Our February issue is on the stands this week and you’re definitely going to want to pick up a copy to keep. Inside, you’ll find our annual Birthday Party Resource Guide, listing pretty much everything you need to plan and pull off a totally excellent party at home or away, with minimum stress for you and maximum fun for the kids!

You’ll also find a fabulous feature introducing you to five local schools that are beating the odds More…

Category: New Issue // Posted on January 31, 2011 // Leave a Comment

There are two exciting openings this weekend: Robin Hood at the Northwest Children’s Theater and OMSI’s latest exhibit, Lost Egypt. And there’s plenty more, too. As always, check our online calendar for more every day.

ALL WEEKEND

Robin Hood. Northwest Children’s Theater presents justice Sherwood Forest-style with a new twist on the classic “steal from the rich, give to the poor” tale. More…

Category: WOW! (What's On this Weekend) // Posted on January 28, 2011 // Leave a Comment

Did you know our Family Fun Editor posts online reviews of great kid-friendly local attractions every week? From outdoorsy activities around town like Tryon Creek State Park, Kelley Point Park, Bishop’s Close and Whitaker Ponds to indoor family fun such as North Clackamas Aquatic Park More…

Category: Events/Performances, Metro Parent, Nature // Posted on January 26, 2011 // Leave a Comment

The latest issue of our sister magazine, Portland Woman, is on the stands now, with some great information for starting 2011 off right! There’s a feature called “The Brave New World of Women’s Fitness” detailing some new and exciting exercise options, from aqua fitness to Zumba. You’ll also find a Q&A with Harriet Fasenfest, author of A Householder’s Guide to the Universe, and some tips for getting started “householding” on your own. More…

Category: New Issue // Posted on January 24, 2011 // Leave a Comment

We’ve got the opening of Diary of a Worm, A Spider and a Fly, a dog show, craft activities and more. Speaking of more, check our online calendar for more listings every day of the month!

ALL WEEKEND

Rose City Classic Dog Show. Watch as nearly 4,000 dogs go through their paces in obedience and agility trials and more. More…

Category: WOW! (What's On this Weekend) // Posted on January 21, 2011 // Leave a Comment

In our January issue, we offer some fabulous, easy-to-implement tips on assessing your current spending and reducing where you can to save money. One easy and obvious way to save is by clipping coupons and watching out for great deals and special offers, so we’re happy to provide this handy list of coupons and deals in this month’s issue: More…

Category: Coupons and Deals, Finance, Metro Parent // Posted on January 19, 2011 // Leave a Comment

The Metro Parent 2011 Family Resource Guide is currently being distributed throughout the region. It’s the ONLY regional directory of family-friendly activities, destinations, businesses and resources made available to area parents free of charge!

Inside the guide you’ll find More…

Category: Events/Performances, Metro Parent, New Issue // Posted on January 17, 2011 // Leave a Comment

Remembering Dr. King

Movies, plays, concerts, a Parents’ Night Out and JRR Tolkien’s birthday. There is truly something for everyone this long weekend! As always, check our online calendar for more listings every day.

ALL WEEKEND

Movie Night at Café Sip-n-Play. This weekend’s feature: Winnie the Pooh. 5 pm, Friday and Saturday. FREE. 3000 SE 164th Ave., Vancouver. 360-896-4446. cafesipnplay.com.

The Curing Fox. Play After Play performs this Native American tale, then kids can interact with actors. More…

Category: WOW! (What's On this Weekend) // Posted on January 14, 2011 // Leave a Comment

It’s that time of year again — the time parents start looking in earnest at schools for their kids to attend next fall. With so many great options in the area, the process can be overwhelming, so we’ve compiled a list of School Open Houses with links to each school’s website.

For more information about choosing the best school for your child and making the most of your school visit, read “Finding the Best School for Your Child and Your Family” beginning on page 6 of our 2010 Education and Enrichment Guide.

Category: Education // Posted on January 12, 2011 // Leave a Comment

We want all of our fabulous readers to join our community on Facebook so we can all share our insights, tips and opinions about parenting, local events and activities, and anything else we feel like “talking” about — and we’re offering some fun prizes to entice new people to join in. More…

Category: Contests, Metro Parent // Posted on January 10, 2011 // Leave a Comment

Things might be slowing down after the hectic holiday rush, but there’s still plenty of family fun to be had! See our online calendar for more.

ALL WEEKEND

Movie Night at Café Sip-n-Play. This weekend’s feature: Snow Buddies. 5 pm Friday and Saturday. FREE. 3000 SE 164th Ave., Vancouver. 360-896-4446. cafesipnplay.com.

Chinese Garden FREE Days. Enjoy the lovely Lan Su Chinese Garden for free! 10 am to 5 pm. Ends Sunday. More…

Category: WOW! (What's On this Weekend) // Posted on January 7, 2011 // Leave a Comment

In my editor’s note for our December issue, I wrote about finding a treasure trove of hand-written letters in my basement from friends and relatives. They were decades old and full of wonderful memories. Nostalgic for the days of receiving letters in the mail, letters I could save and revisit for years to come, I resolved to write some letters of my own.

As these things often go, it was only a few weeks into December when I saw a post on Twitter from Katy Wolk-Stanley, Portland’s very own Nonconsumer Advocate, announcing a challenge she was posing on her blog: 52 Weeks, 52 Letters. More…

Category: Uncategorized // Posted on January 5, 2011 // 3 Comments