Our October issue is hitting the stands this week with our annual fall focus on Pediatric Health. In an Ages & Stages covering Hot Topics in Pediatric Health, we spotlight some new recommendations, new research and new innovations in a variety of pediatric health arenas – from vitamin D deficiencies in infants to childhood food allergies to kid-friendly hospital programs to updated requirements for adolescent vaccines. It’s a potpourri of pediatric health news we think you should know about.

The issue also includes our Performing Arts Preview for 2010-11, with some of the most enticing shows – from theater and puppets to music and dance – of the upcoming season. More…

Category: New Issue // Posted on September 29, 2010 // Leave a Comment

Our annual Your Baby and You issue is out this week, packed to the brim with useful information for new and expecting parents. You’ll find a feature offering simple, easy to implement advice for having as green a pregnancy, and as natural a delivery , as possible; we explore the benefits and safety concerns of babywearing; and we offer information about lesser known postpartum recovery issues, how to recognize them, and how to get help. More…

Category: New Issue // Posted on September 27, 2010 // Leave a Comment

From the Green Sprouts Festival to Oaks Park Octoberfest to the Flock and Fiber Festival and beyond, this weekend is packed with diverse opportunities for family fun. Find more family fun every day of the month on our online calendar.

ALL WEEKEND

Flock and Fiber Festival. Demonstrations, kids’ activities, dozens of workshops on fiber arts, music, llamas, sheep, goats and more. 9 am to 5pm Sept. 25; 9 am to 4 pm Sept. 26. FREE. More…

Category: WOW! (What's On this Weekend) // Posted on September 24, 2010 // Leave a Comment

This Saturday, September 25, is Museum Day, an annual event hosted by Smithsonian Media in which participating museums across the country offer free admission to anyone presenting a Museum Day Ticket.

Just to be clear, the Museum Day Ticket is good for free admission for two people, and only one ticket is allowed per household. Still, it’s a pretty good deal, and we think it’s great incentive to explore a local or regional museum you might never have visited before.

Here’s a list of participating museums More…

Category: Events/Performances // Posted on September 22, 2010 // 1 Comment

Back in 2007, when we ran a feature on local moms who had started their own businesses, we were surprised to find so many entrepreneurial souls nurturing businesses as they nurtured their families. Back then, Portland Mamas, Inc. (now The Power MOB, for “Mom-Owned Businesses”) was a relatively new organization with a very new concept – to encourage moms who own businesses to network and share resources and support.

These days, The Power MOB has members throughout the Portland metro area and beyond, from individual proprietors to the owners of multi-million-dollar corporations. On Wednesday, the organization is hosting its annual Makings of a MOB Conference, and we’re proud to be counted among their sponsors. More…

Category: Events/Performances // Posted on September 20, 2010 // Leave a Comment

Pirates are invading Portland this weekend at the Portland Pirate Festival (Sept 18 & 19) and Aquifer Adventure (Sept. 18)! But that’s not all! It’s Race for the Cure weekend, Sturgeon Festival (see Saturday, below) and other fairs, festivals, nature adventures and more! You’ll find a LONG list of our picks below and the full listings (as always) on our online calendar.

ALL WEEKEND

Portland Pirate Festival. This lively fest features a sword fight show, inflatables, historic reenactments, the Stumptown Beard & Mustache Competition, games, music, entertainment and more. More…

Category: WOW! (What's On this Weekend) // Posted on September 17, 2010 // Leave a Comment

Simon McFarlane, then 8, builds a circuit board with his mentor John DeLacy.

In our September issue, we explore simple ways to nurture scientific literacy at every age. It’s not that we think all kids should grow up to be scientists. We just want to encourage a generation of people who are enthusiastic about exploring the world around them -– and who understand how to think critically and draw their own, well reasoned conclusions.

While the article offers tips for parents with children of all ages, there were a few tidbits of wisdom we couldn’t fit into our print issue. Good thing we have the Internet! More…

Category: Online Articles, Science // Posted on September 15, 2010 // Leave a Comment

You voted. We counted. Now we announce the winners of our 2010 “Family Favorites” Reader Survey.

(Read our September issue for a more detailed recap of our readers’ comments – including some additional categories.)

Family Favorite Restaurant (Our “Happy Highchair” Award): Hopworks Urban Brewery (2944 SE Powell Blvd.; hopworksbeer.com) claimed the top spot, with comments like, “My husband and I actually consider this family outing a ‘date night’ because More…

Category: Contests // Posted on September 13, 2010 // Leave a Comment

If you thought things would settle down now that school’s in session, think again! From fairs and festivals to star parties, outdoor movies and more, this weekend is once again packed with family fun. Check our online calendar for more!

ALL WEEKEND

Muddy Boot Organic Festival. Entertainment, kids’ activities, workshops and more all centered around sustainable living. Noon to 9 pm Sept. 11; Noon to 6 pm Sept. 12. More…

Category: WOW! (What's On this Weekend) // Posted on September 10, 2010 // Leave a Comment

My son went back to school yesterday – fifth grade – and although our neighbors started school last week, I know this week marks the beginning of a new school year for many area families. As I sit at my desk in my unusually quiet house, sipping my second cup of coffee, I can’t help but reflect on the summer that’s just ended and the new year ahead. More…

Category: Uncategorized // Posted on September 8, 2010 // Leave a Comment

‘Tis the season! No, not the holiday season! (Not yet, anyway!) Fall is the season for the giant consignment/resale events that have sprouted like mushrooms all over the Portland metro area in recent years. If you were so inclined, you could head to one of these supersales every weekend between now and the end of October. More…

Category: Events/Performances // Posted on September 6, 2010 // Leave a Comment

It’s time for one last summer hurrah this weekend, and you’ve got plenty of activities to entice you. Here are our picks for this wonderful Labor Day weekend. As always, you’ll find more options every day of the month on our online calendar.

ALL WEEKEND

Oregon State Fair. The ultimate late summer family activity! 10 am to 11 pm Sept. 3 & 4; 10 am to 10 pm through Sept. 5 & 6. More…

Category: WOW! (What's On this Weekend) // Posted on September 3, 2010 // Leave a Comment