NW Kids Magazine March 2016

L I V E • PLAY • DO

magazine

Pint-sized Pioneers: Historical Camps How to Get Kids – and You – Ready for Camp Tacos under $3 & New Brews in Town nwkidsmagazine.com

MARCH 2016

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Contents MARCH 2016

8 Spotlight On: Great Notion Brewing 12 Relive Frontier Days at Historical Summer Camps 16 Rookie of the Summer 5 Ways to Get Your Kid Ready for Camp 20 Affording Camp: Tips, Tricks and Tax Breaks

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25 Who’s Portland’s Best Summer Camp?

29 20 Camps for Around $200/Week 35 Get Out and Play!

This Month’s Local Adventures 38 Found Around Town: Tacos

Editor’s Note Hello, NW Kids readers! It feels almost serendipitous that my first issue is March, the month of spring’s newness and awakening. Firsts are such monumental markers in our lives – in fact, this month we focus on first-time campers and how to prepare and empower them to confidently journey headlong into new experiences. We’re all in this together, little newbies!

As I’ve begun my own new journey as editor of NW Kids, a question that’s naturally come up is “Do you have kids?” I don’t have my own children; my community is a strong and connected one of families, adults and little ones of all ages whom I adore. Our collective lives, growth and play in Portland are my inspiration for helping kids have full, enlivening and enriching experiences that they can share with cherished grownups and role models.

Continuing with the theme of newness, starting with this issue we’ll be introducing you to new local businesses in a feature called “Spotlight On.” In March’s spotlight is Great Notion Brewing; read all about them and then go show them some love during their kid-friendly happy hours. Check in every month for more new places all over town!

I’m so excited to be a part of your lives and have so much in store to share with you.

Feel free to drop me a line at karel@nwkidsmagazine.com - I’d love to hear from you! You can also come say hi at the Fambly Ramble at the Clinton Street Theater on March 5 or the NW Kids Camp Expo at OMSI on April 2. See you there!

Karel

Cover photography by ELAINE BUTLER philipfosterfarm.com Contents photography by PRISMATIC IMAGERY 4hwagontrain.org

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magazine Publisher Michelle Snell michelle@nwkidsmagazine.com

Connect With Us: • Phone: 503.282.2711 • email: contact@nwkidsmagazine.com • Facebook: facebook.com/nwkids • Instagram : @nwkidsmagazine • Twitter: @nwkids • Pinterest: pinterest.com/nwkids

Editor / Client Services Karel Chan karel@nwkidsmagazine.com Advertising Director Laurel Carrasco laurel@nwkidsmagazine.com Graphic Designer Robyn Barbon robyn@folkloremedia.com Advertising Inquiries: 503-282-2711, ext. 1 sales@nwkidsmagazine.com Accounting & Business Services Heather Rex heather@nwkidsmagazine.com

NW Kids is published monthly by Miche Media, LLC. Every effort is made to ensure accuracy; sometimes we make errors.

Please let us know when we do and accept our apologies.

Printed locally; Please recycle.

Listings Adventure WILD..................................................33 All Families Surrogacy.......................................... 7 Aprende Con Amigos..........................................33 Art of STEM.........................................................33 Barre3.................................................................... 7 Baxter Sports Camp............................................31 Bennett Suzuki...................................................... 9 Camp Namanu....................................................14 Camp Wahoo.......................................................27 Camp Westwind..................................................26 City of Hillsboro...................................................10 City of Hillsboro Summer Camps.......................22 Echo Theater Company.......................................33 Engineering for Kids...........................................19 Experience Theatre Project..................................23 Friendly House....................................................19 German International School.............................14 Glendoveer Tennis...............................................23 Goodtime Chinese School..................................19 Herrold Stables....................................................26 ID Tech.................................................................28 International School...........................................32 Joy Now..............................................................27 K12........................................................................ 9 Leisure Sports Inc Club Sport..............................37 6 | NW Kids Magazine

Little Fruit Farm..................................................... 7 Mad Science........................................................22 Meadowood Springs..........................................27 Mercy Corps........................................................26 Metro Arts Inc.....................................................23 Mouse Master Travel............................................. 9 Mt Hood Meadows.............................................31 Nelson Pediatric Dentistry.................................... 2 Northeast Community Center............................28 NW Children’s Theater.........................................18 NW Kids Camp Expo............................................. 3 Omega Gymnastics.............................................27 OMSI....................................................................14 Oregon Children’s Theatre..................................... 2 Oregon Children’s Theatre Acting Academy.......18 Oregon College of Art and Craft.........................32 Oregon Zoo..........................................................26 Placenta Power .................................................... 9 Portland Children’s Museum..............................32 Portland Early Learning Project..........................22 Portland Jewish Academy..................................23 Portland Montessori...........................................23 Portland Music and Dance..................................28 Portland Parks and Recreation...........................14 Portland Trampoline...........................................39

Royal Ridges........................................................30 Saturday Academy..............................................23 School of Rock.....................................................18 Schoolita Alegria.................................................30 Scuola Italiana....................................................22 Sit Still................................................................... 9 Smockville Montessori........................................10 Spielwerk Toys.....................................................10 Sunshine Montessori..........................................37 SW Community Center.......................................30 The Circuit Bouldering Gym................................19 The Kids’ Backyard Store.....................................39 Trackers Earth......................................................40 Trinity Lutheran...................................................32 Tucker Maxon......................................................31 Upward Bound Camp.........................................22 USTA Pacific Northwest......................................31 VillaSport............................................................34 Westside Academy.............................................27 Westside Montessori..........................................37 WeVillage............................................................27 World of Smiles..................................................... 7 Zenger Farm........................................................30

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Spotlight On: Great Notion Brewing by KAREL CHAN

In a powerhouse city in the craft beer scene, that’s quite a refreshing statement coming from a brewery owner. Paul Reiter, James Dugan and Andy Miller are the masterminds behind Great Notion Brewing, which opened on January 1st in the Alberta neighborhood in NE Portland.

They’re also dads. They each have little ones under the age of ten and wanted to create a space where families could share in the joys of good food, great drinks and – most importantly – each other.

With a dedicated kids play area, bright and colorful décor and a kids menu that would make most adults’ mouths water (mini pretzel bun cheeseburger, mac and cheese with tomatoes and bacon? Sign me up), Great Notion makes the kiddo experience a primary focus of their design. They want your kids there.

The goods for grownups aren’t too shabby, either. Their other core values are quality and creativity, as evidenced by chef Ryan O’Connor’s delectable menu, which includes nods to the owners’ east coast roots like Buffalo Tostones and a Spicy Meatloaf Muffuletta. Paul’s favorite? The Philly Empanada, which he describes as “a piece of our hometown” of Philadelphia, home of the cheesesteak: shredded sirloin, onions, 8 | NW Kids Magazine

“One of our main core values is families.” serrano peppers and house-made whiz (it’s not an authentic cheesesteak unless there’s cheese whiz!) encased in a crispy shell, served with waffle fries. Oh boy.

Then there’s the beer. New England influence runs deep in their juicy, fruity IPAs brewed with flavors like mango and pineapple, cleverly named Ripe, Juice Box and Juice Jr.; in the works is a series of innovative stouts – maple syrup and coffee! Chocolate coconut! – that will be available in tasting flights. And simply because we’re in Portland, you’ve got to try the Root Beard cream ale.

Also on tap: locally brewed ginger ale, for the kids. Told you they want them there!

Can’t wait to try all the yums? Great Notion is open daily and ready to meet you. Stop in on Saturday, March 5th starting at noon for their Grand Beer Release Party and bring the family, of course!

GREAT NOTION BREWING 2204 NE Alberta #101, Portland greatnotionpdx.com Want more family-friendly happy hours?

Check out our blog at nwkidsmagazine.com for a new monthly series!

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WESTWARD, HO! SADDLE UP AS WE JOURNEY INTO SUMMER CAMP TERRITORY

Contents photography by PRISMATIC IMAGERY 4hwagontrain.org

SUMMER CAMPS IN THE WILD WILD WEST

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FIRST TIME AT CAMP? EXPERTS WEIGH IN

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SUMMER CAMPS WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK

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IT’S BACK! NW KIDS BEST SUMMER CAMPS CONTEST

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CAMPS FOR $200

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You see them rolling, ever westward, across the horizon. Is it a line of parents signing up for summer camps?

No, thank goodness: it’s a wagon train.

Relive Frontier Days at Historical Summer Camps by KELLEY GARDINER

Blacksmithing

Photography by PRISMATIC IMAGERY 4hwagontrain.org

Does your kid love the rich history of Oregon? From the stories and skills of its ancient people, to the times of the Wild West and the Oregon Trail, there’s a camp that will immerse your little buckaroo in history. Not only is it fun to recreate the past, but all that practical knowledge your kids pick up will translate into skills they need to navigate their futures. Here are some of our favorites, but book soon! Those lines of parents won’t wait long.

Popular camps fill fast.

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TRACKERS EARTH Blacksmithing goes back a long way, but it’s in no way a long-forgotten art. Artisans are still smithing to this day, and your kids can learn how to with Trackers. Enterprising kids in grades five through 12 can take hammer to metal. With every swing of the anvil, they’ll make something completely new and build their confidence at the same time. Choose a day camp in Portland (with aftercare until 6pm available), or a week away at Trackers’ own camp near Sandy. At Forest Forge: Knife Making and Survival Skills, campers will focus on wilderness survival as well. At the Artisans Studio: Blacksmithing and Folk Craft camp, the young smiths spend their time away from the forge woodworking and weaving.

Transportation is provided from Portland for overnight camps.

SE Portland and Sandy $420-472 Early Bird Pricing trackerspdx.com

Living History Summer Camps PHILIP FOSTER FARM Does your kid love the history of the Oregon Trail? This summer, they can live it at Philip Foster Farm in Eagle Creek, about 40 minutes southwest of Portland, not too far from Estacada or Sandy. The farm was established in the late 1840’s to meet pioneers arriving via the famous Barlow Road. In fact, Philip Foster helped maintain the road and welcomed those traveling to the Willamette Valley. Today, campers can experience the working farm and learn pioneer skills like rope-making, gardening, blacksmithing, wood fire cooking (venison, anyone?), animal care and more.

They’ll even wear pioneer clothing and hitch wagons. Campers and parents love how much time is spent hands on, learning new skills. Kids ages seven through 12 are welcome the week of July 18-22, from 9am-3pm daily.

Eagle Creek $150 + $50 refundable clothing deposit philipfosterfarm.com

this? If you’re not sure you’re up for the commitment, non-members are welcome at the tune-up event to check things out.

Details on the route and staging area are forthcoming, but this year promises a trip to picturesque Sisters, Oregon.

Hillsboro, Oregon $225/person, $25/horse if you have one 4hwagontrain.org

Wilderness Horse Camp WILDERNESS OUTFITTERS NETWORK, LLC

The name says it all. At Wilderness Horse Camp, kids head off to the beautiful Eagle Cap Wilderness for a week full of trail rides and learning how to take care of their four-legged guides. On top of that, they get everything that they might want at a summer camp when they’re done riding for the day: swimming, arts and crafts, hiking and archery. And hot showers, too! The original one-week camp and two-week Ultimate Western Wilderness are intended for riders are 1217. For younger and novice riders, check out Saddle Club Camp. Transportation is available from Portland, but space is limited, so book early. Feeling a twinge of jealousy, mom? Book the mom and daughter weekend, August 12-14.

Cornucopia, Oregon $500-$1,145 horse-camp.com

Wagon Train: Sisters Trek 4-H VIA OSU EXTENSION The wagon train is a bit more than your usual summer camp. It’s a week of outdoor fun, adventure and learning to be sure, but this is the opportunity to make a trek in a way that not many people get to experience. Drive a covered wagon, walk or ride a horse to get a taste of life in Oregon’s beautiful backcountry, learning all the way about how pioneers made their way to the Willamette Valley.

The whole family (ten and older, please) can get involved, with meetings, training and an unforgettable one-week trek.

Yes, parents are welcome. When else would you get the opportunity like

Photography by REWILD PORTLAND rewildportland.com

Ancestral Skills REWILD PORTLAND The history of our area doesn’t go back just 150 or 200 years, and neither do the skills taught at these camps.

This goes back… WAY back… to the stone age. Depending on age, your little cavekids might learn to make digging sticks, set up their own shelter from natural materials, spin rope from rawhide or make fire from flint and steel. It’s all about reconnecting with nature, using natural materials and most of all, having fun. Camps for ages 5-11 last from 9am-3pm each day at Kelley Point Park, where the Willamette and Columbia rivers meet. Rewild Camp for Girls, for girls ages 11-13, includes an overnight on Thursday with a Friday pickup.

North Portland $225/week rewildportland.com Kelley Gardiner is a Portland native, a freelance writer and blogger and the mother of one sweet toddler. To see what she’s up to, visit kelleygardiner.com NW Kids Magazine | 13

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for your Unique kid

Camp Namanu Day Camp in the City

A classic summer camp experience where every kid belongs. Just up the road on the banks of the Sandy River.

Themed weekly camps for ages 5 and up, with locations in SE Portland and West Linn.

Call 971-340-1607 or visit CampNamanu.org

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ROOKIE OF THE SUMMER 5 WAYS TO GET YOUR KID READY FOR CAMP by KAREL CHAN

It’s your kid’s first camp summer!

Understandably, they (and you) might be feeling a bit apprehensive and perhaps unprepared. Fear not! We consulted experts from four established camps: Camp Namanu, Willowbrook Arts Camp, Oregon Episcopal School (OES) and Trackers Earth. Together, we bring you five surefire tips that’ll help you and your lil camper feel equipped to have a positive and FUN first camp experience.

1. RESEARCH “Parents know their kids the best,” says Hannah Olson of Willowbrook. You sure do. Start early, i.e. now, in learning about camps that you think would appeal to your child’s interests and fit their personality and comfort level. Does the camp have flexible scheduling in case of first, third or seventh day jitters? What about safety measures and medical staff onsite? Are activities structured or more open-choice? Many camps offer tours of their facilities and open houses so you can ask staff questions directly.

2. PRACTICE You don’t want your kid’s first time attempting a new skill to be in an unfamiliar environment, especially at overnight camp. Common new-tokiddo skills include: showering, using an outhouse, applying sunscreen, trying 16 | NW Kids Magazine

new foods and sleeping away from home. Start teaching them how to do these things now and keep at it! Camp Namanu’s Steven Joinson and Natalie Lindsay also advise having kids practice making mistakes and asking adults for help, with even basic things like rolling up a sleeping bag.

3. COLLABORATE Involve your kid in the process from start to finish! Tony Deis of Trackers Earth emphasizes empowering your child to make informed choices about how they’ll spend their summer and to feel invested in making preparations.

Share your research and read brochures with them; once they’re registered, read the welcome packet and shop for supplies together. Every camp stresses that kids should pack their own bags to build a sense of ownership over their things and also, simply, so they know where to find their snack or (more importantly) underwear.

4. COMMUNICATE OES’s Kati Stenstrom urges constant, open communication with your kid. “Figure out what kind of experience your kids want and gauge their comfort level with new experiences.” Ask them about their expectations and worries, then validate them. It’s perfectly natural for a kid to worry about new things,

and they need to know that it’s safe to talk about those worries with you.

Set realistic expectations about what camp will be like and create a game plan for any worries that might come true. Lastly, share your excitement about your kiddo’s first camp experience! Seeing you worry will magnify their anxiety; likewise, they’ll pick up on your positivity and enthusiasm.

5. RELAX! Once you’ve done the above four things, you and your kiddo are as prepared as

you’re going to be. Anticipate that there may be discomfort, worry or tears, but also trust your camp staff – trust your own child’s resilience! A common report from the camp experts is that even kids who are shy, nervous or anxious start to feel better and are more engaged after a few hours at camp.

Okay, but what about those first few hours, starting with drop-off on day one? “Don’t linger. A swift, sure goodbye shows confidence that you believe they’re going to be safe there,” says Trackers Earth’s Jess Liotta. And there you have it!

Learn more about these expert camps: CAMP NAMANU Spring Fling Sun Apr 3 12:30-3pm 10300 SE Camp Namanu Rd, Sandy Hunt Easter eggs in the meadow, then share cookies and snacks with the Camp Leadership team! campnamanu.org WILLOWBROOK ARTS CAMP On-site tours Sun 12-3pm, Mon-Fri 10am-2pm Starting Jun 26 Browns Ferry Park, 5855 SW Nyberg Ln, Tualatin Walk up and take a tour of the 30+ covered art and activity areas to see campers and staff in action. willowbrookartscamp.org

OREGON EPISCOPAL SCHOOL Visit website for Open House date to come; there you can expect to hear more about their athletic, academic and creative camp offerings that promote service learning and leadership, meet staff and see the campus. summer.oes.edu TRACKERS EARTH Portland Camp Fair Sat Apr 30, 10am-3pm 4617 SE Milwaukie Ave Meet program coordinators and directors, with optional activities including archery, basket making and blacksmithing. trackerspdx.com

Meet all four camps, plus about 30 more all at once at the NW Kids Camp Expo on Sat April 2 at OMSI. Details on p 3.

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Affording Camp: Tips, Tricks and Tax Breaks Article and Photograph by CHARITY MARCHANDT

Freshly cut grass, the ice cream man, the scents of overly chlorinated swimming pools, and the sounds of Alice Cooper’s “School’s Out for Summer” come to mind when the Northwest’s arguably most beautiful season makes itself known.

What else comes to mind? I’ve gotta pay for camp!

Summer camp can be a significant cost to families. Start off by asking yourself: does your schedule allow for half-day, or do you need full-day camp? Will your kid require transportation and lunch on the camp’s dime? Can all your kids go to the same camp (sibling discounts!)?

Once you’ve squared away what an ideal camp is, you’ll be better prepared to approach camps about cost. There are a few different options to ease a weight on your wallet. Summer camp staff spend all year thinking of ways to be accessible for families, so don’t be afraid to talk to them about money!

Plan ahead and enroll early.

Early bird registration discounts can save you a boatload. Summery feelings may be the last thing on your mind right now, but it pays (literally) to get a leg up. Some camps also offer discounts for booking multiple weeks; if your kid can commit to it, so can you. (Check out our guide on p. 21!)

Ask about scholarships and volunteer discounts.

If you’re a consistent part of a certain school or community, there may be a discount available for your child. Offering your skills as a volunteer can be a welcome relief to an administration’s staffing 20 | NW Kids Magazine

worries, whether it’s with campers directly or in the office, kitchen or transportation.

Look for programs in surprising places.

Your local community center or park likely has summer programming.

Brooklyn Park in SE Portland has been a summer spot for kids in the neighborhood for decades, complete with a “secret club house.” Call your district’s parks and rec line for insider tips!

Say hi to your accountant.

Did you know? The Child and Dependent Care Credit allows you to deduct up to 35% – 40% if you make less than $32,000/ yr in Oregon – of qualifying camp expenses (total expenses of $3000 for one kid, $6000 for two or more kids). There are some stipulations: • Campers are under 13 years old, or special needs • Only day camps qualify – no overnights!

• You’re sending kids to camp so you can go to work/look for work • If you’re married, you’re filing jointly To learn more, check out IRS Publication 503. Or, call your tax person!

Charity Marchandt is a queer multi-media working creative in the Portland metropolitan area. They cover A & E, business, education and enjoy clean corners and moonlighting as Nina Simone.

A Handy Guide to Local Camp Discounts ADVENTURE WILD adventurewild.org

15% off by Mar 13

CAMP NAMANU campnamanu.org

Financial assistance available

FRIENDLY HOUSE friendlyhouseinc.org

$25/session sibling discount

GOODTIME CHINESE SCHOOL goodtimechineseschool.org

10% sibling discount

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL intlschool.org

20% second child discount

JOY NOW joynowproject.org

Early bird by Mar 8, full payment discount & scholarships available

MERCY CORPS mercycorps.org

Scholarships available

METRO ARTS INC metroartsinc.org

$50 off before Apr 30; multi-week discounts

OMSI omsi.edu

Financial aid available

OREGON COLLEGE OF ART AND CRAFT cms.ocac.edu

$25 off by Apr 1

PORTLAND JEWISH ACADEMY portlandjewishacademy.org

5% before Mar 31

ROYAL RIDGES royalridges.org

amily discounts and scholarships F available

SATURDAY ACADEMY saturdayacademy.org

Financial aid available

SIZZLING SUMMER DAY CAMPS hillsboro-oregon.gov

Financial assistance available

THE CIRCUIT BOULDERING GYM thecircuitgym.com

0% off additional camp weeks after 2 your first week

TRACKERS EARTH trackerspdx.com

0% by Mar 8; payment plan requests 1

by Mar 31

TUCKER MAXON tuckermaxon.org

arly registration by 4/16; financial aid E available

WESTSIDE ACADEMY westsideacademy.com

10% sibling discount

WILLOWBROOK ARTS CAMP willowbrookartscamp.org

ew camper, 6-week package discount N & subsidized rates available NW Kids Magazine | 21

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Who's Portland's Best Summer Camp?

You Tell us!

Show your favorite camp your undying love and support in the NW Kids 4th Annual Portland’s Best Summer Camps Contest, sponsored by Trackers Earth.

With 13 categories and hundreds of camps out there, it’s anyone’s to win!

Starting March 15, you can head to nwkidsmagazine.com and nominate camps in each category for consideration. The top three nominated camps in each category are finalists; nominations close March 31, then voting on the finalists begins! You can vote as many times as you want through April 15, so let that fierce competitive spirit shine.

The 2016 winners will be announced at the end of April.

In the meantime, check out our 2015 winners; we hear they’re pretty cool.

Best Academic Camp SATURDAY ACADEMY saturdayacademy.org

Best Nature & Farm Camp TRACKERS EARTH trackerspdx.com

Best Arts & Crafts Camp WILLOWBROOK ARTS CAMP willowbrookartscamp.org

Best Overall Camp WILLOWBROOK ARTS CAMP willowbrookartscamp.org

Best Cooking Camp ZENGER FARM zengerfarm.org

Best Overnight Camp TROUT CREEK BIBLE CAMP tcbc.com

Best Dance & Gymnastics Camp GIRL CIRCUS girlcircus.com

Best Science & Technology Camp OMSI omsi.edu

Best General Camp WILLOWBROOK ARTS CAMP willowbrookartscamps.org Best Language Summer Camp THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL intlschool.org Best Music Camp SCHOOL OF ROCK portland.schoolofrock.com

Best Special Needs Camp UPWARD BOUND CAMP upwardboundcamp.org Best Sports Camp BAXTER SPORTS CAMP baxtersports.com

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Photograph by THE CIRCUIT BOULDERING GYM thecircuitgym.com

20 CAMPS FOR AROUND $200/WEEK EAST SIDE:

OUTSIDE THE CITY:

BROOKLYN PARK portlandoregon.gov/parks

LIVING HISTORY SUMMER CAMPS philipfosterfarm.com

BUILDING GIRLS SUMMER CONSTRUCTION CAMP tradeswomen.net/building-girls

ROYAL RIDGES RETREAT royalridges.org

ECHO THEATER COMPANY echotheaterpdx.org

SIZZLING SUMMER DAY CAMP hillsboro-oregon.gov

CAMP VIDA portlandmontessori.org

WILLOWBROOK ARTS CAMP willowbrookartscamp.org

GLENDOVEER GOLF & TENNIS playglendoveer.com

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS:

WEST SIDE:

CAMP NAMANU DAY CAMP campnamanu.org

FRIENDLY HOUSE friendlyhouseinc.org MERCY CORPS mercycorps.org METRO ARTS KIDS CAMP metroartsinc.org OREGON ARTIST SCHOOL orartist.com PORTLAND CHILDREN’S MUSEUM portlandcm.org PORTLAND JEWISH ACADEMY portlandjewishacademy.org

PORTLAND PARKS & REC (search by Community Center) portlandoregon.gov/parks/38277 REWILD PORTLAND rewildportland.com SOCCER SHOTS pdx.soccershots.org THE CIRCUIT BOULDERING GYM thecircuitgym.com

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Get Out and Play!

This month’s local adventures

Sats & Suns Cat lovers (and haters?) will dig this live-action adaptation of Nick Bruel’s books about an ornery kitty. Things just never go her way, and she’s cranky about it! Presented by Oregon Children’s Theatre. $14-28 octc.org

with folk-inspired kindie rock music, puppets, hula hoops and more surprising props. Look out for future Fambly Ramble shows with other special guests in April and May! $8-10 at brownpapertickets.com

Opens Mar 4

Mar 5

Journey Theater has gone and done it again, turning a classic fairy tale into a clever, comedic adventure!

Local talented kids recreate this favorite rags-to-riches story, with a few modern twists. $10-18, journeytheater.org

Party all afternoon at Great Notion Brewing’s mini brewfest and taste all their creative beers, like the Double Stack breakfast stout and Blueberry Muffin. With a kids’ play area, familyfriendly music and a balloon guy (who doesn’t love a balloon guy?), you won’t need to find a sitter. $10 ticket includes collector’s glass and 4 drink tickets, greatnotionpdx.com

Bad Kitty

Cinderella

Mar 5

The Fambly Ramble

Red Yarn and friends the Harmonica Pocket put on a multidimensional show,

Grand Beer Release Party

Mar 12

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

For over 40 years, community partners have come together for a festive parade through the streets of Hillsboro, with corned beef and cabbage, games and activities for all at the end! Free, murphysfurniture.net

Please confirm calendar events and performances as scheduling changes may occur.

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Mar 12 Brain Fair

OHSU’s Brain Institute hosts its annual fair at OMSI, appealing to little (and big!) nerds and scientists all over town. Neuroscientists will be on hand to teach you the latest research and cool tidbits about the amazing brain!

Free (no museum admission required), facebook.com/OHSUBrainInstitute

Mar 19

25th Annual Kell’s St. Patrick’s Irish Festival Family Day

It’s not St. Patty’s Day unless Kell’s is involved. Put on your finest green and enjoy a day full of activities, music and Irish dance, face painting, arts and crafts and more. Free, kellsportland.com

Starts Mar 25

Wooden Shoe Tulip Fest

Whether it’s your first year in Portland or your tenth, the endless rows of vibrant color at Tulip Fest are a breathtaking welcoming of spring.

Lots of photo ops, including windmills and cow trains, as well as yummy food (or pack your own picnic lunch), pony rides, rock climbing, archery, and so much more! $5/person or $20/car, woodenshoe.com

Mar 12

Winter Blues Music Festival

An afternoon of cool music, bluesstyle! Go on an adventure to the end of the MAX Orange Line and enjoy both local to international artists on two stages. Bring canned goods to donate to Oregon Food Bank. $10-40, winterbluesfest.net

Starts Mar 31 Umbrella Festival

A stunning weekend event featuring various forms of physical theater and vaudeville performance, including circus, acrobatics, aerial arts, comedy and more – with plenty of familyoriented shows. Ticket prices and info available at umbrellafestival.com

Easter Egg Hunts!! (and other events)

Easter falls on March 27th this year. No matter what part of town you’re in, there’s an egg hunt just around the corner! Check out our blog at nwkidsmagazine.com this month for a roundup by neighborhood.

Remember to check the NW Kids online calendar for dozens more outings and activities each day.

Share with friends, subscribe to the RSS, add directly to your calendar, and more features. There’s something going on you don’t want to miss! nwkidsmagazine.com/kids-activities-and-things-to-do 36 | NW Kids Magazine

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Found around Town:

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TACOS

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OCHOAS LUPITAS 4810 SW Western Ave, Beaverton $1.25/taco Don’t miss: Fresh pico & salsa bar

2 SANCHEZ TAQUERIA 13050 SW Pacific Hwy, Tigard $2.50-3.25/taco Don’t miss: Pastor, pastor, PASTOR! 3 NAYAR TAQUERIA 5919 SE Foster $2.50-3.25/taco Don’t miss: Roasted poblano taco 4 LA SIRENITA 2817 NE Alberta $1.50-2.00/taco Don’t miss: Best grilled onions

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5 TIENDA SANTA CRUZ PANADERIA & TAQUERIA 8630 N Lombard (behind the grocery) $1.25/taco Don’t miss: Must have carne asada 6 TACO PEDALER 2225 NE Broadway $2.50/taco Don’t miss: Happy Hour daily 7 AMELIA’S EXQUISITE MEXICAN DINING 105 NE 4th Ave, Hillsboro $2.50/taco Don’t miss: Handmade tortillas; giant horchata 8 TAQUERIA LOS GORDITOS 1212 SE Division, 909 N Killingsworth $2.00/taco Don’t miss: Tofu & soy curl tacos

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