ALL WEEKEND

Lan Su Chinese New Year. Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with children’s activities, fortune telling, lantern displays and more. See website for details. Open 10 am to 5 pm daily. $9.50 adults, $7 ages 6 to 18, free 5 and under, $28 per family. (Extra charge for lantern tours.) 239 NW Everett St. 503-228-8131. lansugarden.org.

The Magic School Bus Live: The Climate Challenge. Ms. Frizzle and her class learn about climate change in this Oregon Children’s Theatre production. All ages. Runs through Feb. 19. Check website for show times. $17.50 to $36.50. Newmark Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway. 503-228-9571. octc.org.

Rapunzel Uncut. Northwest Children’s Theater’s rock spin on the classic tale. Best for ages 6 and older. Runs through Feb. 19. Check website for show times. $22 adult, $18 youth, plus surcharge. 1819 NW Everett St. 503-222-2190. nwcts.org.

Baba Yaga. Tears of Joy puppets take you on an enchanted musical outing in the Russian forest. Runs through next weekend. Check website or show times. Puppet-making 30 minutes prior to curtain. $20 adults, $17 children, plus surcharge. Winningstad Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway. 503-248-0557. tojt.org.

Movie Night at Café Sip-n-Play. Family-friendly movies every Friday and Saturday at 5 pm Feb. This week’s feature: Beauty and the Beast. FREE. 3000 SE 164th Ave., Vancouver. 360-896-4446. cafesipnplay.com.

FRIDAY

Parents’ Night Out. Games, crafts, gym, movie and a treat for the kids while parents get some time alone. Ages 3 and older. 6:30 to 10 pm (Also Feb. 18). $35; member, sibling discounts. Reservations required. The Children’s Gym, 1625 NE Sandy Blvd. 503-249-5867. childrensgym.com.

SATURDAY

FIRST Tech Challenge. High school robotics teams compete. 10 am to 4 pm. Free with OMSI admission. OMSI, 1945 SE Water Ave. 503-797-4000. omsi.edu.

Farm Fun. Learn about farming with games, art and science. Ages 6 to 12. 9 am to 5 pm. (Also Feb. 11, 18, 25). $65 per day, or all four Saturdays for $195; sibling discount. Jump for Joy Farm, 15898 S. Springwater Rd., Oregon City. 503-610-3276. jump4joyfarm.com.

Family Coyote Night. Learn about coyotes and enjoy stories, craft, a walk and more. 6:30 to 8:30 pm. $6, member discount, reservations required. Tryon Creek State Park, 11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd. 503-636-9886 xt 225. tryonfriends.org.

Tet Festival. Celebrate the Vietnamese new year with entertainment, a kid’s art contest, a health fair and more. 10 am to 6 pm. $4; extra charge for some activities. Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE MLK Blvd. 971-222-5698. congdongvietnamoregon.org.

Portland Youth Spelling Bee. Spelling contest for ages 5 to 18, with prizes. 1 pm. FREE. Mississippi Pizza, 3552 N Mississippi Ave. 503-288-3231. mississippipizza.com.

SUNDAY

The Wonder of Learning OPENS. This traveling exhibit explores the Reggio Emilia model of education, inspiring imagination, creativity and learning. 9 am to 5 pm; Thursdays until 8 pm; closed most Mondays. $9 ages 1 and up. Portland Children’s Museum, 4015 SW Canyon Road. 503-223-6500. portlandcm.org.

Our February issue includes a comprehensive guide to local party venues and suppliers –- from simple to extreme, for parties at home and away -– so this month we’re offering our readers the chance to win one of 12 party packages donated by the businesses listed below. These range from complete birthday party packages to spectacular supplies and services that will make any party you host a success.

Prizes have been donated by:

• Academy Theater: 7818 SE Stark St.; 503-252-0500; academytheaterpdx.com.
• Circuit Bouldering Gym: 6050 SW Macadam Ave., 503.246.5111; 410 NE 17th Ave., 503-719-7041; thecircuitgym.com.
• Dragon Theater Puppets & Princesses: 503-312-5979; dragontheater.com.
• Family Fun Center and Bullwinkles Restaurant: 29111 SW Town Center Loop W., Wilsonville; 503-685-5000; fun-center.com.
• Hollywood Bowl: 4030 NE Halsey St.; 503-288-9237; hollywoodbowlpdx.com.
• My Masterpiece Art Studio: 7905 SW Cirrus Drive, 27G, Beaverton; 503-453-3700; mymasterpieceartstudio.com‎.
• North Clackamas Aquatic Park: 7300 SE Harmony Rd., Milwaukie; 503-557-SURF (7873); ncprd.com/aquatic-park.
• Oaks Amusement Park and Roller Rink: 7805 SE Oaks Park Way; 503-233-5777; oakspark.com.
• Once Upon A Horse: Tualatin; 503-635-7403; onceuponahorse.com.
• Oregon Gymnastics Academy: 16305 NW Bethany Ct., Ste. 109, Beaverton; 503-531-3409; ogagym.org.
• Out of this World Pizza & Play: 6255 NW Century Blvd., Hillsboro; 503-681-8866; outofthisworld.net.
• Rose Bowl: 3800 SE 164th Ave.; 503-665-2134; rosebowlpdx.com.

How to Enter: Go to metro-parent.com/contest and submit your name, address, phone number and e-mail address. You can also send your information to Metro Parent, P.O. Box 13660, Portland, OR 97213. One entry per family. See additional terms/details online at metro-parent.com/contest.

Contest ends February 28.

You’ll also find a Q&A with Ben Cannon, Governor Kitzhaber’s education policy advisor, who offers an overview of the changes on the horizon for Oregon’s public education system.

All of our regular features are in there, too, from a Family Fare featuring Mississippi Pizza Pub; an Out & About detailing some wonderful indoor spots for kids to get active during the cold, wet winter; an Angels Among Us spotlighting The Dougy Center; and a Viewpoint with tips on preventing childhood lead poisoning.

Pick up a copy wherever Metro Parent is distributed — and be sure to pull out the Birthday Guide and save it for your future party planning needs! You can also find the issue online beginning Feb. 1.

ALL WEEKEND

Rapunzel Uncut. Northwest Children’s Theater puts a hip spin on the classic tale of the girl with the awesome tresses trapped in a tower. Indie youth rock band lights up this tangled tale. Best for ages 6 and older. Runs Jan 27 through Feb. 19. (Check website for show times.). $22 adult, $18 youth, plus surcharge. 1819 NW Everett St. 503-222-2190. nwcts.org.

The Magic School Bus Live: The Climate Challenge. Ms. Frizzle and her class circle the earth to learn about climate change and explore ways to combat global warming in this Oregon Children’s Theatre production. Runs through Feb. 19. (Check website for show times.) $17.50-$36.50. Newmark Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway. 503-228-9571. octc.org.

Lan Su Chinese New Year. Two weeks of celebration culminate this weekend. See website for schedule of events, including story time and stenciling on Jan. 27 & 30 from 11 am to 3 pm; crafts, kids activities and performances Jan. 28 & 29. Open 10 am to 5 pm. $9.50 adults, $7 ages ages 6-18, free ages 0-5, $28 family. Lan Su Chinese Garden, 239 NW Everett St. 503-228-8131. lansugarden.org.

SUNDAY

World Sounds at Portland Children’s Museum. This annual music and dance event is a great way to expose kids to other cultures. 11 am and noon. Today: Aaron Nigel Smith from Between the Lions.) Free with museum admission. 4015 SW Canyon Road. 503-223-6500. portlandcm.org.

Mochitsuki. Celebrate Japanese New Year with entertainment, kids’ games and activities, mochi pounding and more. 11 am to 4 pm. $12 adult, $9 student, $5 ages 2-12, free ages 0-2. Scottish Rite Center, 1512 SW Morrison St. mochipdx.org.

Winter Family Fun Fest. Entertainment, crafts and other family-friendly activities. Ages 6 and under. 3 to 4 pm. FREE. Mittleman Jewish Community Center, 6651 SW Capitol Hwy.
503-245-6449. portlandjewishacademy.org.

Here’s how I’m doing so far (in no particular order):

1. Give up the guilt: This is an ongoing goal for me and one I’m sure I’ll be working on for the rest of my life, but I have to say I’m feeling pretty good about my progress so far this year.

2. Don’t let fear stop me from living the life I want to live: Another broad and probably lifelong goal, this one has already come up in the form of a strange and possibly wonderful opportunity which I’m hoping my family can seize next month. (More on that if it pans out!)

3. Find more activities my pre-teen son and I can enjoy together: I bought my son a puzzle over winter break (an impulse purchase as I shopped for holiday trappings) and we had so much fun doing it we’ve started doing puzzles nearly every weekend. Our whole family enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles when my son was younger, but we hadn’t done one in at least a year. My husband cut a large piece of cardboard so we can move the puzzle off the dining room table every evening at dinnertime, and now we’re back in business. It’s a great way to spend snippets of time together throughout the week/weekend and talk about anything and everything as we hunt for the right pieces.

4. (Re)learn a foreign language: I started an Italian class at PCC a few weeks ago and although I was panicked before the first class (I hadn’t taken Italian in nearly 30 years but I signed up for the second level), it all started coming back to me as soon as the class started and I love it! In fact, when our second class was canceled because of inclement weather, I was truly disappointed! (“You’re disappointed you get a snow day?,” my son asked incredulously!)

5. Learn to make great pie crust: I haven’t started on this one yet, but there’s still time, right?

6. Travel more: I’m working on this one. (See #2, above.)

That’s all I’ve got for now, but having written it all down I have to say I’m pretty proud of myself.

How are you doing on your resolutions, if you made any? Please share your progress and your challenges in our comments section below -– it might help you stay on track, get back on track, or even make new resolutions for the months ahead!

Our 2011 Holiday Giving Campaign was a great success thanks to you, our generous readers! We decided to run two campaigns this past year, one through JOIN to help a local homeless family move into stable housing, and one through Mercy Corps to help alleviate the devastating, ongoing suffering in the Horn of Africa.

Readers donated a total of $1,875 to our JOIN “Home for the Holidays” effort, which, when added to our match of $1,250, gave us a grand total of $3,125. Our goal was $2,500, the amount needed to move one family into housing, so thank you thank you thank you for helping us exceed that!

You also donated $2,010 to the Mercy Corps effort, which we began running in August 2011. We added $2,500 to the pot for a total of $4,510, making ours the fifth-highest earning Mercy Corps Horn of Africa pledge effort. See the results at mercycorps.org.

Thank you, and a very happy new year to you all!

ALL WEEKEND

Masters of the Night: The True Story of Bats OPENS. This touring exhibit reveals the wonders of the world’s only flying mammals. Runs Jan. 21 through May 6, 10 am to 5 pm. Free with museum admission. World Forestry Center Museum, 4033 SW Canyon Rd. 503-228-1367. worldforestry.org.

Zoo Vet Tours. Take a guided tour of the Oregon Zoo’s new veterinary clinic. 10 am to 4 pm Jan. 20 to 22. Free with zoo admission. Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Road. 503-226-1561. oregonzoo.org.

ChocolateFest. Demonstrations and sampling. 11 am to 6 pm Jan. 21, 11 am to 5 pm Jan. 22. $10 adults, $7 ages 5-12. Benefits World Forestry Center. Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE MLK Blvd. 503-228-1367. chocolatefest.org.

Rose City Classic Dog Show. Judging, obedience, agility contests and more. 7:30 am to 7 pm Jan. 20-22. $10, $20 family. Expo Center, 2060 N Marine Dr. 503-736-5200. rosecityclassic.org.

SATURDAY

Parents’ Survival Night. Kids have fun with fitness, crafts, music and a snack while parents grab some alone time. Ages 3 to 12. 6 to 9:30 pm. Call for pricing, directions. The Little Gym, Lake Oswego. 503-595-9702. tlglakeoswegoor.com.

MythBusters – Behind the Myths. Discovery Channel stars Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman do funky science. 4 and 8 pm. $43 and up. Keller Auditorium, 222 SW Clay. 503-248-4335. pcpa.com.

Chinese New Year. Craft, story, celebrate. Grades 1-5, with grown-up. 1:30-2:30 pm. FREE. Beaverton City Library, 12375 SW 5th St. 503-350-3600. beavertonlibrary.org.

Pirate Palooza. Pirate games, crafts, more. 6 to 8 pm. $10, discount for sibs, free for toddlers/parents. Pirate pasta dinner $3 extra. Southwest Community Center, 6820 SW 45th Ave. 503-823-2840. portlandonline.com/parks/.

Reptile Expo. All things reptilian. 10 to 4 pm. $8 adults, $4 ages 6 to 12, free ages 5 and under. Holiday Inn, 25425 SW 95th Ave., Wilsonville. 503-412-8181. nwreptileexpos.com.

Chinese & Vietnamese New Year Party. Celebrate Chinese and Vietnamese new year with crafts, coloring, snacks. Ages 5 and older. 1:30 to 3 pm. FREE. Tigard Public Library, 13500 SW Hall Blvd.503-684-6537. wccls.org.

SUNDAY

The Magic School Bus Live: The Climate Challenge OPENS. Ms. Frizzle and her class circle the earth to learn about climate change and explore ways to combat global warming in this Oregon Children’s Theatre production. Runs through Feb. 19. (Check website for show times.) $17.50-$36.50. Newmark Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway. 503-228-9571. octc.org.

College Goal Washington. Get help with financial aid forms (all colleges). 1 to 5 pm. FREE. Washington State University-Vancouver, 14024 NE Salmon Creek Ave. 888-758-2253. collegegoalsundaywa.org.

Here’s a handy list of local organizations that regularly schedule Parents’ Nights Out. (We lifted it from our own, newly updated Family Resource Guide!) In addition to those listed below, some local health clubs, preschools and daycare centers also host Parents’ Nights Out.

Clark County YMCA: 11324 NE 51st Cir., Vancouver, Wash.; 360-885-9622; ymca-clarkcounty.org.

The Little Gym of Lake Oswego: 17890 SW McEwan Rd.; 503-595-9702; tlglakeoswegoor.com.

Oregon Gymnastics Academy: 16305 NW Bethany Ct. Suite 109, Beaverton; 503-531-3409; ogagym.org.

The Play Boutique: 464 1st St., Lake Oswego; 503.675-7529; playboutique.com.

The Playground Gym: 505 NE Grand Ave.; 503-235-7529; theplaygroundgym.com.

Portland Parks and Recreation: 503-823-PLAY; portlandonline.com/parks. Call your local community center for occasional events.

Precision Elite Gymnastics: 15507 SE For Mor Ct., Clackamas; 503-659-0095; sunburstgymnastics.com.

Rose City Gymnastics Academy: 7056 NE Glisan St.; 503-281-1314; rosecitygym.com.

Vancouver Elite Gymnastics Academy: 840 NW 10th Ave., Camas, Wash., 360-834-7424; 117th Ave., Vancouver, Wash., 360-254-7958; vegagym.com.

We Village: 424 NW 11th Ave.; 503-935-5590; wevillage.com. Drop-in child care, open late on Fridays, Saturdays, First Thursdays and special events.

Westside Dance and Gymnastics Academy: 11632 SW Pacific Hwy., Tigard; 503-639-5388; westsideacademy.com.

Lan Su Chinese Garden hosts two full weeks of celebrations, beginning Jan. 23 this year, including lion and dragon dances, performances, crafts, story telling and much more! Check their website for a schedule of events.

You’ll also find celebratory events at local libraries, and at A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village in Salem. Here’s the scoop:

Jan. 14, 19 & 28

Red Fans for Lunar New Year at Multnomah County Libraries. Decorate a fan for free. . FREE. Jan 14 from 1 to 3 pm at St. Johns Library, 7510 N Charleston Ave., 503-988-5397; Jan. 19 from 3:30 to 4:30 pm at Belmont Library, 1038 SE 39th Ave., 503-988-5382; or Jan. 28 from 4:30 to 5:30 pm at Woodstock Library, 6008 SE 49th Ave., 503-988-5234. Registration required. events.multcolib.org.

Jan 21

Chinese New Year at the Beaverton Library. Make a craft, hear a story and celebrate the Year of the Dragon. Grades 1 to 5, with grown-up. 1:30 to 2:30 pm. FREE. Beaverton City Library, 12375 SW 5th St. 503-350-3600. beavertonlibrary.org.

New Year Party at Tigard Library. Celebrate Chinese and Vietnamese new year with crafts, coloring and snacks. Ages 5 and older. 1:30 to 3 pm. FREE. Tigard Public Library, 13500 SW Hall Blvd.503-684-6537. wccls.org.

Lunar New Year Celebration at AC Gilbert’s Discovery Village. Crafts, activities, food and more. 1 to 4 pm. FREE with museum admission. (Also free with your OMSI membership card and photo ID) AC Gilbert’s Discovery Village, 116 Marion St. NE, Salem. 503-371-3631. acgilbert.org.

Jan 24

More Lunar New Year Fun at Multnomah County Libraries. Celebrate with entertainment, crafts and more. FREE. Jan. 24 from 5:30 to 7 pm at Midland Library, 805 SE 122d Ave., 503-988-5392; Jan. 25 from 6 to 7:30 pm at Holgate LIbrary, 7905 SE Holgate Blvd., 503-988-5389; and Jan. 28 from 1 to 3 pm at Gregory Heights Library, 7921 NE Sandy Blvd., 503-988-5386. events.multcolib.org.

… and don’t forget Mochitsuki!

For more New Year’s fun, check out Motchitsuki on Jan. 29! This annual celebration of Japanese New Year features entertainment, kids’ games and activities, mochi pounding and more. 11 am to 4 pm. $12 adult, $9 student, $5 ages 2 to 12, free ages 2 and under. Scottish Rite Center, 1512 SW Morrison St. mochipdx.org.

ALL WEEKEND

Free National Parks. All national parks are offering free admission Jan. 14-16. Ft. Vancouver has cultural demonstrations from 9 am to 4 pm on Jan. 14 & 16, and noon to 4 pm Jan. 15. 1001 E 5th St. 360-816-6230. nps.gov.

Portland Boat Show. Kids can build a boat, learn boating safety, see cool boats and more. 10 am to 9 pm Jan. 13 & 14; 10 am to 6 pm Jan. 15. $10, free 12 and under with paid adult. Portland Expo Center, 2060 N Marine Dr. 503-246-8291. otshows.com.

FRIDAY

Penny’s Puppets. Myrna the Mermaid at 10:30 am. (Also Who Stole the Cookie from the Cookie Jar Jan. 27.) $5, or 4 for $17. Free ages 1 and under. Off Broadway, Central Lutheran Church, 1820 NE 21st Ave. 503-282-9207. pennypuppets.com.

Book Fan Friday. Workshop for kids 10 to 18 years old who love to write. This month: a look at how book covers are made. 4:30 pm. Powell’s at Cedar Hills Crossing, 3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd. 503-228-4651. powells.com.

Kids Can Make Bread. Cookbook author Jean Johnson helps kids make a loaf to take home and bake. Ages 10 and under, with a grown-up. FREE. 4 to 5 pm. Midland Library, 805 SE 122d Ave. 503-988-5392. (Also 11 am to 1 pm Jan. 14 at North Portland Library, 512 N Killingsworth St. 503-988-5394; 4 to 5 pm Jan. 18 at Rockwood Library, 17917 SE Stark St. 503-988-5396.) events.multcolib.org.

SATURDAY

Tree-Mendous 2nd Saturdays. Chocolate activity. 11 am to 3 pm. FREE with museum admission. World Forestry Center, 4033 SW Canyon Rd. 503-228-1367. worldforestry.org.

Get Up and Dance! Habiba leads African rhythms, dancing and songs. 10:30 to 11:30 am. FREE. Albina Library, 3605 NE 15th Ave. 503-988-5362. events.multcolib.org.

JRR Tolkien Birthday Bash. Lord of the Rings movie trilogy screened, entertainment, music, more. All ages. 11 am to 10 pm. FREE; non-perishable food donations requested. McMenamins Kennedy School, 5736 NE 3d Ave. 503-249-3983. mcmenamins.com.

Red Fans for Lunar New Year. Decorate a fan. FREE. 1 to 3 pm. St. Johns Library, 7510 N Charleston Ave. 503-988-5397. (Also 3:30 to 4:30 pm Jan. 19 at Belmont Library, 1038 SE 39th Ave. 503-988-5382; 4:30 to 5:30 pm Jan 28 at Woodstock Library, 6008 SE 49th Ave. 503-988-5234.) Registration required. events.multcolib.org.

Junior Gardener Club. Tumbling, dance, yoga fun. Ages 5 to 10, with adult. 10 am. $15 ages 7 and under, $23 ages 8 and older (includes 1 adult). Oregon Garden, 879 W Main St., Silverton. 503-874-8100. oregongarden.org.

Little Kids’ Jamboree. Lorna Miller’s kiddo music. Best for ages 7 and under. 4 to 5 pm. $5 per family. Mississippi Pizza, 3552 N Mississippi Ave. 503-288-3231. littlekidsjamboree.com.

SUNDAY

World Sounds at Portland Children’s Museum. This annual music and dance event is a great way to expose kids to other cultures. 11 am and noon. Today: Fools in Paradise, marimba. (Also Jan. 29: Aaron Nigel Smith from Between the Lions.) Free with museum admission. 4015 SW Canyon Road. 503-223-6500. portlandcm.org.

MONDAY

School’s Out Camp. Games, fitness, fun. Ages 4 to 12. 7:45 am to 3 pm. $35. Kids Club Fun and Fitness, 13914 NW 3d Ct., Vancouver. 360-546-5437. kidsclubfunandfitness.com.

Mommy and Me Mondays. Listen to a story (parents enjoy free coffee). Ages 6 and under, with grown-up. 10 to 11 am every Monday. Free with museum admission. World Forestry Center, 4033 SW Canyon Road. 503-228-1367. worldforestry.org.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration. Honor Dr. King with special crafts and activities. 11 am to 3 pm. FREE w/admission $7 ages 3-59, $3.50 ages 1-2, free ages 0-1. AC Gilbert’s Discovery Village, 116 Marion St. NE, Salem. 503-371-3631. acgilbert.org.