We’ve got two big “openings” this weekend: LEGO Castle Adventure at the Portland Children’s Museum, and Harvest Festival Fun around the area! Check our roundup of Halloween and Harvest Fun for details on area pumpkin patches, corn mazes, petting zoos and more, then check our online calendar for even more fun every day.

ALL WEEKEND

LEGO Castle Adventure OPENS. The Portland Children’s Museum’s newest exhibit brings kids and adults into the kingdom of master castle builders. More…

Category: WOW! (What's On this Weekend) // Posted on September 30, 2011 // Leave a Comment

Our October issue is hitting the stands this week, with a special fall focus on pediatric health – with a twist! This time, we’re focusing on pediatric health topics most parents would rather not think about, from colic to lice to braces to puberty. It’s a good read with loads of useful information and advice! The issue also includes our annual Performing Arts Preview, with information on family-friendly theater, music, dance and more. More…

Category: New Issue // Posted on September 28, 2011 // Leave a Comment

The latest issue of our sister magazine, Portland Woman, is on the stands now, with a focus on health and wellness. You’ll find an article about practitioner choices, from Allopathic to Alternative, as well as a feature exploring different ways to pay for wellness services. We chat with local blues legend Linda Hornbuckle and offer a timely preview of the upcoming local performing arts season. More…

Category: New Issue // Posted on September 26, 2011 // Leave a Comment

It’s a truly festive weekend, with Oktoberfest at Oaks Park, der Rheinlander and McMenamins; the Flock and Fiber Festival; the Green Sprouts Festival; Sunday Parkways; and much more! Check our picks below, then check our online calendar for even more!

ALL WEEKEND

Flock and Fiber Festival. Animals (lots of llamas, sheep, goats, alpacas and more!), music, demos, hands-on activities and crafts, dozens of workshops on fiber arts and more. More…

Category: WOW! (What's On this Weekend) // Posted on September 23, 2011 // Leave a Comment

Why is Oktoberfest celebrated in September? Who cares?! It’s a great excuse to get out and have some totally Teutonic fun! Even if you missed the super huge festival in Mt. Angel this past weekend, you can still find plenty of family-friendly Oktoberfest fun right here in Portland:

Oaks Park. There will be plenty of oompah music and dancing, plus a pretzel toss, contests, wiener dog races and more. More…

Category: Events/Performances, Family Fun // Posted on September 21, 2011 // Leave a Comment

A few weeks ago we asked readers to help us support Mercy Corps’ efforts in Somalia, where over 30,000 children have died in the past several months because of the country’s worst drought in 60 years. Metro Parent and our sister publication, Portland Woman, have pledged to match your donations up to $1,500, for a total contribution of $3,000. So far, our generous readers have donated over $1,000, but we’re eager to meet our goal as soon as possible.

To offer some incentive, we’re giving away two $20 gift cards from John’s Incredible Pizza! More…

Category: Charitable Giving, Contests // Posted on September 19, 2011 // 1 Comment

From National Gymnastics Day and the Aquifer Adventure to VegFest, the Sturgeon Festival, SOLV Fall Beach and Riverside Cleanup and beyond, there’s something for everyone this last official weekend of summer! Check our online calendar for more.

ALL WEEKEND

Shrek The Musical. Big laughs, great dancing and 19 Shrek-taculous new songs. Will Shrek save the day? More…

Category: WOW! (What's On this Weekend) // Posted on September 16, 2011 // Leave a Comment

Looking for something fun to do with the family next weekend? Want to learn more about eco-friendly, community-oriented, healthy and natural options for raising your family? Check out the ReDirect Guide’s Green Sprouts Festival on Sunday, Sept. 25!

Admission to the festival is free, with a variety of workshops, activities and exhibitors for the whole family. More…

Category: Events/Performances, Parenting // Posted on September 14, 2011 // Leave a Comment

Have you checked our September issue for coupons and deals? Here’s what you’ll find:

EcoMaids: Get a full house cleaning for $169. Page 19
Oregon Gymnastic Academy: Take $15 off your first month’s tuition (new students only). Free trial class, too! Page 29.
Buttons ‘n Bows: Get a free Melissa & Doug Jumbo Coloring Pad with every purchase over $25. Page 33. More…

Category: Coupons and Deals // Posted on September 12, 2011 // Leave a Comment

It’s still officially summer, and there’s still plenty of family fun happening all weekend long. Check out our picks below, then take a peek at our online calendar for even more fun every day.

ALL WEEKEND

Muddy Boot Festival. Workshops, kids’ activities, entertainment and more, all with a sustainable focus. More…

Category: WOW! (What's On this Weekend) // Posted on September 9, 2011 // Leave a Comment

We’re partnering with Sprig Health to offer this FREE package to one lucky reader, with a market value of $476!

Your free exam will include:
* Basic preventive care history and health screening including breast and pelvic exam, pap smear, abdominal, heart and lung exams performed by a licensed naturopathic doctor. More…

Category: Contests, Health and Wellness // Posted on September 7, 2011 // Leave a Comment

You voted. We counted. Now we’re happy to announce the winners of our 2011 “Family Favorites” Reader Survey.

(Read our September issue for a more detailed recap of our survey, including readers’ comments and a few additional categories, beginning on page 30.)

Family Favorite Restaurant (Our “Happy Highchair” Award)
Our readers love their brewpubs, More…

Category: Contests, Family Fun, Metro Parent // Posted on September 5, 2011 // 2 Comments