Our September issue — which is out this week — is a favorite with Metro Parent staff because it includes the winners of our Readers’ Family Favorites contest. No one knows “family-friendly” better than our readers, and we’re thrilled once again to share all of your favorite places to eat, shop, work out, watch movies and just generally have tons of fun. Check it out to find out what gems your family has yet to discover. More…

Category: New Issue // Posted on August 30, 2010 // Leave a Comment

It’s time for summer’s last hurrah – the Oregon State Fair! But that’s not all that’s going on this weekend! Check out our picks for family fun (below), and don’t forget you can always get complete daily listings on our online calendar.

ALL WEEKEND

Oregon State Fair. There’s nothing like the state fair! Where else can you find concerts, magic shows, animals, acrobats, a reptile show, an interactive circus and a huge carnival midway? There are LOTS of new additions this year, too! Plus, check out the amazing Days of the Dinosaur exhibit! Opens this weekend; runs through Sept. 6. More…

Category: WOW! (What's On this Weekend) // Posted on August 27, 2010 // Leave a Comment

In our July issue, we ran an article called Cool Science for Hot Summer Days offering simple ways to infuse your summer fun with scientific exploration. In our upcoming September issue, we’re featuring an Ages & Stages article about raising kids who are scientifically literate. (Are you sensing a theme?) It’s not that we think all kids should aspire to have careers in science. It’s just that we think all kids (and all adults!) should be enthusiastic about exploring the world and drawing their own, well-reasoned conclusions. More…

Category: Education, Nature // Posted on August 25, 2010 // Leave a Comment

It’s that time of year again — the time we pack up the kiddos and head to Salem for the Oregon State Fair! A late summer ritual for nearly 150 years (give or take), the fair is bigger and better than ever this year, and we’re giving away a Family 4 Pack of tickets to one lucky reader!

You’ll find all your old favorites — big-time entertainers, 4-H and FFA exhibits, crafts and baked goods and midway rides galore — but you’ll also find plenty of new attractions to excite even the most experienced fair goer! More…

Category: Contests, Events/Performances // Posted on August 23, 2010 // 7 Comments

Summer might be almost over (sorry to mention it!), but summer fun is showing no signs of winding down. Check out our picks for the weekend ahead, then peruse our online calendar for even more daily listings.

ALL WEEKEND

Glendi. Greek festival with entertainment, pony rides, face painting, crafts and more. Friday and Saturday 11 am to 10 pm. FREE; charge for food and children’s activities. More…

Category: WOW! (What's On this Weekend) // Posted on August 20, 2010 // Leave a Comment

In Savings & Loans – a story about saving (and paying) for college in our August issue – we found that not only are kids today often expected to contribute to their college expenses, but many families begin teaching them the importance of saving long before they graduate high school.

A survey conducted recently by Money Management International (MMI), the nation’s largest nonprofit credit counseling agency, supports our finding, revealing that kids today are being exposed to financial education far more often than their parents were as children. More…

Category: Education, Finance // Posted on August 18, 2010 // Leave a Comment

If your child is starting a new school this fall – whether preschool, kindergarten, middle school or high school – now is the perfect time to start preparing him for a smooth transition. Here are some simple ways to help kids feel comfortable and familiar with their new school before the first bell rings: More…

Category: Education // Posted on August 16, 2010 // Leave a Comment

A bike ride, a block party, a street fair, Sunday Parkways, India Festival and more. This weekend, there is truly something for everybody! You’ll find even more family fun – as always – on our online calendar.

ALL WEEKEND

Arts Festival in the Forest. Performances and an art show. Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 5 pm. FREE. 503-557-4700. Off Hwy. 43. West Linn. artsfestivalintheforest.com. More…

Category: WOW! (What's On this Weekend) // Posted on August 13, 2010 // Leave a Comment

If you haven’t voted in our annual “Family Favorites” contest yet, DO IT TODAY! Sunday, August 15, is the last day to voice your opinion – and be entered to win a fabulous Family Fun Package! More…

Category: Uncategorized // Posted on August 11, 2010 // 1 Comment

Our August issue features an article about raising global citizens at every age and stage. One of our favorite ways to introduce kids to diverse cultures is by attending culturally diverse fairs and festivals – which you’ll find year-round in the Portland metro area!

This month seems to be especially rich in cultural celebrations – including the ones below – making it the perfect time to start exploring the cultures of the world with your family! More…

Category: Events/Performances, Metro Parent // Posted on August 9, 2010 // Leave a Comment

The summer fun continues with the Providence Bridge Pedal, North Plains Elephant Garlic Festival and much more. Check out some multicultural fun at Obonfest at the Oregon Buddhist Temple and Second Sunday at the Cathlapotle Plankhouse in Ridgefield, Wash. (For more multicultural ideas, read “Raising Global Citizens” in our August issue!)

See our online calendar for more daily listings. More…

Category: WOW! (What's On this Weekend) // Posted on August 6, 2010 // Leave a Comment

A few years ago, I wrote an article about TV-free families. One thing that really struck me was that many of the parents I spoke with told me summer is the easiest time to go screen-free.

One family limits television to a few weekend hours during the school year, then unplugs completely during summer. Another mom didn’t nix screen time with her boys until they were in preschool. Because it can be more difficult to eliminate TV after kids are used to watching it (rather than starting as babies), she waited to institute the policy in summer when they’d have plenty of activities to keep their minds off TV. More…

Category: Metro Parent // Posted on August 4, 2010 // 1 Comment