One Done?
Why more families are having just one child, pg. 12
FEATURES
Onlies Aren’t Alone
More parents are choosing to have only one child. These Portland families spotlight why being “one and done” works for them.
By Beth Peters. Birthday Save or Splurge
Portland has no shortage of fun birthday party ideas and places, regardless of budget and your kiddo’s interest.
By Bethany Marcel.
buckets at local toy stores; why infant vaccine schedules are important; fun and functional postpartum panties; and what one new dad now notices when going out with baby. Family Supper
Visit the inner eastside’s newest food cart pod for tasty food, outdoor games and a rooftop with a view. By Denise Castañon.
While the weather may be cooling, the fun isn’t! Hit up a retro gaming expo, comic convention, train fest, the last Portland Sunday Parkways and more this month.
Sweet Memories
My 12-year-old daughter and I are alike in many ways. Neither one of us is a morning person. So when she wakes up groggy and grumpy I know what she’s going through. I made the same protests when my alarm woke me an hour before. This morning after I kissed her forehead, she reached her arms out for a hug (not typical morning behavior for her). As I held her close, I was immediately transported back to when she was an infant and we’d dozily snuggle in bed after her morning feeding. When you are in the trenches of new parenthood, imagining having to wake up your 12-year-old child is incomprehensible. You’re just trying to survive the day and never ever think you might just look back a little longingly at those sleepy mornings with a newborn.
Don’t worry, I’m not going to tell you to “enjoy every moment” with your new baby because they won’t be little forever. That’s such patronizing advice. And it’s hurtful for parents grappling with postpartum depression — and so dismissive of the new parent experience. Parenting is hard. Some moments feel like they might break you. But there are also moments of immeasurable joy. Instead take a mental snapshot. Try to lock that small, joyful moment with your tiny new human in your head and let that help sustain you through the long days and short years to come.
For some parents, those captured memories might be even more poignant because they don’t plan on having more children. Writer Beth Peters talks to local parents and examines the medical, financial and social reasons many families are choosing to be “one and done,” starting on page 12.
Another thing that might be hard to imagine when your new baby is calling all the shots: Throwing a birthday bash for a big kid. But that time will come and writer Bethany Marcel has some really excellent party ideas for all budgets. Check out the story on page 20.
And keep taking those mental snapshots — whether of your incredibly tiny baby or incredibly big 12-year-old. You’ll be glad you did.
Thanks to Kimberly Kimble of Rushes and Waves Photography for our lovely cover image. Kimble, a mother of three, started getting paid photography gigs as a teenager and officially started their business in 2017. They also work as a birth and postpartum doula supporting families through labor and delivery and during those first weeks home. See more of Kimble’s captivating work at rushesandwaves. com and on Instagram @rushesandwaves.
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Bookshelf: Welcome to the Family
One of the sweetest new traditions of welcoming your little is reading them stories. And thanks to Kim Tano and Madeline Shier, the children’s book buyers at Powell’s City of Books, we always have the scoop on the latest kid-approved reads. This month, here are four book picks about all the changes, big and small, a new baby brings. Look for these titles at the Burnside, Hawthorne or Cedar Hills Powell’s locations, or order online at powells.com.
The Days Are Long, The Years Are Short by
Aya Morton
Portland author Aya Morton showcases a typical day with young children: the morning routine, garden chores and lovely day at the beach. In the blink of an eye the years fly by and children grow so quickly. A sweet picture book with retro illustrations to share for ages 4 and up. $17.99.
Your Life on Earth a Record Book for New Humans by Oliver
Jeffers
New parents will love this baby journal based on Oliver Jeffers’ best-selling picture book, Here We Are. Your Life on Earth a Record Book for New Humans chronicles little and big milestones alongside Jeffers’ signature charming illustrations, which makes this a keepsake throughout their lives. $17.99.
King Baby by Kate Beaton King Baby has arrived, and he’s ready for the devotion of his adoring public — as long as they heed his demands. (Though they may have some trouble understanding them; his very clear “Bring me the thing!” is coming out as “Ehh bpp” for some reason.) This riff on the ways in which a new baby becomes the center and ruler of a family’s life is charming, sweet and sure to bring laughs for ages 4 and up. $18.99.
Cat’s First Baby by Natalie
Nelson
This board book (along with Dog’s First Baby) uses charming, collage-style art to highlight an all-too-often forgotten perspective on a new baby’s arrival: the family pet. Cat struggles to make sense of this strange new being — is it a kitten? No, there’s definitely no tail. A perfect gift for new parents with pets, and for humans ages 2 and up. $9.99.
We Recommend:
Birthday Buckets
Make gift-giving easier for party guests (and grandparents) with a birthday bucket from a local toy store. MudPuddles Toys & Books in Portland and Sherwood offers this service. Take your kids to the store to “shop” for their presents and the store will keep the list for gift givers. Pro tip: Even out-of-town family members can shop over the phone. Oodles Kids (now in a new location!) also offers this service. Visit mudpuddlestoys.com/service/about and oodleskids.com for more information.
— Denise Castañon
Q:
Ask Dr. Baynham: Infant Vaccines
Babies need a lot of vaccinations! I worry about giving my 2-month old several vaccines at once. Is it OK to postpone giving him some to space them out more?
A: This one is easy! No. But, to facilitate a meaningful discussion and an opportunity to educate, let’s discuss why the vaccine schedule is the way it is and some common pitfalls I see when parents choose to space out vaccines.
The Centers for Disease Control’s vaccination schedule is designed around two principles: risk of disease and the timing of the immune system response. The schedule provides the highest level of protection when an infant is most at risk of death or complications from the disease and when the immune system is ready to mount the best response to the vaccine. It’s why some vaccines have multiple doses and why they are spaced at specific intervals.
There is no data that alternative schedules are safer or even provide the same amount of protection as the recommended schedule.
Spacing out vaccines means the baby is going unprotected for longer periods of time when they are their most vulnerable. Even if they don’t die from a vaccine-preventable illness, there
are several other consequences including additional testing in an emergency room for a fever (including a spinal tap), IV antibiotics, and risk of lifelong morbidity including permanent brain damage. If the parents still want to delay vaccines, they plan to come in for one or two at a time with several additional appointments. And 99% of the time these appointments get off track, and at some point before kindergarten, parents ask me to “catch them all up for school” and end up giving four or five at once.
Lastly, we live in an area where many children are on alternate schedules or are unvaccinated, which means if one of these illnesses comes into our community, it will spread quickly. So the answer is no, it’s not OK from a medical perspective, but most pediatricians are willing to work with parents so that the baby gets some level of protection when it’s needed most.
Pediatrician, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatrics and mom of two, Allison Baynham, M.D., knows what it takes to raise healthy, resilient children. Come bond, share your struggles and team with her for great care at Metropolitan Pediatrics in Tigard.
Dad 101: Going Out With a Baby
I view the world differently now that I’m a dad. There are the standard things like finances and planning for my son’s future. These things are (mainly) within my control to manage. But I really didn’t think much about the impact on our social activities now that I have a family.
Earlier this year, before a wellness appointment for our son, my wife and I decided to go out for lunch. We found a place touting good burgers and brews near the pediatrician’s office. Excited to be out, we strolled in, only to immediately be asked to leave.
“Sorry, we don’t serve minors,” the bartender called out. I remember looking down at our freshly minted baby and thinking about how he can barely lift his head, let alone pound an IPA.
These are essentials — can my son go in? do they have a place to change his diaper? — that one year ago, I didn’t give a second thought, or even notice when I went out. With a baby in tow, I now gravitate toward events and establishments that welcome all my family, and provide the little things such as changing tables (starting at $149 online — hint hint restaurant owners), kids’ play areas and
small menu items that cater to their simple palate.
Luckily, Portland is a family-friendly place with an abundance of kid-friendly venues and activities. The built-in infrastructure makes it easier for us to take our little guy out of the house and enjoy life. And now we know, always check online to see if they allow minors.
Matt Tuohy is a first-time dad living with his wife, son and dog in NE Portland. Outside of spending time with family, Matt enjoys exploring the outdoors as a nature photographer. Follow along as he learns on the job.
GAIL PARK
Mom’s The Boss: Postpartum Support
One of the less glamorous parts of having a baby is the giant, awkward diaper-like underwear. But who says new parents have to give up fashion for function? Lisa Vominh thinks that postpartum garments can be both fun and supportive. In December 2023, Vominh, a mom of three, started Postpartum Panty Party.
“After giving birth, I realized there was a serious lack of comfortable, supportive and fun postpartum products,” she says. “I wanted to create something that not only addressed the physical needs of new moms but also brought a bit of joy and encouragement during such a transformative time.”
These postpartum panties, starting at $15, are in trendy colorways and are designed and printed locally. What sets them apart — in addition to the soft materials that provide support — are the fun sayings on the front or back, like “Joyful + Tired AF” and “Proud to Be a Badass Mama.”
“The sayings on our panties come from the trenches of motherhood,” says Vominh. “I would brainstorm ideas with my closest mom friends, we would talk and text each other funny one-liners and memes about motherhood. It was one of my favorite parts of creating my business.”
In addition to these seriously comfy undies, Postpartum Panty Party also sells peri bottles, and Vominh says she’s also working on new products like perineal cooling pads, belly bands and compression socks. Shop online at postpartumpantyparty.com. — Tiffany Hill
Give yourself a pat on the back parents and caregivers of Portland, your kids are among the nicest in the nation according to a survey from Solitaired, an online card game website. Solitaired surveyed Americans in the largest cities across the country and asked what rude behaviors they have witnessed by kids of all ages. Portland came in 4th place for the least rude kids; only the kids of Tucson, Ariz., San Diego, Calif., and Raleigh, N.C. surpassed small Portlanders in their manners. As for the kids who displayed the most rude behaviors such as cursing, talking back, ignoring people or disobeying rules — they reside in Memphis, Tenn.
Our Children’s House Program nurtures your child’s intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and social development through a beautifully prepared environment, experiential education, and cultivating a safe, respectful climate for independent choice.
• Small class size
• Pre-K to 8th grade
• Foreign language programs
• Earth experiences
• Before and after care
• 10 acres campus with extensive gardens
Onlies Aren’t
Only children often get a bad wrap. But more and more parents are choosing to be “one and done.” These Portland families highlight the positives of having one child.
BY
BETH PETERS
Many new parents will tell you that as soon as No. 1 arrives, the questions begin.
“Is this your first?”
“When will you try for another?”
“How many children do you have?”
The assumption, it seems, is that one isn’t good enough — or at least, it isn’t if you don’t want to permanently screw up your kid. But why? In a world where having any children is an increasingly challenging proposition, why is stopping at one still so taboo?
The answer, at least for some local families: It isn’t.
CHOOSING ONE
Rose Newberry's daughter, Lily, is 3 and it seems like all of the moms of Lily’s friends are pregnant again.
“This is really coming up with her friends, so I’m being very clear about [telling my daughter], ‘You’re an only child,’” says Newberry. “There’s just not a ton [in media] celebrating an only child, so I try to be very intentional that this is a valuable family type.”
Newberry, who lives in Hillsdale with her husband and Lily, focuses on the trio’s identity as a “triangle family.” “We do talk about, ‘What’s good about that?’” she says. “Every family is special. What’s special about being just like this?”
Having one child wasn’t necessarily the plan; Newberry had a health scare when Lily was 9 months old. “I think we would have defaulted to two, but that pause, it kind of made us really look at this and ask, ‘Oh are we going to default?’”
Jennifer Kotley of Gresham can relate. She and her husband waited until their son, Misha, was 2 before deciding if they were done. “We were finally getting out of that fog of newborn and infancy and into a time where we felt we could reflect back on
our experience a little bit better without being so exhausted,” she says.
When they did, they realized that for them, one was good. “I realized what I wanted was more of my child, not necessarily another child. And I can’t replicate my baby. He’s amazing, but he’s the only one I’m ever going to have of him. So it didn’t feel fair to bring another child into this world,” she says. “Of course, I’d love that child no matter what, but the reasoning behind that shouldn’t be to replicate another child.”
Of course, Kotley knows that not everyone gets to choose if they’re one and done. Sometimes people have one child because they can’t afford another or aren’t able to conceive again. Kotley experienced that reality in her own family as a kid. “My parents did not want me to be their only child; that was not their choice,” she says.
Growing up, Kotely says this reality wasn’t necessarily spoken aloud but she felt it — a situation she wants to avoid for Misha: “If we’re going to have more, we’re going to have more. If we’re not, we’re not and we’re going to be open about that so that that unfilling longing isn’t present.”
Alone
“A THREE-PERSON FAMILY IS STILL A FAMILY WORTH CELEBRATING, AND IF IT’S RIGHT FOR YOU, IT’S RIGHT FOR YOU.”
— PORTLAND PARENT ROSE NEWBERRY
“EVERY FIRST IS A LAST”
The decision to stick with one isn’t without challenge. Kotley’s sibling-in-law is child-free by choice and since Kotley is an only child, her son will never have siblings or cousins in the traditional sense.
She often thinks about how that might impact Misha in the future. “If something tragic were to happen in our family, the level of support may not be as high,” she says. Of course, she adds, having a biological sibling isn’t any guarantee of future support.
For Newberry, her thoughts of a second child often involve milestones she wasn’t able to celebrate when pregnant with Lily during the COVID-19 lockdown.
“No one saw me,” she says. “I never saw the face of the person who delivered Lily. My mother never saw me. … So I have some grief around that.”
But, at this moment, the benefits of having one child are too high to give up — both for Newberry and her daughter. “I don’t think she’s connecting the dots, but I know that she likes going home to no siblings. She really likes the peace and quiet, and decompressing from school or classes.”
Kotley sees the same in Misha. “I have one human I can wholly dedicate my day to,” she says. “Whatever he wants to do, we can do that.” The joy of such focus can be profound. “I really get to fully
dive into the special things that he’s doing every day,” she adds. “I have the ability to devote my full attention to that rather than manage another developing human.”
Seeing your only child grow can also be bittersweet, adds Newberry. “Every first is a last,” she says. “I would give anything to go back to the beginning and do baby Lily again knowing that it all works out.”
MYTH VS. REALITY
We all know the myth of the only child: the lemon of a kid who doesn’t know how to interact with others because there’s nobody their age at home.
How did this myth start? Blame the ’80s. A crop of research done during that decade and the 1990s led to many of the misbeliefs we have about only children, says Jana Meinhold, Ph.D. and associate professor and program director of Child, Youth and Family Studies at Portland State University (PSU).
Meinhold says that surveys conducted at the time were framed in such a way that they “really created a skewed perception of what it meant for a child to grow up as an only.” The resulting misconceptions permeated U.S. culture but, Meinhold says, they aren’t “showing up in our current research at all.”
SOLO STAR MEDIA STARRING ONLIES
BOOKS
Amelia Bedelia series by Peggy Parish
What’s So Bad About Being an Only Child? by Cari Best
Ivy + Bean: One Big Happy Family by Annie Barrows
Jessica by Kevin Henkes
Saturday by Oge Mora
Little Sunshine by Julie Marie
MOVIES AND TV SHOWS
Inside Out
Moana
Turning Red
Coraline
Finding Nemo
Luca
Raya and the Last Dragon
Trolls
Gilmore Girls
SUBREDDITS
/r/OneAndDone
/r/HappilyOAD
/r/ShouldIHaveAnother
“TAKE THE TIME TO SIT WITH NOT KNOWING AND ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE IN THAT PHASE. IT’S OK TO NOT REALLY BE SURE.”
— PORTLAND PARENT JENNIFER KOTLEY
More modern studies find that only children have “full functioning access” to friends, cousins, and other family members, who do much of the socialization that siblings might otherwise do.
“Those kiddos grow up and they find those social attachments,” says Meinhold. “In fact, a lot of the newest research is really talking about how onlies oftentimes show more creativity in how they engage academically and with the world. That’s really negating a lot of that negative ’80s and ’90s research.”
The lingering only-child stereotype is so strong that it may be surprising how many onlies there are. In 2021, one-child households in the European Union accounted for 49% of households with children — 10% points higher than the second most popular makeup (two children).
Only-child families also account for the largest group in Canada; 45% of families have one child, according to the 2021 Canadian Census. There’s even been a shift in the U.S. These days, one-child families outnumber two-child families — and have for several decades. The average family size in the U.S. has gone from 3.67 members in 1960 to 3.17 in 1988 to 3.13 in 2022.
In any conversation about family size, however, Meinhold advises caution. There are often cultural factors that influence how many children a person decides to have.
“The pressure just may be much higher especially when [having multiple children] is something that’s honored in culture,” she says.
“That’s going to look and feel different.”
But there’s no denying that an increased cost of living, rising maternal age and fears around climate change are all contributing to a new normal.
A FAMILY’S CHOICE
More time. More energy. More money. All are factors that may influence a family’s decision to have a single child, but PSU’s Meinhold says there’s another, too.
“I cannot have this conversation and not talk about social media and the pressure that parents feel to be ‘the perfect parent,’” she says. From the “right” toys to the “right” clothes, the added stress is real, says Meinhold and it may be changing how people feel about having multiple kids.
ROSE NEWBERRY, HER HUSBAND AND 3-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER, LILY, CALL THEMSELVES A TRIANGLE
FAMILY.
“THERE’S JUST NOT A TON [IN MEDIA] CELEBRATING AN ONLY CHILD, SO I TRY TO BE VERY INTENTIONAL THAT THIS IS A VALUABLE FAMILY TYPE.”
“There are so many more voices out there now about what parenting should look like,” she says. “There’s a lot of pressure, and everyone has advice. Those things play out in our decision-making around having another child.”
That decision-making may not happen overnight.
“Take the time to sit with not knowing and allow yourself to be in that phase,” Kotley says. “It’s OK to not really be sure.”
She also encourages asking other families about their experiences, whether in-person or online. “Talking to people who have siblings or have multiple children was an eye-opener,” she says. “Internally, [I’ve been] able to look and be like, ‘Yeah, that’s just really not the path for me.’ It’s reaffirming.”
Of course, family size is, ultimately, a family choice.
“Make your decision for you and your family,” says Newberry.
“A three-person family is still a family worth celebrating, and if it’s right for you, it’s right for you.”
A graduate of the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication, Beth Peters (she/her) is a new Portland mom who’s always looking for a good story in her city.
info@synergypdx.com
Dr. Michelle Sang
Sangita Ghimire, WHNP
Joy Rothschild, WHNP
Dr. Laura Korman
Sheryl Horwitz, WHNP
Birthday Save or Splurge
Discover the best kids’ birthday parties for every interest and budget!
BY BETHANY MARCEL
So your kid is turning a year older and you’re feeling sentimental when suddenly you realize — oh right, I still have to plan a birthday party! But where? When? How? Not all parents are natural party planners and birthday stress can defeat even the most fearless parents. But the good news is that Portland offers a ton of party options for every budget and interest. So whether you want to save or splurge this year, we’ve got you covered.
SAVE
ART
If you have the art supplies and just need the space, Taborspace in Belmont is an incredible nonprofit offering a variety of rooms available for rent. The party options are endless: You can bring all the supplies or even host a collage party, where you supply scissors, paper and glue, and ask that guests bring a couple old magazines. Taborspace’s “Artspace” room is only $25 per hour and many of their other larger rooms are only $35 per hour. 5441 SE Belmont St. Taborspace.org/spaces.
Butterfly Effect in Multnomah Village (pictured above) is one of our new favorite pottery painting spots. Their pottery is top-notch and they offer several party options for a variety of budgets. Their standard birthday package is $50 for six to 12 painters and includes three styles of pottery for your party to choose from. You can also add cupcakes and decor for $10 per person. Additionally, you can also rent their whole space for $75 per hour outside of their open hours. And if you do want to splurge at Butterfly Effect, they’ve got you covered as well. You can rent the whole space for a two-hour private party for $250, plus the price of pottery pieces. Pro tip: We love that 10% of proceeds go toward different nonprofits, such as Outside In, IRCO, Brown Hope and more. 7829 SW Capitol Hwy. Thebutterflyeffectartspace.com.
SPLURGE
At SCRAP Creative Reuse, kids will love completing one of their fun craft projects led by SCRAP’s incredible staff. You can choose from awesome projects like finger puppets, building a robot or animal sculpture, custom stamps for printmaking, sewing a small pouch or pillow (for ages 8 and up), flower fairies and more. We love the focus on sustainability and that all the reusable materials are provided by SCRAP. Parties are two hours and available most Saturdays at 11:30 am and 3:30 pm (some flexibility is possible with advance planning, so contact SCRAP for details). The art project is one hour, leaving plenty of time for cake and presents. Food and beverages may be brought to SCRAP, but parents are responsible for cleaning up after the party. Ages 6 and older. $250 flat fee for up to 13 participants (parents are not included in the guest count). 1736 SW Alder St. Portland. scrapcreativereuse.org/BirthdayParties.
SAVE
Stronger Skate Park makes birthday parties simple. While kids have a blast skating, parents will appreciate all the perks. The two-hour party rental comes with park admission, table space in their large back room, a table cloth, place settings, water bottles and more. Full set up and clean up is included, there’s no charge to bring in your own food, and you get access to their fridge and freezer. You can even order pizza or ice cream directly from the neighborhood businesses. It’s particularly a great deal for smaller parties at $150 for five participants. But if you want to splurge, additional skaters are $30 each. 6102 SE King Rd., Milwaukie. Strongerskatepark.com/birthday-parties.
SPLURGE
If you’re looking for a birthday full of highenergy fun, look no further than UltraZone Laser Tag in Milwaukie (pictured opposite page). Parties are two hours and include three games of laser tag for eight participants. They also provide cutlery plates, fountain drinks, birthday candles, lighters and more. Set up and clean up is included. Parties start at $249.99 and go up to $299.99 for the glow party, a private room set up with lasers and black lights. The arcade is not included in the party package. 16074 SE McLoughlin Blvd., Milwaukie. Clackamasultrazone.com/ birthday-party.
STEM
SAVE
For nature-loving kids, it doesn’t get much better than Scouters Mountain Nature Park in Happy Valley (pictured right). Located on an extinct lava dome and with distant views of Mt. Hood on nice days, it’s the perfect spot to celebrate while exploring forests with trees that have been growing for 220 years. Walk the trail, birdwatch and play in their green space. Then celebrate with cake under their covered picnic area. For parties under 25, no reservation is needed! For large parties of up to 100 people, you can reserve the shelter year-round. While the weekend reservation fee is $215, the weekday fee is only $50 and the rental fee covers the entire day, from 8 am-7 pm, so it’s the perfect spot for that evening pizza party. 11000 SE Honorable Way, Happy Valley. Oregonmetro.gov/parks/scouters-mountain-nature-park.
SPLURGE
FUN AND
SAVE
If your kiddo loves board games, check out Red Castle Games, where you can borrow any of the games available in their rental library during your party reservation. They have a broad selection — from board games to role-playing games, card games and more. For smaller parties, their rental room accommodates up to eight gamers (pictured right). It’s $15 per hour on weekdays before 5 pm and $20 weekdays after 5 pm, weekends and holidays. For larger parties that seat up to 16 party goers, their rental space is $40 per hour. Both rooms feature HD Smart Monitors and you are welcome to bring your own birthday cake. They also have a small cafe offering chicken tenders, fries, tots, slushies and more. 7160 SE Foster Rd. Redcastlegames.com.
Experiment PDX (pictured above) will delight curious kids who are interested in science and art. They truly have everything — from marble runs to learning about mantises to their open crafting station. Their birthday parties are so fun for everyone, including the adults! They offer different 45-minute activities to choose from, such as slime making, LEGO robotics, the science show with Dr. L. Ektron, or arts and crafts. The room rental is $175 plus $10 per child for the activity. 1421 SE Stark St. Experimentpdx.com/copy-of-rentals-private-events.
For small scientists, what could be better than Engineering for Kids’ “Isaac Newton Party Package?” Their interactive engineering projects are so fun and they offer options for different age ranges. For children ages 4 to 7, you can choose from activities such as building tall cup towers and paper helicopters, sending a minifigure off in a parachute, and more. And for children ages 7 to 12, you can select a LEGO robotics tug-of-war challenge, bridge building activity and more. Parties are $299 for up to 10 children ($10 extra for each additional child) for two hours. You can also add on an extra 30 minutes for only $25. Pro tip: For an extra $50, they can come to your house! XSTREAM Learning Center. Forest Heights Village. 2029 NW Miller Rd. Engineeringforkids.com/portland/programs/parties.
SPLURGE
There are so many exciting options at KingPins that adults and kids alike will have a hard time deciding what to play first. Their arcade has over 60 games, including virtual reality experiences, and their bowling alley and laser tag are fun as well. Choose from the different party packages, including an “Arcade Party,” a “Bowl Party,” or “The Royal Experience” (a combo of bowling, virtual reality and more). All packages come with two pieces of pizza per person, unlimited soft drinks, party decor, a KingPins lanyard for the birthday kiddo, a party server and a $10 voucher for arcade play for each guest available to use starting the day after the party. Parents will love that they’ve really thought of everything — KingPins even have assigned facilitators available to help with set up, clean up and other party logistics. (Laser tag is exclusive to the Beaverton location.) Prices vary depending on what party package you select, but they begin at $225 for a smaller weekday Arcade Party and go up to $525 for a larger “Royal Experience” party. 3550 SE 92nd Ave., Portland and 2725 SW Cedar Hills Blvd., Beaverton. Mykingpins.com/portland-kids-birthday-venue.
LET THE PARTY COME TO YOU GAMES
Why travel if you don’t have to? Set up the party in your own backyard and guests of all ages will be delighted when the adorable goats arrive from Portland Goat Parties (pictured right). They’ll bring four baby goats for your guests to pet and cuddle. $250 per hour. Extra travel fee for visits that are over 40 miles away from their farm located in Hillsboro. Portlandgoatparties.com.
Or check out The Party Witch (pictured left), where Lily the Witch will assist kids in making birthday magic via their own magical potions, candles and more. We love that Lily offers a variety of party packages for different ages. Some examples include “Glamour Magic” (ages 3 and up), where kids can add fairy tinsel to their hair and get their faces painted or “Learn How to Write a Spell” (ages 8 and up), where kids can learn the basics of spellcasting. Lily is an elementary school teacher with a background in performance art. Parties are $250, but a sliding scale is also available. Thepartywitch.com.
If you already have a location set and need some active entertainment, check out the mobile Crossfire Lasertag. They’ll come to your location, indoors or outdoors, and set up games of laser tag. This works particularly well if you have a big yard, but you can also set up at a community center or check out Crossfire’s map of the best parks for hosting. Prices vary, but the cheapest starts at $349 for their birthday special. Crossfirelasertag.com.
Bethany Marcel is a writer and editor who lives in Southwest Portland with her husband and daughter. Find her online at bethanymarcel.com.
the night sky up close.
Join Metro Parks and Nature for Star Party, a free evening of astronomy and activities.
September 27
7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Glendoveer Golf Course 14015 NE Glisan St., Portland
Event may be canceled due to clouds. Check at:
oregonmetro.gov/calendar
Parks and nature
Arts and events
Garbage and recycling
Housing and supportive services
Land and transportation
Oregon Zoo
OPENHOUSE
Thursday, October 17 • 6–8 p.m. PRE-K TO GRADE 5 (PARENTS/GUARDIANS ONLY)
Sunday, October 20 • 1–4 p.m. GRADES 6 TO 12 (PARENTS & STUDENTS)
oes.edu/openhouse-pp admit@oes.edu 503-768-3115
A Place Where Young Minds and Hearts Blossom. Now Enrolling!
• From infancy through kindergarten, building self-confidence, strong academic foundations and a lifetime love of learning.
• An integrative, balanced approach to child development utilizing a variety of proven educational philosophies.
• Inspiring mindfulness, an evidence-based technique to practice peaceful problem solving and critical thinking.
• Experienced educators with a holistic approach to help each child blossom.
• Safe, engaging learning environments with thoughtfully designed areas for collaborative learning and play.
NW Front Ave
Oregon 97209 (971) 803-6700
(503) 374-9700 Serving students 6 weeks - 6 years
Preschool, Kindergarten & Childcare Center
4845 SW Murray Boulevard, Beaverton, OR 97005 503-644-1466 | sunshine-montessori.com
Ages: 2 years through Kindergarten
Hours: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm (Mon - Fri)
• Locally owned and operated
• Serving the community since 1996
• Qualified & consistent staff
525 SW 150th Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97006 503-626-0457 | www.nwlearning.com
Ages: Infant through Kindergarten
Hours: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm (Mon - Fri)
Early Learning School 14950 SW Osprey Drive, Beaverton, OR 97007 503-579-0600 | childs-place.com
Ages: Infant through Kindergarten
Hours 7:00 am - 6:00 pm (Mon - Fri)
• Large outdoor play areas
• Snacks & lunch prepared and served daily
Preschool, Kindergarten & Childcare Center 17650 SW Alexander Street, Aloha, OR 97003 503-591-9660 | www.mayflower-montessori.com
Ages: Infant through Kindergarten
Hours: 7:00 am - 6:00 pm (Mon - Fri)
INDOOR PLAYSPACE
Winner PlayDate PDX
& Birthday, Pregnancy Baby
1434 NW 17th Ave., playdatepdx.com
Multi-level playspaces? Cannonball area for older kiddos? Tasty pizza (plus coffee, beer and wine for the grown-ups)? Check, check and check. This Northwest indoor playspace has everything kids need for an amazing play time with their friends. And the cafe ensures parents and caregivers will enjoy the day, too.
Top 5
Kowabunga Indoor Playspace
Playforest
Play Street Museum
Sky Zone Beaverton (formerly DEFY Beaverton)
The Wiggle Room
KINDIE MUSICIAN/ PERFORMER
Winner Red Yarn Productions redyarnproductions.com
Andy Furgeson, better known by his kindie musician moniker, Red Yarn, is a Portland family favorite. With his folkrock songs — and the incorporation of adorable puppets — it’s impossible to listen to this repeat PDX Parent Reader Favorites winner and not smile and dance.
Top 5
Mr. Ben Music
Mo Phillips
Nikki Brown Clown
Olive & Dingo Productions
Tallulah’s Daddy
BIRTHDAY PARTY SPOT
Winner Oaks Amusement Park
7805 SE Oaks Park Way, oakspark.com
For the ultimate birthday party, there’s only one spot to go all out for your kiddo on their special day: Oaks Amusement Park. Who doesn’t love amusement rides?! And if these adrenaline rides aren’t enough, there’s also carnival games, complete with prizes, mini golf, an escape room, an old-school roller skating rink, and plenty of food and drink options for when it’s snack time.
Top 5
OMSI - Oregon Museum of Science & Industry
Pietro’s Pizza & Pirate Adventure
Topaz Farm
Triskelee Farm
The Wiggle Room
FERTILITY & SURROGACY RESOURCE
Winner All Families Surrogacy
12725 SW Millikan Way, Suite 300, allfamiliessurogacy.com
All Families Surrogacy understands the joy of parenthood, no matter the journey taken to get there. This repeat PDX Parent Reader Favorites nominee fosters a safe and straightforward environment for surrogates — the staff comprises many former surrogates — and intended parents.
HOSPITAL & BIRTH CENTERS
Winner Legacy Health
Multiple locations, legacyhealth.org
No matter what type of birth plan expecting parents have, from a water birth to a C-section, the physicians, nurses and staff at Legacy Health create a calm, nurturing environment for parents to embark on this new journey.
PREGNANCY & POSTPARTUM SUPPORT
Winner Bridgetown Baby
7800 SW Barbur Blvd. #3, bridgetownbaby.com
The staff at Bridgetown Baby knows that expecting and new parents need some extra support. For the first year of your baby’s life, the staff, doulas and lactation consultants provide inclusive postpartum support for the whole family (and even before your baby is born!).
Top 5
A Family Tree Surrogacy
Northwest Surrogacy Center
Oregon Fertility Institute
OHSU Center for Women’s Health
ORM Fertility
Top 5
Alma Midwifery
Kaiser Permanente
Midwifery Birth Center/ Women’s Healthcare Associates
OHSU
Providence Health System
OBSTETRICS & WOMEN’S HEALTH
Winner Women’s Healthcare Associates/Women’s Healthcare Clinic of Oregon, P.C.
Multiple locations, whallc.com
The physicians, midwives, nurses and staff at Women’s Healthcare Associates’ 16 locations, including downtown Portland, Hillsboro, Tualatin and Oregon City, offer care for the whole person. Everything from first period, pregnancy to menopause and all concerns and life stages in between are addressed in a professional, caring environment.
Top 5
A Woman’s Time
Northwest Women’s Clinic
Mendwell Pelvic Health
The Oregon Clinic
Synergy Women’s Health Care
AFTER-SCHOOL
Top 5
Birth First Doulas
Luna Wellness
OHSU
Portland Doula Love
Providence St.
Vincent’s Lactation Store
NO SCHOOL DAYS, AFTER SCHOOL STUDIO CLASSES AT SEVERAL LOCATIONS IN N, NE, &SE
If You Go
WonderLove food cart pod: 262 SE Main St., wonderlovepdx. com. Check the website for carts and hours.
Love at First Bite
around tables. But the breezy rooftop area was extra fun. We took in the views of the neighborhood and downtown. One of the tables had a giant Jenga game on it.
Back on the ground level, we also spotted a ping pong table and giant Connect4-style game. And we noted all the vibrant street art on the walls. Cruz noticed and appreciated the artificial turf under the tables in the shaded seating area. He tried to verbalize what he thought, “It makes it feel …” “Less industrial,” I responded. “That’s it! Because these containers are very industrial,” he said.
Bright and colorful new inner eastside cart pod WonderLove packs in tasty food, room to play and spectacular views.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY DENISE CASTAÑON
Portland loves its food cart pods.
And new groupings of carts are springing up all the time. The new WonderLove pod on the corner of SE Main and 2nd Avenue is setting itself apart with space for events and a very cool, three-level, storage-container building that holds a bar, indoor seating and a rooftop seating area with excellent views of downtown. Fun is a key component of the pod’s concept — and something families can especially enjoy, maybe after a visit to nearby OMSI.
I took my 9-year-old son, Cruz, to check out WonderLove for lunch on a Tuesday. While waiting for our lunch, Cruz and I explored the pod that spanned half a city block. The second story of the storagecontainer building had a bank of televisions and cushy club chairs
Some of the carts Cruz had been excited to try, Honeycuspe waffles and The Electric Slider Co., were closed. After we made the rounds of all the open carts (there are currently 10 carts in the space), he decided on a pepperoni pie ($15) from Wondercat Pizza (pictured opposite page). “It’s the kind of pizza I like because it’s got lots of mozzarella on top and you can’t see the sauce,” he said. The personal-sized pizza is big enough for a kiddo to split with someone — or eat leftovers for dinner, which Cruz did.
I settled on the palak paneer plate ($15) and veggie samosa (two for $8) from Platter Division Indian Grill, an established cart with three additional locations. The sizable plate came with a generous serving of cumin-studded rice; soft, warm naan; punchy pickled onions; and a hefty serving of spinach curry with big chunks of Indian cheese. The curry was mildly spicy, satiny smooth, and rich and satisfying. I ate as much as I could without overdoing it. The samosa was also delectable with a crunchy exterior and flavorful filling.
Cruz’s sister, Adela, was home sick, so we brought a carne asada burrito supreme ($13) from Tu Tia Taquería back to her. The big burrito also had beans, rice, cheese, lettuce, tomato, sour cream and guacamole. She wasn’t super hungry for lunch, but ended up devouring her leftovers for dinner. I also ordered cinnamon-sugar churros ($5) from the cart, which came in four pieces with chocolate sauce. Cruz ate his as we were leaving and gave it a thumbs up. I did,
too. The churros were perfectly fried, which can actually be harder than it seems.
Also worth noting, there’s also a stage area as WonderLove plans to host events; there’s a 21 and older concert with headliners &Friends slated for September 9.
Editor Denise Castañon loves exploring Portland's family-friendly dining scene with her husband, 12-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son.
SEPTEMBER 2024
Go. Play. Explore.
fandom fun
Whether you or your kid is into comics, sci-fi or fantasy, the Rose City Comic Con is the place for you. And the Rose City, Jr. area provides exceptional entertainment for up-and-coming comic geeks! This year look for an interactive Dungeons & Dragons puppet show, wizard training with PDXpelliarmus, pop culture storytime and much more. Pro tip: Dress up! A big part of the fun is seeing all the fans in cosplay gear! Friday to Sunday, September 6-8. Oregon Convention Center. Three-day badges for kids 3-10 are $15, single-day badges for 11 and older start at $50. Find out more at rosecitycomiccon.com
keep it weird
Some people say that those weird “Old Portland” days are a thing of the past. The Unipiper and Weird Portland United beg to differ. At the inaugural Portland Weird Fest your family will find unapologetic oddities, offbeat entertainment and a celebration of Portland’s uniquely quirky culture. From pickle sculpting to circus stunts, there’s something for every weirdo. Saturday, September 7, noon to 5 pm. Oaks Amusement Park. General admission $15; kids 12 and under are free. Weirdportlandunited.org/weirdfest
Find more family fun on our online calendar: pdxparent.com/events-calendar. Be sure to confirm the most up-to-date info with event organizers before heading out.
Top 3 Free Fun stuff for zero dollars!
Get ready to ride the (mini) rails at the Molalla Train Park Train Fest! The 70-year-old, volunteer-run train will be open all of Labor Day weekend. It’s free to ride the train, but you can support the park with a donation or purchase from the snack stand. Saturday to Monday, August 31 to September 2, 11 am-4 pm. 31803 S Shady Dell Rd., Molalla. Shadydell.org
The vibrancy of diversity comes alive at the Multicultural Kids Fair hosted by the Slavic Community Center NW Expect live music, dance performances, bounce houses, kids’ arts and crafts, and more. Sunday, September 8, 2-7 pm. Ventura Park. Pdxparent.com/event-single/multicultural-kidsfestival.
Don’t miss the last Portland Sunday Parkways that rolls through Multnomah Village in Southwest Portland. There’s a 2-mile bike/walk/roll route as well as a separate 1.5-mile walking route. Start anywhere on either route and explore the four featured stops: Gabriel Park, Multnomah Arts Center, Multnomah Village and Spring Garden Park. Stops will feature unique entertainment, bike tune-ups, kids’ activities, community booths and vendors. Sunday, September 22, 11 am-4 pm. Portland.gov/sunday-parkways/ southwest-event-2024
SARAH KIDD
ready player one
Your family can get its fill of playing Pac Man and other classic arcade games at the Retro Gaming Expo. In addition to free play areas, you can shop at vendor booths, join in a costume contest or drop in at speaker panels. Friday to Sunday, September 27-29. Oregon Convention Center. $15 for a presale, three-day pass for kids 3 and older. Adult day presale passes are $30. Kids 2 and younger are free. Get tickets and more info at retrogamingexpo.com.
heart art
Stroll in the shade of the North Park Blocks while browsing the wares of local artists and artisans at Art in the Pearl Fine Arts & Crafts Festival. From ceramics to watercolors, you’ll see a wide range of styles. Pro tip: You’ll always find an engaging, hands-on art project for the kiddos to try! Saturday to Monday, August 31 to September 2. North Park Blocks. Free admission. For hours and more info visit artinthepearl.com.
prost!
Oktoberfest enthusiasts happily make the trek to Mt. Angel for the huge four-day festival that includes music, dancing, food vendors and, of course, beer. Mt. Angel Oktoberfest also features a sizable kids’ area with free rides, bounce houses, pony rides and more. Tickets required for those 21 and older at the Alpinegarten, Beirgarten and Weingarten venues (minors are allowed at various venues). Thursday to Sunday, September 12-15. Visit oktoberfest. org for tickets and hours. — Denise Castañon
ROSE CITY COMIC
MELISSA KIRCHENDORF
ART IN THE PEARL
