PDX Parent January 2020 by PDX Parent

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for the long days and short years

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Your Family Needs in 2020 PDXPARENT.COM

Less-stress birthday parties, pg. 12 School sneak peeks, pg. 23 A new kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; art space, pg. 30

PORTLAND | VANCOUVER | JANUARY 2020

Confessions of a Crazy Birthday Mom................ 12 Tips for throwing your kiddo a memorable birthday party while maintaining your sanity. Plus ways to keep guests with allergies safe.

contents

FEATURES

By Denise Castañon and Elizabeth Ely Moreno.

The Kindergarten Question..................................... 20 Considering enrolling your kid in kindergarten early? Wondering whether to hold your kid back a year? Education experts offer a fresh take on the redshirting riddle. By Niki Reading.

DEPARTMENTS Editor’s Note.............................................................................6 Play Room................................................................................... 8 Oregon’s newly elected Kid Governor, books to ring in the new year, and a winter beach getaway to Washington’s Long Beach Peninsula.

Neighborhood We

♥........................................................ 28

Window shop northwest’s Alphabet District. Families say it offers a European feel — right in the heart of the bustling city. By Sarah Vanbuskirk.

Field Trip...................................................................................30 Northeast’s SunnyLove, a new children’s art space, earns high marks from both toddlers and school-aged kids. By Joanna Close.

Family Supper...................................................................... 32 What’s new at The Zipper food hall? Top-notch eats from Tight Tacos, and chile-glaze chicken wings from Sari Ramyun. By Denise Castañon.

Recipe File............................................................................... 33 Have the kids help you bake a rich and delicious fig cake. By Judith Rich.

Time Out.................................................................................... 34 Giving back on Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend, Lunar New Year celebrations, and all-ages Video Dance Attack at the Crystal Ballroom’s birthday party.

Parentlandia..........................................................................38 A comic for parents. By Tom Toro.

RESOURCES

TREVOR PARKER

Birthday Party Resources...................................... 16-18 School Open Houses...............................23-27, 29, 31

Camps............................................................................35-37 The Everything Guide................................................... 39

* cover stories pdxparent.com

January 2020

TREVOR PARKER

e d i t o r ’ s n ot e

for the long days and short years

Work Hard. Be Kind. Have Fun. y 7-year-old daughter Adela has a late-summer birthday. (I’ve got a lot to say about birthdays, page 12!) And right before she turned 5, people started asking me if she was going to start kindergarten in the fall, or if we planned to keep her back for another year of preschool. My husband and I knew that she was absolutely ready for kindergarten. She’d known her ABCs since she was 19 months old and could draw better than many adults! But more important, she also had the socialemotional skills needed to succeed. She knew how to make friends and share with others. She also had an uncanny ability to focus on a task for long stretches of time. (Still does.) So we sent her off to school a month after she turned 5 with a family mantra that my husband brilliantly devised. It encapsulates all we really want for her in school ... and in life: Work hard. Be kind. Have fun. And so far, it has been the right decision. She’s living up to the mantra — reading way above grade level and spreading her imagination and love of penguins to everyone she meets. But in local parenting Facebook groups, the trend seems to be to hold back kids with summer birthdays. I remember one parent insisting all kids with summer birthdays should take a “redshirt” year. So that’s what inspired me to assign the article The Kindergarten Question on page 20. See what the early education experts our writer Niki Reading talked to say — and find out what they feel are the true measures of readiness for school. And I’ve got to mention one more thing in this issue: The Everything Guide! You’ll really find everything your family needs in it. Local illustrator Julz Nally created the cover with an adorable animal family skipping through all of Portland’s many family-friendly offerings listed in our guide. (See more of her awesome work or check out her art camps at julznally.com.) And be sure to keep those businesses in mind when you vote for your favorites in our PDX Parent Picks online reader poll! Voting opens January 1 and goes through January 31 at pdxparent.com/vote.

—

our What’s y s’ kid favorite party birthday spot?

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

PlayDate PDX. Kids get to run themselves ragged. Plus there’s beer, wine, even kombucha for the parents.

Rose Caudillo, 503-460-2774 publisher@pdxparent.com Editor Denise Castañon, 503-922-0893 denise.castanon@pdxparent.com Managing Editor Erin J. Bernard

Grandma’s house! The yard’s huge, the location is central, and there’s no mad scramble to get our perpetually messy home party-ready.

erin.bernard@pdxparent.com Art Director Susan Bard Web Director Michelle Carew, 503-914-6151 michelle.carew@pdxparent.com Calendar / Newsletter Editor Amy Conway calendar@pdxparent.com Customer Accounts Manager

We have always had great parties at the Southwest Community Center.

Christie Kline, 503-810-9817 christie.kline@pdxparent.com Distribution & Digital Production Coordinator Melissa Light melissa.light@pdxparent.com

Sky High Sports — it wears my boys out.

Eastside Account Executive Lauren Wylie, 503-331-8184 lauren.wylie@pdxparent.com Westside Account Executive Jill Weisensee, 503-309-8272 jill.weisensee@pdxparent.com

Oregon Rail Heritage Center was an awesome birthday venue when one son was train-crazy.

President Keith Goben, 503-460-2774 keith.goben@pdxparent.com For distribution issues, e-mail us at distribution@pdxparent.com For calendar submissions, e-mail us at calendar@pdxparent.com PDX Parent is published monthly 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: Local photographer and mama Kersten Green captured this gorgeous shot of the uber-photogenic Trummer family on

PDX Parent does not discriminate on the

Green. “The light is soft and even, and harsh shadows aren’t an issue, no matter what time of day you shoot. Lucky me, overcast days are plentiful in PDX!” See more of her work at kerstengreenphotography.com and on Instagram @pdxkersten. pdxparent.com

endorsement of the products or services advertised herein.

are my absolute favorite to shoot on,” says

of this publication does not constitute an

Bridge of the People. We loved how the gray the perfect winter backdrop. “Overcast days

January 2020

advertising for any reason. Distribution

Portland’s newest bridge, Tilikum Crossing: sky and the bridge’s cable stays make for

PDX Parent reserves the right to refuse

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 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.

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p l ay r o o m

Ice Skating Rinks

CITY OF HILLSBORO

TOP 5 ...

➊ Brave the elements at Hillsboro’s seasonal open-air rink now through January 5 at Jerry Willey Plaza’s Winter Village. The pace is gentle, the twinkle lights are abundant, and newbie skaters large and small can hitch rides atop bright-orange bladed pushcarts.

➋The Lloyd Center Ice Rink’s full-glass enclosure lends ice-skating spectators (aka, parents with subpar skate skills)

an unobstructed view of the action from the comfort of solid ground. And a multiple-entry skating pass lets kids break for snacks and a rest.

➌Vancouver’s Mountain View Ice Arena wins props for being warmer than your average rink — and you might even spot ➍ Have hockey fans in the house? Get them off the couch and onto the ice at the

Tonya Harding taking a spin around the rink.

Winterhawks Skating Center in Beaverton, where they can practice their slapshot — and get in a little cardio, too. Pro tip: This rink gets chilly! Don’t forget gloves.

➎ The Sherwood Ice Arena Complex delivers well-maintained ice at a lower price point, and the

experienced figure skaters who regularly practice here put on an impressive show. Pro tip: Be ready for a rowdy rink! — Erin J. Bernard

In the Know:

Playlist:

Hey, didja hear? The Portland-based band Modest Mouse made a

On their new album Go for the Moon, Andrew &

song for an Olive & Dingo video. Well, actually, Portland’s favorite

Polly deliver some infectiously funny songs with

MODEST MOUSE

Ice Cream + Clowns

clown duo accidentally

plenty of tongue-in-cheek lyrics just for moms

became the stars of a

and dads. (In fact, pretty much the whole track

Modest Mouse video

Mom’s Name is for parents — illustrating those

when the band was

awkward pre-playdate moments when you just can’t

looking for a balloon artist

remember the name of that mom from preschool.)

to twist shapes along

And the hilarious song Chair School shot to the

to their new song, Ice

top of my 4-year-old’s and 7-year-old’s music chart,

Cream Party. (If you’re

with multiple requests from them to play the “song

not a super fan, you’ll

about chairs.” The album

still probably know the Modest Mouse song Float On.) At first Olive

also features a couple

was only supposed to twist balloons off-camera, but according to

of cameos from fellow

Dingo, once a producer spotted them in their full clown regalia it was

LA kindie artist Mista

decided that they both needed to be in the video! The slow, repetitive

Cookie Jar, who, as far

song becomes quite mesmerizing as you watch ice cream dripping,

as I am concerned, turns

four duplicate Olives and a kitty balloon your kids have probably

anything he lends his

gotten from an O&D show forming before your very eyes. The whole

vocals to into gold. But

kaleidoscope effect is fun and a little trippy — and makes us wonder

Silly Songs

do have to say I skipped

exactly what’s in Modest Mouse’s ice cream? View the full video here:

over the dirgelike Three Chartreuse Buzzards.

smarturl.it/ icecreamparty. — Denise Castañon

(Maybe that one is just for the Girl Scouts?) — D.C.

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Bookshelf: Hello

2020!

RIng in a New Year with these book picks from Kim Tano and Madeline

Schier, the children’s book buyers at Portland institution Powell’s Books. Chicken Soup with Rice by Maurice Sendak In this beloved classic, first published in 1962 by the Caldecott Award-winning author of Where the Wild Things Are, a young boy celebrates every year of the month with his favorite dish: chicken HARPER COLLINS

soup with rice. Charming illustrations and a simple rhyme perfect for learning the names of the months make this a great pick for the beginning of the New Year. Great for ages 4 and up. $7.95. We Are Grateful Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell and Frané Lessac The word otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah)

ceremonies and communities are highlighted in this bright, colorful picture book. We Are Grateful Otsaliheliga is a great way to greet a fresh year of seasons. Perfect for ages 4 and up. $17.99. Lunar New Year by Hannah Eliot and Alina Chau Hannah Eliot’s Celebrate the World board book

SIMON AND SCHUSTER

series offers toddlers a first look at global holidays. This Lunar New Year installment highlights the cultural history and folklore of the Chinese New Year, with beautiful watercolor illustrations from

The New Governor Oregon’s fifth graders have just elected a new kid governor for the state: Raaga Mandala. Raaga, a student at Jacob Wismer Elementary School in northwest Portland, stumped on the issue of transitioning those experiencing homeless to

Sing a Song of Seasons: A Nature Poem for

the problem is to help kids learn about homelessness

Frann Preston-Gannon The New Year is a wonderful time to contemplate PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE

Kid to Know:

illustrator Alina Chau. For ages 2 and up. $8.99.

Each Day of the Year by Fiona Waters, ed. and

the cycle of the seasons and our natural world. This gorgeous book of poetry contains a nature poem for every day of the year. Each poem (with authors ranging from Shakespeare to Beatrix Potter to Langston Hughes and more) is fully illustrated with intricate, elegant outdoor scenes. Geared to ages 8 and up, this would also be a lovely read-aloud book for younger children. $40. The Year of the Rat by Grace Lin 2020 is the Year of the Rat, and what better way to ring it in than with this eponymously titled contemporary middle-grade adventure

SCHOLASTIC

RAAGA MANDALA

PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE

is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. Gratitude for the seasons,

permanent housing. Her three-pronged approach to at school; spread love for people experiencing homelessness through volunteer work, and food and clothing drives; and to have kids write to legislators to urge them to improve access to affordable housing, mobile health vans and employment opportunities for the disabled. “My mom took me to a homeless shelter [served by] Chetana Foundation. They cook and serve food to the homeless every Sunday. Before going there, I used to be really scared of such places,” says Raaga. “But it made me feel good to see how happy the people at the shelter were with our food.” In addition to cooking at homeless shelters, she’s held fundraisers that allowed her to donate $2,000 to a local shelter. Raaga’s inauguration will take place on January 8 at 10 am in the State Capitol

from Newbery Honor author Grace Lin (Where

Senate Chamber in Salem. Visit or.kidgovernor.org for

the Mountain Meets the Moon)? Based on the

more information about the program and to follow

author’s own childhood, main character Pacy Lin’s

Raaga throughout her year as Oregon’s Kid Governor.

adventures are a great read for ages 8 and up. $7.

— D.C.

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January 2020

p l ay r o o m

Ask Dr. Doug

Q A

: Talk to me about hand foot and mouth disease. I’ve heard

: Hand foot and mouth disease sounds awful, doesn’t it? It always reminds me of hoof and mouth disease, which is a disease cattle and sheep get; not kids. (Despite me feeling like I’m constantly herding my boys). The good news is the name is scarier than the virus. Hand foot and mouth disease is a common childhood illness caused by a family of viruses called enteroviruses. It tends to spread in the summer and fall, but outbreaks can happen in winter, especially in day cares. It spreads mainly by the fecal-oral route, so wash those hands with soap and water after changing diapers.

WALTER DORSET

Long Beach Peninsula, Washington Don’t knock winter at the coast; prices are cheap, crowds are slim, and weather-neutral fun abounds. We love Washington’s Long Beach Peninsula for its enormous beaches and a strollable entertainment

strip bursting with coastal quirk. Peep the eye-popping array of strange curios at Marsh’s Free Museum (Pro tip: Be sure to snap a pic with Jake the Alligator Man!), then enjoy an enormous ice cream cone in one of 60plus flavors (try black licorice!) minus summertime lines at Scoopers Market. Book a vintage trailer, cabin, or suite at the Sou’wester Historic Lodge & Vintage Travel Trailer Resort. The lodge boasts books, games and a roaring fireplace, plus a 24-

ERIN

hour honor store. There’s also a Finnish sauna onsite (Pro tip: It’s clothing-optional!), and kids will love exploring Thrifty, a travel trailer turned vintage shop bursting with bygone treasures. If the weather holds, rent bikes and pedal the Lewis & Clark Discovery Trail, which offers prime year-round coastal wildlife spotting. If it rains, hit the Windless Kite Festival January 25-26 and learn to power a kite with the motion of your body or take a $5 kite-making workshop. — E.J.B.

January 2020

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ARD

ERN

J. B

Infection with these viruses causes two different kinds of illness. Hand foot and mouth disease means kids have fever, mild sore throat, blisters in the mouth, and a rash that looks like flat red spots on the palms and soles. Often the rash clusters around knees, ankles and the diaper area as well. Based on which type of virus is circulating, I see the rash change a bit from year to year — sometimes more pink, sometimes more raised red bumps. These viruses can also cause a more severe sore throat with high fever, which is called herpangina. Often this goes along with a stiff neck and refusal to eat or drink. Usually there isn’t a rash. When Got a question for we get a good look in the back of Dr. Doug? Send it to the throat, we can see blister-like AsktheDr@pdxparent.com. spots next to the tonsils. Thankfully both resolve quickly while the body fights off the virus. Treatment is based on the symptoms — plenty of rest, fluids, and acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever or discomfort. Getting dehydrated is more of a concern with herpangina, but keep an eye on how much your littles are drinking and peeing regardless. The HFMD rash is worst for three to five days, but can take weeks to fully heal. One to two weeks after infection you might notice skin on the fingers and toes peeling, and occasionally children (and adults who were infected) will have nail changes like ridging or a nail falling off. The question I get the most is, “When can they go back to day care?” As with most viruses, kids are infectious for a few days before they have symptoms, so don’t worry — they have already spread it. They can go back when they feel well enough to return and the fever has resolved. The rash does not have to be fully healed — unless you feel like taking off work for a few weeks! 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

Getaway:

it’s going around our preschool. Can I do anything to prevent it? And what’s the best treatment?

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Confessions o

Crazy Birthday Birt I

TREVOR PARKER

n my house, the telltale sign of an imminent kid’s birthday is me hunched over a messy kitchen table muttering obscenities under my breath. There’s glitter, hot glue guns, maybe a sewing machine, Wilton frosting tips. Food coloring gel stains my fingertips as I reach for my beer. The really crazy thing, besides the fact that I feel the need to make everything from scratch, is that I keep repeating this same pattern. And that’s mainly because I do oddly enjoy it. I am the kind of person who looks at Pinterest and thinks, “Yeah, I could do that.” And, usually, I actually do nail it. While I derive satisfaction from these crazy projects, I don’t ever want someone else to feel less than because I go overboard. Moms have got enough on them — I’m not here to throw guilt on anyone! But if you are the kind of parent who goes overboard and needs to find a way to bring it down a couple of notches, here are my tips for streamlining and cutting corners to put on a semi-homemade birthday that won’t drive you crazy, but will still make your kid feel special.

January 2020

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of a

y Mom

Our editor goes a little overboard when it comes to her kids’ birthdays. Here’s her advice for how to take things down a notch and still throw a fun and memorable party. Plus tips for keeping friends with allergies safe at birthday parties! BY DENISE CASTAÑON

DENISE CASTAÑON

The most mutterings come when I am finishing up things the night before the party. With my son’s 3rd birthday, he’d requested a cat party, and I had a vision of banners plastered with funny cat faces. I started two weeks before the party, using a punch board to easily cut pennant banners from glitter paper while he napped. Doing a little each day was a breeze. I even had his older sister help me glue the cutouts to the banners. That was low-stress and much better than the year I was sewing bee-shaped bean bags the night before my daughter’s Winnie the Pooh party. (This also applies to getting your supplies early; there’s nothing worse than hitting JOANN’s the night before the party only to find out they are sold out of black gel food coloring.)

DENISE CASTAÑON

1 START EARLY

2 CHOOSE WHAT YOU WANT TO GO OVERBOARD WITH When I was a kid, my Aunt Sally taught cake-decorating classes. She always volunteered to make these elaborate cakes for my birthday. The one that sticks out most clearly in my memory is the choo choo train cake that consisted of an engine and several train cars carrying loads of black licorice, those bright orange peanut candies and haystack candy. It was a sugary masterpiece and I loved it so much. So breaking out my Wilton frosting tips to create super penguin, Cookie Monster or kitty-cat cupcakes is nostalgic for me. (And Aunt Sally did teach me a few things about cake decorating after all!) Sometimes I like to make something special for the guests to take home. For my son’s 4th birthday, a Star Wars party, I bought the cake, but had a stroke of inspiration to make light sabers. I ordered lightup foam sticks and decorated them with silver, black and red duct tape; it was relatively easy and cheap, but the kids oohed and aahed as they turned them on.

3 CHOOSE WHAT YOU DON’T AND DO OUTSOURCE

When my daughter was 4, we’d planned her party for the day after we got back from vacation. I was not going to have time to decorate cupcakes to look like all of the Octonauts. I found a free cupcake topper design online, got a 2-inch circle cutter, printed out the toppers on cardstock, and then had her two grandmas punch them out and hot glue toothpicks to the back. The day of the party, I jammed those puppies into my unapologetically store-bought cupcakes. Octonauts cupcakes with minimal work on my part, score!

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January 2020

PARTY VENUES THAT REQUIRE LITTLE TO NO CLEANUP FOR YOU ! Is your preschooler super-popular? The Wiggle Room is a great venue for the little guys and can hold up to 87 people. Thewiggleroom.com. The perfect year-round venue, Oaks Park roller-rink parties start at $125

and include soda, cotton candy and

that start at $7.50 a kid and include, pizza, soda, ice cream, game

TREVOR PARKER

Pietro’s Pizza has party packages

TREVOR PARKER

ice cream for guests. Oakspark.com.

tokens and decorations. Pro tip: You can add on mini golf or laser tag at the Beaverton location. Pietrosrestaurants.com. Starting at as little as $100, Portland Parks and Rec’s community

center parties are such a good value! Many even include an

4 ACCEPT HELP (AKA, FORCE OTHER PEOPLE TO DO STUFF, TOO) For that same Octonauts birthday, I “volunteered” my husband to carve a watermelon into the shape of the Gup-C. This is totally in his wheelhouse. (He carved a watermelon baby buggy for our baby shower.) He griped a little, then was supremely proud of his creation. I’ve also enlisted my woodworking father-in-law to make a Winnie the Poohthemed signpost. (For that party he and my husband also created Pooh’s and Kanga’s houses out of appliance boxes without me even having to ask!)

activity led by someone other than you. Portlandoregon.gov/parks/ article/430541. North Clackamas Aquatic Center pool parties for up to 8 kids start

at $100 for residents, $120 for non-residents. You can add guests and pizza and/or rock climbing for additional fees. And the staff cleans up the party room for you! Ncprd.com/ aquatic-park/parties. The Garden Home and Cedar Hills community centers offer a wide-

range of party rooms and options, including adding on cleanup! Thprd.

5 VENUES WITH CLEANUP RULE!

With my daughter’s summer birthday we did her 1st through 3rd birthdays at home because people could spread out to our yard. But my son is a winter baby, and there’s no way we could cram everyone in our small house. Parties at home are cheaper, but require way more cleaning. In my case, both before and after the party. I loved how easy the cleanup was at Hammer + Jacks toy store/indoor play space and Portland Parks and Rec’s Mt. Scott Community Center. (Find additional venues that clean up after you on your left.)

6 HOUND PEOPLE TO SHOW UP

You didn’t do this work for nothing. I simultaneously get peeved when people don’t RSVP and am myself guilty of not replying. Evite or Facebook are great for being able to send guests reminders. Because you know, life, it’s busy. I typically send out an Evite three weeks before the party. Then I send one reminder the week before to people who have not RSVPed and then one a few days before to the people who have said they are coming. This (and the fact that we throw good parties) ensures we have a good turnout.

org/district-information/rentals-andpermits. Mid-June through September 30,

Supplies for when you want make the cake yourself:

Bella Organic hosts farm-themed

JOANN: Multiple locations in the Portland-

15 guests can each pick a pint of veggies or berries, depending on what’s in season. (Consider those your goody bags!) You’re welcome to bring your own food and decorations, but will be responsible for packing trash back out. Bellaorganic.com. 14

January 2020

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metro area. Joann.com.

Blake’s Decorette Shop: 11945 SW Pacific Hwy., Ste. 109. Decoretteshop.com.

Target: (They have a surprisingly well-

stocked cake-decorating section!) Multiple locations in the Portland-metro area. Target.com.

DENISE CASTAÑON

birthday parties where up to

7 SMALLER CAN BE BETTER When my daughter turned 6, she had a knight-themed pool party, but since her party wasn’t until the following week, I wanted to do something to mark her actual birthday. We celebrated as a family by getting free doughnuts from Pip’s Originals, seeing The Wizard of Oz on the big screen at the Academy Theater and making her favorite meal for dinner. I also brightly decorated a cake and invited her two best friends and their families over to share it after dinner. And we had a piñata because we couldn’t have one at the pool, and she really wanted one. It was low-key, casual and fun. Turns out taking it down a few notches is what she loved the most. She wanted to replicate the day when she turned 7 and forgo a bigger party. So we did, right down to the home-decorated cake.

PARTYING SAFE WITH FOOD-ALLERGIC FRIENDS Keeping a party allergy-friendly is easier than you think. Try these tips, and make your next celebration fun and safe for all. IF YOU’RE HOSTING 1. On the invitation, ask parents of children with food allergies to contact you to discuss the menu. If you can include safe foods, you will make that kid’s day, and their parents will never forget your kindness. If parents feel safer providing their child’s food, please don’t feel bad. It’s not a reflection on your cooking or your good intentions! 2. Invite allergy parents to remain at the party, if it makes them more comfortable. (This also takes pressure off of you!) 3. To reduce the risk of reactions, wipe down tabletops and have everyone wash their hands with soap and water before and after eating. (Hand sanitizer kills bacteria, but it doesn’t remove allergens.) 4. Consider giving away fun, non-food party favors and/ or treats that are safe for everyone. But if you really want to give out something sweet, the following candies are free from the most common allergens (milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy and seafood): Dum Dums, Ring Pops, Skittles, Smarties, Sour Patch Kids and Starburst.

IF YOU’VE GOT KIDS WITH ALLERGIES

DENISE CASTAÑON

1. Let the host know about your child’s allergies. Ask if you can talk about the menu so you can determine what food to bring. Some hosts may kindly provide safe food; make sure they know how grateful you are.

Cake and cupcake pros for when you don’t: Toadstool Cupcakes: 3557 SE Hawthorne Blvd., toadstoolcupcakes.com. The Cakery: 6306 SW Capitol Hwy., bakerandspicepdx.com. JaCiva’s Bakery and Chocolatier: 4733 SE Hawthorne Ave., jacivas.com. Fat Cupcake: Multiple locations, fatcupcake.com. Saint Cupcake: Multiple locations, saintcupcake.com. Petunia’s Pies and Pastries (vegan and gluten free): 610 SW 12th Ave., petuniaspiesandpastries.com. Gluten Free Gem (vegan and gluten free): 140 NE Broadway St., glutenfreegem.com.

2. If you have younger children, it’s totally reasonable to ask to stay at the party so you can make sure your kiddo only eats what is safe for them. 3. If you bring your child’s food, ask them if they want something similar to what everyone else is having or if they prefer a special treat of their choosing. When my son was little, and cupcakes at parties had plastic decorations on top, I’d take one, wash it thoroughly, then add it to the cupcake I had baked for him. 4. Keep a few cupcakes in your freezer so you don’t have to bake before every party. This is also handy when you get last-minute notice of a classroom celebration. Extra cake batter also freezes well. 5. Thank the hosts for including your child! — Elizabeth Ely Moreno pdxparent.com

January 2020

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January 2020

The

KINDERGART Deciding whether or not to hold back a child from starting kindergarten is a hot topic in online parenting groups. We talk to early education experts to get their take on the most important signs of kindergarten readiness. BY NIKI READING

January 2020

pdxparent.com

Quest

TEN

tion

hen it comes to kindergarten, it seems the tides change every few years — we hear stories of children starting early to get a jump start on academics, then a rash of stories about parents holding their kids with summer birthdays back to give them a “redshirt” year. Parents face a dilemma: What’s right for my child? And how can I prepare them for a school system with increasing demands? “I totally get why parents are confused. Sometimes it does feel like kindergarten is the new first grade,” says Mary Schumacher-Horner, Director of Helen Gordon Children’s Center at Portland State University. As schools come under pressure to perform on standardized tests, some are pushing academic skills in younger grades. SchumacherHorner says that this, combined with the high cost of child care and few affordable options for preschool, can put parents in a bind. But, she and other child development experts say there are many things parents can do to help ensure a smooth transition for their children.

Redshirt or early start? Schumacher-Horner has spent her career in education — and has also faced the kindergarten dilemma herself. Her son was born in June and, when it came time for kindergarten registration, she opted to let him stay in preschool an extra year. “I just didn’t want him to feel rushed,” she says. Now, her son is 26 — but that experience gave her immense understanding of the difficult choices parents face. “It’s extremely personal,” she says. In Oregon, you can register a child for kindergarten if they are 5 years old by September 1. But children aren’t automatically registered, and parents can ultimately decide the best time. And while most schools don’t advertise the option, it is also possible to enroll children early. This typically involves paying for an outside test to determine readiness. But that trend gives some early education experts pause. “In my work as an educator and program director and parent, I have tried to push back on the issue of waiting or not waiting,” says John Nimmo, Ed.D. Nimmo is an associate professor in early childhood and doctoral leadership programs in the College of Education at Portland State University. He also previously served as the director of an early childhood learning center. Nimmo advocates that schools and parents should stick to the policy on the age for children to enter kindergarten for several reasons. He sees value in a diverse group of learners attending school in an inclusive environment that meets all kids’ needs — and he has concerns about who benefits from policies that allow some students to test in early. “There are concerns from a privilege point of view,” says Nimmo. “Who gets privilege by being able to navigate the system?” Schumacher-Horner agrees. “Deciding when to put kids in kindergarten is a very personal issue, but the fact is, not everyone has the luxury to have that conversation,” she says.

Developmental milestones While parents may focus on whether a child can identify letters or write their name, education experts focus on another type of readiness: social-emotional. “The most important prep for kindergarten is social-emotional development. Children should be able to see themselves in a group, to be in a group with other children, and to have emotional regulation that’s appropriate for their age,” says Schumacher-Horner. Parents can encourage social-emotional learning in many ways, including talking about feelings with their child, modeling positive emotional regulation, and participating in playgroups or preschool where children are encouraged to learn healthy self-regulation. “Children are always trying to make sense of what’s going on around them. As a parent, you can talk with your child about what they’re experiencing and help them develop a strong image pdxparent.com

January 2020

Get Ready for Kinder!

There are many elements of kindergarten readiness — but

experts increasingly say the most important aspects aren’t whether children know their ABCs or can write their name. Rather, the most important thing is that kids have an excitement for learning. Here are the top readiness skills kindergarten teachers look for, according to PPS: Excitement toward learning Talking about thoughts and feelings Listening to others Desire to be independent Playing well with others and taking turns Following simple instructions Ability to hold and use a pencil or crayon Recognizing numbers and letters SOURCE: PPS.NET/PAGE/933

Looking for activities you can do with your child to help encourage a love of learning? Go to pps.net/ page/933 and click on “Helpful Hints for Families and Caregivers for a Confident Start to School.”

of themselves and who they are in the world,” says Nimmo. That understanding helps them feel grounded even as they face new situations — like being in a classroom, navigating friendships and problem-solving. In addition, experts urge teaching kids the basics. Children should know their first and last name, how to use the bathroom on their own and thoroughly wash their hands, and how a book works. It’s also helpful if children are familiar with talking about things like numbers, letters and the weather, adds Schumacher-Horner. She says the best way to encourage this is being fully present with your child as much as possible, which can be a challenge in the screen age. Whenever possible, she suggests passing on screen time during car rides and instead playing games where you count or look for specific objects or letters during car rides. “Be in the present with your child. It’s really the most important thing you can do,” she says.

Reading readiness In a recent social-media discussion about kindergarten readiness, several Portland parents asked: Should my child enter kindergarten knowing how to read? The answer, for several reasons, is: no. For starters, research has shown that a child’s ability to read at grade level by the end of third grade is the most critical reading benchmark. That’s because in fourth grade, the curriculum shifts from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.” And if a child isn’t able to read at grade level by the end of third grade, they may get left behind in subjects like history or science where students are expected to read to learn. That can compound and translate to lower graduation rates for kids who aren’t reading at grade level by the end of third grade.

What does third-grade literacy have to do with kindergarten readiness? Research has shown that very early reading skills do not have a long-term benefit and, in fact, some students who have very early reading skills can become bored and disengaged, say both Schumacher-Horner and Nimmo. The bottom line: If a child is interested and curious about reading skills, parents should encourage that. But don’t force it in an effort to give your child a head start. The best way to raise a reader? Read daily to children, play word games, and encourage an excitement for literacy.

The role of the school and teacher Nimmo says parents shouldn’t just focus on whether their child is ready for school: “Parents should turn that question around: Is the school ready for my child?” He takes an inclusive and developmental perspective on the issue: “If children are legally ready to go to school, then the school should create a program that is accessible to all children, regardless of their ability.” He recommends visiting the school and observing the learning environment well before your child is registered. When the school year starts, he recommends a proactive discussion with their teacher about your child’s learning style, what excites them, what challenges they’re working on, and what topics really interest your child. This can help ensure your child’s needs are met in school — and can ensure that your child feels seen in a new environment. Overall, early learning experts urge a focus on developing your child’s love for learning. “I would step back and think about things like: How is my child’s curiosity? How am I feeding my child’s desire to learn and tinker? We want to raise curious kids who believe they have ideas.”

Niki Reading is a writer living in Southeast Portland with her husband, two kids and two dogs. They enjoy exploring the city and planning adventures in their camper. 22

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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

The Choice that Makes a Difference! • Academic Excellence • Faith Formation • Rich Co-Curricular Activities • Before and After School Care

• Registered and Recognized by the State of Oregon • Accredited by the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA)

All Saints School • Grades PreK-8 Open Houses: PreK-K: January 23, 6:30 pm; Grades 1-8: January 30, 6:30 pm Library - Abraham Building 601 NE Cesar E. Chavez Blvd., Portland, OR 97232 503-236-6205 www.allsaintsportland.com

St. Matthew Catholic School • Grades PreK-8 Open House: January 30, 3:30-6:30 pm 221 SE Walnut St., Hillsboro, OR 97123 503-648-2512 info@stmatthewschoolhillsboro.org www.stmatthewschoolhillsboro.org

Cathedral School • Grades PreK-8 Open House: January 26, 10-12:30 pm 110 NW 17th Ave, Portland, OR 97209 (503) 275-9370 admissions@cathedral-or.org www.cathedral-or.org

St. Pius X Catholic School Open Houses: January 16, 5-7 pm; January 29, 5-7 pm; 1260 NW Saltzman Rd., Portland, OR 97229 503-644-3244 www.stpiuspanthers.org

St. Agatha Catholic School • Grades PreK-8 Open House: January 30, 6-8 pm 7960 SE 15th Ave., Portland, OR 97202 503-234-5500 Fax: 503-232-7240 christine.pashley@stagatha.us www.stagathaschoolpdx.us St. Cecilia School • Grades PreK-8 Open House: January 26, 10 am-12 pm 12250 SW 5th St., Beaverton, OR 97005 503-644-2619 www.stceciliaschool.us St. Clare School • Grades K-8 Open House: January 26, 12-2 pm 1807 SW Freeman St., Portland, OR 97219 503-244-7600 info@stclarepdx.org www.stclarepdx.org St. John Fisher School • Grades K-8 Open House: January 26, 10 am 4581 SW Nevada St., Portland, OR 97219 503-246-3234 mholub@sjfschool.org www.sjfschool.org St. John the Apostle Catholic School • Grades PreK-8 Now accepting applications, apply online today! Open Houses: January 26, 9:30am-12:30 pm; January 28, 8am-3 pm; February 4, 5-7 pm 516 Fifth St., Oregon City, OR 97045 503-742-8230 • Fax: 503-742-8239 www.sja-eagles.com

St. Rose School • Grades PreK-8 Open Houses: January 30, 6 pm; February 3, 6 pm 5309 NE Alameda St., Portland, OR 97213 503-281-1912 www.strosepdx.org St. Thomas More Catholic School • Grades K-8 Open Houses: January 23, 9-11 am; January 26, 12-2 pm 3521 SW Patton Rd., Portland, OR 97221 503-222-6105 stmschool@stmpdx.org www.stmpdxschool.org The Madeleine School • Grades K-8 New Parent Info Night: February 11, 7 pm School Tours: February 12, 10 am–1pm 3240 NE 23rd Ave., Portland, OR 97212 503-288-9197 kchambers@themadeleine.edu. www.themadeleine.edu Valley Catholic Early Learning, Elementary & Middle School Open House: January 12: Elementary, 1–3 pm Early Learning & Middle, 2–4 pm 4420 SW St. Marys Dr., Beaverton, OR 97078 503-644-3745 www.valley catholic.org

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January 2020

♥ neiGhborhood we

The Historic

Alphabet District

BY SARAH VANBUSKIRK

ong before the Pearl District became a thing, the Historic Alphabet District, specifically NW 23rd Avenue and its adjacent streets, was the city’s go-to upscale shopping and dining destination. And it still shines on those fronts. Locals also praise the area’s gorgeous vintage buildings, prime walkability, and easy MAX and bus access. The neighborhood, also called the Northwest District, offers great parks, schools, grocery stores, and other amenities, including Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital. Roughly bound by NW 25th Avenue and 16th Avenues and West Burnside Street, the Alphabet District is adjacent to the Pearl District to the east, downtown to the southeast, and the vast, wooded playground that is Forest Park to the west, putting residents in the heart of what makes Portland tick. PLAY HERE District is just a few blocks from the base of

NW 25 AVE.

NW RALEIGH ST. NW MARSHALL ST. NW 23 AVE.

The Alphabet

W BURNSIDE ST.

5,200-acre

Forest Park,

PORTLAND PARKS AND REC

the country’s largest

urban forest, which boasts over 80 miles of trails and forest roads for hiking, biking and

running. Couch Park

on NW Glisan Street and

Wallace Park on NW

25th Avenue and

NW Raleigh Street (next to Chapman School), both offer playgrounds, sport courts and fields, and dog parks.

EAT HERE The Alphabet District offers

everything from the upscale Ringside, a

steakhouse with impeccable onion rings and killer filet mignon, to the quintessential pizza

joint for ready-to-eat slices, Escape From New

York Pizza. Other favorites include Kornblatt’s Deli for bagels and sandwiches and Santa Fe

Taqueria for burritos and tacos, where kids eat free every Wednesday from 5 pm-6 pm.

Parents in the Alphabet District love being close to the library, parks, stores, downtown, and restaurants. Sophie Fauveau, originally from France, has lived in the area since 2000 and is the mom of two 10-year-olds and an 8-year-old. She loves that her kids can play right on the sidewalk among the bustling life of the city: “I like the European feel of the neighborhood and that walking to the store and lugging back our groceries is normal for my kids.” Another perk: “We almost never use our

LIVE HERE

$480,000

Median price of homes sold

$568,000

Median home value

$3,000-ish Median rent

SOURCES: REALTOR.COM and ZILLOW.COM

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SARAH VANBUSKIRK

car.” Anna Dvortcsak, a mother of twin 10-yearolds, also praises the neighborhood’s vibe: “We love the proximity to school, walkability for parks, restaurants, and even the doctor and dentist.” The one neighborhood con, she says: parking.

GETTING AROUND The MAX, bus and walking are all easy here, while great bike lanes and flat streets make biking a breeze. The trip into downtown proper via bus or MAX from NW Marshall Street and NW 23rd Avenue takes about 26 minutes. SOURCE: WALKSCORE.COM

Trimet score

Walk score

Bike score

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cation su w lo ne

moved to

cation su w lo ne

r 2019 me m

WEST LINN

r 2019 me m

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January 2020

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

Art for All A es

Looking for an outing that pleases both littles and their older siblings? Check out Northeast‘s new kids’ art studio, SunnyLove. STORY AND PHOTOS BY JOANNA CLOSE

here aren’t a lot of activities to entertain and appease my two kids with their wide age gap. My 7-year-old grows quickly bored by the “baby” stuff that appeals to my 1-year-old; and the toddler can give me a run for my money in places designed for school-aged kids. But art knows no age limits — nor skill limits, for that matter. Both my daughters reveled in their own creativity for a couple hours exploring the various mediums at the newer art studio, SunnyLove, in Northeast Portland. The children’s creative space opened in September 2019 and offers both drop-in exploration and scheduled classes. The founder, Simonne Shelby, an artist and mother herself, was inspired to create a space to promote independent thought, creativity, and self-esteem through the practice of art and the exploration of art history. Additionally, SunnyLove is unique in its provision of high-end supplies — from tempera paints to watercolor paper to modeling clay. Not only did my kids have access to high-quality supplies, but they came home with goody bags full of the art they created and a few more mediums to explore on their own. SunnyLove offers both open studio times (great for all ages) and scheduled art classes (designed for ages 3 and older). The open studio was perfect for my age-gap kids to explore various art mediums and at their own pace. (Pro tip: Aprons are available to protect from mess!) Shelby seamlessly differentiated the interests, attention spans, and materials of my 1- versus 7-year-old. The tempera paint sticks and

Before 309 NE Wygant St., Portland; 503-752-8819, You Go: sunnylovepdx.com; @sunnylovepdx on Instagram. All-ages open studio: Fridays 11 am-4 pm; $10 per child ($5 for kids under 2). Class offerings: Saturdays/Sundays at scheduled times 10 am-6 pm; 2 ½ to 12 years; $20/child for 2-hour course. (You can drop off!) Free on-street parking and ADA-accessible

bathroom with changing table. Pro tip: check the website

for class details and pre-registration, and also to ensure the

studio is not closed for a private event.

kinetic sand were a favorite for my toddler — “more, more, more,” Birdy aggressively signed when she temporarily ran out of white space on the paper. And the spin art station was a definite hit with my 2nd grader and her best friend; Shelby encouraged them to experiment with mixing the paint colors and attempting to make different shapes in the spinner. We now have a medium-sized canvas of my youngest’s pre-writing paint scribbles hanging in the play room, and primarycolored “emoji” clay figures displayed on my eldest’s bedroom shelf (not to mention the half-dozen spin art paintings and painted ceramic pumpkins stashed with our fall decor). The weekend classes, designed for older kids, change regularly and are based around specific artists. Think self-portraits à la Frida Kahlo, collaborative paint-by-numbers after a lesson on Keith Haring. Although I suspect my eldest was most enamored by having the studio — and Shelby’s attention — mostly to herself, she loved having access to a variety of art mediums that she doesn’t have at home or school. On our drive back home she told me, “When I first came in, I was like, ‘Is it just sketching?’ Because it’s so tidy. But there was just so much art!” Francie was not wrong — the space itself was open, bright and well-organized. Personally, I love the idea of supporting children’s development through not only creation, but art history, too. But more importantly, my kids happily killed two-plus hours creating in the studio; it was a great place to make art — and messes — somewhere other than my own home. The Portland Child Art Studio: open studio, art classes, birthday parties; 1819 NW Everett St. Suite 204, portlandchildart.org/index.

html. Smartypants PDX: open studio, classes, camps,

birthday parties, adult craft nights; 5512 N. Montana

Ave., smartypantspdx.com. Scrap PDX: creative reuse/recycled materials,

More Creative Spaces for Kids

workshops; 1736 SW Alder St., scrappdx.org.

The Craft Factory: open studio for all ages, birthday parties/

private events; 7832 SW Capitol Hwy., Suite B, craftfactorypdx.com.

Joanna Close is a former small-town newspaper reporter turned medical speech-language pathologist. Currently she spends most of her time putting away board books, looking for caps to markers or hard-boiling eggs and toasting bagels, and is paid in snuggles and snot rockets. She likes Lindy West, Oscar-nominated tear-jerkers, and chocolate peanut butter ice cream out of the carton. 30

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OPEN HOUSES

PDX Parent Picks 2020 Get ready to VOTE in our PDX Parent Picks readers’ poll. Tell us your favorite people, places and spaces!

RENT P I PA

S CK

PD X

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

VOTE 2020

pdxparent.com/vote S C H O O L O P E N H O U S E S : January - February 2 0 2 0 OPEN HOUSES A Renaissance School of Arts and Sciences - 0234 SW Bancroft; 971-221-2311; renpdx.org; 1/26, 2 - 3:30 PM All Saints Catholic School - 601 NE Cesar Chavez Blvd; 503-236-6205; allsaintsportland.com; 1/23, 6:30 PM - 8 PM (For PreK & K); 1/30, 6:30 - 8 PM (For Grades 1-8) Cathedral School - 110 NW 17th; 503-275-9370; cathedral-or.org; 1/26, 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM Cedar Hills Kindergarten & Preschool - 11695 SW Park Way; 503-643-9010; cedarhillskp.org; 1/15, 7 - 9 PM Cedarwood Waldorf School - 3030 SW 2nd; 503-245-1477; cedarwoodschool.org; 1/22, 6:30 - 8 PM CLASS Academy - 2730 NW Vaughn; 503-2239099; classacademy.com; 1/15, 6:30 PM Delphian School - 20950 SW Rock Creek, Sheridan; 503-843-3521; delphian.org; 1/20, 10 AM - 2 PM Dove Christian Preschool - 7555 SW 45th; 503246-5459; dovepreschool.com; 1/23, 6:30 - 8 PM Franciscan Montessori Earth School and St. Francis Academy - 14750 SE Clinton; 503-7608220; fmes.org; 1/4, 10 - 11:30 AM French American International School - 8500 NW Johnson St.; 503-292-7776; faispdx.org; 1/8, 6:30 PM (Middle School Open House); 1/17, 9 AM (Preschool-Kindergarten) German International School of Portland - 3900 SW Murray, Beaverton; 503-626-9089; gspdx.org; 1/26, 10 - 11:30 AM Guidepost Montessori at Beaverton - 9945 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Beaverton; 503-5671844; guidepostmontessori.com; 01/11, 10- 11:30 AM

SCHOOL TOURS

Hancock Street Co-op Preschool - 1624 NE Hancock; hancockstreetpreschool.com; 2/1, 9:30 AM - 12 PM

The Portland Montessori School - 205 NE 50th; 503-688-2992; portlandmontessori.org; 2/1, 10 AM - 2 PM

Guidepost Montessori at Beaverton 9945 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Beaverton; 503-567-1844; guidepostmontessori.com

Multnomah Playschool - 5500 SW Dosch; 503-244-9141; multnomahplayschool.com; 1/28, 6:30 - 8:30 PM

Trackers Earth Portland - 4617 SE Milwaukie; 503-345-3312; trackerspdx.com; Add’l Location: 2334 NE 57th Ave Portland, OR 97213; 1/16, 6 - 7 PM

Hancock Street Co-op Preschool - 1624 NE Hancock; hancockstreetpreschool.com

Tucker Maxon School - 2860 SE Holgate Blvd; 503-235-6551; tuckermaxon.org; 1/29, 4 - 5:30 PM

Portland Jewish Academy - 6651 SW Capitol Hwy; 503-244-0126; pjaproud.org

Northwest Chinese Academy - 16860 SW Blanton, Aloha; 503-546-3455; nwchineseacademy.org; 1/10, 9 - 11AM; 1/18, 10 AM - 1 PM Portland Jewish Academy - 6651 SW Capitol Hwy; 503-244-0126; pjaproud.org; 1/14, 8:45 - 10:30 AM Prince of Peace Preschool and Kindergarten - 14175 NW Cornell; 503-645-1211; princeofpeaceschool.com; 1/9, 5 - 6:30 PM Riverdale School District - 11733 SW Breyman; 503-262-4840; riverdaleschool.com; 1/24, 9 - 10 AM Small Friends School - 7475 SW Oleson; 503388-2266; smallfriendsschool.com; 2/6, 7- 8:30 PM St. Agatha Catholic School - 7960 SE 15th; 503-234-5500; stagathaschoolpdx.us; 1/30, 6 - 8 PM St. Clare School - 1807 SW Freeman; 503-2447600; stclarepdx.org; 1/26, 12 - 2 PM St. John the Apostle Catholic School - 516 Fifth, Oregon City; 503-742-8230; sja-eagles.com; 1/26, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM; 1/28, 8 AM - 3 PM ; 2/4, 5 - 7PM St. Rose School - 5309 NE Alameda; 503-2811912; strosepdx.org; 1/30, 6 PM; 2/3, 6 PM The International School - 025 SW Sherman; 503-226-2496 x110; intlschool.org; 1/28, 6 - 8 PM The Marylhurst School - 19915 Old River, West Linn; 503-650-0978; themarylhurstschool.org; 1/25, 10 AM - 12 PM

Village Free School - 1785 NE Sandy Blvd Suite A; 503-788-3935; villagefreeschool.org; 1/26, 1 - 2 PM TOURS A Renaissance School of Arts and Sciences 0234 SW Bancroft; 971-221-2311; renpdx.org Catlin Gabel School - 8825 SW Barnes; 503297-1894; catlin.edu Cedarwood Waldorf School - 3030 SW 2nd; 503-245-1477; cedarwoodschool.org Childswork Learning Center - 4235 SE Salmon; 503-234-3611; childswork.org CLASS Academy - 2730 NW Vaughn; 503-223-9099; classacademy.com Dove Christian Preschool - 7555 SW 45th; 503-246-5459; dovepreschool.com Franciscan Montessori Earth School and St. Francis Academy - 14750 SE Clinton; 503-760-8220; fmes.org

Multnomah Playschool - 5500 SW Dosch; 503-244-9141; multnomahplayschool.com

Portland Play Project - 6015 NE Skidmore St.; 740-590-9141; portlandplayproject.com Prince of Peace Preschool and Kindergarten - 14175 NW Cornell; 503-645-1211; princeofpeaceschool.com Riverdale School District - 11733 SW Breyman; 503-262-4840; riverdaleschool.com St. Agatha Catholic School - 7960 SE 15th; 503-234-5500; stagathaschoolpdx.us St. Clare School - 1807 SW Freeman; 503-244-7600; stclarepdx.org St. John the Apostle Catholic School - 516 Fifth, Oregon City; 503-742-8230; sja-eagles.com St. Rose School - 5309 NE Alameda; 503-281-1912; strosepdx.org The International School - 025 SW Sherman; 503-226-2496 x110; intlschool.org The Madeleine School - 3240 NE 23rd; 503-288-9197; themadeleine.edu/school

French American International School 8500 NW Johnson St.; 503-292-7776; faispdx.org

The Marylhurst School - 19915 Old River, West Linn; 503-650-0978; themarylhurstschool.org

German International School of Portland - 3900 SW Murray, Beaverton; 503-626-9089; gspdx.org

The Portland Montessori School - 205 NE 50th; 503-688-2992; portlandmontessori.org

Goodtime Chinese School - 15285 NW Central, Ste 201; 503-616-5585; goodtimechineseschool.org

Trackers Earth Portland - 4617 SE Milwaukie; 503-345-3312; trackerspdx.com; Add’l Location: 2334 NE 57th Ave Portland

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January 2020

fa m i ly s u p p e R

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

Zip on Over

What’s new at The Zipper food hall? Saucy Korean fried chicken wings and seriously good tacos. Plus a save-the-day vending machine. STORY AND PHOTOS BY DENISE CASTAÑON

Pro tip: If Pop Rocks can help pull a disappointed 7-year-old out of her funk over not seeing her favorite graphic novelist speak at a book festival, then they can pretty much do anything. But to rewind a little bit. My family had planned to spend the morning at the Portland Book Festival, hoping to catch Raina Telgemeier’s panel. But the line for wristbands stretched two blocks long and the panel filled before we got checked in. After everyone (unenthusiastically) checked out the children’s stage, we decided to head home. I hoped going out to lunch at The Zipper might salvage the remainder of the day. But my 7-year-old daughter, Adela, who had kept a stoic face at the book festival, dissolved into tears when we were about to exit the car to head into the food hall on Northeast Sandy Boulevard. After acknowledging her disappointment, we managed to lead her hiccuping into the building. She’s a big fan of quesadillas, and beans and rice. And luckily they were on the menu at Tight Tacos, one of the new additions to The Zipper. (Tight Tacos took over the Chickpeadx space in late September 2019.) The quesadilla was big enough for her to split with her little brother, Cruz. The sniffles stopped when she started eating her quesadilla even though her scowl remained. My husband also ordered

from Tights Tacos — a trio of carne asada, carnitas and chorizo tacos on thick hand-pressed corn tortillas. He declared these the best tacos he’s eaten in Portland. (When we moved to Portland from Southern California 15 years ago, we missed the cheap, plentiful and authentic Mexican food found there. I’m Mexican American, and between Editor Denise Castañon still gets a kick out of Pop Rocks. 32

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family recipes and Cook’s Illustrated instructions, we’ve joked that the best Mexican food in Portland comes from our kitchen.) Tight Tacos’ corn tortillas really starred as the perfect taco base, but the meats shone as well.

I tried the other new establishment at The Zipper — Sari Ramyun, which took over the Wares space and serves up Korean-style ramen soup, bibimbap and Korean fried chicken. I ordered the mild version of the soup the restaurant is named after, and fried chicken wings doused in gochujang chile glaze. The wings were excellent — saucy, slightly spicy with still a great crunch when you bit into them. The bowl of sari ramyun consisted of noodles in a housemade chickenbeef broth topped with brisket, seaweed, a soft-cooked egg and bean sprouts. It was comforting and filling, but overall I realized I’m a bigger fan of pho than ramen. And it didn’t help that I had taco envy. But I’d absolutely order those addictive wings again. After we’d finished eating, we noticed The Venderia vending machine stocked with trinkets such as a mystery “spirit animal” in a brown paper bag, earrings, playing cards and used books. Adela spotted the Pop Rocks in the vending machine. She and Cruz pleaded for them and I consented. Once we hit the car, I poured out the candy into their outstretched palms. Pouting is no match for Pop Rocks. Once the candy started cracking and fizzing in her mouth, Adela couldn’t help but giggle. Which caused the rest of us to laugh, too, as we split the packet all the way home. The Zipper, 2705 NE Sandy Blvd. Tighttacos.com, facebook.com/sariportland, thevenderia.com.

recipe file

Get Fi y with I t Get kids excited about figs with this fun and rustic d essert. STORY AND PHOTO BY JUDITH RICH Looking for more kid-friendly recipes? Visit: pdxparent.com /recipe-file.

Fig Cake

Directions

2 sticks (1 cup) of unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into small cubes, divided

1. Preheat oven to 350˚ F. Butter a 9-inch square cake pan or Pyrex-style glass dish.

6 small figs, halved (you can also used dried figs, apricots or plums; approximately 4 ounces) 1 ¼ cups sugar, divided 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided 2 ¼ cups unbleached, all-purpose flour, divided ¼ teaspoon baking powder 2 large eggs ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract c up semi-sweet chocolate chips

2. Toss fresh figs with ½ cup of sugar and ¼ teaspoon of salt and set aside. (If using dried fruit, there’s no need to add sugar.) 3. In a food processor, pulse 1 cup of flour, ¼ cup of sugar and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Add half of the butter (½ cup) and pulse until crumbs form. Coat your hands in flour and press dough into bottom of the pan. If it’s too soft, refrigerate for 10-15 minutes. Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown and then let cool for about 15 minutes. 4. Using your food processor, pulse the remaining ½ cup butter, ½ cup sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt with baking powder until combined. Add the remaining flour (1 ¼ cups), eggs, and vanilla extract, and process until smooth. Spread evenly over baked crust. 5. Top with prepared fruit and chocolate chips. 6. Bake for about 1 hour and cool for about 15 minutes. Enjoy still warm!

aking in the wintertime (especially in the PNW) is my jam, and I often use it as a weekend activity with the kiddos to pass the time. I recently whipped up this rustic, fruity dessert with my daughter Edie. The cake was adapted from a Martha Stewart recipe, which we personalized to fit our tastes. We used fresh figs, which the recipe calls for, but don’t be afraid to try dried fruit as well, such as figs, apricots or even prunes! An addition of semisweet chocolate chips made the cake a pinch more exciting and, when it’s eaten still warm, the chocolate just melts in your mouth. Pro tip: This cake is pretty rich and a little goes a long way when you serve it. In fact, I portioned just half of it for us, while the rest was made into a care package for my daughter Layla’s teachers. They couldn’t have been more grateful, scoring us some brownie (I mean, fig) points!

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. pdxparent.com

January 2020

time out

be of service

January 2020

Honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by doing community service together as a family. Take your pick of kid-friendly volunteer opportunities available throughout the holiday weekend. Kids 5 and older and their grown-ups can help plant trees with Portland Parks and Recreation. Families with kids as young as 4 can make blankets for sick kids with Binky Patrol. Or all ages can pitch in to help SOLVE to pick up litter around MLK Boulevard in Northeast. And Family Promise of Beaverton needs help to make their day center sparkling clean for the homeless families who use their services. Visit handsonportland.org and go to the project calendar for the United Way MLK Weekend of Service to find all these volunteer sessions and many more. Friday-Monday, January 17-20. Free.

Go. Play. Explore.

OWEN CAREY PHOTOGRAPHY

tree-cycling

Dancing dragons? Tasty tacos? Oregon Children’s Theatre’s new show, Dragons Love Tacos, has both! This hour-long show is suitable for all ages. January 18 to February 16. Saturdays at 2 pm and 5 pm, and Sundays at 11 am and 2 pm. Newmark Theatre. Visit octc.org for tickets.

TROUT UNLIMITED TUALATIN VALLEY

there be dragons

The holidays are over, and it’s time to part ways with that sad, dried-out Christmas tree. Most families who have yard debris collection through Metro can recycle their trees curbside. Call 503-234-3000 for route-specific details. Plenty of PDX schools and nonprofits also organize tree-recycling events. Support Sunnyside Environmental School by dropping your tree at 3421 SE Salmon St. on January 4-5 from 10 am-4 pm; $5 suggested donation. (You can also schedule a pickup; suggested donation $10.) Or give your tree a second life as salmon habitat for Oregon rivers by eco-cycling it with Tualatin Valley Trout Unlimited’s Christmas for Coho event, Saturday, January 4, and Saturday, January 11, from 9 am-4 pm at 10910 NE Halsey St. in Portland or 6000 Failing St. in West Linn. $10 per tree. For a full list of tree-cycling services in your area — including those offered by local Scout troops — search “tree recycling” at oregonmetro.gov. Pro tip: Spotcheck your tree for any lingering tinsel, wires or ornaments before recycling.

galloping gargoyles!

WIZARD WORLD

Get your cosplay on and join forces with thousands of wizards and superheroes of all sizes at Wizard World Portland 2020. Encounter artists, animators, and actors, plus plenty of other diehard wizarding fans in full regalia. Friday-Sunday, January 24-26. Oregon Convention Center. Admission prices vary, but up to two kids 10 and under get in free with each paying adult. For a complete event schedule, visit wizardworld.com/comiccon/portland.

Looking for accessible events for kids of all abilities? Check out 34

January 2020

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an accessible and inclusive digital directory

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

PCC SYLVANIA MULTICULTURAL CENTER

CAMPS

a grand tradition Celebrate Native American customs and culture at Wacipi â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Portland Community College Sylvania Campusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 21st annual Powwow. Enjoy a community dinner and traditional snacks, browse Native vendors, and get swept up in the magic of the spirited drumming and dancing performances happening throughout the day. This event supports the PCC Native American Scholarship Fund as well as local Nativeowned businesses. Saturday, January 18, 1 pm-7:30 pm. Free admission.

Get social with us!

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

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January 2020

time out

80S VIDEO DANCE ATTACK

dance like nobody’s watching

a sweet new year culture of Japan at the 24th annual Mochitsuki Japanese American New Year event. Watch Taiko drummers, martial arts experts and dancers perform onstage. Or learn a new technique at cooking demonstrations that range from DIY miso to masubi snacks. And kids will get a chance to pound mochi, the sweet rice dessert the event is named for. Sunday, January 26, 11 am-4 pm. Kids’ mochi-pounding demos at 12:30 pm and 2:15 pm. Portland State University, Viking Pavilion. Purchase tickets at brownpapertickets. com/4419381. Kids 3 and younger and honored seniors 88+ are free.

Ring in the Year of the Rat at Lan Su Chinese Garden’s Chinese New Year Celebration. The fun includes lion dances, martial arts and cultural performances, folk art, and crafts. Plus every visitor gets a hongbao, or lucky red envelope. Pro tip: Purchase tickets in advance or be prepared to wait in line. January 25 to February 9, 10 am-5 pm. $12.95 general admission, $9.95 students. Visit lansugarden.org for a full schedule of New Year’s events.

CAMPS

2020

Coming March 2020! Booking now! Contact your sales rep.

Lauren Wylie, 503-331-8184 | Jill Weisensee, 503-309-8272 January 2020

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ERIN J. BERNARD

oh, rats

Celebrate the food and

Did you used to go the Crystal Ballroom’s Video Dance Attack before you had kids? Have you been back since? If not, this is your chance! It’s the Crystal Ballroom’s 106th birthday party and they are holding an early (and free!) family-friendly dance party with all those music videos you loved in the ’80s and ’90s. Kids, get ready for the springy ballroom floor to bounce wildly as Mom and Dad show off their MC Hammer dance skills. Sunday, January 26, 5:15 pm-7:15 pm. 1332 W Burnside St. Free.

CAMPS

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January 2020

pa r e n t l a n d i a

“That reminds me — we need to start saving for college.”

Tom Toro is a freelance cartoonist and writer whose work appears in The New Yorker, Paris Review, American Bystander and elsewhere. His debut children’s book, How to Potty Train Your Porcupine, will be published in May 2020 by Little, Brown. 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.

January 2020

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January 2020

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ART STUDIO 2019 PARENT PICKS The Craft Factory 7832 SW Capitol Hwy Ste B

Collage - collagepdx.blogspot.com Confection Crafts - confectioncrafts.com Jenni and Tommy’s Kids Unplugged jenniandtommyskidsunplugged.com Mimosa Studios - mimosastudios.com

Portland Child Art Studio 1819 NW Everett St Ste 204

Multnomah Arts Center multnomahartscenter.org

SCRAP PDX - 1736 SW Alder St

My Masterpiece Art Studio mymasterpieceartstudio.com

Smartypants - 5512 N Montana Ave Spark Arts Center 1805 NE Cesar E Chavez Bl

ARTS AND CRAFTS/ VISUAL ARTS/ FILMMAKING Smartypants

Designed for 1-10 year old artists, Smartypants offers a plethora of art exploration and fun! Open studio any time we are open for business, plus classes, workshops and birthday parties! 5512 N Montana Ave, Portland, OR 97217 503-477-8884 info@smartypantspdx.com smartypantspdx.com

SunnyLove - A Child’s Creative Space

An art studio dedicated to promoting independent thought, creativity, and self esteem to children through the practice of art and the exploration of art history. 309 NE Wygant St, Portland, OR 97211 503-752-8819 info@sunnylovepdx.com, sunnylovepdx.com See ad on page 7

Vibe of Portland

Vibe Studios in SE & St. Johns provide art and music educational opportunities for artists ages 18 months-Adults through classes, camps, workshops, birthday parties, community engagement activities and more! 5633 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97206 503-560-3592 info@vibepdx.org, vibepdx.org 7441 N Leavitt Ave, Portland, OR 97203 503-560-3592 See ad on page 53

Vine Gogh Artist Bar & Studio vinegogh.com

DANCE PERFORMANCES & INSTRUCTION The Ballroom Dance Company theballroomdancecompany.com Center for Movement Arts - cmadance.com Columbia Dance: columbiadance.org Fred Astaire Dance Studios of Portland fredastaire.com

Broadway Rose Theatre Company

A week-long spring drama camp providing kids in 3rd - 5th grade a fun and welcoming environment in which to explore the magic of theatre. March 23 - 27, 2020. 12850 SW Grant Ave, Tigard, OR 97223 503-620-5262 camps@broadwayrose.org broadwayrose.org See ad on page 47

Echo Theater Company

The Tik Toks youth & Zig Zags teen companies work together throughout the year and present their own original theatrical performances. Their shows include acrobatics, aerial dance, original scripts, and more! 1515 SE 37th Ave, Portland, OR 97214 971-267-3246 hello@echotheaterpdx.org echotheaterpdx.org

Hollywood Dance Studio hollywooddancepdx.com

See ad on page 58

Jefferson Dancers - jeffersondancers.org

Northwest Children’s Theater and School

June Taylor’s School of Dance junetaylorschoolofdance.com Northwest Dance Theatre - nwdt.org Oregon Ballet School oregonballetschool.com

DRAMA/THEATER

For 27 years, Northwest Children’s Theater and School has offered award-winning shows for the whole family, and theater classes for all ages. Join us in the audience or on stage! 1819 NW Everett St, Portland, OR 97209 503-222-2190 info@nwcts.org nwcts.org See ad on page 55

Metropolitan Performing Arts Theater

Metropolitan Performing Arts offers year long performance and technique classes in singing, acting, dancing, backstage and more. Dedicated to a quality theater experience, children and families can explore the magical world of theater both on and off the stage. Summer camps include full-day performance intensives, half-day acting camps and a 2-week immersive wizarding LARP experience. 6403 E Mill Plain Blvd Vancouver, WA 98661, 360-975-1585 info@MetropolitanPerformingArts.org metropolitanperformingarts.org

Broadway Across America broadwayacrossamerica.com Broadway Rose Theatre Company broadwayrose.org ComedySportz 4 Kidz portlandcomedy.com El Centro Milagro - milagro.org Imago Theatre - imagotheater.com Krayon Kids Musical Theater Co. krayonkids.org Lakewood Theatre Company lakewood-center.org Portland Revels - portlandrevels.org Shakespeare in the Parks portlandactors.com Shaking the Tree Theatre shaking-the-tree.com

STAGES Performing Arts Youth Academy - stagesyouth.org Stumptown Stages stumptownstages.com Theatre in the Grove theatreinthegrove.org

KID-FRIENDLY MOVIE THEATERS 2019 PARENT PICKS Hollywood Theatre - 4122 NE Sandy Blvd Laurelhurst Theater - 2735 E Burnside St McMenamins Bagdad Theater & Pub 3702 SE Hawthorne Bl McMenamins Kennedy School 5736 NE 33rd Ave Regal Bridgeport Village Stadium 18 & IMAX - 7329 SW Bridgeport Rd, Tigard regmovies.com Clinton Street Theater - cstpdx.com Moreland Theater - morelandtheater.com Valley Cinema Pub - valleycinemapub.com

MUSIC INSTRUCTION Portland Music School

Portland Music School offers group keyboard classes for children (ages 6 +), teens and adults. At Portland Music School we believe everyone is musical and learning in a group is so much fun we can’t wipe the smiles off our faces. Each age-appropriate course teaches reading, theory and technique. Students will work on ensemble pieces played together and solo repertoire. 4848 SW Scholls Ferry Rd Portland, OR 97225 971-777-0320 office@pdxmusicschool.com pdxmusicschool.com See ad on page 48

Bennett Suzuki Violin Studio

Age 2 and up. Suzuki Method private, group, sibling and parent/child violin lessons. Learn

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January 2020

by listening with a gradual transition to note reading. Warm and nurturing environment. 8628 SW 50th Ave Portland, OR 97219 503-246-9945 edieviolin@aol.com ediebennett.com See ad on page 57

Artichoke Community Music: artichokemusic.org Beacock Music: beacockmusic.com Community Music Center: communitymusiccenter.org Concert School of Music: musicmanstudio.com Ethos Music Center: ethos.org

PERFORMING ARTS COMPANY 2019 PARENT PICKS Imago Theatre - 17 SE 8th Ave Northwest Children’s Theater and School - 1819 NW Everett St Oregon Ballet Theatre 0720 SW Bancroft St Oregon Children’s Theatre 1939 NE Sandy Bl Oregon Symphony - Performances at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall

Mindful Musicians: mindfulmusicians.com Music Seeds:musicseeds.com Oregon Music Academy oregonmusicacademy.com Oregon Music Teachers Assn: omta-portland.org Portland Piano Lab: portlandpianolab.com Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp for Girls: girlsrockcamp.org Rose City Music Academy: rosecitymusicacademy.com Sound Roots School of Music: soundrootsmusic.com Southwest Music School: swmusicschool.org

MUSIC PERFORMANCES Bravo Concerts Northwest: bravoconcerts.com Chamber Music Northwest: cmnw.org Junior Symphony of Vancouver: oregonchamberplayers.org Metropolitan Youth Symphony: playmys.org Oregon Repertory Singers: orsingers.org Ovation!: \ portlandchoirs.org Pacific Youth Choir: pacificyouthchoir.org Portland Baroque Orchestra: pbo.org Portland Boychoir: portlandchoirs.org Portland Columbia Symphony Orchestra: columbiasymphony.org Portland Opera: portlandopera.org Portland Taiko: portlandtaiko.org Portland Youth Philharmonic: portlandyouthphil.org Vancouver Symphony Orchestra: vancouversymphony.org

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Portland Metro Area 503-714-6339 info@partyanimalsnw.com partyanimalsnw.com CeramiCafe Art Lounge - ceramicafenw.com Jim Parsley Community Center vansd.org/jpc Metro Gymnastics Center metrogymnastics.com The Monkey King Playhouse monkeykingplayhouse.com Pottery Fun - potteryfunpdx.com

BIRTHDAYS

Lake Oswego Music Academy: lomusicacademy.com Melodyway Music Center: melodyway.com

birthdays and events. Check out our website or contact us for more information.

Rainbow Trout Farm - rainbowtroutfarm.com

KINDIE MUSICIANS/ PERFORMER Pietro’s Pizza

Pietro’s Pizza, a Northwest family favorite since 1957. Always featuring Pietro’s famous original thin crust pizza, fantastic salad bar and much more! We’re the perfect place for your next birthday party or family gathering. With arcades and prizes at every location plus Pirate Adventure Laser Tag and Mini-Golf at our Beaverton and Salem locations. Good Times and Great Pizza! 13281 SW Canyon Rd Beaverton, OR 97005 503-536-7600 corp@pietrosrestaurants.com pietrosrestaurants.com 10300 SE Main St Milwaukie, OR 97222 503-659-7770 milwaukie@pietrosrestaurants.com 1637 Hawthorne Ave NE Salem, OR 97301 503-364-0128 salem@pietrosrestaurants.com

2019 PARENT PICKS Mr. Ben Music Olive and Dingo Productions Red Yarn Productions Tallulah’s Daddy Rock N’ Roll Fairy Milwaukierocknrollfairy.com

Alexander, Master of Marvels: parlorofwonders.com Circus Cascadia: circuscascadia.com Dragon Theater Puppets & Princesses: dragontheater.com Party Animals NW: partyanimalsnw.com PegStilts.com: Peg Stilts for Kids and Adults - pegstilts.com Portland Princess Party: portlandprincessparty.com

Kelli Welli

See ad on page 49

North Clackamas Aquatic Park

Surf’s up at North Clackamas Aquatic Park! Catch a ride in Oregon’s largest indoor wave pool, zip down thrilling water slides and scale a 29-foot rock wall. This water park is perfect for birthday celebrations with plenty of party packages to choose from. 7300 SE Harmony Rd, Milwaukie, OR 97222 503-557-7873 aquaticpark@ncprd.com ncprd.com See ad on page 11

Party Animals NW

We bring our zoo to you! Party Animals NW offers interactive animal presentations for

2019 WINNER West Coast Songwriters International Song Contest - Children’s. Local Kindie artist Kelli Welli’s been called, “Hysterical and superbly talented” by fellow artists and parents often say, “I can actually listen over and over... and over... and still enjoy this music!” Come sing and dance and play along to music for kids and the people who love them. 503-476-5300 hello@kelliwelli.com, kelliwelli.com See ad on page 59

EDUCATION CHILDCARE/ DAYCARE / NANNIES Fruit & Flower Child Development Center at PCC Rock Creek

Enrolling now! Full-time and part-time care for PCC and non-PCC families. Ages 6 weeks through 5 years old. We are a playbased program with a focus on teacher/child relationships. 17705 NW Springville Rd Portland, OR 97229 971-722-6920 receptionist@fruitandflower.org fruitandflower.org

FOREIGN LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION The International School

For our children, a world of possibilities awaits. Since 1990, we’ve provided a unique blend of full language immersion, dynamic academics, and multicultural community. Chinese, Japanese, or Spanish. International Baccalaureate. 025 SW Sherman St, Portland, OR 97201 503-226-2496 x110 admissions@intlschool.org, intlschool.org See ad on page 44

PRESCHOOLS

A Brilliant Nanny LLC - abnanny.com Providence Wee Care Child Development Center - oregon.providence.org Spilt Milk Nannies - spiltmilknannies.com/

CLASSES/CAMPS Saturday Academy

Saturday Academy provides access to hands-on learning for diverse students in grades 2-12 in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) and the Arts. 5000 N Willamette Bl, Portland, OR 97203 503-200-5858 info@saturdayacademy.org saturdayacademy.org See ad on pa e 37

Portland Music School

Camp Blue Spruce - campbluespruce.org Little Engineers - little-engineers.com MetroArts Inc. - metroartsinc.org

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Agia Sophia Academy

Educating the whole child by providing a rich academic and arts curriculum, grounded in Orthodox Christian values, while fostering love of learning, personal responsibility and respect for each person. Montessori Program for ages 3-6 years. Full & Half Day Options. Accredited Elementary School. 14485 SW Walker Rd Beaverton, OR 97006 503-641-4600 info@asapdx.org, asapdx.org

AHSC Yu Miao Chinese Immersion Preschool

Students at AHSC Yu Miao Chinese Immersion Preschool embrace multiculturalism by learning Mandarin Chinese, cultures and customs. We spark interest by teaching children cultural dance, poetry, literature, music and more. 5239 SE Woodstock Bl, Portland, OR 97206 503-775-3767 yumiao@ahscpdx.org ahscpdx.org/yumiao.html See ad on page 59

The International School

Albina Head Start - albinahs.org Childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s View Montessori School childsview.net Horizon Christian Schools Preschool-8th - horizon-christian.org

Childswork Learning Center

Childswork is a nonprofit early childhood education center located in SE Portland. We offer child-centered, play-based, emergent, and developmentally appropriate learning environments that focus on the whole-child (social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development). We are inspired by Reggio Emilio programs. 4235 SE Salmon St, Portland, OR 97215 503-234-3611 info@childswork.org, childswork.org See ad on page 55

Guidepost Montessori at Beaverton

Guidepost Montessori is a new preschool for ages 6 weeks to 6 years old. At Guidepost, your child will enter a wonderful world of activities, tools, and learning materials designed to captivate and inspire. Early childhood is a brief moment in time when your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mind develops rapidly, and he establishes foundational character traits. Take advantage of this critical age! 9945 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy Beaverton, OR 97005 503-567-1844 beaverton@guidepostmontessori.com guidepostmontessori.com See ad on page 43

MSB

MSB is where curiosity comes alive and children love to learn! Come experience why MSB has been a leader in early childhood education for over 40 years. 11065 NW Crystal Creek Lane Portland, OR 97229 503-439-1597 info@msb.org, msb.org See ad on page 46

Sprout and Spark Preschool

A preschool inspired by the creative community of Reggio-Emilia, the organized structure of Montessori, and the wild abandon of Forest School. 3430 SW Palatine St, Portland, OR 97219 503-719-4365 sproutsparkschool@gmail.com sproutandspark.com

Lakeshore Montessori lakeshoremontessori.com

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Agia Sophia Academy

Bridges Middle School

Bridges is the only middle school in Oregon specifically designed for students with learning differences to reach their maximum potential--in a loving, nurturing atmosphere located in downtown Portland. Our small class settings for 5th8th graders incorporate individualized academics with social skills and support that set the foundation for success. Admission inquiries for the 2020/21 school year are open at BridgesMS.org. 2510 SW 1st Ave, Portland, OR 97201 503-688-2922 info@bridgesms.org, bridgesms.org See ad on page 57

A Renaissance School of Arts and Sciences At A Renaissance School, art, design, engineering, and the sciences are lively, natural contexts for the introduction, development, and application of skills. We offer rolling enrollment and small class sizes. 0234 SW Bancroft St, Portland, OR 97239 971-221-2311 info@renpdx.org, renpdx.org See ad on page 50

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January 2020

blend of full language immersion, dynamic academics, and multicultural community. Chinese, Japanese, or Spanish. International Baccalaureate.

St. Rose School

Situated in the heart of Northeast Portland, St. Rose School helps raise saints and scholars in a small community centered on Catholic faith and values. We provide a comprehensive education that includes art, music, Spanish, PE and much more, helping to form lifelong learners who respect others and serve their community. Grades offered: PK-8. 5309 NE Alameda St, Portland, OR 97213 503-281-1912 info@strosepdx.org, strosepdx.org See ad on page 46

Franciscan Montessori Earth School and St. Francis Academy The Franciscan Montessori Earth School offers a Remarkably Different education. Small class size, before/after care, curriculum including foreign language instruction, gardening and more. Situated on 10 acres in SE Portland. 14750 SE Clinton, Portland, OR 97236 503-760-8220 info@fmes.org, fmes.org See ad on page 44

French American International School

Portland’s longest-established language immersion school and only IB school for PS-8th grade. We develop global citizens, foster multi-language ability, shape active learners, and deliver academic excellence. 8500 NW Johnson St., Portland, OR 97229 503-292-7776 info@faispdx.org, faispdx.org

2860 SE Holgate Blvd, Portland, OR 97202 503-235-6551 info@tuckermaxon.org, tuckermaxon.org See ad on page 37

Cedarwood Waldorf School cedarwoodschool.org L’Etoile French Immersion School letoilefrenchschool.com Park Academy - parkacademy.org Thomas A. Edison High School edisonhs.org

TUTORING / EDUCATION SERVICES Multnomah Learning Academy - MLA K-8

MLA exists to serve the needs of students seeking to excel in academics and life. Students receive instructional experiences in academic areas with a focus on reaching personal learning styles. 22565 NE Halsey St, Fairview, OR 97024 503-405-7868 jlindenthal@mla.k12.or.us, mla.k12.or.us 3240 S Troutdale Rd, Troutdale, OR 97060 503-912-3900

Oregon Connections Academy oregonconnectionsacademy.com

The International School

For our children, a world of possibilities awaits. Since 1990, we’ve provided a unique pdxparent.com

Tucker Maxon is an independent preschool-5th grade school with a focus on academic excellence and social/ emotional intelligence. Children learn communication and critical thinking skills in 8:1 student-to-teacher average class sizes.

International Leadership Academy

See ad on page 27

Tucker Maxon School

See ad on page 31

14788 Boones Ferry Rd Lake Oswego, OR 97035 503-662-8452 contact@ilapdx.org, ilapdx.org

January 2020

See ad on page 44

See ad on page 39

Private Non Profit French Immersion Pre School - Elementary and Day Care. Enhanced After School Program, Summer Camps, Certified Teachers, Small Class Sizes, Lunch Program, Outdoor classrooms, Monthly Field Trips

025 SW Sherman St, Portland, OR 97201 503-226-2496 x110 admissions@intlschool.org, intlschool.org

Successful Learning Educational Services, LLC - successfullrng.com

FAMILY FUN ADVENTURE ATTRACTIONS 2019 PARENT PICKS Lumberyard Indoor Bike Park 2700 NE 82nd Ave Mt. Hood Adventure Park at Skibowl 87000 E Hwy 26, Government Camp skibowl.com

Skamania Lodge Zipline Tour & Aerial Park - 1131 Skamania Lodge Way, Stevenson, zipnskamania.com Tree to Tree Adventure Park 2975 SW Nelson, Gaston treetotreeadventurepark.com Willamette Jet Boat Excursions 1945 SE Water

Franz Bakery - franzbakery.com John’s Incredible Pizza - johnspizza.com Mt. Hood Community College Planetarium - mhcc.edu/planetarium/ Peculiarium - peculiarium.com Portland Underground Tours - shanghaitunnels.com Ultrazone Laser Tag - ultrazoneportland.com Urban Tour Group - urbantourgroup.org

AMUSEMENT PARKS, ARCADES, ATTRACTIONS 2019 PARENT PICKS Grand Central Bowl - 839 SE Morrison Ground Kontrol - 115 NW 5th Ave Pietro’s Pizza - 13281 SW Canyon Rd, Beaverton, pietrosrestaurants.com QuarterWorld Arcade 4811 SE Hawthorne Blvd; Wilsonville Family Fun Center/Bullwinkle’s Restaurant - 29111 SW Town Center Loop W, Wilsonville. fun-center.com

Mt. Hood Adventure Park at Skibowl

Mt. Hood Skibowl, known as America’s Largest Night Skiing Area. When the snow melts Skibowl’s Summer Adventure Park features over 20 attractions. 87000 E Hwy 26 Government Camp, OR 97028 503-222-2695 guestservices@go.skibowl.com, skibowl.com See ad on page 11

Oaks Amusement Park

Portland’s favorite place for family fun featuring rides, roller skating, go karts, mini golf, and midway games. Try our birthday party packages, skating classes, or rent a special event space. 7805 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland, OR 97202 503-233-5777 info@oakspark.com, oakspark.com See ad on page 17

Stronger Skatepark

Stronger Skatepark is a family friendly indoor skatepark in Milwaukie, Oregon offering open skate times, lessons, camps, birthday parties and more! 6102 SE King Rd, Milwaukie, OR 97222 503-850-4572 contact@strongerskatepark.com strongerskatepark.com See ad on page 19

Big Al’s Vancouver - ilovebigals.com Bob’s Red Mill Factory Tour bobsredmill.com

EVENTS & VOLUNTEERING Bricks Cascade Lego Expo

Feb 29th & March 1st at the Oregon Convention Center for Portland’s premier public LEGO event. See hundreds of creations and build your own in this two day public event. Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE MLK Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97232 503-989-8681 jeff@brickscascade.com, brickscascade.com

FARMS Triskelee Farm

Book an educational guided Farm Tour and experience farm life. Meet our alpacas, ostriches, goats, peacocks, pigs, ponies and more! You’ll even get a chance to feed some. Better yet make it a Tipsy Tour, we offer beer and wine. We also offer field trips, birthday party packages, event hosting and more! 29700 SW Mountain Rd West Linn, OR 97068 503-741-9930 Triskeleefarm@gmail.com, triskeleefarm.com Baggenstos Farm - baggenstosfarms.com Bella Organic Farm - bellaorganic.com Columbia Farms U-Pick columbiafarmsu-pick.com Corn Maize at the Pumpkin Patch portlandmaze.com Draper Girls Country Farm drapergirlscountryfarm.com Duyck’s Peachy-Pig Farm peachypigfarm.com Fazio Farms - faziofarms.com Fir Point Farms - firpointfarms.com Flower Farmer - flowerfarmer.com French Prairie Gardens - fpgardens.com Heiser Farms - heiserfarms.com Hillside Blueberries hillsideblueberries.com Hood River Organic UPick hoodriverupickcherries.com Kruger’s Farm Market krugersfarmmarket.com Lee Farms - leefarmsoregon.com Moonridge Farms - moonridgefarms.com Olson Farms - olson-farms.com

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January 2020

Plumper Pumpkin Patch and Tree Farm plumperpumpkins.com Rowell Bros. Berry Farm - rowellbros.com Sauvie Island Farms sauvieislandfarms.com Smith Berry Barn - smithberrybarn.com Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm woodenshoe.com Zenger Farm - zengerfarm.org

FOUNTAINS AND SPLASH PADS 53rd Avenue Community Park hillsboro-oregon.gov Blue Lake Regional Park oregonmetro.gov Cannery Square Park sherwoodoregon.gov Children’s Fountain - greshamoregon.gov City Park Fountain - beavertonoregon.gov

Willamette Park - westlinnoregon.gov Woodlawn Park - portlandonline.com

HISTORIC AND LIVING HISTORY SITES Fort Vancouver National Historic Site nps.gov Hoover-Minthorn House newbergoregon.gov Jenkins Estate - thprd.org McLoughlin House / Memorial Association - mcloughlinhouse.org Northwest Civil War Council - nwcwc.net Old Aurora Colony Museum auroracolony.org Old McDonald’s Farm, Inc. oldmcdonaldsfarm.org Peter’s Walking Tours - walkportland.com Phillip Foster Farm National Historic Site - philipfosterfarm.com

Columbia Park - portlandonline.com

Pittock Mansion - pittockmansion.com

Conestoga Recreation Center - thprd.org

Pomeroy Living History Farm pomeroyfarm.org

Dawson Park - portlandoregon.gov Director Park - portlandoregon.gov Earl Boyles Park - portlandonline.com Elizabeth Caruthers Park portlandoregon.gov Essex Park - portlandonline.com Esther Short Park - cityofvancouver.us Farragut Park - portlandonline.com Grant Park - portlandoregon.gov Hammerle Park - westlinnoregon.gov Happy Valley Park - happyvalleyor.gov Holladay Park - portlandoregon.gov Irving Park - portlandonline.com Jamison Square - portlandoregon.gov Kenton Park - portlandoregon.gov Magnolia Park - hillsboro-oregon.gov Marylhurst Heights Park westlinnoregon.gov

Stevens-Crawford Heritage House clackamashistory.org

I NDOOR PARKS AND PLAY GROUPS

Camas-Washougal Indoor Play Park facebook.com/CamasPlayPark/ Firstenburg Community Center cityofvancouver.us Friendly House - friendlyhouseinc.org Healthy Families Oregon of Clackamas County - healthyfamiliescc.org Jenni and Tommy’s Kids Unplugged jenniandtommyskidsunplugged.com Noah’s Ark Indoor Play Park 1stpresvanc.org

Max Patterson Memorial Park ci.gladstone.or.us

Northeast Indoor Park - facebook.com

McCoy Park - portlandonline.com

Open Arms Play Group (Vancouver) nwdsa.org

Millennium Plaza Park - ci.oswego.or.us Northgate Park - portlandoregon.gov Pier Park - portlandonline.com Raymond Park - portlandonline.com

Open Arms Play Group - nwdsa.org

Oregon City Pool Community Room orcity.org Southeast Indoor Park - playinside.org

Rivercrest Park - orcity.org Robinwood Park - westlinnoregon.gov Salmon Creek Park - clark.wa.gov Salmon Street Springs Waterfront Park portlandoregon.gov Snyder Park - sherwoodoregon.gov Stark Street Island Park portlandonline.com Tanner Creek Park - westlinnoregon.gov Timberland Park - thprd.org

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2019 PARENT PICKS North Clackamas Aquatic Park - 7300 SE Harmony Rd, Milwaukie, ncprd.com Playdate PDX - 1434 NW 17th Ave Portland Children’s Museum 4015 SW Canyon Rd

Town Center Park wilsonvilleparksandrec.com

Pump It Up - 9665 SW Allen Bl Ste 110,

Tualatin Commons - tualatinoregon.gov

The Wiggle Room -

Walnut Street Park - hillsboro-oregon.gov

INDOOR PLAY SPACE

Beaverton, pumpitupparty.com 1925 NE 42nd Ave Ste C

MUSEUMS AND LIBRARIES Historic Belmont Firehouse

The Belmont Firehouse is the ultimate safety education destination in the metro area. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s open every 2nd Saturday of the month, and every Wednesday is Open House from 9 am 3 pm. Tours available upon request. 900 SE 35th Ave, Portland, OR 97214 503-823-3741 kim.kosmas@portlandoregon.gov friendsofportlandfire.org See ad on page 42

Oregon Historical Society

Discover Oregonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s past with interactive exhibits and free quarterly family days! Admission is free every day for members and Multnomah County residents. 1200 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97205 503-222-1741 orhist@ohs.org, ohs.org See ad on page 59

Clackamas County Library clackamas.us/lib/ End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center - historicoregoncity.org Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum evergreenmuseum.org Fort Vancouver Regional Library District - fvrl.org Haggart Astronomical Observatory clackamas.edu The Lincoln Street Kayak & Canoe Museum - traditionalkayaks.com Mercy Corps Action Center mercycorps.org Multnomah County Library - multcolib.org Museum of the Oregon Territory clackamashistory.org Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education - ojmche.org Oregon Maritime Museum - oregonmaritimemuseum.org Oregon Rail Heritage Center - orhf.org Pacific Northwest College of Art pnca.edu Portland Institute of Contemporary Art - pica.org Portland Police Historical Museum portlandpolicemuseum.com Portland Puppet Museum puppetmuseum.com Rice Northwestern Museum of Rocks and Minerals - ricenorthwestmuseum.org Rose City Astronomers rosecityastronomers.org Washington County Library - wccls.org Wells Fargo History Museum wellsfargohistory.com World Forestry Center Discovery Museum - worldforestry.org World of Speed Motorsports Museum worldofspeed.org pdxparent.com

January 2020

MUSEUMS / FAMILY MEMBERSHIPS 2019 PARENT PICKS Oregon Zoo - 4001 SW Canyon Rd Portland Art Museum - 1219 SW Park Ave Portland Children’s Museum 4015 SW Canyon Rd Portland Japanese Garden 611 SW Kingston Ave; Rice Northwestern Museum of Rocks and Minerals - 26385 NW Groveland, Hillsboro, ricenorthwestmuseum.org

NATURE PLAY AREAS Blue Lake Regional Park oregonmetro.gov Broughton Beach - oregonmetro.gov Camille Park - thprd.org Canemah Bluff Nature Park oregonmetro.gov Cooper Mountain Nature Park - thprd.org Engleman Park wilsonvilleparksandrec.com Howell Territorial Park - oregonmetro.gov Hyland Woods Natural Area - thprd.org Ibach Park - tualatinoregon.gov Jorgenson Woods Neighborhood Park clark.wa.gov Jurgens Park - tualatinoregon.gov Mason Hill Park - oregonmetro.gov Mount Talbert Nature Park oregonmetro.gov Nadaka Nature Park - friendsofnadaka.org Oxbow Regional Park - oregonmetro.gov Pioneer Park - thprd.org Pioneer Park Natural Play Area ncprd.com Roger Tilbury Memorial Park - thprd.org Scouters Mountain Nature Park oregonmetro.gov Silver Falls State Park oregonstateparks.org Spring Garden Park - portlandoregon.gov Trillium Creek Park - ncprd.com

POOLS, WATERPARKS AND SWIMMING HOLES North Clackamas Aquatic Park North Clackamas Aquatic Park is the perfect destination for affordable entertainment and water-focused education. Dive into fun with Oregon’s largest wave pool, a toddler splash zone, diving and lap pools, water slides and a 29-foot rock wall. 7300 SE Harmony Rd, Milwaukie, OR 97222 503-557-7873 aquaticpark@ncprd.com, ncprd.com See ad on page 11

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Creston Outdoor Pool portlandonline.com Montavilla Community Center portlandonline.com Sellwood Outdoor Pool portlandonline.com Aloha Swim Center - thprd.org Beaverton Swim Center - thprd.org Blue Lake Regional Park oregonmetro.gov Columbia Indoor Pool portlandoregon.gov Dodge Park - portlandoregon.gov East Portland Community Center & Indoor Pool - portlandonline.com Firstenburg Community Center cityofvancouver.us Frenchman’s Bar Park - clark.wa.gov Glen Otto Community Park ci.troutdale.or.us Harman Swim Center - thprd.org Jim Parsley Community Center vansd.org/jpc Matt Dishman Community Center & Indoor Pool - portlandonline.com Mt. Hood Aquatic Center - mhcc.edu Mt. Scott Community Center & Indoor Pool - portlandonline.com Oregon City Swimming Pool - orcity.org Pier Outdoor Pool - portlandonline.com Raleigh Swim Center - thprd.org Salmon Creek Park - clark.wa.gov Shute Park Aquatic & Recreation Center - hillsboro-oregon.gov Somerset West Swim Center - thprd.org Sunset Swim Center - thprd.org Tigard Swim Center - ttadpools.com Tualatin Hills Aquatic Center - thprd.org Tualatin Swim Center - ttadpools.com Vancouver Lake Park - clark.wa.gov Wilson Outdoor Pool - portlandonline.com Wings & Waves Waterpark - wingsandwaveswaterpark.com

ZOOS, WILDLIFE AND ANIMAL EXHIBITS The Audubon Society of Portland audubonportland.org Blue Lake Regional Park oregonmetro.gov Camassia Nature Preserve westlinnoregon.gov Columbia River Renaissance Trail cityofvancouver.us Cooper Mountain Nature Park - thprd.org Elk Rock Island - milwaukieoregon.gov/ parkssustainability/elk-rock-island Graham Oaks Nature Park oregonmetro.gov Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve jacksonbottom.org Kelley Point Park - portlandoregon.gov Magness Memorial Tree Farm worldforestry.org

Marquam Nature Park - fmnp.org

Salvador Molly’s - salvadormollys.com

Powell Butte Nature Park portlandoregon.gov

Stacatto Gelato - staccatogelato.com

Sauvie Island Wildlife Management Area - dfw.state.or.us

Sweets Etc. - sweetsetc.com

Smith & Bybee Lakes Wetlands Natural Area - oregonmetro.gov

Yakuza Lounge - yakuzalounge.com

Tualatin Hills Nature Park Interpretive Center - thprd.org Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge fws.gov/tualatinriver Whitaker Ponds Natural Area portlandoregon.gov Wildwood Recreation Site - recreation.gov

Sugar Cubed Cakes - sugarcubedcc.com Vita Cafe - vita-cafe.com

PIZZA 2019 PARENT PICKS Mississippi Pizza Pub 3552 N Mississippi Ave Pietro’s Pizza - 13281 SW Canyon Rd, Beavertonpietrosrestaurants.com Pizza Schmizza -

FOOD & DRINK KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT 2019 PARENT PICKS Hopworks Urban Brewery 2944 SE Powell Jam on Hawthorne - 2239 SE Hawthorne Laughing Planet Cafe - SW Jefferson: 1755 SW Jefferson St Laurelwood Public House and Brewery 5115 NE Sandy Bl Slappy Cakes - 4246 SE Belmont St

NEIGHBORHOOD FAVORITES Beaches - beachesrestaurantandbar.com Bell Tower Coffee at Taborspace taborspace.org Bob’s Red Mill Natural Foods, Inc. bobsredmill.com Boke Bowl - bokebowl.com Burgerville - burgerville.com Dizzy Castle - dizzycastle.com Hopworks Bike Bar - hopworksbeer.com iCandy - facebook.com

Pizzicato Pizza - 1630 SE Bybee Sizzle Pie - 624 E Burnside St

TREATS Blue Star Donuts 3549 SE Hawthorne Blvd Cloud City Ice Cream 4525 SE Woodstock Bl Fifty Licks Ice Cream - 2021 SE Clinton St Pips Original Doughnuts & Chai 4759 NE Fremont St Ruby Jewel - 3713 N Mississippi St Voodoo Doughnut - 1501 NE Davis St

HEALTH & WELLNESS ADULT / YOUTH FITNESS Firstenburg Community Center cityofvancouver.us Northwest Women’s Fitness Club nwwomensfitness.com Stafford Hills Club - staffordhills.com YMCA of Columbia-Willamette - ymcacw.org

Joe’s Crab Shack - joescrabshack.com John’s Incredible Pizza - johnspizza.com Lake Oswego Ice Creamery and Restaurant lakeoswegoicecreameryandrestaurant.com Las Primas - lasprimaskitchen.com Laurelhurst Cafe - laurelhurstcafe.com Miss Zumpstein Bakery & Coffee Shop misszumstein.com Mississippi Pizza Pub mississippipizza.com Moonstruck Chocolate Co. moonstruckchocolate.com Munchkin Playland munchkinplayland.com Old Spaghetti Factory - osf.com Papa’s Pizza - papaspizza.net

COUNTY HEALTHY START PROGRAMS Clark County SELF (Support for Early Learning & Families) - selfwa.org Healthy Families Oregon of Clackamas County - healthyfamiliescc.org Multnomah County Early Childhood Services - ddouglas.k12.or.us Washington County Healthy Start co.washington.or.us

DENTIST FOR KIDS 2019 PARENT PICKS

Pastini Pastaria - pastini.com

Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry -

Porque No? - porquenotacos.com

8708 SE 17th Ave pdxparent.com

January 2020

Sprout Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics - 1401 SE Morrison St Ste 120 World of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry 1790 SW Barnes Rd Ste 280 Dr. Pike Dentistry for Children 5440 SW Westgate Dr. Ste 380 Fox Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics 511 SW 10th Ave Suite 810

DENTISTS AND ORTHODONTISTS

Woodstock Wellness Center 4629 SE Woodstock Blvd Yoga Playgrounds - Greater Portland, yogaplaygrounds.com Yoga Shala of Portland 3808 N Williams Ave YoYoYogi - 1306 NW Hoyt St Ste 101 The Bhaktishop Yoga Center 2500 SE 26th Ave

MAMA / BABY FITNESS /SPA Baby Boot Camp - 1145 NW Jericho Rd Barre3 - 2523 SE 22nd Ave Fit4Mom - 17763 Mardee Avenue, Lake Oswegofit4mom.com Hike it Baby - 7046 N Mobile Ave

World of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry

World of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry has been making the greater Portland and Beaverton community smile since 2008. Dr. Michelle Stafford and her team are committed to inspiring children through a uniquely positive dental experience by creating an atmosphere of imagination, travel and adventure. Now serving kids, teens, and the young at heart! 11790 SW Barnes Rd Ste 280 Portland, OR 97225 503-626-9700 info@visitworldofsmiles.com visitworldofsmiles.com

Zenana Center for Wellbeing 2024 SE Clinton St

OPTOMETRIST Alberta Eye Care - 2021 NE Alberta St; Child Eye Care Associates - 9735 SW Shady Ln Ste 203, Tigardchildeyecare.net EyeHealth Northwest 10819 SE Stark #200; Hawthorne Vision Center 4704 SE Hawthorne Blvd OHSU Casey Eye Institute 3375 SW Terwilliger Blvd; Myoptic Optometry - 8046 SE 13th Ave

PEDIATRICIAN

Behind the Smile Dentistry for Children behindthesmile.com

Broadway Medical Clinic 4212 NE Broadway St

Great Grins for Kids - greatgrins.net

Metropolitan Pediatrics, LLC - 25050 SE Stark St Ste 300, Gresham metropediatrics.com

Must Love Kids Pediatric Dentistry mustlovekids.com Providence Specialty Pediatric Dental Clinic - providenceoregon.org The Shoe Box Pediatric Dentistry shoeboxpediatricdentistry.com Under the Sea Dentistry for Children undertheseakidsdentist.com Vancouver Pediatric Dentistry -

OHSU - 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd Pediatric Associates of the Northwest 2701 NW Vaughn St Ste 360; Sellwood Medical Clinic 8332 & 8333 SE 13th Ave Pacific Crest Children’s Urgent Care 6924 NE Sandy Blvd

vancouverpediatricdentistry.com Young Kidz Dental - youngkidzdental.com

FERTILITY AND SURROGACY Heart to Hands Surrogacy hearttohandssurrogacy.com

KID-FRIENDLY YOGA 2019 PARENT PICKS Roseway Yoga & Movement 6529 NE Sandy Blvd

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PEDIATRICS/HEALTH/ FAMILY MEDICINE Brave Care

Brave Care is an urgent care for children. We create a comfortable environment for little ones, and reduce the stress and cost of emergency medicine on parents. 6924 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97213 (503) 963-7963 hello@bravecare.com, www.bravecare.com See ad on page 60

Adventist Medical Center adventisthealth.org Evergreen Pediatric Clinic evergreenpediatrics.com OHSU Center for Women’s Health ohsuwomenshealth.com Oregon City Pediatrics - ocpeds.com Vilhauer Rosenberg Pediatrics vrpediatrics.com Westside Pediatric Clinic westsidepediatrics.com

PHYSICAL / OCCUPATIONAL/ SPEECH THERAPISTS 2019 PARENT PICKS Gather and Grow PDX - In home services provided throughout greater Portland Groundplay Therapy Works 5220 NE Sacramento St The Hello Clinic 10300 SW Greenburg Rd Ste 410 Sensory Kids LLC - 1425 N Killingsworth St Therapy Solutions for Kids 5200 SW Macadam Ave Ste 100

LESSONS & CAMPS AFTER-SCHOOL CLASS Mad Science of Portland and Vancouver 1522 N Ainsworth Northwest Children’s Theater and School - 1819 NW Everett St Oregon Children’s Theatre 1939 NE Sandy Bl Portland Early Learning Project - Various locations throughout Portland Metro, portlandearlylearning.com Saturday Academy - 5000 N Willamette Bl; Trackers Earth Portland 4617 SE Milwaukie Ave

DANCE CLASS BodyVox Dance - 1201 NW 17th Ave Dance With Joy Studios - 7981 SE 17th Ave NW Dance Project - 211 NE 10th Ave Oregon Ballet Theatre - 0720 SW Bancroft St The Portland Ballet - 6250 SW Capitol Hwy Westside Dance & Gymnastics Academy - 11632 SW Pacific Hwy, Tigard westsideacademy.com

DAY CAMPS Camp Tilikum - camptilikum.org Catlin Gabel School - catlin.edu Girls Build - girlsbuildpdx.org

Junior Achievement of Oregon and SW Washington - jaorswwa.org Trinity Lutheran Christian School trinityportland.org

GYMNASTICS CLASSES 2019 PARENT PICKS The Circus Project 1420 NW 17th Ave Ste 388 Echo Theater Company - 1515 SE 37th Ave Forge Parkour - 311 SE 97th Ave The Playground Gym - 505 NE Grand Ave Westside Dance & Gymnastics Academy 11632 SW Pacific Hwy, Tigard westsideacademy.com

INDOOR ROCK CLIMBING North Clackamas Aquatic Park Steel Mountain is the North Clackamas Aquatic Park’s 29-foot rock wall. The wall offers three different routes, each route varies in its degree of difficulty. Open during Big Surf! swim hours. 7300 SE Harmony Rd, Milwaukie, OR 97222 503-557-7873 aquaticpark@ncprd.com, ncprd.com See ad on page 11

REI - rei.com

ROCK CLIMBING GYM 2019 PARENT PICKS Club Sport - 18120 SW Lower Boones Ferry Rd, Tigard, clubsports.com Planet Granite - 1405 NW 14th Ave; Portland Rock Gym - 21 NE 12th Ave; Source Climbing Center - 1118 Main St, Vancouver, sourceclimbing.com Stoneworks Climbing Gym - 6775 SW 111th Ave, Beaverton, belay.com

SPORTS CLASS

Oregon Zoo - 4001 SW Canyon Rd Portland Parks & Recreation 1050 SW 6th Ave, Suite 22000 Camp Namanu - 10300 SE Camp Namanu Rd, Sandycampnamanu.org Trackers Earth Portland 4617 SE Milwaukie Ave

SWIM INSTRUCTION Children of the Sea Swim School DolFUN SWIM Academy 12029 NE Ainsworth Circle Farber Swim School - 9470 SW Beaverton Hills Hwy, Beaverton, farberswimschool.com Portland Parks & Recreation 1050 SW 6th Ave, Suite 22000 Swimbabes - 10552 SE 52nd Ave, Milwaukie swimbabes.com Oxford Swim Academy 7588 Delaware Ln Vancouver oxfordswimacademy.wordpress.com

PARENTING HELP COMMUNITY RESOURCES & REFERRAL SERVICES Lori A. Bonnvier LCSW LLC

Child Custody and Parenting Time Evaluations, Consultation Services, and a Newly Authored Book: Crush Your Ex: “Do’s and Don’ts For Coming Out On Top During a Child Custody Evaluation.” 7150 SW Hampton St STE 240 Portland, OR 97223 503-768-9127 lbonnevier@childfocused.net childfocused.net See ad on page 45

211info - 211info.org Human Solutions - humansolutions.org Mother and Child Education Center momchildpdx.org Oregon Helps! - oregonhelps.org

Portland Lil’ Kickers - 418 SE Main St; Portland Parks & Recreation 1050 SW 6th Ave, Suite 22000 Rose City Futsal - 5010 NE Oregon St Soccer Shots - 2705 SE Ash Unit 1 Tualatin Hills Parks & Recreation District North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District

SUMMER & WINTER CAMPS The Children’s Gym - 1625 NE Sandy Bl OMSI - Oregon Museum of Science & Industry - 1945 SE Water Ave;

FAMILY LAW, WILLS & ESTATE PLANNING Gevurtz Menashe Family Law Gevurtz Menashe was founded on families and continues to provide solutions and support through life’s biggest transitions. 115 NW 1st Ave #400 Portland, OR 97209 503-227-1515 info@gevurtzmenashe.com gevurtzmenashe.com 408 W 9th St, Vancouver, WA 98660 See ad on page 50

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Aiston Law, LLC - aistonlaw.com Fitzwater Law, LLP - fitzwaterlaw.com Gearing, Rackner & McGrath, LLP grmfamilylaw.com Kohlhoff & Welch, Attorneys at Law, A Mother Daughter Partnership northportlandattorney.com Laidlaw & Laidlaw, Attorneys at Law laidlawandlaidlaw.com Pekelder Family Law, PC - pekelderlaw.com

Oregon Environmental Council oeconline.org Oregon Impact - oregonimpact.org Oregon Screening Project osp.uoregon.edu Parent Support Center PDX parentsupportcenter.org Portland Community College - pcc.edu Tuality Health Education Center tuality.org

Penoyer Law - penoyerlaw.com Trainor Law LLP - trainorlawpc.com Wyse Kadish LLP - wysekadish.com

PARENT SUPPORT GROUPS Attachment Parenting of Portland attachmentparenting.org Baby Blues Connection babybluesconnection.org Clackamas Parenting Together clackamasparenting.com Families with Children From China fcc-oregon.org Impact NW - impactnw.org La Leche League of Oregon lalecheleagueoregon.webs.com Lake Oswego Mother’s Club - lomoms.com MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) mops.org Neighborhood House - nhpdx.org New Father’s Meetup/Workshop samstevensmft.com Nursing Mothers Counsel nursingmotherscounsel.org Parents Anonymous of Oregon morrisonkids.org Tuality Health Education Center tuality.org Washington County Breastfeeding Circles - co.washington.or.us

PARENTING CLASS ES AND INFORMATION Adventist Medical Center adventisthealth.org The Black Parent Initiative - thebpi.org Community Energy Project communityenergyproject.org Friendly House - friendlyhouseinc.org George Fox University Parent Advice Line - georgefox.edu Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization - irco.org Impact NW - impactnw.org Metropolitan Family Services metfamily.org My Child’s Future - mychildsfuture.org

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UCP Disability Services - ucporegon.org

PREGNANCY & BABY HOSPITALS AND BIRTH CENTERS 2019 PARENT PICKS

PARENTS’ NIGHTS OUT

Legacy Health -

Oregon Gymnastics Academy ogagym.org

PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center 400 NE Mother Joseph Place, Vancouver. peacehealth.org

Precision Elite Gymnastics & Dance precisionelitegymnastics.com Rose City Gym - usagym.club YMCA of Columbia-Willamette ymcacw.org

RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES WITH SPECIAL NEEDS Gevurtz Menashe Family Law Gevurtz Menashe was founded on families and continues to provide solutions and support through life’s biggest transitions. 115 NW 1st Ave #400, Portland, OR 97209 503-227-1515 info@gevurtzmenashe.com gevurtzmenashe.com 408 W 9th St, Vancouver, WA 98660 See ad on page 50

Albertina Kerr Hearing Services albertinakerr.org The Arc Oregon - thearcoregon.org CHADD - Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder - chadd.org Children’s Developmental Health Services (Albertina Kerr) - albertinakerr.org Decoding Dyslexia Oregon decodingdyslexiaor.org Disability Rights Oregon - droregon.org The Dougy Center for Grieving Children and Families - dougy.org Down Syndrome Network of Oregon dsno.org FACT Oregon - factoregon.org HELP Elevate Learning Processing, Inc. (HELP) - helpadd.org Me, Too Grief Support Groups oregonhospice.org Oregon Family Support Network - ofsn.org Portland Aspergers Network pdxaspergers.org

OHSU - 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd;

Providence Health System Women’s Healthcare Associates 7650 SW Beveland Street, Suite 200;

LACTATION/MIDWIVES/ DOULAS Alma Midwifery - 1608 SE Ankeny Bridgetown Baby Luna Lactation & Wellness 1906 NW 15th Ave OHSU - 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd Portland Doula Love - 5433 NE 30th Ave Providence St Vincents Lactation Store 9155 SW Barnes Road, #730

SHOPPING & SERVICES BIKE STORE/REPAIR Bike Gallery - 1001 SW 10th Ave Bikes for Humanity PDX - 3366 SE Powell Community Cycling Center 1700 NE Alberta Street River City Bicycles - 706 SE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Sellwood Cycle Repair - 7953 SE 13th Ave Clever Cycles - 900 SE Hawthorne Blvd

BOOK STORE A Children’s Place Bookstore 1423 NE Fremont Annie Bloom’s Books 7834 SW Capitol Hwy Green Bean Books - 1600 NE Alberta St Maggie Mae’s Kids Bookshop - 43 NW 3rd St., Gresham, maggiemaesbooks.com

Northwest Family Services - nwfs.org

RISE Services Inc - riseservicesinc.org

Mudpuddles Toys & Books - 16420 SW Langer Dr, Sherwood, mudpuddlestoys.com

OHSU Center for Women’s Health ohsuwomenshealth.com

Swindells Resource Center providenceoregon.org

Powell’s City of Books 1005 W Burnside St

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COMIC BOOK SHOP 2019 PARENT PICKS

Bridge City Comics 3725 N Mississippi Ave Cosmic Monkey Comics 5335 NE Sandy Blvd Excalibur Books and Comics 2444 SE Hawthorne Blvd Things from Another World 2916 NE Broadway St Comic Cave PDX - 1924 N Kilpatrick St

Comic Cave PDX

Full-service comic shop with new comics every Wednesday! Great kid section and other fun stuff like back issues. Monthly kid classes with local artist teacher Lisa Rosalie Eisenberg (see website). 1924 N Kilpatrick St, Portland, OR 97217 503-484-5600 doug@comiccavepdx.com comiccavepdx.com See ad on page 52

CONSIGNMENT SHOP/ EVENT Beanstalk Children’s Resale 3527 NE 15th Ave Bella Stella Resale - 2751 NE Broadway St Hoot-N-Annie Children’s Boutique 6308 SW Capitol Hwy

Pass It On Sales - 18000 NW Evergreen Pkwy, Hillsboropassitonsales.com Piccolina Children’s Resale Boutique 2700 SE 26th Ave Super Kids Resale - 10546 SE Washington St

Beanstalk Children’s Resale

Grow and shop sustainably with Beanstalk. Your neighborhood resale store is brimming with options for your family, sizes preemie to youth 14. A friendly, fun environment with consignment too! 3527 NE 15th Ave, Portland, OR 97212 503-477-7776 info@beanstalkpdx.com beanstalkpdx.com 8021 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97215 503-327-8506

We take the stress out of preparing your family for an earthquake. Portland-built 2-week earthquake kits that meet the recommendations of Oregon and Washington Emergency Managers. Woman-owned business. Portland, OR / 503-894-5100 info@cascadiaquakekits.com cascadiaquakekits.com

FAMILY SERVICES Yellow Dog Legal

Yellow Dog Legal is your best friend in Estate Planning, Probate, Guardianships, Elder Law, Business Law, and Trademarks. Portland, OR / 971-350-8516 yellowdoglegal@gmail.com yellowdoglegal.com See ad on page 51

GROCERY STORE 2019 PARENT PICKS Fred Meyer New Seasons Market Multiple locations throughout Portland, newseasonsmarket.com Trader Joe’s Portland SE 4715 SE Cesar Chavez Blvd; Whole Foods Market WinCo Foods - 3025 SW Cedar Hills Blvd, Beaverton wincofoods.com

Alberta Co-op Grocery albertagrocery.coop Food Front Cooperative Grocery foodfront.coop Green Zebra Grocery greenzebragrocery.com Peoples Food Coop - peoples.coop

Sherrett Food Forest winslowfoodforest.com

Katelyn’s Closet - katelynsclosetpdx.com Once Upon a Child onceuponachildvancouverwa.com pdxparent.com

Cascadia Quake Kits

Baby Goods Consignment babygoodspdx.com

Denim & Frills Children’s Resale Boutique - denimandfrills.com

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Portland Farmers Market portlandfarmersmarket.org

Back on the Rack - shopbackontherack.com

January 2020

Tiny Hinys Consignments New & Resale tinyhinys.com

See ad on page 45

Baby to Baby Resale facebook.com/babytobabybeaverton/

Pipsqueak Resale Boutique pipsqueakresale.com

KIDS CLOTHING /SHOES Beanstalk Children’s Resale

Grow and shop sustainably with Beanstalk. Your neighborhood resale store is brimming with options for your family, sizes preemie

You can find us in the heart of downtown at 2510 SW 1st Avenue Portland, OR 97201 503-688-2922

to youth 14. A friendly, fun environment with consignment too! 3527 NE 15th Ave, Portland, OR 97212 503-477-7776 info@beanstalkpdx.com, beanstalkpdx.com 8021 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97215 503-327-8506 See ad on page 45

Polliwog - polliwogportland.com Presents of Mind - presentsofmind.tv

KIDS HAIR SALON 2019 PARENT PICKS Kid’s Castle Cuts - 6000 SE 41st Ave; Lil’ Snippers Hair Care 4 Kids 3000 SE 164th Ave Ste 103, Vancouver lilsnippers.com Pigtails & Crewcuts 2219 NW Allie Ave Ste 1430, Hillsboro pigtailsandcrewcuts.com Sit Still Kids - 70 N Mason St; Bishops Cuts/Color PengwynKids Haircuts pengwynkids.com

As one of the few schools in Oregon devoted to students with learning differences and the only one focused exclusively on middle school, Bridges offers its 5th through 8th grade students small class sizes, differentiated sma instruction, and a safe place to learn and grow. Admission inquiries for the 2020/21 school year are now being accepted online at BridgesMS.org. Space is limited. Preference given to 5th grade applicants.

LOCAL NEW KIDS CLOTHING 2019 PARENT PICKS EcoBaby Gear - 7980 SE Stark Grasshopper Store - 1816 NE Alberta St Hannah Andersson - 327 NW 10th Ave

TOY STORES 2019 PARENT PICKS Finnegan’s Toys & Gifts 820 SW Washington St

Tell us your favorite people, places and spaces!

RENT PI PA

S CK

Treehouse Children’s Boutique 3954 N Williams Ave

PD X

Posh Baby - 916 NW 10th Ave

VOTE 2020

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Hammer and Jacks - 6416 SE Foster Rd Kids at Heart Toys - 3 445 SE Hawthorne Bl Oodles 4 Kids - 7727 SE 13th Piccolo Mondo Toys 4768 NW Bethany Bl C-5 Thinker Toys - 7784 SW Capitol Hwy

Bricks & Minifigs - bricksandminifigs.com Cloud Cap Games - cloudcapgames.com Kazoodles Toys - kazoodlestoys.com Lakeshore Learning lakeshorelearning.com MudPuddles - mudpuddlestoys.com

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January 2020

Al’s Garden & Home

Al’s Kids’ Club offers fun, educational classes designed to nurture children’s awareness, confidence and connections to the natural world, and foster hands-on learning. Each class focuses on an educational theme with a related project for your child to make and take home. There is a small registration fee to cover the cost of materials. Registration is required. 16920 SW Roy Rogers Rd Sherwood, OR 97140 / 503-726-1162 gardening@als-gardencenter.com als-gardencenter.com 27755 SW Parkway Ave Wilsonville, OR 97070 / 503-855-3527 7505 SE Hogan Rd Gresham, OR 97080 / 503-491-0771 1220 N Pacific Hwy Woodburn, OR 97071 / 503-981-1245 See ad on page 54

SPORTS CHILDREN’S GYMS Gym-Nest - thegym-nest.com Gymboree Play and Music gymboreeclasses.com Gymstars - gymstarkids.com JJ Jump - jjjump.com Kids Club Fun and Fitness kidsclubfunandfitness.com Metro Gymnastics Center metrogymnastics.com Naydenov Gymnastics - ngymnastics.com Oregon Dream Teams oregondreamteams.com Oregon Gymnastics Academy - ogagym.org

1420 NW 17th Ave Ste 388 Portland, OR 97209 503-764-9174 frontdesk@thecircusproject.org thecircusproject.org See ad on page 50

pdxparent.com

designed just for girls. Our camps will give

Sky High Sports - por.skyhighsports.com

LESSONS / CAMPS / INSTRUCTION K-Lean’s Tennis @ Glendoveer Golf & Tennis

Glendoveer Golf & Tennis provides weekly group lessons, 2 hr, 4 hr, & all day summer camps for kids in tennis & golf. K-Lean’s Tennis with Kaleen Worley, USPTA professional, provides a passionate and FUN learning tennis environment while teaching fundamentals, strategy/ tactics, and match play for all ages and ability levels.

Girls Count provides hands-on math camps you the tools you need to succeed in math, all while having fun. All levels welcome! 5441 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97215 info@girlscountpdx.org, girlscountpdx.org See ad on page 36

PERFORMING/ VISUAL / CRAFT / ARTS Portland Center Stage at the Armory pcs.org School of Rock - portland.schoolofrock.com

SCIENCE / NATURE / OUTDOORS Avid4 Adventure

14015 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97230 503-253-7507 kworley@playglendoveer.com, k-leans.com

At Avid4 Adventure summer day camps for K-7th

See ad on page 37

graders, we get your kids off the

Children of the Sea Swim School Children of the Sea Swim School offers swim lessons starting at 4 months old and up to approximately age 10. Learn to swim today! Visit our website for more information. Portland, OR / 503-620-5970 swim@childrenofthesea.com childrenofthesea.com See ad on page 56

couch, away from screens and into the great outdoors. Using our time-tested curriculum, our experienced instructors empower kids to choose active, outdoor lifestyles through sports like biking, hiking, paddling and rock climbing. Camps run weekly from June-August. Learn more and sign up at www.avid4.com.

Northwest Fencing Center - nwfencing.org

The Circus Project offers a variety of circus classes for ages 2 through teens. Circus classes are highly physical and also exercise your creativity. Try trapeze, juggling, or aerial fabric!

Girls Count

The School of Oregon Ballet Theatre school.obt.org

Rose City Gym - usagym.club

The Circus Project

January 2020

Rigert Elite Gymnastics - rigertelite.com

Precision Elite Gymnastics & Dance precisionelitegymnastics.com

GYMNASTICS/DANCE

Jewart’s Gymnastics Northwest jewartsgymnasticsnw.com

Archers Afield - archersafield.com

Vancouver Elite Gymnastics Academy vegagym.com

LANGUAGES / ACADEMICS / SCIENCES

Aim High Academy of Martial Arts aimhighma.org

Lay-Ups Basketball - lay-ups.com

8825 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225 720-249-2412 andreas@avid4.com, avid4.com See ad on page 47

SUMMER CAMPS DAY CAMPS North Clackamas Aquatic Park

OMSI - Oregon Museum of Science & Industry Explore together with OMSI Summer Camp. From chemistry to coding, animation to pale-

North Clackamas Aquatic Park is the perfect destination for affordable entertainment and water-focused education. Dive into fun with Oregon’s largest wave pool, a toddler splash zone, diving and lap pools, water slides and a 29-foot rock wall.

ontology--fun, friends, and adventure await

7300 SE Harmony Rd, Milwaukie, OR 97222 503-557-7873 aquaticpark@ncprd.com, ncprd.com

503-797-4000

See ad on page 11

See ad on page 35

at OMSI’s 200+ summer camps and classes. Registration opens January 15, 2020. 1945 SE Water Ave Portland, OR 97214 info@omsi.edu omsi.edu

pdxparent.com

January 2020