PDX Parent June/July 2023

for the long days and short years

d n a ortl

r e m m u S P y l l a t o

AT

90+

ideas for

fun in the

sun

PDXPARENT.COM

PORTLAND | SW WASHINGTON | JUNE / JULY 2023

FREE

COME PARTY WITH US ON JUNE 24 AT TOPAZ FARM! PG. 38

TRACTOR TALK

Free

Bring your littles to Topaz Farm’s version of Storytime

WEDNESDAYS ANIMAL WALK 2

FREE: Farmer Kat brings out a different farm animal to learn about and pet.

THURSDAYS LIVE MUSIC

Family-friendly concerts are back! Free 5+ under. $7.50 Kids, $15 Adults. Tix: topazfarm.com

FRIDAYS TRACTOR TALK

10:15AM, JUNE 14 - AUG 30

6PM, JULY & AUGUST

10:15AM, JUNE 16 - SEPT 1

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FREE: Farmer Jim lets your little farmer explore a different tractor each week.

contents FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

Your Family’s Dream Staycation.............................................. 12

Editor’s Note...................................................................................................4

We’ve got totally fun ideas to make your family’s summer Play Room..........................................................................................................8

in Portland the best one yet! Check out our curated list of new and new-to-you play spaces, food carts, art exhibits and so much more.

RESOURCES

By Meg Asby, Denise Castañon, Kate Hagan

Summer Camps.......................................................................................... 9-11

and Tiffany Hill.

The PDX Parent Summer Calendar............................... 22 Our big summer calendar is back with 92 days of fun! Find daily activities for June, July and August — including plenty of free and low-cost events!

By Denise Castañon and Tiffany Hill.

12

There’s No I in Team............................................................................ 30 How to root for your kid athlete while modeling good sportsmanship. Plus advice on how to handle losses and what to do when your child wants to quit midseason.

By Kat Merck.

PDX Parent Reader Favorites................................................... 36 Reader favorites revealed for Family Fun and Food & Drink categories — most popular playgrounds, sweet

HOPSCOTCH

C ATHERINE RYAN GR EGORY PORTL AND PAR KS & R ECR E ATION

22

treats, arcades and more. pdxparent.com

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e d i t o r ’ s n ot e

Sunny Days

TR E VOR PAR K ER

Don’t worry if you don’t have plans with the kids this summer, this whole issue is packed with ideas for your family’s most fun Portland summer ever! Find Your Family’s Dream Staycation on page 12 where we’ve curated a list of 17 new places and lesser-known gems for you to check out while the kids are out of school.

There’s a new pod with LGBTQ+ and BIPOC-owned carts, pickleball courts you’ll want to hang at, Mike Bennett’s new interactive exhibit, shiny new splash pads, a new, inclusive playground, and much more.

Plus, our big summer calendar is back. Managing editor Tiffany Hill and I listed at least one family-friendly event or activity for every single day of June, July and August. Even better, many events on the daily calendar, including a laser light show, open-air Shakespeare, playground romps, concerts in the park and summer outdoor movies, are all free! We know that when you are keeping your kids busy over the summer, free is good!

And we also list our Reader Favorites winners for the Family Fun and Food & Drink categories. Find out what your fellow readers ranked as their favorite playground, sweet shop, kid-friendly bike trail and more.

Hope you enjoy your Portland summer!

P.S. Be sure to check out our new podcast In the Know

by PDX Parent presented by Legacy GoHealth! Find it on streaming platforms and at pdxparent.com/podcast.

What is your family’s favorite

Portland summer activity?

Spontaneous backyard get-togethers. I love when all the neighborhood kids play and the parents put together a potluck.

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

My ideal Portland summer day is browsing at a neighborhood street fair, swimming in my in-law’s pool and then grilling something delicious for dinner.

We love camping, hiking and kayaking! Our kids basically live in the pool, even if it’s barely warm enough outside to tolerate it.

Now that I have teenagers, activities are changing, but looking back I’d say Sunday Parkways and outdoor festivals/concerts are our favorite family activities. Really looking forward to the familyfriendly Topaz Farm concerts this summer!

E-newsletter Editor Anne King anne.king@pdxparent.com Sales Account Executive Jill Weisensee, 503-309-8272 jill.weisensee@pdxparent.com Sales Account Executive Lauren Wylie, 503-331-8184 lauren.wylie@pdxparent.com Sales Account Executive Alice Schulz alice.schulz@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.

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.

ON OUR COVER Thanks to Art Director Tiffany Howard for this fun illustration of the many ways families enjoy summer in Portland: Family bike rides, hikes among evergreen trees, kid-friendly shows and movies, rose garden romps, and, of course, plenty of sweet treats like doughnuts and popsicles.

See more of her work at tiffolio.com.

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.

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Visit Orcas: Our Shared Future, and dive deep into the stories and science of the magnificent orca, apex predator of all oceans.

Featuring 100+ artifacts, life-size orca replicas, fossils, and original artwork from the Indigenous peoples of the North American West Coast.

Image Credits: Royal BC Museum

Exhibit open now!

Inspire curiosity and experience fun for all ages!

• Splash and climb in the Science Playground • Tour the USS Blueback submarine • Catch a planetarium show • Experiment in hands-on labs • Explore our exhibitions

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SPEND THE DAY WITH US AND

FIND YOUR

INNER ROCKHOUND EXPANDED SUMMER HOURS OPEN WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY

26385 NW Groveland Drive Hillsboro, OR 97124 503-647-2418

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BROADWAY

CHILDREN’S T H E A T RMUSICAL E C OPRODUCTION M P A N Y

50

MINU MUS TE ICAL !

Photo by Sam Ortega

JUL. 19 – 22 Box Office: 503.620.5262 www.broadwayrose.org

Title Sponsor

Show Sponsor

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p l ay r o o m

Ask Dr. Baynham Q: My 13-year-old is starting to break out on his face. What kind of skin-care products should he use, and any to avoid?

devote multiple aisles to skin care. And there are numerous online options. The acne-treatment industry is currently valued at over $9 billion as companies market a wide array of products promising treatments to self-conscious teens and tweens. To help narrow the search, let’s review a few simple guidelines.

Acne is categorized as mild, moderate, or severe. For mild acne, which comprises most teen and tween acne, starting with a benzoyl peroxide-based face wash in the morning is a great first step. If that’s not doing it, adding a thin layer of a topical retinoid at bedtime is the next step. Don’t use the benzoyl peroxide at the same time as the retinoid — use the face wash in the morning and the retinoid in the evening. Topical retinoids include Retin-A, which is a prescription, and adapalene which is now available over the counter (Differin gel). Side effects of

light facial moisturizer with SPF in the morning after cleansing.

For moderate or severe acne, treatments may include higher potency topical retinoids, topical antibiotic creams, oral antibiotics, or possibly Accutane for nodular or cystic (scarring) acne. Most teens will need a referral to a dermatologist to start Accutane.

For hormonal acne in females, combined oral contraceptives (birth control pills) can be helpful. All of these options are prescriptions and take up to four to six weeks to be effective, so don’t hesitate to schedule a visit with your pediatrician to get started. And save that toothpaste for your teeth.

Pediatrician, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatrics and mom of two, Allison Baynham, M.D., knows what it takes to raise healthy, resilient children. Come bond, share your

retinoids include skin redness, irritation and peeling, so start with

struggles and team with her for great care at

two days per week and work up to nightly based on tolerance.

Metropolitan Pediatrics in Tigard.

Some kids today might be surprised to learn that sports weren’t always accessible to girls, women and people of color. This month, Kim Tano and Madeline Shier, the children’s book buyers at Powell’s City of Books picked three kid-appropriate books that focus on not-so-distant sports discrimination — plus a purely fun soccer board book for babies and toddlers. Look for these titles at the

Hoops written and

Bree is excited to start at

Matt Tavares

Christmas

her new middle school until she realizes she’s stuck with only one elective that fits her schedule — swimming — and must face her fear of the water. With help from her elderly neighbor, Etta, who is a former swim team captain, Bree explores her own fear and its relation to segregation of public pools and racism that Black people face. An engaging graphic novel and Oregon Battle of the Books selection for ages 8 and older. $12.99.

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illustrated by

The Wilkins Regional High

Contenders: Two Native Baseball Players, One World Series by Traci Sorell, illustrated by

COT TAGE DOOR PR ESS

Swim Team by Johnnie

PENGUIN R ANDOM HOUSE

HAR PER COLLINS

PENGUIN R ANDOM HOUSE

Burnside, Hawthorne or Cedar Hills Powell’s locations, or order online at powells.com.

Let’s Play Soccer

by Ginger Swift,

illustrated by Villie Karabatzia

School girls’ basketball team,

Arigon Starr

The Lady Bears, have no

Charles Bender and John

book is a perfect first

Mayer made history in the

introduction to soccer

1911 World Series as the

for babies and toddlers.

first Native American pro

Your future goalie or

players to take the baseball

striker will learn the

diamond. This picture book,

basics of the sport

from Cherokee Nation

through sweet, colorful

author Sorell, and Kickapoo

illustrations and lift-the-

Tribe illustrator Starr, is a

flaps. And if they can’t

beautifully laid-out look at

put this book down, the

that championship and the

series has entries on

players’ lives. For ages 6

baseball and (American)

and older. $18.99.

football as well! $7.99.

buses to take them to away games and homemade uniforms. But they push through to an undefeated season! Inspired by the true story of Judi Warren and her 1976 state-champion-winning teammates from Warsaw, Indiana, this graphic novel explores the battle women fought for equality in sports.

For ages 8 and older. $12.99.

This interactive board

GAIL PAR K

some toothpaste on it.” Now grocery stores and pharmacies

Retinoids also increase the risk of sunburn, so it is crucial to add a

GAIL PAR K

A: Acne remedies have come a long way from the old, “put

SUMMER CAMPS

Tree Folk Summer Camp Science, Art and Outdoor Adventure!

Find even more

summer

camps for kids at:

Opening Summer 2023, Tree Folk Summer Camps are ready for your adventurer!

Located on 150 acres of forest and farmland in beautiful Oregon City, less than 30 minutes from Portland. Tree Folk Summer Camps combine science, art and outdoor adventure that will create an unforgettable experience for your child.

Camp hours are 9am - 3pm daily with optional early drop off starting at 8am and optional late pick up until 5pm. Ages 5-11.

pdxparent. com/portlandsummer-campsguide.

www.treefolkoc.com 503-461-6314

Lovegood

summer at promises FUN PERFORMING ArtS CAMPS FOR YOUR STUDENTS

Lovegood Performing Arts Company has created a summer packed with plenty of performance and backstage opportunities, with camps and evening programs, too!

Camps for Tweens, Teens & Young Adults • Improv • Hip Hop • Tap Dance • Audition Prep

Register: lovegood.company/summer 503.278.5898 • 16260 NW Bronson Road, Beaverton, OR 97006

Camp options in July or August!

Ages: 6–14

Email: classes@lovegood.company

July 28th – August 6th

Sign up now!

Space is limited.

Tickets: www.lovegood.company

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SUMMER CAMPS

summer theater camps

at

& in your neighborhood

NWCT’s New Home, The Judy, is Located at 1000 SW Broadway

JUNE 19 - AUGUST 25 • AGES 4-14

nwcts.org • 503-222-2190

KIDS ACTION SUMMER CAMP Kids (K-6th) play FUN & ACTIVE games, such as capture the flag, obstacle courses, relay races, and a huge favorite... wrecking ball! Every child and age group is different, so we tailor games to ensure that they are physically and mentally challenging for everybody.

Your child will have a blast!

Mon.–Fri. 9am–4pm June 26–30 July 10–14 July 17–21 July 31–Aug. 4 Aug. 7–11 Full Day: $390 Half Day: $295 CAMP LOCATION: Nexus Church, 12555 SW 22nd St., Beaverton

playfitfun.com/summer-kidsaction-camps/

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SUMMER CAMPS

Programs for Pre-K through 12th grade

Weekly Camps 2 to 4 hours Cost & Ages:

$49 - $125 | 5 to 12

Cities: Portland, Beaverton, Vancouver

June 26–Aug. 11 Register at oes.edu/summer

Dates: Programs start June 19 Equipment Provided.

Scholarships available.

Register Today: rectennis.com/programs

SIGN UP FOR 2023 REGISTRATION OPENS APRIL 4

FOR AGES 3 & UP pdxparent.com

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Your Fami

Stayca Vacations are nice,

but sticking around the Portland area in the summer offers so many fun opportunities for families. It’s the perfect time of year to get outside and try out new and new-to-you parks, frozen treats, art exhibits and so much more. Here’s our curated list of fun ideas and places to try out during your family’s Portland summer staycation!

HOPSCOTCH

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ily’s Dream

ation Immersed in Art

So there are no goats on Belmont anymore (see page 17 to find them!), but HOPSCOTCH, a new art, light, and sound experience, will open on June 9 on Belmont’s Goat Blocks.

This family-friendly art installation will span 23,000 square feet of gallery space and show off experiential creations that explore the intersection of art and technology. During the 90-minute experience, guests might question their relationship with waste and nature, play with light and sound on a cosmic trampoline, and wander through an LED maze of lights.

Portland’s love of the arts and indie vibe drew Hopscotch co-founders Nicole Jensen and Hunter Inman to our city.

(There’s also a Hopscotch in San Antonio, Texas.) “We were very selective about what city to go to next,” says Jensen. “We knew if we were going to expand, it had to be somewhere that shared our values and beliefs as a brand. Creativity is ingrained in Portland’s culture, it is a city of artists, makers, and entrepreneurs. It is proudly inclusive and celebrates individualism. We really fell in love with Portland, so much so, that my wife and I moved our family here.” 1020 SE 10th Ave. Admission: adults: $24; students, seniors (65+), military, teachers, health care and first responder ID-holders: $20; children (ages 4-13): $15; children 3 and under are free. Minors under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. More info at letshopscotch.com. — Denise Castañon

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Splashing in the ’Burbs

The City of Tigard recently unveiled its first SPLASH PAD AND INTERACTIVE WATER FEATURE at the newly opened UNIVERSAL PLAZA, an accessible community space also home to shared tables, porch swings, event spaces, food carts, and a bike and pedestrian boardwalk that connects to the Fanno Creek Trail. “Universal Plaza is a statement project,” says Tigard’s Community Development Director Kenny Asher. “It’s going to bring people together, which is what folks in Tigard want. Too many things lately are pulling people apart.”

Universal Plaza is also the new home of the weekly Tigard Farmers Market that takes place on Sundays from 9 am-1:30 pm. In the second phase of construction, which has not yet been funded, Universal Plaza aims to gain a large architectural canopy for shade in the summer and shelter in the winter, along with an all-access community room. 9100 Burnham St., Tigard. — D.C.

CIT Y OF TIGAR D

Retro Cute

MERCI MILO launched their Northeast Portland store after successfully opening a kids boutique in the Highland Park neighborhood of Los Angeles. Inspired by the owners’ daughter Milo, and her love of artisan and global toys, you’ll find many vintage-inspired toys as well as locally made favorites. (For this reason, the online store and local selection may vary.)

Merci Milo packs a wide array of toys into a small area, yet still provides a large selection.

Standout features include a significant selection of costumes for dress-up play and a diverse and inclusive selection of toy dolls. While toys are easily accessible to browsing young ones, strollers may be a tight fit while shopping. Merci Milo is currently open every day (except Monday), 11 am-6 pm, but will close for staff lunch breaks around 1 pm. 2438 NE Broadway St. Shopmercimilo.com. — Kate Hagan

K ATE HAGAN

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DENISE C ASTAÑON

Don’t Worry, Be Happy

If you need a few more rainbows in your life, then the HAPPY PLACE, HAMMER AND JACKS toy store’s new play space, is the perfect fit.

Stick With It

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that kids are more likely to try new foods if those foods are on a stick. Enter TWO HANDS CORNDOGS, which recently opened in Hillsboro. The California-based chain marries the iconic state fair treat with Korean flavors; think a spicy corn dog rolled in Hot Cheeto dust. And you can customize your corn dog quite a bit. You have the choice of a cheese stick, beef frank, a combo of the two, or spicy beef frank. Pro tip: You can take a pass on added sauces or seasonings if you wish.

Skip the American Classic Dog (my daughter’s was undercooked) and go straight for the Crispy Rice Dog or Two Hands Dog. (My spud-loving daughter had been looking forward to trying the Potato Dog, but they were out when we visited.) These two corn dogs are dipped in batter that’s more akin to pizza dough than the cornbread batter in American-style dogs. The truly crunchy Crispy Rice dog was a hit with both my son and daughter. My son was amazed that it was dipped in sugar. And, surprisingly, my kids devoured the spicy fries doused with Kimchi seasoning. Be sure to grab an uber-puckery lemonade slush that my kids gave a thumbs up to as well. Is this the healthiest place for lunch? Absolutely not. But we all had a really good time trying something new. 2055 NW 185th Ave, Hillsboro. Twohandsus.com. — D.C.

Crafted with sturdy natural woods and vibrant colorful add-ons — like clouds hanging from the ceiling and faux grass — this 750-square-foot indoor playground space is perfect for preschoolers, but both younger and older kiddos love it, too. The playspace is dotted with Pikler triangles, a slide and fort-style platforms. A unique and standout feature is the wavy rolling wall at the back where kids (or playful adults) can toss colorful and light-up balls along a track.

Attendance at the play space requires a signed waiver and a fee of $5 per kid upon entry. Play passes are available at $20 for 5 play sessions or $40 for 10. The playspace capacity is 12 and on rainy days it can fill up fast. But the location can also be rented for private events. Outside food is welcome in the picnic table area nearby, and a bonus for working parents is the many wall plugs for laptops. Check online for schedule updates.

Hammerandjacks.com/pages/play. — K.H.

K ATE HAGAN

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Mike Bennett will bring a farm and flower stand

pop-up experience

with cartoon fruits and veggies and other unique surprises to the PDX Parent Family Festival on Saturday, June 24 from 10 am-2 pm at Topaz Farm!

THE PEOPLE’S COURTS

Hit the Court

If your hearts are still broken over the closure of The Lumberyard bike park in Northeast Portland, there’s good news coming this summer! THE PEOPLE’S COURTS is taking over the beloved space, making it even easier to find a place to play the trendiest of sports, pickleball. In addition to indoor and outdoor pickleball, families can also play ping-pong, cornhole and arcade games. There’s even a 9-hole disc golf putting course — think miniature golf, but with discs. With two restaurants offering exceptional local food and kid-friendly eats such as pizza and ice cream, families can stay all day long.

Adults can even enjoy a cocktail while the kids play! Sign up for the email list at thepeoplescourts.com to be the first to know when opening day arrives. 2700 NE 82nd Ave. Pro Tip: While you wait for the opening of The People’s Courts, or if you live in the Clackamas area, RECS recreation center is another great spot for a family-friendly game of pickleball, 17015 SE 82nd Dr., Clackamas. — Meg Asby

JOSH CHANG

KULFI

Cool Cool Cool Kulfi is a South Asian dessert that’s created by simmering milk into more of a custard — instead of churning — before being frozen into a popsicle. You’ll find this cool treat at a shop with the eponymous name, KULFI, which just opened its second location on North Williams and will frequent the King Farmers Market. Enjoy classic local flavors like marionberry cheesecake or rotating specials like the vegan Pride Pop featuring individually poured fruit and vegetables into colorful layers. In addition to popsicles, try a Falooda for a more textural adventure that combines kulfi, vermicelli noodles, basil seeds, jelly, sweet milk and nuts. The new walk-up shop is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 2-9 pm. 5009 NE 15th Ave. Kulfipdx.com.

Can’t get enough frozen desserts? ICE QUEEN offers paletas, Mexican-style popsicles known for rich, creamy ingredients and fresh fruit. Ice Queen owner, Rebecca Smith, who identifies as Native and Chicana, creates icy treats that are plant-based and dairy-free during store hours from 3-9 pm Thursday through Monday. Standout flavors include Mangonada, a soy-based mango sherbert bar with locally made chamoy, with an optional chocolate dip, and the Bunny Munch, a carrot, orange, and ginger-themed popsicle with a water base. Kids will get a kick that it actually looks like a carrot with a green base and orange top. Pro tip: Ice Queen also delivers! 2012 SE 11th Ave., icequeenyouscream.com. — K.H.

K ATE HAGAN

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A New Adventure Awaits Portland families were thrilled when artist Mike Bennett opened his immersive art installation Wonderwood: The Scourge of Castle Maplehold and a complementary cafe in the fall of 2022. This summer, families can continue the adventure at WONDERWOOD: THE RAT KING’S BAZAAR OF THE BIZARRE. The next chapter of the Wonderwood story, which opened in May, is set in the troubled town of Maplehold, where the Rat King has taken over the village and invited all his minions to join him. The Bazaar seamlessly weaves together original art, storytelling and live performances. And like a true bazaar, you’ll have the ability to purchase limited-edition Mike Bennett art while in the installation instead of at a traditional gift shop at the end. Every surprising creature and landscape you will encounter was hand-painted by Bennett and his team of collaborators.

The Rat King’s Bazaar of the Bizarre: 7410 N Chicago St. Open Thursday-Sunday, 10 am-6 pm. Admission is free. Wonderwood Springs Café: 8811 N. Lombard St. Open Monday-Sunday 8 am-8 pm. Find out more at mikebennettart.com/rat-kings-bazaar. — D.C.

Keep Portland Kid-friendly

When I took my tween to visit the BELMONT GOATS in their new location in North Portland, I was afraid she had outgrown farm animals. To my delight, she was obsessed with Bambi, the loner goat who prefers to spend her time resting under a tree, distanced from the small herd angling for a brushing. Despite the goat’s introverted nature, Bambi loves humans, and my daughter spent a peaceful 15 minutes petting her and enjoying the quiet. I shouldn’t have doubted — kids never outgrow goats! Visiting hours are every Saturday and Sunday, from 11 am-2 pm, weather permitting. I recommend wearing rain boots and watching where you step, but there’s a boot brushing station at the gate if you need it. The experience was so lovely I couldn’t believe it was free. According to their website, these animals are “goats of leisure,” not working goats. They are supported completely by donations, accepted at thebelmontgoats.org. 6631 N Syracuse St. — M.A.

Silver Screen Delights The JUDY KAFOURY CENTER FOR YOUTH ARTS, known as “The Judy,” is the new home for Northwest Children’s Theater and also includes a redesigned MOVIE THEATER SHOWING SECOND-RUN FAMILY FAVORITES. (Perfect when you are looking for cool heat-wave activities.) Navigating from box office to cinema involves heading to the event basement down a grand staircase (or accessible elevator) and mirrors the childhood version of a fancy Broadway show in many ways. Lights, camera and action reveal a snack bar at the bottom of the stairs and a large theater space. Standout amenities are the purple bean bags beneath the viewing screen, in addition to regular cinema seating.

Parents need neither stress about their wallets nor hungry tummies as the concession offerings include family-friendly options like $3 bags of cheddar popcorn or candies such as M&Ms, $5 pizza slices, and sodas for $4. Tickets are $8 per person. The theater offers Friday Family Movie Nights, as well as weekend showings. Nwcts.org/the-judy. — K.H.

MEG ASBY

K ATE HAGAN

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Family Fun, Vineyard-style

14 ACRES WINERY, rebranded from Ridgefield, Washington’s former Three Brothers Winery in 2022, kept many of the same beloved family features and added a few more items. Not only is this winery open to fans of all ages, but the large and expansive yard truly gives a kiddo room to roam. The winery itself offers selections of both reds and whites as well as beer and non-alcoholic beverages.

Order housemade pizza and appetizers and have a picnic in the grassy field. And we’ve never had anyone object to bringing snacks for the kids as needed. In winter, this winery has a large covered patio with multiple propane heaters and in summer the grass lawn features a multitude of concerts and performances. 14acres.com. — K.H.

K ATE HAGAN

Playground Fun for All

ESTHER SHORT PARK is the central community area of downtown Vancouver, Washington, and is filled with fun family events. The park is the weekend host to the Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market running March through October on Saturdays and Sundays. And once the summer season kicks off, the far side of the park is host to a streamlike water feature specifically designed for kids to splash in. Waterfalls pour over easily climbable boulders and are a favorite of local kids.

Pro tip: In the summer, the water features are on daily, from dawn to dusk.

But the standout feature of a family outing in this area is the long-awaited inclusive playground by Harper’s Playgrounds. This new play area, which opened in April, combines carefully crafted hills with highly accessible play features. Highlights include a double slide and a faux grass-covered play hill, a boulder scramble, climbing dome and zero entry “merry go all.” Cityofvancouver.us/ parksrecculture/page/esther-short-park. — K.H.

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K ATE HAGAN

Slurp 'n' Play If your family is looking for a low-key game night, but don’t have the energy to visit a fullon arcade, then TOYSHOP RAMEN is the place to go. This cute game room/noodle shop on Killingsworth is not only a fun spot to play a few rounds of pinball, but everyone can dig into house-made noodles immersed in piping hot ramen broth. Even better, there are vegan noodles and broth in addition to traditional pork- and beef-based bowls. The Zevi Kid’s Noodle Bowl is perfect for smaller appetites.

Don’t overlook the starters, like the hand-dipped katsu corn dogs or the crunchy chicken karaage. And we could have eaten two of the lemon-curd taiyaki, a Japanese fish-shaped cake (upper left photo).

After dinner, engage in some family game time at one of the nostalgic pinball machines (like Street Fighter and Baby Pac Man). Kids will also love the various Mario toys and Funko Pop vinyl collectables.

Pro tip: For grown-ups looking for a fun night out sans kids, Toyshop Ramen is open until 1 am Fridays and Saturdays. There’s even a lineup of DJs spinning in the corner those nights. Plus, the cocktails, all gamer-themed, are inventive and smooth. 3000 NE Killingsworth St., toyshopramenpdx.com. — Tiffany Hill

MEG ASBY

Food Cart Nirvana

My tween daughter is no stranger to food carts, and as we left LIL’ AMERICA in Southeast Portland, she said, “This is the best food cart pod, ever.” She meant the food — which was delicious — but I was delighted to support a pod that features exclusively BIPOC- and LGBTQIA+-owned carts. I’m from Texas, and the chicken quesadillas my daughter ordered at LOS PLEBES tasted like home. I ordered the Hainanese braised pork belly rice dish at HAWKER STATION, with a perfectly cooked, soft-boiled, soy sauce egg. My daughter loved the mildly flavored pork belly so much she stole my plate (I managed to eat that perfect egg before she took over, though). We ended the meal with a vegan dessert at SPEED-O-CAPPUCCINO, a cart owned by and honoring sex workers with donations from their daily specials. My daughter is obsessed with tamales, so we tried the strawberry and blackberry dessert tamal, and the fruit inside was the perfect blend of tart and sweet. The venue itself is beautiful, with a large mural and plenty of covered seating, with access to Fracture Brewing Taproom. Lil’ America regularly hosts special events, and I can’t wait to come back and check one out.

Find out what’s coming up next by following @lilamericapdx on Instagram. 1015 SE Stark St. — M.A.

Play in the Street

Did you know you can apply to the City of Portland for a FREE BLOCK PARTY PERMIT that will temporarily close off your nonarterial street? And summer is the perfect time to plan a block party with your neighbors. Pro tip: If you had one of those memorable ’80s or ’90s childhoods in which the neighbor kids all played together all summer long, this is a great way to help foster that same experience for your own kids. The street must be classified as a “Local Service Traffic” roadway and intersections must remain open. The application takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete, and you’ll need to submit the application at least 15 business days before your event.

Once it’s time for your block party, be sure to plan lots of fun activities for the kids: Sidewalk chalk paint, sprinklers or a water slide, or a collage craft table are a few ideas. And think of other games that can accommodate a large number of people: neighborhood dog show, freeze dance off, or a paper airplane contest. Pro tip: Be sure to talk to your neighbors before committing to a date to make sure the street closure won’t affect any events they already have planned. Find out more at: portland.gov/transportation/permitting/apply-block-partypermit and portlandoregon.gov/transportation/76866. — D.C. pdxparent.com

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Tired of Unboxing Videos?

Hi there amazing parent. You deserve a break.

Stop worrying about the internet. Stop fighting over screentime.

I built Wonder to help my 5 kids explore safely online, It answers their big questions while I can make dinner.

It's a Montessori guide on an iPad. Peace for you, discovery for them.

wonderpdx.com

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June/July 2023

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pdxparent.com

Benefiting Albertina Kerr

PEDAL OR PADDLE Rentals for a great cause!

Have fun. Get exercise. Do good!

ROAD BIKES • MOUNTAIN BIKES ADAPTIVE CYCLES • TANDEMS • SURREYS KIDS BIKES • KIDS TRAILERS • HAND TRIKES KAYAKS • STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDS • & MORE

Proceeds benefit Albertina Kerr

A local nonprofit offering children’s mental health services and programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

KerrBikes.org

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PORTLAND ROSE FESTIVAL

pdxparent.com

Celebrate Oregon’s vibrant Latino culture during the Latino Cultural Festival at the Ron Tonkin Field in Hillsboro.

Washingtoncountychamberor. com/events. ¢

event, will have a family-friendly ride down the South Park blocks in downtown to Street Books, Portland’s mobile, bicycle-powered street library. There will be cake!

Shift2bikes.org/calendar/ event-16563. ¢ T

the 5 Pedalpalooza, summer-long biking

BIPOC artisans 4 Support with a shopping spree

at the My People’s Market at The Redd event space on Salmon Street from noon-6 pm.

Mypeoplesmarket.com.

MONDAY

Rosefestival.org/events/ 2023/fred-meyer-juniorparade. ¢

Portland’s most adorable parade, the Rose Festival Junior Parade goes from 1-3 pm through the Hollywood district.

Head to either the Hollywood or Sellwood libraries to have your kiddos practice their skills by reading to therapy dogs.

Multcolib.org/events/readdogs. ¢ R

7

WEDNESDAY

6 Read to Rover!

TUESDAY

hammerandjacks.com/ pages/events. ¢ R

A story time with bubbles.

What more could your little want? Join the Literacy Lady PDX every Friday at 10:30 and 11:30 am at The Rec Room at Hammer and Jacks.

Willamette near the Hawthorne Bridge as more than 60 teams compete during the Rose Festival Dragon Boat Race.

Rosefestival.org/events/2023/ dragon-boat-race. ¢ T

these beautiful 10 Watch boats take to the

9

8

Visiting military fleets have been docking at Portland’s waterfront for more than 80 years during the Rose Festival. Don’t miss the chance to tour these big boats. Pro tip: Wear closedtoed shoes if you want to tour the ships. Rosefestival. org/events/2023/fleetweek2. ¢ T

time? Drop them off at the Rockwood Library on Stark Street for the weekly Rockwood Makerspace.

There’s 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines, art supplies and more.

Multcolib.org/events/ makerspace-drop-teens. ¢RT

Your Voice” reading program kicks off today at the Cedar Mill and Bethany Community Libraries. Pro tip: The Summer Reading Festival is June 23, from 6-8 pm at the Cedar Mill Library. Library.cedarmill. org. ¢ R T

Festival events is the Starlight Parade with its glow-in-the-dark floats, marching bands and brightly lit Portlanders strutting downtown.

Starts at 8 pm. Rosefestival.org/ events/2023/starlight-parade.¢ T

3 One of our favorite Rose

SATURDAY

a crafty teen 2 Got with lots of free

FRIDAY

ready for a summer 1 Get of reading! The “Find

THURSDAY

June

SUNDAY

WASHINGTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

| PORTLAND ROSE FESTIVAL

June/July 2023 PORTLAND ROSE FESTIVAL

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your kids 19 Have hone their

Continue the neighborhood love by heading to the Cully neighborhood for the second Portland Sunday Parkways event. Portland.gov/sundayparkways/2023. ¢

Goodnthehood.org/2023festival.html ¢

School Park in Northeast Portland for the last day of the annual Good in the Hood neighborhood festival.

the family 25 Bring down to King

Fpgardens.com/ events.

GREEN BEAN BOOKS

back patio of Green Bean Books every Tuesday at 11 am. Greenbeanbookspdx. com. ¢ R

an outdoor 27 Enjoy storytime on the

Creativeculturediy.com.

National Vanilla Milkshake Day at Creative Culture and cool off while making a tasty work of art. Everyone will leave with the ultimate sugar rush.

20 Celebrate

Regmovies.com/static/en/ us/smx.

Grab some popcorn and catch a flick during $2 movies every Tuesday and Wednesday at one of Portland’s Regal cinemas. ¢

13

¢

Cedarmillbethany. libcal.com/event.

at gardening: Albert Einstein or Darth Vader? Join in a round of Who Would Win?, the popular card game during game night at Cedar Mill Library from 10:30 am–noon.

28 Who is better

Beaverton District’s last day of school with a round or two of free video games at the game truck in Bethany Village Plaza.

Cedarmillbethany.libcal. com/event/10184804 ¢ T

your 21 Have teen celebrate

Schoooool’s out for summer!

Today is the last day of class for PPS students.

Let the fun officially commence!

14

Lunch + Play kickoff party is at Khunamokwst Park in Northeast. There’s live music, arts activities, lawn games and, of course, free lunch for kids 0-18.

10:30 am–noon. See the 24 weekday locations of Free Lunch + Play at portland.gov/parks/ freelunch. ¢

Parks & 29 Portland Recreation’s Free

Secret Roller Disco skate event every Thursday from 7-9 pm, usually at the former Marshalls department store at the Lloyd Center. The event is always free, and rentals are available for a fee.

Secretrollerdisco.org. ¢ R T

out to the 22 Roll not-so-secret

Multcolib.org/events/ summer-reading-kickoffparty/125371.

bookmarks ready! The annual summer reading program at Multnomah County libraries kicks off with a fun party in North Portland from 1:30-3:30 pm. ¢ T

15 Get those

PDX Parent during our annual,

carnival and fireworks. Stpaulrodeo.com.

free PDX Parent Family Fest from 10 am-2 pm. This year, all the fun is at Topaz Farm, featuring cute farm animals, kindie musicians, vendor booths, art from Mike Bennett and more! Pdxparent.com/family-festival. ¢

24 Celebrate summer with

along little doggie. Don’t miss the 87th annual St. Paul 30 Git Rodeo. In addition to the headlining rodeo, there’s also a

Dinosaurs come to life during the Jurassic World Live Tour at the Moda Center. This prehistoric event features more than 24, life-sized dinos. Tickets start at $20.

Rosequarter.com/calendarevents/jurassic-world-livejune-23-2023.

take flight during the annual Tigard Festival of Balloons — or even enjoy a (tethered) ride on one.

Tigardballoon.org.

as colorful 23 Watch hot-air balloons

17 In 2021, Juneteenth

American peoples became a federal and their culture during the Delta Park Powwow in Kenton. holiday. Honor this important There will be Native arts, day during the Juneteenth crafts and foods, as well as Oregon Parade and Festival drumming, and ceremonial at Albina Park. Juneteenthor. and competition dancing. com. ¢ Facebook.com/profile. php?id=100064731936859. ¢T

16 Celebrate Native

KEY: ¢ = Free, or $5 or less R = Recurring throughout the summer T = Teen/tween

Craftfactorypdx.com/ events. ¢ R

musicians, comedians, dancers, magicians and more take the stage during the weekly Open Mic Monday at the Craft Factory.

7-9 pm.

26 Watch as

bowling game during the summer-long Kids Bowl Free program. Bowling alleys across the Portland area participate, giving kiddos ages 2-15 two free games every day.

Sign them up at kidsbowlfree. com. ¢ RT

¢ T Sojournpdx.org/ events/2023/7/10/disc-golftournament.

18 Celebrate that special dad or father figure in your life during the annual Berries, Brews and BBQs at French Prairie Gardens in St. Paul. Tickets start at $20.

OREGON RENAISSANCE FAIRE

sport during the week-long disc golf tournament at Pier Park in North Portland.

Participate in a ninehole competition from 3-8 pm. There are prizes for first through third place and a BBQ afterwards.

12 Try out a new

century Europe with a visit to the Oregon Renaissance Faire. Kiddos will delight in watching dueling knights, listening to music on a hurdy gurdy and eating yummy treats. Three weekends in June in Canby. Oregonfaire.com.

the 11 Transport family back to 16th

DELTA PARK POWWOW BILL LAWLESS

PORTLAND ROSE FESTIVAL

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OMSI

WATERFRONT BLUES FESTIVAL

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permanent exhibit halls and labs for just $5 per person. omsi.edu/ accessibility. ¢ R

$5 Day at OMSI! 2 It’s Explore the museum’s

SUNDAY

Oliveanddingo.wordpress. com. ¢ R

Creston Park for a Slide Ride with Portland’s favorite clowns Olive & Dingo.

Every Monday at 10:30 am until school starts.

3 Meet at

MONDAY

¢

Or if your kiddo hates loud noises, check out the free laser show at Wilsonville’s Town Center Park, 9:30-10:30 pm.

Explorewilsonville.com/ event/fourthof-july-laserlight-show.

Oaks Park. Oakspark. com/july4policies.

4 Watch fireworks at

TUESDAY

PORTLAND PARKS & RECREATION

Portland.gov/parks/ recreation/pools.

known as Oregon’s official start of summer.

Splash at a Portland Parks & Recreation pool near you to celebrate!

5 Today is unofficially

WEDNESDAY

Riveters while surrounded by farm animals, berries and flowers at Topaz Farm’s Americana Nights concert series.

Doors at 4:30 pm, show at 6 pm.

Free admission for kids 5 and younger.

Topazfarm.com/ live-music. R

up the sounds of 6 Soak Ashleigh Flynn & the

THURSDAY

org/barnyard-concerts. ¢R

a blanket and bop along to Micah and Me at the Troutdale Historical Society’s Barnyard Concert.

Free admission, popcorn and lemonade! 6-8 pm. Troutdalehistory.

FRIDAY

7 Bring a picnic and

July Facebook.com/WholeGrainStore.

Or decorate a treat for National Sugar Cookie Day at a Bob’s Red Mill kids’ class. 12:30pm-2pm.

gov/498/Ten-Tiny-Dances. ¢ T

stories at Beaverton’s Ten Tiny Dances. 5 pm.

Free. Beavertonoregon.

8 Small stages tell big

Waterfrontbluesfest.com. T

day of the Waterfront Blues Festival! Check out Los Lonely Boys and be sure to stop by the family area. July 1-4. Kids 12 and younger are free!

1 It’s the first

SATURDAY

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June/July 2023

Ellen Browning Building for its new, free public art exhibit, Between Two Points. Find the river sculpture from Maya Lin, designer of the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial in Washington, D.C. Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am–2 pm or by appointment.

Ellenbrowningbuilding. com/the-lobby. ¢ R

to The 25 Head Lobby at the

into hands-on geology activities at the Cedar Mill Library. 10:30-11:30am.

Cedarmillbethany.libcal. com. ¢

lovers ages 26 Rock 6-11 can dig

Hot Dog Day? Did you know you could celebrate it at a Portland Pickles baseball game? 7:05 pm at Walker Stadium.

Portlandpicklesbaseball. com. R T

blues and soul from Rae Gordon at Khunamokwst Park at 6:30 pm.

Portland.gov/parks/ arts-culture/sffa. ¢R

Gear up for

28 high-energy

Murase Plaza for a Reptile Man show at 11 am. (More shows earlier in June and July!) Wilsonvillelibrary. org/lib/page/summer-funshows. ¢ R

to the 27 Head Grove Shelter at

environmental-education/ ladybug-nature-walks. ¢ R

favorite toddler on a Ladybug Walk at Arbor Lodge Park.

These guided walks at various parks give preschoolers a chance to explore nature at their own pace. Portland.gov/parks/

20 Take your

the sounds of Bloco Alegria at Mt. Tabor Park Amphitheater, 6:30 pm. Or catch Woman in Gold at The Fields Park, movie at dusk. Portland. gov/parks/arts-culture/sffa. ¢R

13 Samba along to

Or go back to the time when steam power ruled at the Great Oregon Steam-Up at the Powerland Heritage Park in Salem. Free for kids 12 and younger.

Antiquepowerland.com/ steam-up.

Mermaids are taking over downtown at the Portlandia Mermaid Parade! 1:30 pm.

Portlandiamermaidparade. com. ¢

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Clown Prince, Angel Ocasio, will be bringing giggles to the Bethany Village Fountain. 10-10:45 am. Cedarmillbethany.libcal. com. ¢

21 The Rose Festival’s

Jazzoregon.org/2023festival. ¢

day of the free Cathedral Park Jazz Festival in St. Johns.

14 It’s the first

KEY: ¢ = Free, or $5 or less R = Recurring throughout the summer T = Teen/tween

Beat the Monday blues with a dinner of corndogs and cotton candy on the midway at Washington County Fair, 5-10 pm. View additional days and hours at bigfairfun.com. ¢ T Pro tip: Free admission and parking on July 24.

alive as local artists, food vendors and performers join together at the Hillsboro Tuesday Night Market. 5-8:30 pm.

Tuesdaymarketplace.org. ¢RT

org/how-it-works-mydiscovery-pass. ¢ R

you know 19 Did it’s National

It’s National Ice Cream Month — hit your favorite scoop shop or try out newcomer Nico’s Ice Cream for a fruit-blended frozen treat.

18 Downtown Hillsboro comes

12 If you’ve got

Pdxparent.com/celebratenational-ice-cream-day-atthese-portland-scoop-shops.

PORTLAND PARKS & RECREATION

a Multnomah Library card, check out the My Discovery Pass program, which allows you to get free passes to local attractions and events, including two free adult tickets to the Portland Art Museum. (Kids are always free.) Multcolib.

11

ANGEL OCASIO

at 4 Days of Aloha at Vancouver’s Esther Short Park. 4daysofaloha. com.

24

Verdell Burdine Rutherford Park’s fabulous accessible play area, then stick around for PP&R’s Free Lunch + Play from 11:30 am-1 pm. Portland.gov/parks/ freelunch. ¢

Get your kid’s

17 energy out at

Day. Head over to Oregon Humane Society to visit (or adopt!) some cute kitties. Oregonhumane.org.

10 It’s National Kitten

NAIM HASAN PHOTOGRAPHY

even more 23 Get Hawaiian culture

flags wave at the Portland Pride parade that weaves through downtown! Portlandpride.org.

16 Let the rainbow

Portland.gov/parks/arts-culture/ sffa. ¢

Each summer, PP&R brings free concerts, festivals and movies to a park near you. The East Portland Summer Arts Festival at Ventura Park is back with PJ Morton, the Grammy award-winning keyboardist of Maroon 5, as headliner! Art activities at 4 pm, show at 6 pm.

PORTLANDIA MERMAID PARADE

9

MICK HANGLAND

25

31

It’s the last day of National Picnic Month.

Hit a destination playground with a blanket and basket of treats. Pdxparent. com/10-bestplaygrounds. ¢

ready! It’s Wizarding Weekend at McMenamins’ Kennedy School.

Pdxhpa.com.

30 Wands at the

ZBYNEK BLAHUTKA

Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders and Asian Americans at the Tiger Tiger Festival at Fernhill Park. And catch a performance

by Hi Joe Kye! 2-9:30 pm.

Tigertigerpdx.com. ¢

the food, 22 Celebrate culture and art of

where it’s at today!

Strike it rich at The Gold Rush event at the Rice Museum where special activities will include panning for gold. 10 am-2 pm.

Ricenorthwestmuseum.org. Or gaze at amazing sidewalk chalk art at the free La Strada dei Pastelli Festival. tvcreates.org/ lastrada. ¢

15 Hillsboro is

PORTLAND PARKS & RECREATION

savor the flavors, music, dance and culture of the largest country in south Asia at the India Festival.

11 am-8:30 pm. Free admission. icaportland.org/india-festival-1. ¢

7 Cool off at a PP&R

to Pioneer 6 Head Courthouse Square to

splash pad! Find one at pdxparent. com/splash-padmap-2021. ¢

MONDAY

SUNDAY

Rose City’s roses are in full bloom! Head to the International Rose Test Garden, Peninsula Park or the Ladd’s Addition Circle to stop and smell the roses! ¢

8

Portland.gov/communitysafety/pop.¢

to Sellwood Library at 11 am for songs and fun! ¢

Yarn and his 9 Red critter puppets head

$6 per person before 3:30 pm. The theater shows a great mix of blockbuster flicks and retro classics.

Academytheaterpdx.com.

off at an Academy 2 Cool Theater matinee for

1 The first Tuesday in August you’ll find neighbors gathering at local parks or block parties to promote community safety at National Night Out events. Find an event near you at

WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY

Bruno at the free outdoor screening of Encanto at Wilshire Park.

Event begins at 7:30 pm, movie at dusk. ¢

you do, 10 Whatever don’t talk about

there a stellar music lineup for grown-ups on eight stages, there’s also a kids’ stage where you’ll find Red Yarn, Nikki Brown Clown, Tallulah’s Daddy and many more kindie greats.

Plus Trackers Earth, Cedarwood Waldorf School and more will provide kids’ activities. August 3-6.

Pickathon.com.

Pickathon!

3 It’s Not only is

THURSDAY

The Lee Farms Sunflower Festival is the stuff of Instagram legend. Don’t miss the chance to click some pics of your kids running through flower fields.

August 4-5 and 11-13.

for a free outdoor screening of Super Pets! Movie starts at dusk. ¢ R

to Wilsonville’s 11 Go Town Center Park

Oregonsunflowerfestival. com. T

4

FRIDAY

spectacular laser light shows, Hot Wheels toy giveaways and more at the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party™. Three shows August 12-13 at the Moda Center.

Hotwheelsmonstertruckslive. com/event/portland-or-2022.

find monster 12 You’ll truck battles,

org/events/big-truck-day. ¢

are in for some fun at Big Truck Day! 9:30 am-1 pm at the Conestoga Recreation and Aquatic Center. thprd.

5 Little truck lovers

SATURDAY

August PORTLAND PARKS & RECREATION

pdxparent.com QUEEN SKITTLES PHOTOGRAPHY

| PORTLAND PARKS & RECREATION

June/July 2023 FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT LIVE

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Pdxparent.com/ consignmentstores-portlandoregon.

Score backto-school shopping deals at the Columbia Gorge or Woodburn Outlet stores.

Or visit our list of kids’ consignment shops:

Thprd.org/ events. ¢

day of summer, hit the Canine Community Carnival at the Garden Home Recreation Center.

There will be pop-up dog parks, raffle prizes and plenty of treats for good boys.

9 am-noon.

27 For a true dog

20

Kids Pedal over the Hawthorne and Steel Bridges is free! Find more routes at providence.org/ lp/bridge-pedal.

of the year when bikes take over Portland’s bridges! Pro tip: The 3-mile

13 It’s the one day

students in 1st through 12th grade!

the first day 29 It’s of school for PPS

fun inclusive playground and stay for Free Lunch + Play served from 12:15-1 pm. Through August 25. ¢R

by Luuwit 22 Swing View Park for the

¢R

librarian will lead you and your 1-year-old through stories, songs and toy time at Tiny Tots at the Hollywood Library. At 10:15 and 11:15 am.

15 A children’s

the big kids are back in school, take your toddler to the Oregon Zoo for a visit without the crowds. Oregonzoo.org.

30 Since all

Farmers markets are bursting with peaches, summer squash and tomatoes right now. See what else you can find at the Shemanski Park Farmers Market in downtown, 10 am-2 pm. R

23

Clackamascountyfair. com. T

entertainers, 4H farm animals, fair food, carnival rides and a nightly rodeo round out the fun at the Clackamas County Fair & Rodeo. Free admission for kids 6 and younger!

August 15-19.

16 Strolling

Thesquarepdx.org/eventcalendar. ¢ R

last chance to catch Opera a la Cart at Pioneer Courthouse.

Noon. Free admission.

31 It’s your

events/category/festivalhours/2023-08. ¢ R

nearly 50 acres of huge, showy blossoms at the Swan Island Dahlia Festival through September.

9 am-5:30 pm. Free admission. Dahlias.com/

24 Delight in

Parking Day, the perfect time to head to Oxbow Park for gentle hikes or splashing in the Sandy River. Don’t forget life jackets! ¢ R

17 It’s Metro Free

Festival, actors aren’t necessarily cast for roles by gender (as in Shakespeare’s day). And the free Gentlethem’s performance of The Tempest at Mt. Tabor Amphitheatre will highlight the skills of nonbinary actors.

7 pm. Opsfest.org. ¢ R

the Original 25 At Practice Shakespeare

machines, get to Topaz Farm for a Tractor Talk with Farmer Jim. Each week kids will get the chance to get up close to a tractor or tool on the farm.

10:15-10:45 am. Topazfarm. com. ¢ R

your kid is 18 Ifobsessed with big

KEY: ¢ = Free, or $5 or less R = Recurring throughout the summer T = Teen/tween

celebrate the last day of summer break? Splash pad?

Pool? Ice cream? All three? Pro tip: Don’t forget to set those alarm clocks!

28 How will you

swim in the Willamette River!

Hit Poet’s Beach or Sellwood Riverfront Park for a dip.

Pro tip: Have the kids wear water shoes and life jackets! ¢

21 Yes, you can

ohs.org. ¢

dive into our state’s history at the Oregon Historical Society. The museum does an excellent job at telling the state’s story from diverse perspectives — and admission is free to Multnomah County residents!

14 Take a deep

PORTLAND PARKS & RECREATION

month, but this one is the biggie: The Oregon State Fair. August 25-September 4. Oregonstatefair.org.

So many fairs are

26 happening this

OREGON STATE FAIR

JASON DESOMER

Multnomahvillage.org/events.

Jadedistrictnightmarket.org.

little time: PDX Adult Soapbox Derby, Multnomah Days and the Jade Night Market are all happening today! Soapboxracer.org.

19 So many choices, so

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Join us for summer children’s concerts on the Aerial Tree Walk

TREE TOP CHILDREN’S CONCERTS June 21, July 14 & August 11 Ticket prices vary. www.leachgarden.org

Life jackets are for everyone.

Rivers and lakes can have hidden hazards. When boating, floating, or even just splashing around, make sure everyone wears a life jacket that fits.

Learn more at oregonmetro.gov/watersafety pdxparent.com

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There’s No

I

in TEAM How to root for your kid in sports without crossing the line of poor sportsmanship. Plus advice on how to handle losses and what to do when your child wants to bail mid-season.

BY KAT MERCK

If

you have at least one child in recreational or club sports,

odds are you’ve experienced it. Parents and extended family members sitting quietly and respectfully in collapsible canvas chairs of varying heights, perhaps fiddling with phones or plying younger siblings with auxiliary snacks, when out of nowhere, it rings out — like the first mortar at Fort Sumpter: “C’MON, REF!” The source could be a dad, a mom, or even a grandma, red-faced and wild-eyed, primed for a fracas. Everyone nervously glances in the direction of the sound, but they already know: A parent has lost control.

Will they storm onto the field and hassle the teenage referee? Will they throw their water bottle like a toddler who just learned that it’s bedtime? It doesn’t matter, because this unfortunate individual has already outed themselves as a Bad Sports Parent.

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Sadly, the Bad Sports Parent is everywhere, in every city and town, and in every sport.

In fact, it’s such a common affliction, psychologists have come up with a name for it: Little League Parent Syndrome. Among the symptoms: ranting, raving, inappropriate comments, criticism and disparagement of coaches, to name few. Obviously, this behavior is bad for kids — all kids within earshot, not just the offender’s kids — and for the community at large. So, how can we work to reduce our risk of turning into a Bad Sports Parent? We’ve rounded up a few tips for you below, based on input from local coaches.

GAME ETIQUETTE Most parents already know that screaming at people in general is not good etiquette, but according to Brandon McNeil, chief operating officer of United PDX soccer club and board vice president of the Portland Youth Soccer Association, good sideline behavior comes

down largely to the expectations and mores set by the coach and club leadership.

“Crazy sideline behavior tends to invite more crazy in,” he says. “We work hard to model and educate from a leadership perspective. A lot of times it’s a reflection on the leadership and head coach: (If) you’ve got a yeller and screamer, you’re going to get a yeller and screamer on the sideline because they see that behavior is OK. It goes a long way if you set the tone and expectations.”

Thankfully, after more than 20 years of coaching, McNeil has plenty of tricks to help parents help themselves. First? Bring a chair. “If you’re sitting down, you’re not a player at that point — you’re not standing up and moving. That movement gets your emotions and heart rate up,” McNeil says.

Second? Try sitting alone. “Being off in your own space allows you to not get caught up in the masses,” McNeil says. “That crescendo as a kid gets close to the goal to

shoot, you can just say, ‘Oh man, nice, that was a great play,’ stuff like that, under your breath instead of getting caught up in the rahrah cheering. This is not professional sports — the level of cheering is different at a Blazers game versus your kid’s Saturday-morning game at Delta Park.”

Finally, consider keeping your mouth busy to remove any temptations. “Another thing I’ve seen that works is having a lollipop in your mouth, or coffee to drink,” McNeil says.

“I’ve even seen coaches hand out lollipops on the sideline, like, ‘Hey, you’re here to take in the game, not coach the game.’”

SUPPORTING VS. “STAGE-PARENTING” If you’re unhappy with how much play time your child got, how the game went, or anything else related to your child’s performance, the absolute worst thing you

can do is fire off an angry email to the coaches, says David Carr, owner of Carr Sports Academy in Southeast Portland. Not only are you probably still heated from the moment, you probably don’t know as much as you think you know about your kid’s abilities. The healthiest way to support your child is to let them manage their own experience.

“If a kid’s not playing, have your kid talk to the coach,” Carr says. “A lot of parents want their kid to play all the time, and they want to win. Not everyone’s kid is going to be the best player, and having that understanding of where your kid falls and supporting them to speak up for themselves is a big thing. If it comes from the parent, it’s going to sound more like complaining, and I can tell you as a coach and someone who runs a big club, it’s not beneficial for the kid in any way. Having (your) kid talk to the coach goes further and means more to the coach and the team. It tells us this kid cares about his development and

wants to know what he can do to potentially earn minutes.”

Carr is so adamant about keeping high emotions at bay that his club has a rule about coaches giving parent emails a 24-hour buffer, so everyone can have time to reflect on the game instead of firing off a reactionary rejoinder. In the end, however, the best tack is still to just let your kid handle it.

“I’m one of seven kids,” Carr says. “My mom might have said something to a coach once, and my dad never said anything, ever. It was always on us as players to do better, and I think that was very helpful.”

HOW TO HANDLE LOSING Many sports parents are familiar with the dreaded car ride home after an unexpected loss or otherwise unsatisfactory game. McNeil says the most important thing parents can

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“Crazy sideline behavior tends to invite more crazy in. We work hard to model and educate from a leadership perspective.”

— Brandon McNeil, chief operating officer of United PDX soccer club do in this situation is to hold off on any commentary until your child is ready to talk about it.

“You’ve got to wait until your kid engages with you,” McNeil says. “If a result goes a different way, or if you disagree with the coach’s decisions, that’s not on you to push onto your player or family member. They’re exploring their sport; if it’s something they’re engaged with and love, or are developing the love for, that top-down push from parents to young children generally isn’t received very well. Kids clam up. They go, ‘I don’t want to talk about it,’ or respond angrily, and that’s not a productive experience for anyone. The best thing you can do is reinforce the positive. Just say, ‘Hey, I loved to watch you play today,’ and that’s it — see where they go.”

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR KID WANTS TO SKIP PRACTICE It’s a tale practically as old as time: Your child begs to sign up for a team, you buy all the expensive gear, and several weeks later, they whine and complain when it comes time to go to the gym or field. What not to do in this situation, according to Carr, is to give in.

“If a kid doesn’t want to show up at the beginning of the season, you can’t force a kid to play. But if a kid doesn’t want to show up during, say, the middle of the season, the parent has to remind them that, ‘Hey, you committed to this and you’ve got to follow through with your commitment to your teammates and to playing,’” Carr says. “Sports can demonstrate valuable lessons down

the road. It’s important for kids to learn to do things they don’t necessarily want to do once they’ve committed … if you constantly bail your kids out and allow them not to go, it’s only going to enable them to bail on commitments throughout their life.”

If they’re really sick or legitimately hurt, Carr clarifies, that’s a valid excuse. But they’re just feeling tired, or they have a bruise?

“They’re not going to learn the lesson that ‘I may not feel great, I don’t want to go, but I’ve got to show up and do my best,’” Carr says.

“That’s the main thing kids can get out of sports — how to be a team player. If kids learn that lesson, it’s just as valuable as playing Division 1 or whatever. It’ll help them the rest of their lives.”

Kat Merck is a freelance writer and editor living in Camas, Washington; her 10-year-old son plays soccer, basketball and tennis.

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INSPIRED LEARNING

LISTEN

UP!

Check out our NEW podcast, In the Know

by PDX Parent, presented by Legacy GoHealth.

Find it on streaming platforms and at pdxparent.com/ podcast.

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Find daily events all summer long on our online

kids calendar at pdxparent.com/ events-calendar.

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NOW ENROLLING TODDLER AND PRESCHOOL CLASSES Portland’s only Reggio-inspired intergenerational preschool.

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RE

202

AD

3

E R F AV

ES

W

R E N IN

Food Drink AND Family Fun

IT

PD

PARENT X

O

R

SALT & STR AW

ADVENTURE ATTRACTION

Top 5

Winner Mt. Hood Adventure Park at Skibowl

DEFY Beaverton

7000 E Highway 26, Government Camp, skibowl.com

Escape Games PDX

Whether your family loves wintertime activities or heads out

Skamania Lodge Zipline Tour

when the sun is shining (or both!), there’s plenty to do at

& Aerial Park

Skibowl. This multi-season attraction features tubing and skiing,

Skyhook Ninja Fitness

as well as ziplining, race karts, bungee jumping, and more.

Tree to Tree Adventure Park

SWEET TREATS Winner Salt & Straw Multiple locations, saltandstraw.com Ice cream is always a good idea. This Portland favorite, and repeat PDX Parent Reader Favorites winner, satisfies any sweet tooth with its fun, inventive flavors. Strawberry cilantro lime cheesecake, anyone?

Top 5 Blue Star Donuts Cloud City Ice Cream Fifty Licks Ice Cream Pip’s Original Doughnuts & Chai

MT. HOOD ADVENTUR E PAR K AT SK IBOWL

Voodoo Doughnut

KID - FRIENDLY BIKE TRAIL

FAMILY- FRIENDLY HIKES

Top 5

Winner Tryon Creek State Natural Area

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11321 S Terwilliger Blvd., stateparks.oregon.gov

North Clackamas

Tryon Creek is Oregon’s only state park located within a major

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cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=104

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hiking trails, eight bridges and a boardwalk built over a wetland.

Located between the bucolic towns

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trail takes walkers, bikers, skaters and

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strollers through sprawling pastures into lush forests and more. And kids love the 13 bridges that dot the path.

Greenway

Eagle Creek Trail Forest Park Powell Butte Timothy Lake Wahclella Falls

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See the whole list of our

Reader Favorites winners at

pdxparent.com/reader -favorites-winners.

PLAYGROUND

Winner Gabriel Park SW 45th Avenue and Vermont Street, portland.gov/parks/gabriel-park This destination park is a crown jewel of the Portland Parks & Recreation park system. Featuring a new, large and impressive play area that’s both accessible and inclusive, this Southwest park also boasts a skate park, fenced off-leash dog area, and fields and courts for baseball, softball, soccer, basketball, volleyball and tennis.

PORTL AND PAR KS & R ECR E ATION

Top 5 Harper’s Playground at Arbor Lodge Park Khunamokwst Park Pirate Park Washington Park Westmoreland Park

PIZZA

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Top 5

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Grand Central Bakery

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Hopworks Urban Brewery

Healthy and delicious? The menu at Laughing Planet nails it every time.

La Provence - Petite Provence

There’s burritos, bowls and salads for teens and adults, and a kid’s menu

Bistro - Boulangerie Patisserie

with favorites like a plain cheese quesadilla, or beans and cheese with

Pine State Biscuits

tortilla chips on the side.

Slappy Cakes

MUSEUMS/FAMILY MEMBERSHIP

Multiple locations,

Winner Oregon Zoo

pizzicatopizza.com

4001 SW Canyon Rd.,

Another repeat

oregonzoo.org

PDX Parent Reader

Lions and tigers and bears —

Favorites winner,

oh, my! Find creatures big and

hungry families can’t

small, covered in fur, lined with

go wrong with a take-

scales, or sporting feathered

out pie or two from

wings or eight legs, all at the

Pizzicato. There’s

Oregon Zoo. It’s also home

also salads, paninis

to one of Portland’s favorite

and breadsticks.

wintertime light displays, the

And picky eaters will

annual ZooLights.

rejoice in the plain cheese pizza.

Top 5

Top 5 Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum

Hot Lips Pizza

Gilbert House Children’s

Mississippi Pizza Pub

Museum

Pietro’s Pizza & Pirate

Lan Su Chinese Garden

Adventure

OMSI - Oregon Museum of

Pizzeria Otto

Science & Industry

Pizza Schmizza

Portland Art Museum

ENCHANTED FOR EST

ARCADES/BOWLING/FAMILY FUN/CENTER

Winner Enchanted Forest

Top 5 Electric Castle’s Wunderland Cinema and Nickel Games

8462 Enchanted Way SE, Turner, OR,

Grand Central Bowl

enchantedforest.com

KingPin’s Family

A beloved family destination since 1971, the Enchanted Forest has weathered storms, the pandemic and more to continue providing a unique experience to kiddos. Classic rides, like the

Entertainment Center Wilsonville Family Fun Center/Bullwinkle’s

carousel, a ferris wheel, a kiddie train, bumper boats

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and much more await you.

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Family Festival June 24

10 am–2 pm at

Free!

Performers and

special events Tallulah's Daddy 10:15-10:45 am Mr. Ben 11-11:30 am Chari Smith storytime 11:30-11:45 am Kelli Welli 11:45 am-12:15 pm Mo Phillips 12:30-1 pm Olive & Dingo 1-1:30 pm NW Dance Project 1:30-1:45 pm Bridgetown Baby Feeding Area

Mike Bennett and his Bennett Buddies presented by

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