The sunny skies and warmer weather remind us summer’s just around the bend. Have you figured out your kids’ summer camp schedule? If not, there’s still time to get them enrolled in any number of fabulous local programs, and we can help you find them!

Our 2012 Summer Camps and Learning Guide includes loads of information about local camps and other summer learning opportunities; a comprehensive list of local camp options; and articles on active camps, academic camps, and camp basics More…

Two studies recently caught our eye, both perfect complements to the Ages & Stages on Raising Nature Lovers we ran in our April issue.

The first study, conducted by researchers at Seattle Children’s Research Institute, reports that preschoolers in the United States are seriously lacking in outdoor play time at home. Using a sample that represented four million kids, researchers found nearly half lacked even one parent-supervised outdoor play period per day. More…

Happy Mother’s Day! There’s plenty of family fun to enjoy this weekend. Check our picks below, then take a peek at our online calendar for more ideas every day of the month.

ALL WEEKEND

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie! Oregon Children’s Theatre brings back this popular play based on the endearing children’s book by Laura Numeroff. More…

The fifth in a seven-part series by guest blogger Erin Barone for Family Forward Oregon, sharing insights from their action + discussion group The High Cost of Motherhood.
—————————————
The United States is one of only five nations across the globe that provide no paid maternity leave. The other four? Lesotho, Liberia, Swaziland and Papua New Guinea. Take a look at this visual map. It’s pretty striking. (To see the map, choose “Pregnancy, Birth or Adoption” from the left menu, then choose the “Global Map” button, then “Duration of Paid Leave for Mothers” then “Get Map.”) More…

Check out our May issue for these cool spring deals:

MetroArts Kids Camp: Discounted rates of $200 per week or $310 for two weeks if you register by May 18. (Page 22)

Sunriver Resort: During May, receive 20 to 25 percent off the best available rates for summer, starting at $139 per night! (Page 31)

Hollywood Bowl AND Rose Bowl: Get $25 off any birthday or team party. (Page 47)

Baby Boot Camp: Get a $20 new membership in May. (Page 27) More…

Feliz Cinco de Mayo! Check our picks below for the weekend ahead, then check our online calendar for more family fun activities every day.

ALL WEEKEND

Cinco de Mayo. Two entertainment stages, carnival rides (extra charge), vendors and fun. 11 am to 11 pm May 4, 5, 6. $8 ages 13 and older, $4 ages 6 to 12, free ages 6 and under. Free Friday from 11 am to 3 pm. Waterfront Park, 1020 Naito Pkwy. cincodemayo.org. More…

The fourth in a seven-part series by guest blogger Erin Barone for Family Forward Oregon with insights from their action + discussion group The High Cost of Motherhood.
—————————————
“What am I actually earning after I pay for the childcare I need so I can go to work?”

That’s a question parents ask themselves all the time – especially mothers. And the answer is often pretty sobering. More…