Boo! It’s here! We’ve come up with lots of options for Halloween fun – click here and here for many more ideas. (And remember to “fall back” on Sunday morning!)

All Weekend
Howloween at the Zoo. Trick-or-treaters complete an educational scavenger hunt around activity stations throughout the zoo and get a goody bag with candy and prizes when they leave. All ages. 11 am to 4 pm Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. Free with admission of $10.50 adults, $7.50 kids 3 to 11, free 2 and under. ($2 to park).
4001 SW Canyon Rd. 503-226-1561. www.oregonzoo.org.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Charlie and Grandpa Joe win a chance for adventure with the Oompa-Loompas in this Oregon Children’s Theatre production. More…

Category: Metro Parent // Posted on October 30, 2009 // Leave a Comment

Since 1950 children from across the U.S. have been improving the lives of their peers around the globe by participating in “Trick or Treat for UNICEF.” Collectively they’ve raised over $140 million for the United Nation’s Children’s Fund, to help advance the health, education, equality and protection of children throughout the world. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org/trickortreat. (One observation from a Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF parent: the kids almost always get candy for themselves AND money for UNICEF when they participate. No one loses; everyone wins!)
UNICEF makes these recommendations for youngsters out “Trick-or-Treating for UNICEF” – but these strategies work for all kids on Oct. 31:
• Make sure your costume falls no lower than your ankles to avoid tripping. More…

Category: Metro Parent // Posted on October 29, 2009 // Leave a Comment

In last week’s Metro Parent e-newsletter, we reported that Disney is offering refunds on Baby Einstein DVDs purchased in the last five years. Disney agreed to offer the refunds after the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood complained to the FTC, requesting that Disney stop claiming that Baby Einstein videos were educational for infants. Click here to learn more about how to claim your refund.
Here are some astonishing findings from the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood’s Web site: More…

Category: Uncategorized // Posted on October 26, 2009 // Leave a Comment

So it’s raining – you’re not going to let a little precipitation get you down, are ya?
Good. Here are some ideas for family fun this weekend – check our online calendar for tons more! And check our Halloween & Harvest Fun listings for even more fun!

All Weekend
Winnie the Pooh. Last weekend to enjoy this Northwest Children’s Theater production featuring Christopher Robin, Pooh, Eeyore and all your favorites. Ages 4 and up. 7 pm Oct. 23. Noon and 3 pm 24 and 25. $22 adults, $18 youth, plus service charges. NW Neighborhood CulturalCenter, 1819 NW Everett St. 503-222-4480. www.nwcts.org.
Gem & Mineral Show. More…

Category: Metro Parent // Posted on October 23, 2009 // 1 Comment

One day several years ago, my younger son and I were driving down Sandy Boulevard, when we saw a billboard that we took note of.
Now, normally, my “taking note of” a billboard with children in the car would consist of helping my kids “deconstruct” whatever it is the sign is trying to tell us – or, more likely, sell us. I’d ask my kids things like: Who is this ad aimed at? What methods does the ad use to convince you to buy the product? How does the ad make you feel? And other similar queries. (Click here for some great tips on helping your kids deconstruct media.)
On this day, however, the billboard we drove by had been spray painted with this message in large letters: “THINK FOR YOURSELF”
Wow. That day I walked a fine line between encouraging a discussion of what the graffiti “artist” was trying to convey and applauding vandalism. More…

Category: Uncategorized // Posted on October 20, 2009 // 2 Comments

Eclectic. That pretty much sums up the possibilities for family fun in the Portland area this weekend. Consider the following – or check our online calendar AND our listings of Halloween & Harvest Fun for dozens of additional options.

All Weekend
Apple Tasting at Portland Nursery. Music, storytelling, jugglers, crafts and more. Over 50 varieties of apples and pears to taste. All ages. 10 am to 5 pm. Oct. 16, 17 and 18. Free; goodies to buy. 5050 SE Stark. 503-231-5050. www.portlandnursery.com.
Portland Open Studios. See studios and chat with local artists. 10 am to 5 pm. West side studios Oct. 17 and 18. $15 guide good for 2 adults, kids through high school are free. Check Web site for ticket purchase locations and studio locations. More…

Category: Uncategorized // Posted on October 16, 2009 // Leave a Comment

Two FREE family resource fairs are being held on the westside this Saturday.
The first one is open to all and takes place at the Beaverton City Library, 12375 SW 5th St. from 10 am to 2pm on Saturday. Highlights include an information fair featuring non-profit organizations and services in the Beaverton area (and beyond), free vision screening for children, raffle prizes for kids and parents and crafts and games. For all ages; parents or guardians must accompany children. Click here for more information.
The second event is the K.I.D.S. Fair, which is open to families within the Tigard-Tualatin School District area. More…

Category: Metro Parent // Posted on October 15, 2009 // Leave a Comment

Multnomah County has now posted its Community Vaccination Site schedule for swine flu shots online at this link. The shots will be administered beginning Oct. 22. They’re free, available to all ages and no pre-registration is required.
For more information on H1N1 (swine flu) and the availability of flu shots in Clackamas, Washington and Clark counties, click here. Check back frequently at the links listed to find out more about flu shots near you.

Category: Uncategorized // Posted on October 13, 2009 // Leave a Comment

Another glorious autumn weekend! Beautiful weather, spectacular fall colors – and so very many fun events to choose from. Check our online calendar for many more. Enjoy!

All Weekend, Oct. 10 and 11
BirdFest & Bluegrass. Celebrate fall bird migration with guided hikes, children’s activities (including storytelling, raptor show, crafts, and more) at the Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge. Oct 10 and 11, check Web site for schedule. Most activities free, $3 to park. Bluegrass fest at several venues in Ridgefield 11 am to 10 pm Oct. 10. $10 pass for all music. Exit 14 from I-5. www.ridgefieldfriends.org.
Winnie the Pooh. Northwest Children’s Theater invites you into the Hundred Aker Wood with Christopher Robin, Pooh, Eeyore and all your favorites. More…

Category: Metro Parent // Posted on October 9, 2009 // Leave a Comment

Fever? Check. Cough? Check. Sore throat? Check. Runny nose? Check. Body aches? Check. Headache? Check.
My 17-year-old had all of the symptoms of the flu. When he started vomiting – one of the symptoms that sometimes distinguishes swine flu from seasonal flu – we called our insurance plan’s advice nurse. More…

Category: Uncategorized // Posted on October 7, 2009 // Leave a Comment

Today – Wednesday, Oct. 7 – is International Walk to School Day. Kids and adults around the world will walk to school, many in organized walking teams and “walking school buses” – adults leading a group along a neighborhood route, stopping to “pick up” kids at their homes or at selected “bus stops.” More…

Category: Uncategorized // Posted on October 6, 2009 // Leave a Comment

Fever? Check. Cough? Check. Sore throat? Check. Runny nose? Check. Body aches? Check. Headache? Check.
My 17-year-old had all of the symptoms of the flu. When he started vomiting – one of the symptoms that sometimes distinguishes swine flu from seasonal flu – we called our insurance plan’s advice nurse. More…

Category: Uncategorized // Posted on October 5, 2009 // Leave a Comment