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Volunteer to help with free home repair with Rebuilding Together Washington County - National Rebuilding Day the last Saturday in April
Taste of the Nation Portland Oregon coming up Monday, April 30, 2007
Kid Friendly Resources
K-12 School Info
Portland Monthly Magazine has assembled a comprehensive list of stats for Portland Metro public and private schools. Click here for the PDF file
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Where to eat
Here's good places that are kid friendly. There are plenty others in town, but these I've been to with a 2 year old fireball - and had a good time!
- Peanut Butter and Ellie's - All kid menu, large kid friendly play area with toys, beer and wine for the grownups, good coffee. Note: for some reason, they don't have cake. So if you want to do a birthday party, call ahead. Food is fresh and organic, but a wee bit bland for adults. But hey it's a kid's place. It's also incredibly clean! Right across the street from Gabriel Park and the Southwest Community Center (fantastic warm-water kid's pool with fountain!).
4405 SW Vermont Street, Portland
- Grand Central Bakery - Sellwood - espresso, coffee, excellent pastry, bread, sandwiches, soup. Locations all over town, but the Sellwood location has a specific area for kids with toys and tables. Usually packed during the mid-morning with the stroller brigade.
- Sip and Kranz in the Pearl - They should have a web site at http://www.sipandkranz.com/ but i'm getting a 404. However, I haven't actually been here, but I've walked by. Coffee and pastry for grownups, and a separate glass walled kid's bunker. Right next to Jamison Park which has an excellent fountain to play in in the summer time.
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What to do?
Get in Free!
The county library systems offer 'cultural passes' that allow families to visit a ton of local attractions for free, including the Japanese Garden, the Chinese Garden, and the Children's Museum. Here's how to get your cultural pass:
- If you're in Multnomah county, there's a huge waiting list for cultural passes. So you want to get a Clackamas county library card. No problem since I think all the county libraries have reciprocal programs.
- Once you have your card, call the closest Clackamas county library and ask for a pass. Here's a listing of partner libraries
- You get to keep the pass for a day, basically. Depending on the library, it either has to be back by closing or before opening the next day. Be sure to get the details when you call!
- Here's a list of participating attractions.
The Portland Children's Museum is great for little kids, especially on gloomy days. You can take the Max there (same stop as the Zoo). 'Healthier' vending machine food is available - like cottage cheese, apple sauce, sandwiches, etc.
The Library systems are fantastic, regardless of which county you are in. The have tons of free story times, craft times, etc. for younger kids.
What to do - Not so free
I still can't find a way to get in free to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) or the Oregon Zoo. I believe the Zoo has a cheap admission special on Tuesdays. Last I checked, admission to the OmniMAX theater was 2 for 1 on Thursdays.
Community Centers
Portland Metro Community centers are a fantastic value. Each is a little different. Some have indoor pools with play fountains and slides (Southwest Community Center, Mt. Scott Community Center). Almost all have kids playtime, crafts, etc.
Oaks Park
Roller Skating all year round! Fun rides in the summertime! Picnic grounds next to the Willamette River in Sellwood
North Clackamas Aquatic Park
Open year round - indoor swimming, hot tub, wave pool, classes and movies!
Sauvie Island
If you feel the need to get your little tyke out of the city, head to Sauvie Island. It's about 20 minutes from downtown Portland. Sauvie Island is full of u-pick farms with seasonal events, such as corn mazes, and petting zoos. There's no gas station on the island, and no real restaurants.
Other Resources / Links
Oregon Mom - Keeps popping up when I do a vanity search. Great section on Indoor Parks and Playtimes in the Portland metro area.
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