kids ages 0-5 can ring in 2020. 11 am-12:30 pm. Free. Bonus: You can also hit the Portland Children’s Museum’s New Year’s at Noon event for a DJ dance party, face-painting station and glow-in-the dark room. 11 am-2 pm. Free with admission.

An easy-to-use resource for everything and anything parents need. From pediatric dentists to indoor play spaces, we’ve got you covered! Coming January 2020.

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H O L I D AY H I G H L I G H T S

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H O L I D AY H I G H L I G H T S

Natural Ornaments 11:00am • $7.50 December 7th Al’s of Woodburn December 14th Al’s of Sherwood December 21st Al’s of Gresham & Wilsonville

find family fun every day Submit Your Events

Learn more and register today at als-gardencenterevents.com /kidsclub Arrive early at 10:30am for

Story Time with Mrs. Claus!

At all locations.

Story Time is FREE and open to all children.

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pa r e n t l a n d i a

“You’re absolutely right. Snowperson.”

Tom Toro is a freelance cartoonist and writer whose work appears in The New Yorker, Paris Review, American Bystander and elsewhere.

His collection of Trump cartoons TINY HANDS was published in 2017 by Dock Street Press. His fiction writing has been shortlisted for the Disquiet International Literary Prize. Tom is currently developing an animated TV show, and finishing a graphic memoir about becoming an artist during turbulent times. He lives in Portland with his wife, preschooler and cat. To see more of his work, visit tomtoro.com.

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H O L I D AY H I G H L I G H T S

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