Interactive exhibits about the formation of the gorge.
5000 Discovery Dr., The Dalles; 541-296-8600; www.gorgediscovery.org.

Home to the world’s largest collection of antique carousel art. (Still in the process of relocating at press time; check Web site for reopening date and new location information.)
Hood River; 541-387-4622; www.carouselmuseum.com.

Special events include Day Out With Thomas the Tank Engine each summer, Pumpkin Patch Express in October, and Fruit Blossom Special in April.
110 Railroad Ave., Hood River; 800-872-4661; www.mthoodrr.com.

Triple-decker paddle wheeler rides introduce the history of Lewis and Clark.
Cascade Locks; 503-224-3900; 800-224-3901; www.portlandspirit.com/sternwheeler.php.

39 miles east of Portland off Highway 26, near Welches; 503-622-3696; www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/. This multi-faceted area is administered by the Bureau of Land Management and includes hiking trails, picnic facilities, interpretive plaques and a cut-out “underwater” river viewing area. Open May through fall.

Embrace the farm to table lifestyle and support your local farmer by joining a CSA. Members pay to be “shareholders” and receive produce on a regular basis throughout the season. Below are a few local CSAs. For a complete list, visit portlandcsa.org.

6632 SE 47th Ave.; 503-777-4213; www.47thAveFarm.com.

20495 S Geiger Rd., Oregon City; 503-655-7447.

29820 E Woodard Rd., Troutdale; 503-695-3445; www.dancingrootsfarm.com.

5410 NE 229th Court, Vancouver, Wash.; 360-256-6896.

15713 Hwy. 47, Yamhill; 503-730-7535; www.kookoolanfarms.com.

7960 NW Dick Rd., Hillsboro; 503-647-2595.

46125 NW Hillside Rd., Forest Grove; 503-515-9939; www.lovefarmorganics.com.

20233 NW Sauvie Island Rd.; 503-621-6921; www.sauvieislandorganics.com.

You want to dine out with the kids but fast food chains aren’t your cup of tea? You’re in luck! The Portland metropolitan area offers a wealth of family-friendly options spanning a wide variety of cuisines and atmospheres. And don’t forget about the numerous kid-friendly coffeehouses perfect for lazy weekday mornings. Here’s a sampling of some local family favorites:

Unlike its fast food peers, this local chain showcases local ingredients including Tillamook cheese, Walla Walla onions, regional berries and Oregon Country Beef.
Multiple locations; www.burgerville.com.

Featuring healthy ingredients with a focus on local, organic products. Try their house made real fruit sodas!
SW 18th and Morrison (adjacent to PGE Park), 503-517-9354; NE 33rd at Killingsworth, 503-445-1020; SE 22nd and Hawthorne Blvd., 503-234-9999; 1909 SW Sixth Ave., 503-224-0311; NW 10th and Irving, 503-595-2342; www.hotlipspizza.com.

Healthy wraps in the flavors of the world with vegan, vegetarian and carnivorous options. Books and toys available to entertain kids of all ages.
3320 SE Belmont St., 503-235-6472; 3765 N Mississippi Ave., 503-467-4146; 922 NW 21st Ave., 503-445-1319; 4110 SE Woodstock Blvd., 503-788-2921; 4405 SW Vermont St., 503-244-4254; 721 NW 9th Ave., Ste. 175, 503-505-5020; www.laughingplanetcafe.com.

Local brewpub featuring designated play spaces for the kids, organic beer and tasty Northwest cuisine for Mom and Dad. Voted a “Family Favorite” in Metro Parent’s 2009 Readers’ Survey.
5115 NE Sandy Blvd., 503-282-0622; 2327 NW Kearny St.; 503-228-5553; 1728 NE 40th Ave. (Laurelwood Pizza Pub), 503-943-6157; Portland International Airport, Concourses A and E; www.laurelwoodbrewpub.com.

A regional icon born in Portland. Casual brewpubs throughout Oregon and Washington.
Multiple locations; www.mcmenamins.com.

Portland-based chain catering to families and groups with affordable pasta and pleasant surroundings. Kids’ meals are all-inclusive, with pasta, beverage and ice cream.
0715 SW Bancroft St., 503-222-5375; 18925 NW Tanasbourne Dr., Hillsboro, 503-617-7614; 12725 SE 93rd, Clackamas, 503-653-7949; 730 SE 160th, Vancouver, Wash., 360-253-9030; www.osf.com.

Affordable, quick and delicious pasta dishes, salads and sandwiches plus beer, wine and cocktails.
911 SW Taylor St., 503-863-5188; 1506 NW 23rd Ave.; 503-595-1205. 1426 NE Broadway; 503-288-4300. 2027 SE Division St.; 503-595-6400; 7307 SW Bridgeport Rd. (Bridgeport Village), 503-718-2300; 3487 SW Cedar Hills Blvd., Beaverton, 503-619-2241; www.pastini.biz.

Multiple Locations; www.pizzicatopizza.com. Gourmet pizza chain that goes above and beyond when it comes to supporting neighborhood schools.

Family-friendly taqueria.
3524 N Mississippi, 503-467-4149; 4635 SE Hawthorne Blvd., 503-954-3138; www.porquenotacos.com.

Buffet featuring a huge salad bar, soups and chili, baked items, fruit and lots of other kid favorites.
1225 NW Waterhouse Ave., Beaverton, 503-439-0850; 13011 SE 84th Ave., Clackamas, 503-794-2921; 6600 SW Cardinal Ln., Tigard, 503-443-6161; 12601 SE 2nd Cir., Vancouver, Wash., 360-891-0240; www.sweettomatoes.com.

Features a kids’ play area with wooden toys, books, a rocking horse and comfy chair for nursing moms and a kid-friendly menu.
8716 N Lombard; 503-286-2030; www.annabannanascoffee.com.

Eat at the “kids’ charity table” and profits go to a local charity.
1919 SE Columbia River Dr., Vancouver, Wash.; 360-699-1592; 503-222-9947; www.beachesrestaurantandbar.com.

A nonprofit coffeehouse and gathering space scheduled to open in early 2010 with children’s play areas and activities for children, caregivers and the community. Check Web site for Grand Opening events.
5633 SE Division; www.cafeauplay.org.