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 // 6 Comments

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

I’ve never been one of those mothers who mourns the passing of every developmental phase. I seem to notice the passing irritations (colic! sleepless nights! tantrums and crying jags!) far more than the passing pleasures (yes, the little ones are awfully cute!).

But there is one thing I sorely miss about my son’s younger days, and that one thing is Oaks Park’s Preschool Rides. For $6.25 per child, kids 6 and under can enjoy all the kiddie rides they can handle for two straight hours, followed by milk, cookies and a story. (Parents get in free!) It’s paradise for little kids, More…

Category: Events/Performances // Posted on June 21, 2010 // Leave a Comment

Kids and parents aren’t the only ones gearing up for a summer of fun. Local libraries are getting ready for another summer of reading for fun and prizes. Here’s a roundup of some of the area’s library reading programs for kids (and one for adults!). They’re all free and offer great prizes and incentives to keep kids reading all summer.

And the fun doesn’t stop there … visit your local library or their Web site to find out about the exciting events they have planned for kids and families throughout the summer.

Multnomah County Library: Beginning June 18, kids and teens can visit any Multnomah County Library branch More…

Category: Events/Performances // Posted on June 9, 2010 // Leave a Comment

This Saturday, June 12, is National Get Outdoors Day (GO Day!), a new annual event designed to encourage healthy, active outdoor fun in communities across the U.S. Locally, the Vancouver Water Resources Education Center is celebrating with Second Saturday festivities for the whole family.

The theme for their free event is “Explore Your Backyard,” with activities to encourage families to experience active outdoor fun in our own backyards, neighborhoods and region.

Smokey Bear and Ranger Rick will be in attendance, and activities will include More…

Category: Events/Performances, Nature // Posted on June 7, 2010 // Leave a Comment

It was 40 years ago – on April 22, 1970 – that the first Earth Day was observed. And while we like to think we honor the Earth every day, we also like to take this annual opportunity to show our commitment to the environment in some special way, and to share that commitment with our kids.

You might have attended an Earth Day event this past weekend, but don’t stop there. Here are a few upcoming events to inspire you even further:

Reseeding Our World. Music and entertainment, Kids’ Village, interactive activities and lots of green info. April 24, 10 am to 7 pm. FREE. A project of City Repair. Washington High School, SE 12th/Stark. 503-235-8946. cityrepair.org. More…

Category: Events/Performances // Posted on April 19, 2010 // Leave a Comment

We recently reported on a study released by the Kaiser Family Foundation that found kids from 8 to 18 typically spend an average of 7.5 hours engaged with electronic media every day. Another large-scale study, released in February of this year, reveals a correlation between limiting weekday television viewing for preschoolers and a decreased risk of obesity. And these are just two of the numerous studies indicating that, when it comes to kids and TV, less is definitely more.

We’re not suggesting you rid your house of all electronic media, but wouldn’t it be interesting to unplug your family for a week and see what happens? If you’re game to give it a try, now’s the time. April 19 to 25 is national Turnoff Week (which includes all screen-related entertainment), a time when More…

Category: Events/Performances, Health and Wellness // Posted on April 14, 2010 // Leave a Comment

Inspired by the article on Urban Farming in our April issue, my family got out the planning paper last week and sketched our garden for 2010. In addition to our must-have favorites – tomatoes, lettuce, pumpkins and a variety of herbs – we’re branching out this year with a few new crops. We’re swapping zucchini for yellow squash, planting strawberries for the first time (can you believe we’ve never grown them before?), and experimenting with a “salsa garden” complete with hot peppers, onion, garlic and cilantro.

If you’re looking for some inspiration – or want to increase your gardening prowess – check out the Master Gardeners’ Earth Day Celebration at the Community Demonstration Garden this Saturday! This free event More…

Category: Events/Performances, Nature // Posted on April 12, 2010 // 1 Comment

Bicycle culture has taken over the Portland metro region, and next weekend bikes will take over the Oregon Convention Center during the Pedal Nation Bicycle Show.

Register online by April 2 and you might score a free ticket! (Organizers have a limited number of free tickets to give away.)

Presented by Drive Less/Save More, the show will feature activities for the whole family, including a Demo Ride Area, a Kid’s Activity Zone, Sprint Races, Bike Stunts, a BMX Jam Session, an Urban Bicyclist Fashion Show, a Pimp’d Bike Contest and more! Local bicycle experts also will lead workshops More…

Category: Events/Performances // Posted on March 31, 2010 // Leave a Comment

GSP and FAIS students practice for their benefit concert on March 4.

When students at the German American School of Portland (GSP) heard about January’s devastating earthquake in Haiti, they asked themselves and their Head of School, “What can we do to help?” Brainstorming with students from the French American International School (FAIS), and music teachers Nathan Conant and David Olson, they decided to hold a joint benefit concert.

That concert is scheduled for Thursday, March 4 at 1:20 pm.

Both schools strive to teach cross cultural awareness and make students aware of global issues. “Our kids are More…

Category: Charitable Giving, Events/Performances // Posted on March 3, 2010 // Leave a Comment

As if their prices weren’t already in the bargain basement, Title Wave Used Books – Multnomah County Library’s used bookstore – is ringing in the New Year with a month-long sale! Every day in January features a new special.

Of particular interest (to us, at least) are the following:

* January 5: 55% off all cookbooks
* January 8, 13, 22 and 26: Buy two, get one free
* January 9: 55% off all audiobooks
* January 15: 55% off all book by and about women
* January 16: 55% off all animal books
* January 23: 55% OFF ALL KIDS’ BOOKS!!!
* January 29: 55% off all all graphic novels and Manga

Check out the store’s calendar for more daily specials. More…

Category: Events/Performances // Posted on January 4, 2010 // Leave a Comment

We just received this review of Do Jump’s holiday show Tiger Lilly and Sunny Lu (from a friend of Metro Parent):

This show is fantastic! Clearly written by someone who fully understands cat behavior, Do Jump’s Tiger Lilly and Sunny Lu is an energetic and often hilarious tale (tail?) based on the memoirs of a house cat. Combining dance, acrobatics and gymnastics, the talented cast members wrestle, stretch, leap, pounce and play to create a feline circus that is sure to entertain. Add in well-made costumes, a whimsical set and vibrant live music, and you have a delightful holiday show that both grown-ups and children will enjoy. My girls (ages 10 and 7) loved it!

Sounds like a must see! Here’s the scoop to plan your theater date:
Tiger Lilly and Sunny Lu runs through Jan. 3; various dates and times (check the website for details). $32 adults, $20 ages 12 and under. Echo Theatre, 1515 SE 37th. 503-231-1232. www.dojump.org.

Category: Events/Performances // Posted on December 17, 2009 // 1 Comment