PDX Parent January 2023

Cedarwood isn't just a school.

Cedarwood students are curious and engaged critical thinkers and doers who care about creating a better world. Children in pre-kindergarten through grade 8 are nurtured by a developmentally thoughtful pedagogy, with hands-on experiences both in the classroom and off-campus.

Located just minutes from downtown Portland, Oregon, in the historic Lair Hill Neighborhood, Cedarwood Waldorf School's curriculum weaves together the arts, academics and movement to bring learning to life.

Cedarwood's approach to Waldorf education is one in which new ideas, practices, and styles are incorporated to enrich the student experience, including language programs in Spanish and Japanese, and a focus on experiential learning.

From early childhood through the completion of eighth grade, our students are met with openness to possibility, given time to develop resiliency, and taught skills to turn challenges into opportunities.

Just as Rudolf Steiner envisioned Waldorf as an education for every child, we honor diversity and actively seek opportunities to learn from all cultures and traditions.

"I wish I could have gone to school here!"

Most prospective parents upon visiting

"Cedarwood does a wonderful job at being challenging yet nurturing at the same time They meet each child where they are and support real physical, intellectual and emotional growth. The family community and connection is invaluable."

2022 grades parent

It's a place for the whole family to learn, grow, and connect with community. 3030 SW Second Avenue Portland, OR 97202 (503) 245-1477 www.cedarwoodschool.org

Schedule a tour to experience the Cedarwood difference

Join us for a Journey Through the Grades on January 26, 2023 from 7:00pm- 8:30pm

NANCY MINOUI

NANCY MINOUI

NANCY MINOUI

When you think of home, images of sitting around a kitchen table, greeting neighbors as you walk down the sidewalk, tucking your kids safely into their beds at night might pop into your head. Home should be a place where you feel safe, loved and nourished. As we offer up our annual Neighborhood Guide, it’s not lost on me that many Portlanders are still very much struggling with housing insecurity. Home prices and rents have risen exponentially across the metro area. So in addition to spotlighting some wonderful family-friendly neighborhoods across the quadrants, we take a look at a solution which seems to be working for unhoused people and home owners in the Multnomah Village area. And we talk to local realtors who give advice on neighborhoods with pockets of affordability.

And it’s also important for this issue that we recognize that the land the Portland metro area sits on is the traditional village sites of the Multnomah, Cowlitz, Clackamas, Kalapuya, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and many more Native peoples. We acknowledge and honor the Indigenous communities past, present and future — and also recognize the harmful policies of genocide, relocation and assimilation that still affect Indigenous families today.

Another part of feeling at home is finding your support system. Our annual Find It Guide on page 14 can help you do just that. Our helpful listings include tutors, pediatric dentists, preschools and more. And this month we’re also rolling out our annual readers’ poll, renamed to PDX Parent Reader Favorites. Once you’ve found your family’s favorites, give them your vote. Businesses tell us winning means the world to them, so please vote at pdxparent.com/vote.

And finally I want to take a minute to give ourselves a shout-out. PDX Parent was recently recognized by the Parenting Media Association with four awards! We competed with parenting magazines from across the country and won a bronze award for best e-newsletter, a silver award for best feature layout design for March 2022’s “Here Comes Summer Camp,” and two gold awards! One gold for best use of social media and one gold for general excellence for an ancillary publication for our 2021 Welcome Guide. We’re over the moon that our work on behalf of you, the families in the Portland area, was recognized on the national level.

for the long days and short years

PDX Parent P.O. Box 13660 Portland, OR 97213-0660 Phone: 503-460-2774

Publisher Rose Caudillo, 503-460-2774 publisher@pdxparent.com

Editor

Denise Castañon, 503-922-0893 denise.castanon@pdxparent.com

Managing Editor Tiffany Hill tiffany.hill@pdxparent.com

Art Director Tiffany Howard tiffany.howard@pdxparent.com Web Content Coordinator Meg Asby meg.asby@pdxparent.com

E-newsletter Editor Renee Peters renee.peters@pdxparent.com

Eastside Account Executive Lauren Wylie, 503-331-8184 lauren.wylie@pdxparent.com

Westside Account Executive Jill Weisensee, 503-309-8272 jill.weisensee@pdxparent.com

Digital Ad Manager/Calendar Editor/ Distribution Coordinator Melissa Light melissa.light@pdxparent.com Accountant Kelli Bagby Truly Bookkeeping, Inc. President Jill Weisensee jill.weisensee@pdxparent.com

For distribution issues, e-mail us at distribution@pdxparent.com

For calendar submissions, e-mail us at calendar@pdxparent.com

PDX Parent is published monthly (except July) by Northwest Parent, LLC., and is copyright 2021 Northwest Parent, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

PDX Parent is distributed free of charge throughout the Portland, OR Vancouver, WA metropolitan area.

On Our Cover:

Thanks so much to photographer and mom Nancy Minoui for her beautiful shot of the Blattner family at their home in Eastmoreland. “I believe a great image moves you,” says Minoui. “It makes you feel and it captures that feeling you had at that moment in time.” We totally agree! See more of her stunning work on pages 3, 8 and 9, and at nancyminouiphotography.com and on Instagram @nancyminoui.

PDX Parent reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason. Distribution of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised herein.

PDX Parent does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, gender, gender expression, sex or sexual orientation.

Although every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of published material, Northwest Parent, LLC., and its agents and employees cannot be held responsible for the use or misuse of any information contained herein. The contents of PDX Parent and its website are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or treatment.

The PDX Parent team at our holiday gathering. Left to right: Renee Peters, Tiffany Hill, Melissa Light, Jill Weisensee, Denise Castañon, Rose Caudillo and Meg Asby.

To Oregon’s Schools

Lotteries and public school funding. The two go together as naturally as peanut butter and jelly. In fact, many states created lotteries solely to support education.

In Oregon, of course, we’re a little different. Over the years, Oregon voters have directed Lottery proceeds to several important causes — including education. Today, at 53%, public schools get the largest slice of the Oregon

Day by day, as many Oregonians play a little lottery, the dollars add up. These funds make a vital difference for Oregon’s students and teachers. They help ensure access to textbooks and other learning materials, computers and classroom technology. They even help fund scholarships and the essential services every school needs.

When you pick up a Powerball® ticket, snag a Scratch-it SM, or play any of the dozens of other Oregon Lottery games, your play helps fund Oregon’s schools. You’re playing it forward — for education.

Southeast: EASTMORELAND

Driving or walking through Eastmoreland’s tree-lined streets full of large, elegant homes, you’re struck by the neighborhood’s beauty. And that’s not an accident. According to the Eastmoreland Neighborhood Association, the neighborhood was laid out by devotees of the national City Beautiful movement of the early 1900s, who also worked on the Ladd’s Addition neighborhood. Landscape engineer Robert S. Greenleaf intentionally used a “grid and meander” street plan with the crowning jewel being a north-south main boulevard featuring a central park and narrow drives — known today as Reed College Place (pictured above). In fact, the development of the Eastmoreland subdivision started in tandem with the opening of Reed College, its northern boundary, in 1911. Deed restrictions and covenants also ensured homebuilders kept the neighborhood scenic — dwellings had to be set back at least 25 feet from north-south roadways and 15 feet from east-west roadways. And it should be noted that those same deed restrictions also discriminated against Chinese, Japanese and Black Americans, barring them from owning property in the neighborhood.

Today a mix of home styles dot the neighborhood, from the original Colonial Revivals, Arts and Crafts, and Bungalow/Craftsman-style homes built in the 1910s, to English Tudor, mid-century gems and modern rebuilds. While the neighborhood is strictly residential with no shops or restaurants (or apartment buildings!) within its boundaries, residents say it’s an ideal place for families. Kids can find plenty of playmates and the neighborhood goes all out with big celebrations for the Fourth of July and Halloween.

get around

Natural beauty abounds in this close-in neighborhood. Kids can get the wiggles out at the Berkeley Park or Duniway Elementary School playgrounds. And on the Reed College campus, Reed College Canyon (pictured above) is a 28-acre wildlife refuge that’s home to herons, hawks, beavers, river otters and more. (Find out more at reed.edu/canyon/visit.html.)

The serene Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden hits peak bloom April through June; and for the rest of the year, it’s famous for its hungry ducks. Additionally, the Eastmoreland Golf Course welcomes beginners at its summer camps and free early morning golf sessions for kids 17 and younger. (Find out more at eastmorelandgolfcourse.com/junior-programs.)

eat here

While Eastmoreland is strictly residential, neighbors have plenty of dining options just outside the neighborhood in Woodstock and Westmoreland. Julia Blattner says her family’s favorites include Tom Yum Thai Cuisine in Woodstock, and PDX Sliders (pictured left), PDX Bible Club and Nectar Frozen Yogurt in Westmoreland. Pizzicato Pizza, Cloud City Ice Cream and Laughing Planet are also close by!

live here

$895,000 Median home price

SOURCE: REALTOR.COM

what neighbors say

Julia and Brent Blattner both grew up in Eastmoreland and bought their first house together in the neighborhood in 2009. Brent is the owner of Crux Building and Restoration, so they set out looking for a house they could renovate. “We got really lucky and we were able to get into the neighborhood as the market crashed in 2009. We bought a small house that was a huge fixer. But it was perfect for us because Brent has the skills to turn something rundown into something beautiful,” says Julia, a high school history teacher.

After having two kids, Ella, 7, and Luke, 4, they looked for a larger house in the neighborhood and bought a 1928 fixer right before the pandemic shutdown. “If people are willing to work on projects over time, a fixer is a great way to get into the neighborhood.”

But for the Blattner family, one of their favorite things about Eastmoreland is the community. “As a family with young children it is the absolute best,” says Julia. “There are so many families with young kids who live in such a close proximity that our kids are never without friends and opportunities to play. Our block alone has 10 kids all about the same age as our own.”

And the icing on the cake is being close to family. “We have both sets of our kiddos’ grandparents within two blocks of us, so you can often find us at one of their houses,” says Julia.

— Denise Castañon

REED

NANCY MINOUI

Southwest: MULTNOMAH VILLAGE play here

This walkable neighborhood packs the fun in. There’s plenty of space to play at two recently revamped parks: Spring Garden Park and the 89-acre Gabriel Park (pictured right) that features a new inclusive playground. Families love splashing at the Southwest Community Center’s indoor pool, also at Gabriel Park, which features a slide and an interactive play station. In the heart of the village, PILEA Play indoor playspace, Thinker Toys, Annie Bloom’s Books and Portland Parks & Recreation’s Multnomah Arts Center are all popular with families.

Minutes from downtown, this charming and quintessentially Portland neighborhood centers around a main street that boasts breakfast joints, gift shops, bakeries, a beloved toy store and much more. And a yearly summer parade and street fair is a much-cherished community event. Pro tip: Fans of the ultra-family-friendly split-level home style will find an assortment in the neighborhood.

The neighborhood has recently become a safe haven for people experiencing homelessness. In June of 2022, 30 tiny houses opened their doors for people transitioning out of homelessness in the Village’s former Sears Armory site. Prior to its opening, some neighbors spoke out against the Multnomah Safe Rest Village’s (SRV) location. But by October of 2022, many neighbors acknowledged that the Multnomah SRV was a quiet and peaceful site, and support for it has spread. At a recent neighborhood association meeting, residents discussed how they could help Safe Rest Village residents keep warm through the winter. The organization Friends of the Multnomah Safe Rest Village, a group of neighbors, churches, schools and businesses, has also sprung up to support the SRV’s success. Find out more at fmsrv.org.

what neighbors say

Sara and Courtland Childers have lived in Multnomah Village for 14 years and love that it offers plenty of outdoor spaces for their three sons ages 12, 10 and 7 to romp through, as well as neighbor-owned businesses and restaurants. “We take Pokéman Go walks for hours, stopping in for breaks at Level Brewing, Annie Bloom’s Books or Come Unity,” says Sara, co-owner of Potted in Portland. “We shop for every birthday at Thinker Toys and Peachtree Gifts. There are so many community-centric businesses here! On the weekends we love walking through Gabriel Park’s woods to the newly built inclusive playground.”

The Childers family also looks forward to the yearly events organized by Multnomah Village Business Association, a Holiday Gala in December and Multnomah Days Street Festival in August. “It is so fun to enjoy live music and celebrate with neighbors,” says Sara.

Sara does note that a downside to life in the Village is lack of sidewalks, something families with mobility challenges should keep in mind.

— Denise Castañon

TASTEBUD

SARA CHILDERS

PORTLAND’S PRIVATE SCHOOL CLUSTER

If you know private school is in your family’s future, and are looking to live close to excellent private schools, the Southwest and South quadrants boast several private education options. Settle in inner Southwest to be near Northwest Academy, Cathedral School, St. Mary’s Academy and The Children’s Garden. In the South waterfront area, you’ll find the International School of Portland, Cedarwood Waldorf School and Bridges Middle School. It’s also home to Cottonwood School of Civics and Science, a lottery-based public charter school. A little farther out in the Southwest quadrant, you’ll find Oregon Episcopal School, Catlin Gabel, Portland Jewish Academy (pictured above), German International School and more. Have your heart set on the eastside? The Laurelhurst neighborhood offers All Saints School and The Portland Montessori School. Plus Central Catholic High School is nearby. — D.C.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

All Saints School

Enrollment Opens Jan. 1; apply online. Open Houses 6:30pm, Library - Abraham Building. Jan. 12 - grades PreK & K. Jan. 19 - grades PreK-8 601 NE Cesar E Chavez Blvd., Portland, OR 97232 503-236-6205 allsaintsportland.com

Cathedral School

Now accepting applications, apply online! Open House: Jan. 29, 10–11am. Call for a private tour. 110 NW 17th Ave., Portland, OR 97209 503-275-9370 cathedral-or.org

St. Clare School

Open House: Jan. 29, 12–2 pm. Enrolling now for the 23/24 school year! 1807 SW Freeman St., Portland, OR 97219 503-244-7600 stclarepdx.org

St. John the Apostle

Open House dates: Jan. 29, 9:30am–12:30pm & Feb. 7, 5–7pm. 516 Fifth St., Oregon City, OR 97045 503-742-8230 sja-eagles.com

St. Rose School

Join us for Open House on Feb. 2, 5-6pm. Call for tour information! 5309 NE Alameda St., Portland, OR 97213 503-281-1912 strosepdx.org

The Madeleine School

Open House: Sun., Jan. 29, 11:30am–1pm. Tour our school and meet the teachers and families.

3240 NE 23rd Ave., Portland, OR 97212 503-288-9197 themadeleine.edu

St. Thomas More Catholic School

3521 SW Patton Rd., Portland, OR 97221 503-222-6105 stmpdxschool.org

St. John Fisher School Kindergarten Round-up & Grade 1–8 Open House on Sun., Jan. 29th, 10am. 4581 SW Nevada St., Portland, OR 97219 503-246-3234 sjfschool.org

St. Agatha Catholic School

Open House Jan. 26, 6-8pm. 7960 SE 15th Ave., Portland, OR 97202 503-234-5500 stagatha.us

St. Pius X School

PreK–8th Open House: Jan. 8, 9am–12:30pm. 1260 NW Saltzman Rd., Portland, OR 97229 503-644-3244 stpiuspanthers.org

The Choice that Makes a Difference!

Academic Excellence • Faith Formation • Rich Co-Curricular Activities • Before and After School Care Registered and Recognized by the State of Oregon • Accredited by the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA)

Portland is home to so many wonderful, familyfocused businesses.

the Find It Guide

From surrogacy centers to schools, we’re excited to help you find everything your family needs in our handy Find It Guide Listings. We also love celebrating the places our readers give a big thumbs up. We’re rolling out our 2023 PDX Parent Reader Favorites readers’ poll at pdxparent.com/vote. Vote for your family’s favorites. Local businesses say it means the world to them to be selected Winner and Top 5 favorites! (And you know that if you see a PDX Parent decal on a door, it’s a parent-approved place!)

Arts and Entertainment

ARTS & CRAFTS

Art World School

After School Program, Fine Art Program, Weekday/Evening in person or online classes, Seasonal Camps.

4062 NW Saltzman Rd., Ste 206 Portland, OR 97229 schooldirector@artworldschool.com Artworldschool.com

KINDIE MUSICIAN/ PERFORMER

PERFORMING ARTS COMPANY

Broadway Rose Theatre Company: Kid’s Spring Break Camp

Kelli Welli

Local kindie songwriter, Kelli Welli, performs her award-winning songs for kids and the people who love them. Smart, interactive, often hilarious, always genuine and fun for the whole family. Book now for school and library shows, birthday parties or special events. hello@kelliwelli.com kelliwelli.com

Our Kid’s Spring Break Camp is a week-long program providing kids in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade a fun and welcoming environment in which to explore the magic of theatre! 12850 SW Grant Ave. Tigard, OR 97223 education@broadwayrose.org broadwayrose.org/education

Lovegood Performing Arts Company

Lovegood Performing Arts Company provides musical theater classes, summer camps, and main stage productions for students ages 8-22 in Beaverton. Students learn to dance, act, sing and technical theater for students not wanting to be on stage. Students also have the opportunity to audition for main stage musicals throughout the year that are open to the public.

16260 NW Bronson Rd. Beaverton, OR 97006 classes@lovegood.company lovegood.company

listings

Northwest Children’s Theater

Northwest Children’s Theater’s mission is to educate, entertain and enrich the lives of young audiences -- and they do this through award-winning performances, classes and camps!

1000 SW Broadway, T-100 Portland, OR 97205 info@nwcts.org nwcts.org

Birthdays

BIRTHDAY PARTY

VENUE

Aim High Martial Arts

Aim High Martial Arts offers classes for ages 3+ in addition to themed kids camps, birthday parties and Parent’s Night Out events!

16205 NW Bethany Ct., Ste. 100 Beaverton, OR 97006 frontdesk@aimhighma.org aimhighma.org

Pietros Pizza

Pietro’s Pizza brings delicious home style thin crust pizzas to Beaverton, Milwaukie, Salem and Hood River!

13281 SW Canyon Rd. Beaverton, OR 97005 corp@pietrosrestaurants.com GetPietros.com

Triskelee Farm

Working farm that offers educational tours, camps, birthday parties and a preschool! Come experience farm life!

29700 SW Mountain Rd. West Linn, OR 97068 triskeleefarm@gmail.com triskeleefarm.com

Education

FOREIGN LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION

International School of Portland

Embrace the World! For over thirty years, we’ve offered full language and cultural immersion in a warm, loving environment that encourages curiosity and kindness. Mandarin, Spanish, or Japanese. International Baccalaureate.

2305 S Water Ave. Portland, OR 97201 admissions@intlschool.org intlschool.org

PRESCHOOLS

International School of Portland

Embrace the World! For over thirty years, we’ve offered full language and cultural immersion in a warm, loving environment that encourages curiosity and kindness. Mandarin, Spanish, or Japanese. International Baccalaureate.

2305 S Water Ave. Portland, OR 97201 admissions@intlschool.org intlschool.org

Multnomah Early Childhood Program

Preschool Classes in: David Douglas, PPS, Reynolds, Centennial, Parkrose and Gresham

Mon–Thurs / AM or PM

Only $32 per month

Free and reduced tuition for families who qualify 503-261-5535 | mecp_peer@ddsd40.org www.ddouglas.k12.or.us/departments/multnomah-early-childhood

The Portland Montessori School Oregon’s first Montessori preschool and the longest running Montessori program in the Pacific Northwest.

205 NE 50th Ave. Portland, OR 97213

info@portlandmontessori.org portlandmontessori.org

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Bridges Middle School

Bridges is the only middle school in Oregon designed for students with learning differences to reach their maximum potential - in a loving, nurturing atmosphere. Small class settings for 5th-8th graders incorporate individualized academics with social skills and support that set the foundation for success. Admission inquiries for 2023-24 school year.

Space is limited. Preference given to 5th grade applicants.

2510 SW 1st Ave. Portland, OR 97201

info@bridgesms.org bridgesms.org

Cedarwood

Waldorf School

Cedarwood Waldorf School brings education to life and strives to instill a love for learning by weaving together the arts, academics and movement, with a reverence for the developing child.

3030 SW 2nd Ave. Portland, OR97201

vfuss@cedarwoodschool.org cedarwoodschool.org/why-cedarwood

Childpeace Montessori School

Childpeace Montessori School provides a Montessori-based education for toddlers through adolescence in the heart of Downtown Portland.

1516 NW Thurman Street Portland, OR 97209 communications@childpeace.org childpeace.org

Franciscan Montessori Earth School and St. Francis Academy

The Franciscan Montessori Earth School; a diverse community of students from age 30 months-8th grade, inspires children to expand their mind, nurture their spirit and steward the Earth.

14750 SE Clinton St. Portland, OR 97236 info@fmes.org fmes.org

International School of Portland

Embrace the World! For over thirty years, we’ve offered full language and cultural immersion in a warm, loving environment that encourages curiosity and kindness. Mandarin, Spanish, or Japanese. International Baccalaureate.

2305 S Water Ave. Portland, OR 97201

admissions@intlschool.org intlschool.org

Portland Jewish Academy

Welcoming families of all backgrounds from 6 weeks-8th grade. PJA’s hands-on interdisciplinary curriculum emphasizes collaborative learning, critical thinking and community engagement with small classes and dedicated teachers.

6651 SW Capitol Hwy. Portland, OR 97219 office@pjaproud.org pjaproud.org

Portland Waldorf School

PWS educates students of all ages for the whole of life, through real-world learning, an immersive curriculum, and creative development in a diverse community.

2300 SE Harrison St Milwaukie, OR 97222 inquiry@portlandwaldorf.org portlandwaldorf.org

PUBLIC & CHARTER SCHOOLS

Multnomah Learning AcademyMLA K-8

Safe, learning environment where the whole student is nurtured and developed. MLA supports the academic and emotional wellbeing of all students. Education for all.

22565 NE Halsey St. Fairview, OR 97024

3240 S. Troutdale Rd. Troutdale, OR 97060 officeadmin@mla.k12.or.us mla.k12.or.us

Portland Village School

Portland Village School is a public, Waldorf, K-8 charter school, enlivening academics with music, art, drama, movement, language and handwork for students from all backgrounds and cultures.

7654 N Delaware Ave. Portland, OR 97217 admissions@portlandvillageschool.org portlandvillageschool.org

TUTORING/LEARNING SERVICES

hello edu

With 15+ years of experience Amanda Sinnott, M.Ed and hello edu tutoring exists to help students find joy in learning. Specialized ADHD-focused support and online school strategies. Individualized instruction.

Portland, OR 97206

amanda@helloedu.org helloedu.org

Family Fun

AMUSEMENT PARKS

Mt. Hood Ski Bowl

Mt. Hood Skibowl, known as America’s Largest Night Skiing Area! When the snow melts, Skibowl’s Summer Adventure Park features over 20 attractions.

87000 U.S. 26

Government Camp, OR 97028 guestservices@skibowl.com skibowl.com

Oaks Amusement Park

Oaks Park has been Portland’s place for family fun for over 100 years with rides, mini golf, roller skating and more. Oaks Park is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

7805 SE Oaks Park Way Portland, OR 97202

info@oakspark.com oakspark.com

MUSEUMS/FAMILY MEMBERSHIP

Columbia River Maritime Museum

Visitors of all ages will enjoy the experiences provided by the Columbia River Maritime Museum, educational and entertaining displays and exhibits for the entire family. More than you imagined!

1792 Marine Dr. Astoria, OR 97103 communications@crmm.org crmm.org

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)

Inspire your curiosity and sense of wonder at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), one of the top-ranked science centers in the U.S.

omsi.edu

Health & Wellness DENTISTS FOR KIDS

Rockwood Orthodontics

We provide affordable orthodontics to patients of all ages! Our exceptional team is dedicated to giving you a smile you’re proud of in a friendly setting where everyone belongs!

202 NE 181st Ave., Ste C Portland, OR 97230 info@rockwoodsmiles.com rockwoodsmiles.com

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FITNESS

Aim High Martial Arts

Aim High Martial Arts offers classes for ages 3+ in addition to themed kids camps, birthday parties and Parent’s Night Out events!

16205 NW Bethany Ct., Ste. 100 Beaverton, OR 97006 frontdesk@aimhighma.org aimhighma.org

FIT4MOM

Pre/Post-natal fitness, wellness and support for every stage of motherhood! Stroller classes. Find the best FIT for you. Bethany/North Beaverton/Tigard/Lake Oswego/SE Portland/Happy Valley/Clackamas/Oregon City sydneyzaylor@fit4mom.com fit4mom.com

Mittleman Jewish Community Center

MJCC offers group and private swim lessons, a top-notch fitness facility, group exercise classes, personal training, lap and warm water pools, racquetball courts, massage, sports, camps, cultural programs and more!

6651 SW Capitol Hwy. Portland, OR 97219 mjcc@oregonjcc.org oregonjcc.org

PEDIATRICIAN

Brave Care

Brave Care provides exceptional Urgent & Primary care for kids ages 0-21. We are open every day of the year with three convenient locations in the Portland area.

5924 NE Sandy Blvd. Portland, OR 97213 hello@bravecare.com Bravecare.com

Sellwood Medical Clinic

At Sellwood Medical Clinic, you have access to top pediatricians committed to your child’s health. We offer telehealth, in-person pediatrician appointments and same-day urgent appointments. New patients welcome.

8332 SE 13th Ave. Portland , OR 97202 sellwoodmd.com

SPECIALITY SERVICES FOR KIDS

Connected Whole Health

Chiropractic care, sports physical and sports injuries.

8000 NE Tillamook St. Portland, OR 97213 uwsconnectedhealth.com

Multnomah Early Childhood Program

Multnomah Early Childhood Program PEER preschool program is an integrated preschool. Classes offered Monday-Thursday in AM or PM sessions.

5208 NE 122nd Ave. Portland, OR 97230

mecp_peer@ddsd40.org ddouglas.k12.or.us/departments/multnomahearly-childhood

THERAPISTS & COUNSELING

NW Pediatric & Family Nutrition

We are a team of anti-diet dietitians supporting families, teens and adults to have a healthier relationship with food. We specialize in pediatric nutrition, eating disorders and intuitive eating.

5201 SW Westgate Dr. Bldg B, Ste. 100 Portland, OR 97221

nwpfnutrition.com

AFTER-SCHOOL CLASSES/CAMPS

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CLASSES/ CAMPS

Little Kitchen Academy

Give your child the gift of LKA Montessoriinspired cooking classes . Joyful exploration, creativity, independence, agency, socialization and confidence. A lifetime of healthy eating begins with preparing your own food!

7443 SW Bridgeport Rd. Tigard, OR 97224

lka12@littlekitchenacademy.com amilia.com/store/en/little-kitchenacademy---bridgeport-vill/api/Program/ Detail?programId=wyJ9j8b

GENERAL DAY CAMPS

Aim High Martial Arts

Aim High Martial Arts offers classes for ages 3+ in addition to themed kids camps, birthday parties and Parent’s Night Out events! 16205 NW Bethany Ct., Ste. 100 Beaverton, OR 97006 frontdesk@aimhighma.org aimhighma.org

HORSE/ANIMAL CLASSES/CAMPS

Triskelee Farm

Working farm that offers educational tours, camps, birthday parties and a preschool! Come experience farm life!

29700 SW Mountain Rd. West Linn, OR 97068 triskeleefarm@gmail.com triskeleefarm.com

Friends of Tryon Creek

Tryon Forest Adventures offers your child time to grow, learn and have fun outdoors. Designed for youth ages 7-12. Each day incorporates classic camp activities like hiking, nature observation and fort building, in addition to culturally inclusive stories, art, forest observation and science projects. Friends of Tryon Creek is a communitysupported nonprofit connecting youth to nature since 1970.

11321 S Terwilliger Blvd. Portland, OR 97219

adventures@tryonfriends.org tryonfriends.org/forest-adventures

Willowbrook Arts Camp

At Willowbrook campers create the world they envision, through arts. Having the experience and agency to explore through arts and nature, campers build a positive self-concept.

5855 SW Nyberg Ln. Tualatin, OR 97062

info@willowbrookartscamp.org willowbrookartscamp.org/about-wb

K-Lean’s Tennis @ Glendoveer Golf & Tennis

Glendoveer Golf & Tennis provides weekly group lessons, 2 hr, 4hr & all day summer camps for kids in tennis & golf. K-Lean’s Tennis with Kaleen Worley, USPTA professional, provides a passionate and FUN learning tennis environment while teaching fundamentals, strategy/tactics, and much play for all ages and ability levels.

14015 NE Glisan St. Portland, OR 97230

k-leans.com

Pregnancy & Baby

FERTILITY & SURROGACY RESOURCE

All Families Surrogacy

All Families Surrogacy, LLC, is a compassionate and thriving gestational surrogacy agency based in Oregon.

info@allfamiliessurrogacy.com allfamiliessurrogacy.com

Surro Connections

Surro Connections is unlike most surrogacy agencies. We want to know you personally and provide you with the ongoing attention you need as you go through this life-changing journey.

12817 Northeast Airport Way Portland, OR 97230

INFO@SurroConnection.com surroconnections.com/do-i-qualify

PREGNANCY & POSTPARTUM SUPPORT

Shopping & Services

CONSIGNMENT SHOP/ EVENT

West Coast Baby Care

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Beanstalk Children’s ResaleEnhanced

Grow and shop sustainably with Beanstalk! Your neighborhood resale store has lots of options for your family, sizes preemie to youth 14. Shop in-stores or online at shopbeanstalk. com 3527 NE 15th Ave. Portland, OR 97212 8021 SE Stark St. Portland, OR, 97215 info@beanstalkpdx.com beanstalkpdx.com

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Northeast: ROSE CITY PARK

Portland goes by many names: Stumptown, Bridge City, Rip City. But one of the prettiest nicknames is the City of Roses. (It’s also the city’s official nickname.) Often shortened to Rose City, Portland got its sweet moniker with the founding of the Portland Rose Society in 1889. Soon after, Portlanders were fixated on filling their gardens with the thorny bush. By 1905, during the Lewis and Clark centennial celebration, there were more than 200 miles of rose-lined streets and sidewalks. Two years later, in 1907, the city hosted the first Rose Festival. Portland officially became the City of Roses.

The neighborhood of Rose City Park was incorporated the same year as the inaugural Rose Festival. Today, this Northeast neighborhood comprises a diverse mix of established Portland, with gentrified updates and hip eateries. It’s also family- and dog-friendly with outdoor spaces, parks and shopping. And neighbors are often able to find lower home prices in Rose City Park, compared to in the adjacent neighborhoods of Hollywood and Beaumont.

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Rose City Park is home to some iconic Portland eateries. Looking for a good steakhouse that’s family friendly? Visit Clyde’s Prime Rib. Here you’ll not only find the namesake cut of meat, but a kids’ menu with favorites like mac and cheese, a cheeseburger and fried chicken. They also have regular live music on the indoor stage — with room to dance — and an outdoor patio. Another family favorite is Laurelwood Brewing Co. One look at the menu — which says, “Order your kid’s meal early … and we’ll get the kids fed first!” and you know this place is kid-oriented! Kid-approved meals include a corn dog, cheeseburger, grilled cheese and chicken tenders. But there’s also a delicious lineup of food made with locally sourced ingredients for adults, and your favorite brews. If you’re a family that can never agree where to go out to eat, the Rose City Food Park (pictured above) is for you. This is one of Portland’s longest running food cart pods, and features tasty eats like pizza, BBQ, sandwiches, vegan Mexican street food and more. And for the grown-ups, there’s also a beer garden with beer and ciders on draft.

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ROSE CITY FOOD PARK

ROSE CITY FUTSAL

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Kids love exploring Normandale Park. In addition to the requisite park features, including a playground (that’s also accessible), picnic areas, sports field and courts, and a fence off-leash dog park, Normandale is also home to the Erv Lind Stadium, first built in 1948. The neighborhood boundary also includes a section of the sprawling Rose City Park. This 24-acre park has lots of play and sports surfaces and structures. It also boasts an impressive number of conifers, pines and a Douglas fir grove, all perfect for walking or picnicking under. Don’t miss the beautiful Rose City Golf Club (pictured far left). It’s the second oldest municipal course in Oregon. Neighbors also enjoy the opportunity to grow veggies in the community garden at Frazer Park. For indoor soccer fun, don’t miss the eastside location of Rose City Futsal (pictured left). You’ll see plenty of youth practicing here for a number of teams. And if you’ve got graphic novel readers in the family, a visit to Cosmic Monkey Comics is a must-do. (It’s also a top five winner for PDX Parent Reader Favorites for Best Comic Book Shop.)

what neighbors say

With three kids under 8, it was important for the Cowdins to live close to a park. “We loved the idea of living only a block off the park for our kiddos to play,” says Akasha Cowdin. She and her husband, Luke Cowdin, have three daughters: Holden, age 7, Elliot, age 4 and Louise, age 2.

The Cowdins moved to Rose City Park in 2014 and appreciate the tight-knit community in the neighborhood. “We are close to those around us. We check in on each other,” says Akasha. “We help out. We pick up trash or items on the street. We offer to water gardens, watch pets, pick up mail. It’s a community feel.”

Families also love the neighborhood elementary school. “We have loved the community and energy the teachers, administration, parents and kids bring to the neighborhood,” says Akasha, adding that the convenience and comfort of walking with the kids to and from school is a great perk.

“The number of families with young kiddos (living here) has increased exponentially,” she adds.

In addition to the nearby park, the Cowdins head to The Wiggle Room to get out their energy (especially when it’s cold and rainy out!). For food, Cha Ba Thai and the Barley Pod are their go-to family eateries.

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$670,000

Median home price

$1,650

Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment

SOURCE: REALTOR.COM AND ZUMPER

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North: UNIVERSITY PARK

Like this North Portland area’s name suggests, this compact neighborhood is named after a university — the University of Portland. In fact, the Catholic campus, first founded in 1901, takes up a large swath of realty in the neighborhood’s southern corner. The neighborhood is snuggly wedged between the Willamette River to the south and bustling Lombard Street to the north, where you’ll find a diverse mix of established eateries and local services, like grocers, health care offices and CPAs. But University Park isn’t just home to college students, lots of families also live here. Here, modest homes line the streets and kids enjoy the green-space provided by two city parks.

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Neighbors looking to eat in this neighborhood head to Lombard Avenue, the neighborhood border, and dining hot spot. For classic seafood, visit The Fishwife (pictured right).

Longtime University Park residents, Sharon and James Laughlin, opened the restaurant in 1989. Today, their daughter Lindsay runs it. There’s everything from Pacific oysters and clams, to cod and salmon, and kids will love the fried goodies in a basket, including fish and chips, or chicken fingers and fries. For family-friendly and sharable comfort Chinese classics, neighbors go to Chef Zhao, also on Lombard Avenue. Kids love the orange chicken, or the no-sauce-required mar far chicken. And for caffeine on the go, and stellar baked goods by Shoofly Vegan Bakery, families love No Wave Coffee on Portsmouth Avenue.

THE FISHWIFE

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A perk of living in University Park is having the University of Portland campus in your backyard. Neighbors enjoy strolling through the picturesque campus, dotted with manicured lawns and trees, and being able to attend sports events. Families also love easy access to McKenna Park. This 4.52-acre park has all the amenities for athletes, including soccer and softball fields, a basketball court — which was resurfaced in 2021 — and a playground for littles. Head west, and you’ll find another greenspace neighborhood gem, Portsmouth Park. This city park also features soccer and softball fields, a playground and picnic tables.

what neighbors say

When Jillian and Conor Wing were house hunting in Portland, they were looking for a quiet, family-friendly neighborhood, with an easy commute around the city and to Vancouver for work. “We wanted the best of both worlds,” says Jillian Wing, “the neighborhood vibe and the city perks!”

The Wings have two kids, Warren, age 6, and Elsie, age 3, and family dog, Oak. They’ve lived in University Park for 10 years and love the neighborhood’s strong sense of community. “It is the kind of place where if a neighbor is ill, neighbors that don’t know them will be dropping off hot meals; if a tree is down, people are there to help move it; if you need a break from your crying baby, someone will volunteer to give you respite,” says Jillian, adding that University Park is also the Halloween neighborhood in Portland.

Neighbors also love that University Park has parks within walking distance. And most grade-school kids attend the public school and can walk or bike there. Jillian says despite the walkability, one challenge of living here is that many homes don’t have a driveway or a garage and have to rely on securing street parking. “University Park is an old neighborhood,” she adds. “When we first moved here there were way more large lots with old, interesting houses, the trend has been to tear them down and put up two smaller houses with very little green space.”

— Tiffany Hill

THE HISTORY OF PORTLAND’S QUADRANTS

Did you know that Portland has more than 90 formally recognized neighborhoods? Like pieces in a puzzle, all these diverse communities fit snugly into geographic boundaries, known throughout the city as quadrants. Interestingly enough, there aren’t four quadrants like the term suggests, but rather six. They are: North, Northeast, Northwest, South, Southeast and Southwest. The most recent quadrant, South Portland, was officially designated by the city in 2020. For easy orientation, the city is divided into east and west by the Willamette River, and from top to bottom, north and south, by Burnside Street. And while Portland is relatively straightforward to navigate, that wasn’t always the case. Dubbed the “Great Renaming of 1931,” the city streamlined and codified its street and numbering system, just as Portland was experiencing growing pains caused by an influx of residents and construction. Duplicate street names were removed and simplified. It was decided that north-to-south roads would have names ending in street, while east-to-west streets would end in avenue. (There are some notable exceptions, like Northeast Sandy Boulevard and Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard.) Businesses were given two years to make the appropriate changes and the city even paid for and installed house numbers for residents. Pro tip: look closely and you might even find those original white tiles with black, block numbers on houses and buildings. And if you do get lost, just look up. Many of the city’s green street signs have the intercardinal quadrant designations before the street name.

— Tiffany Hill

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There are two restaurant hubs in Bethany, one in Bethany Village, and the other on the west side of the neighborhood near Portland Community College, Rock Creek. For a very local date night, neighbors recommend Rock Creek Corner on the west side or Bethany’s Table in Bethany Village. For a family meal, Bethany Public House in Bethany Village has a great kids’ menu, and enough variety to keep everyone in the family happy.

Niche.com’s No. 1 Best Place to Raise a Family in Oregon is closer than you might think: this year’s choice is Bethany, a small suburb of Portland in Washington County. This tracks with what locals say of this safe, quiet neighborhood with good schools. And yes, it is a great choice for families with young children — if they can afford it. With a median home price upward of $700,000, it can be out of reach for many of the young families its qualities attract.

The Bethany community was named in the late 1800s, but it has exploded in growth recently, more than doubling its population in the last two decades.

Technically outside of the Northwest quadrant, this urban unincorporated community is served by Washington County. While Bethany residents may have a Portland address, they are not served by the City of Portland or any city government. This is confusing enough for new residents that there is a website dedicated to helping neighbors determine how their government and services work: bethanygovernment.org. But even without a city, residents feel a sense of belonging in the friendly Bethany community.

Children of Bethany can boast their neighborhood is home to beloved Pirate Park (pictured left), one of PDX Parent’s top ten destination playgrounds. It’s just one of many playgrounds in the neighborhood, including the newest Parivar Park, tucked into a residential area in the northern section of Bethany.

Families will also love exploring Kaiser Woods Park and Nature Area, a nice little forest break from the more planned areas of the neighborhood. For community events, Bethany Village (pictured below) is the neighborhood hub. In the summer, families gather there for concerts and the splash pad. During the school year, it’s the place for seasonal fun, including tree lightings, markets, Easter and Halloween hunts, and more. They even celebrate the last day of school with a fun festival. The Bethany Library is also located in Bethany Village, and it hosts family storytime and other fun events throughout the year.

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Amanda Choi and her family moved to Bethany more than a year ago because they were looking for a safe place with good schools for their growing family. They weren’t disappointed. “As a stay-athome-mom, I spend a lot of time walking the neighborhood alone with my kids (ages 3 and 5), and I always feel safe,” says Choi. The numerous sidewalks make the neighborhood stroller friendly, and the Choi family walks to school, the grocery store, and the many fun playgrounds dotting the neighborhood. Most of those walks take around 15 minutes, or 30 if children are walking. And despite moving in during the pandemic, they have been able to meet and befriend many other neighbors with young children. For Choi, the neighborhood checks all of their must-haves, with a bonus of being full of friendly young families.

— Meg Asby

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TUALATIN HILLS PARKS & RECREATION

AMANDA CHOI

BETHANY VILLAGE CENTRE

Originally called Boone’s Landing after a descendant of Daniel Boone, Wilsonville got a name change in 1880. The name hasn’t been the only change in its history; Wilsonville has transformed from ferry site to port to train depot, and finally to the southernmost suburb in the Portland-metro area with a major freeway artery running right through its center.

Wilsonville families can easily access so many of the state’s rural highlights: Willamette Valley wine country; farms that run the gamut of tulips to Christmas trees; the bikeable Ice Age Tonquin Trail; and more. And Niche.com ranks West Linn-Wilsonville as the No. 2 school district in the state. While residents are predominantly white (80% per the 2020 census), the city is growing more diverse with each passing year — and neighbors say that diversity is embraced.

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Plenty of suburban family fun awaits in Wilsonville. The city boasts one of our area’s most spectacular splash pads at Murase Plaza (top photo) at Memorial Park. Memorial Park also features a skatepark, soccer and baseball fields, a boat dock, picnic areas, sand volleyball, disc golf and pickleball areas, playgrounds, and more. Plus there’s 50 acres of native forest to explore in the park — a perfect way to view wildlife. Graham Oaks Nature Park (pictured above) is another great spot for wildlife viewing — and much of the park is wheelchair-accessible. If your crew is looking for indoor excitement, there’s also a Bullwinkle’s Family Fun Center that features bowling, an arcade, mini golf, bumper boats and much more.

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EXPLORE WILSONVILLE

ADAM MCKIBBEN

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Wilsonville resident Lauren Foltz says her 4-year-old daughter’s favorite bakery is Lux Sucre (pictured left). “It’s a family-owned business that has made just about every birthday cake for her, so this place and the owners are special to us,” says Foltz. “It’s a great breakfast and lunch place. I love their apple galette and tartines.” The Foltz family also likes the kebabs at Dar Essalam, a Moroccan restaurant, Perfect Pizza and Oswego Grill

what neighbors say

Lauren Foltz and her family moved to Wilsonville from Northern California in 2017. “Wilsonville feels like home to us,” she says. “The people here are friendly and it is a family-friendly town, which is one of the reasons why we were drawn to this town.”

As a stay-at-home mom, she appreciates that there is always something for her to do with her 4-year-old and ways for her to connect with other parents. “We enjoy the concerts in the park, the summer farmers market, and the holiday events,” Foltz says. “I love that Parks and Rec does an annual toy drive and senior stockings donation as a way to give back to the community each year.” She also values the library’s storytimes and visiting Yesteryear Farm and Frog Pond Farm.

Additionally, Foltz notes that living in Wilsonville allows her family to easily venture to other parts of the state. “Geographically, we love that we are close to the coast and the mountains, making it an excellent day trip or quick family weekend getaway,” she says.

One downside of living in the commuter town is traffic. Luckily, Foltz’s husband works from home and avoids a downtown commute.“I think we can all agree that traffic during commute hours is a bit much. One thing I appreciate is the option to use the WES Commuter Rail,” says Foltz.

— Denise Castañon

LAUREN FOLTZ

LUX SUCRE

The charming town of Milwaukie, less than a 10-minute drive from southeast Portland’s SellwoodMoreland neighborhood, is an ideal location for families looking for more space, lower home prices, a quaint downtown, and the proximity of Portland, without being directly in the city.

What is now known as Milwaukie was home to the Clackamas Indians. (Fur traders, missionaries and settlers would later introduce deadly diseases that decimated the Clackamas population.) In 1847, settler Lot Whitcomb established the area’s first post-contact settlement, naming it after his hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. At the time, the Midwestern town was often misspelled, hence the “ie” spelling variation here.

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The red building of Bob’s Red Mill, visible from the Milwaukie Expressway, is an iconic landmark of the city. And while the employee-owned mill is best known for its variety of flours and mixes, the Bob’s Red Mill Whole Grain Store, Restaurant & Bakery (pictured right) is a great, family-friendly restaurant. The restaurant serves breakfast all day, so it’s the perfect place for families who can eat pancakes, omelets and hash browns any time of day. But the restaurant also has hot and cold sandwiches, grain bowls and salads, plus seasonal pastries, cookies and more fresh from the bakery. Generations of Milwaukie kids have celebrated birthdays with pies and arcade games at Pietro’s Pizza Neighbors hankering for a classic hamburger, crispy fries (or tots) and silky milkshakes know that Mike’s Drive-In is the place to go. For choose-your-own dining, visit the Milwaukie Station Food Cart Pod in downtown Milwaukie. There you’ll find Thai, gyros, sandwiches, BBQ, fried chicken and more. Grown-ups needing their daily caffeine fix head to the homey Milwaukie Cafe and Bottle Shop for coffee and lattes. The whole family will love the cafe’s house-made biscuits, breakfast sandwiches and baked goods. Another bonus: You can pick up a bottle of wine here, too.

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DENISE CASTAÑON

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Neighbors say one of the best perks about living in Milwaukie is the easy access along the Willamette River. For walking paths, waterfront vistas, a boat ramp for fishing and more, families flock to Milwaukie Bay Park (pictured opposite page); the equally scenic Kellogg Creek Park is also nearby. And for those who want to get in some exercise while outdoors, there’s the 6-mile Trolley Trail. This multi-use trail is a mix of paved and gravel pathways, great for those walking, strolling or rolling.

For old-fashioned family fun indoors, neighbors head to Milwaukie Bowl to knock down some pins. First opened in 1957, the bowling alley has retained much of its mid-century character, including 16 wood lanes, beer on tap, and pizza and soda for the kiddos. And for avid bowlers, there’s youth and adult leagues. For families looking to make a splash, there’s the North Clackamas Aquatic Center (pictured above). The waterpark has swimming pools, a wave pool, water slides and a 29-foot-tall rock climbing wall. For littles, there’s an interactive kiddie pool; and adults can relax in the hot tub.

what neighbors say

Deana Andersen-Tennant grew up in Milwaukie, so when she and her husband of 25 years, Randy Tennant, were starting a family, they knew that’s where they wanted to live. Deana and Randy bought their home in 2001 and have lived in the area since. The two have four children: Alex, age 25, Cooper, age 21 and twins Asher and Janelle, age 11.

“While Milwaukie is growing, it continues to hold on to its small town appeal of local parades, such as the Umbrella Parade and the tree lighting festival,” says Deana. “It has a weekly farmers market that runs May through October, a beautiful waterfront park that encourages family usage ... and plans for a new children’s play area.”

The family sees new releases and plays arcade games at the Milwaukie Cinema, which also includes Electric Castle’s Wunderland arcade. “It’s the same theater I grew up going to,” says Deana.

She says the only downside of living in Milwaukie is that the town has gone from being relatively unknown, to skyrocketing to one of the most sought-after communities in the Portland area (which has also increased home prices). “But the majority of changes to Milwaukie since we moved here have all been positive, especially the influx of new families that have helped grow Milwaukie into a more culturally diverse community.”

— Tiffany Hill

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Median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment

AFFORDABLE NEIGHBORHOODS IN PORTLAND

As of press time, the median home sale price in the Portland metropolitan area is $506,500. That means half of the homes sold for more than half a million dollars, and half sold for less than that amount. Real estate broker with MORE Realty and mom of four Nicole Irish notes that the Southeast Lents and BrentwoodDarlington neighborhoods and Gresham/Troutdale areas typically have houses for less than the metro area median home price.

Maureen Healy, a real estate broker with Rarebird Real Estate and a mom of two, agrees. She adds that southeast neighborhoods Powellhurst-Gilbert and Centennial also fall into that more affordable range as do some neighborhoods in North Portland: Cathedral Park, Portsmouth and St. Johns. “There are about 60 homes on the market right now with surprisingly affordable prices, between $350,000 and $375,000, well below both the average and median sale prices for each area,” says Healy. “The vast majority of homes in that price range are three bedroom, one bath ranch homes up to 1,000 square feet average. Some are fixers, but I found a good handful that are already mostly updated, cute and move-in ready.”

And Irish also notes that while interest rates are high, homebuying shouldn’t totally be off the table for firsttime buyers. “Buyers are getting tons of concessions right now from sellers, meaning lots of sellers are paying closing costs and credits toward purchase to help buy down buyer (mortgage) rates,” she says. “Additionally home prices are dropping to balance the market out with current rates, so people are paying a lot less for homes right now than last year.” — D.C.