PDX Parent October 2022

for the long days and short years

HALLOWEEN BEHIND THE

SCENES Pumpkin patches, corn mazes, spooky displays and more!

KIDS MUSEUMS PG. 29 PDXPARENT.COM

PORTLAND | SW WASHINGTON | OCTOBER 2022

FREE

16 FAMILY-FRIENDLY SHOWS, PG. 20

contents SCOT T TICE

12 FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

The Secrets of Spooktacular Portland............................. 12

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

Halloween events and activities across the city.

By Denise Castañon and Tiffany Hill.

A Banner Season..................................................................................20

A monthly guide to kid-friendly fall and winter shows from Portland’s performing arts organizations, including kindie musician concerts, ballet, teen theater, youth symphony and more.

By Erin J. Bernard.

Play Room....................................................................................................... 6

Inspire the joy of reading by volunteering at a children’s literacy nonprofit; five Portland-area daytime trick-or-treat events for littles; witchy book picks; and Portland Parks & Recreation’s new Access Pass offering steep discounts on camps, classes and more.

Family Supper..........................................................................................34

There’s a tasty meal for everyone at a new food hall in Happy Valley that spotlights Asian cuisines.

By Denise Castañon.

Time Out........................................................................................................36

Check out a new exhibition at the Oregon Historical Society; indulge in goodies at the Portland Greek Festival; celebrate fall harvest in Hood River; cheer on kiddos during the Portland Marathon; and enjoy a weekend of retro gaming.

RESOURCES: Fall Fun..................................................................................................... 17-18 Open House....................................................................................... 24-27 Kids

Museums........................................................................... 29-33 pdxparent.com

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* cover stories

Go behind-the-scenes into your favorite fall, harvest and

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e d i t o r ’ s n ot e

for the long days and short years

Chills and Thrills

PDX Parent P.O. Box 13660

With cooler temperatures moving in and the leaves starting to change colors, that means two long-

Portland, OR 97213-0660 Phone: 503-460-2774

awaited events are about to happen: Halloween and the return of family-friendly fall performances.

We know Portland is a town crazy for all things Halloween. Living in Southeast for more than 12 years, I usually see more Halloween decorations than Christmas decorations! And I love getting into the Halloween spirit, too. Setting up tombstones on our lawn, dressing up with my kids, and hitting the Hood River Fruit Loop for apples and pumpkins are some of my favorite fall activities. And in the magazine, we’re sharing behind-the-scenes magic at some of Portland’s favorite Halloween and harvest events on page 12. Find out how the creative team at Davis Graveyard crafts the creepy displays, the secret ingredient for big pumpkins at Topaz Farm’s pumpkin patch and much more!

Your family might even find a new Halloween event to haunt.

And fall also means a new season of shows from our local, family-friendly performing arts companies. My two kids have already requested to see Oregon Children’s Theatre’s Dog Man the Musical, which is based on the seriously silly graphic novel series by Dav Pilkey. Writer Erin J. Bernard details month-by-month performances and also mentions dance, classical music and kindie rock shows your family won’t want to miss.

Find the fun on page 20.

And the weather change means it’s also the

DENISE C ASTAÑON

perfect time to look for indoor fun. And our annual Kids

Museum Guide on page 29 will give you the

inside scoop on the local museums that do such a stellar job educating and entertaining littles.

Throwback to Halloween 2020 when my family had Greek-mythology-themed costumes. Back row: Poseidon and Medusa; front row: Zeus and Artemis.

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

ON OUR COVER

throughout the Portland, OR / Vancouver, WA

Each year mom and photographer Iris Hu of Light by Iris captures her 7-year-old daughter, April, and 9-year-old son, Vincent, in their Halloween costumes. In 2021, they picked costumes based on Hilda, a graphic novel and TV series about an adventurous, blue-haired girl who befriends mysterious creatures and spirits. (Vincent, not pictured, dressed as Hilda’s friend David.) Hu headed to the lovely Lewis & Clark College campus to recreate the woods around Hilda’s home of Trollberg.

“I use photos and films to tell stories in a photojournalistic and artistic style,” says Hu. “I believe in wabi-sabi, and this philosophy influences greatly on the way I create. My passion is to capture feeling rather than just taking beautiful pictures.” See more of her extraordinary family photography at lightbyiris.com and on Instagram @lightbyiris.

PDX Parent reserves the right to refuse

metropolitan area. 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.

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Bewitching Books

Nothing puts you under the spell of Halloween like a spooky fun story. This month,

Kim Tano and Madeline Shier, the children’s book buyers at Powell’s City of Books, celebrate all things witchy and wonderful. Look for these titles at the Burnside, Hawthorne or

SCHOL ASTIC

SCHOL ASTIC

HAR PERCOLLINS

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

HOLIDAY HOUSE

p l ay r o o m

Bookshelf:

Boo Stew by Donna L

A Spoonful of Frogs by

The Witch Boy by Molly Knox

Jeffrey Ebbler

by Vera Brosgol

The Witch Boy is the first in a

In this magical adventure for

Washington, illustrated by

Casey Lyall, illustrated

Ostertag

Witchlings by Claribel A. Ortega

In this spooky Goldilocks

Any book by award-winning

three-book graphic novel series

ages 8 and up, 12-year-old

retelling from award-winning

Portland author/illustrator

by Molly Knox Ostertag and

Witchling Seven is supposed

storyteller Washington, Curly

Vera Brosgol is a treat. In

features 13-year-old Aster, a male

to be placed in a coven this

Locks loves to cook, but can’t

A Spoonful of Frogs, her

shapeshifter who is fascinated

year. But on the night of

find anyone to try her witchy

charming illustrations pair

by witchery. Unfortunately for

the Black Moon Ceremony,

recipes. When a succession of

well with Casey Lyall’s

Aster, only girls are expected

she’s marked instead as a

Scares cause trouble in town,

tale of a witchy cooking

to be witches and boys are

covenless Spare. She and

Curly Locks wonders if anyone

show about runaway frogs

shapeshifters in the society

the other Spares must

has ever tried feeding them

escaping their fate of

where he lives. A beautifully

complete an impossible

instead of running them off.

becoming frog soup! A fun

illustrated autumn tale, about

task to become full-fledged

Children 4 and up will delight in

and enchanting tale for any

witchcraft, gender non-conformity

witches, but if they fail, they

Curly Locks’ adventures, and

time of year for ages 4 and

and heroism recommended for

might just be turned into

in chanting the rhyme to send

up. $17.99.

ages 8 and up. $12.99.

toads! $17.99.

Scares away! $17.99.

In the Know: Activities for All

PORTL AND PAR KS & R ECR E ATION

Thanks to the Parks Local Option Levy, which voters approved in November 2020, Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) is unveiling the Access Pass

program on October 3. The Access Pass will allow City of Portland residents to receive reduced pricing of up to 90% on Portland Parks & Recreation’s programs and admissions. The hope is that removing financial barriers will help increase access to PP&R programs and community centers for all residents, especially Portlanders of color and residents of east Portland. And, yes, that discount applies to summer camps — as well as PP&R community center and pool passes, drop-in admissions, registered activities, personal training, educational preschool, and after-school programs. The pass is valid for 12 months from the date of enrollment. No proof of income is required, though PP&R’s website does give suggested income guidelines. Still, PP&R leaves it up to residents to decide if they need a 25%, 50%, 75% or 90% ongoing discount for its programs. Find out more and enroll at portland.gov/parks/discount. — Denise Castañon 6

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Ask Dr. Baynham Q: Since Portland doesn’t have fluoridated water, what age should kids start taking fluoride tablets? And how long should they take them?

A: For parents, candy is arguably the scariest part of Halloween this

bars, Goldfish crackers, etc. — and

month. The sugar high and crash, endless negotiating for one more

offering only water or milk to drink.

piece, and rotting teeth turning our kids into walking Jack-o’-lanterns.

When snacking, choose one item

Cavities, the No. 1 chronic disease in children, can be prevented by

from the fridge and one from the fruit bowl.

early fluoride supplementation, which is given from age 6 months to 16

If you’re doing all of the above,

years in areas without fluoride in the water supply. First, call your water company to check if there is fluoride in your water. If there isn’t, there

don’t sweat a little Halloween candy. If

are three options: oral tablets, toothpaste, and fluoride varnish applied

your kids’ haul is too much to handle,

two to four times per year by the dentist and/or pediatrician. Choose

consider offering the “switch witch.”

two of the three methods as you don’t want to overdo it. Too much

Kids can choose a few favorite pieces to keep and leave the

fluoride causes fluorosis, a painless condition of white stripes on the

rest out for the switch witch to take and leave a toy behind.

teeth.

My daughter loves the switch witch — last Halloween she was so excited to find a teddy bear holding her chosen

We recommend brushing with fluoride toothpaste at first tooth

candy. Just don’t forget to brush before bed!

eruption and scheduling the first dental visit when your child turns 1.

Establishing with a pediatric dentist early on not only helps your child

Pediatrician, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant,

get used to visiting the dentist but also serves as home base if your

Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatrics and mom of two,

child ever suffers dental trauma.

You can also mitigate cavities risk by reducing the amount of sticky-

SMART R E ADING

GAIL PAR K

sweet carbs kids consume between meals — think raisins, dried fruits,

Allison Baynham, M.D., knows what it takes to raise healthy, resilient children. Come bond, share your struggles and team with her for great care at Metropolitan Pediatrics in Tigard.

Good Deeds:

Looking Smart Literary development isn’t just about

competency. It also includes motivation to read and the simple enjoyment of doing so. SMART Reading helps Oregon kids do just that. Founded in 1992, the children’s literary organization has served 252,284 ​​ children and given more than 3 million books to public

SMART R E ADING

school students.

SMART’s work is two pronged: It partners with volunteers for virtual and in-class shared reading experiences, and provides increased access to books for kids in grades preschool to eighth grade. In the 2021-22 school year, 14,453 students (including 4,867

Want to support SMART’s next chapter this

school year? The organization is 100% privately funded and appreciates all donations. SMART is also always

in the Portland metro area) received support and books from SMART. “We plan on returning to school buildings with our traditional

looking for people — including teens — to volunteer

one-on-one, in-person model, as well as offering adapted virtual

to read with children. And younger kids can help by

services we developed during the pandemic,” says executive

donating new or gently used board books, soft- and

director Jessica Bowersox.

hardcover picture books, early-reader books and graphic novels. Drop off books at the Children’s Book Bank at 1915 NE 7th Ave. Visit childrensbookbank.org for more information.

This year, SMART is also celebrating its 30th anniversary, and in July, SMART officially merged with another beloved children’s literary nonprofit, The Children’s Book Bank. Now families can help kids become stronger, more engaged readers and provide them with more books! Visit smartreading.org. — Tiffany Hill pdxparent.com

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p l ay r o o m

TOP

5

DAYTIME TRICK- OR-TREAT SPOTS

Do you have a little who can’t quite make it to the traditional trick-or-treating time? (And maybe you also want to call it early!) Don’t worry, there are plenty of daytime spots to get the requisite bucketfuls of candy. Here are five can’t-miss places around the Portland area.

1. Trick-or-Treat on Alberta Street in Northeast Portland on Monday, October 31 from 3-6 pm.

Albertamainst.org/signature-events/trickortreat 2. Trickor-Treat on Mississippi Ave. in North Portland on Monday, October 31 from 3-6 pm. Mississippiave.org. 3.

BOOverton Trick-or-Treat in Beaverton on Monday, October 31 from 1-3 pm. Downtownbeaverton.org/events. 4.

Halloween at Gresham Station on Saturday, October 29 from 11 am-2 pm. There’ll be alpacas! Greshamstation. com/2022/09/07/halloween-at-gresham-station 5. Trick-orTreat at the Kennedy School on Monday, October 31 from 4:30-6:30 pm. Don’t miss the Jack-o-lantern displays, too! mcmenamins.com/events/236733-halloween-weekend — T.H.

For more trick-or-treating locations, visit

pdxparent.com/daytime-trick-or-treating!

FaAlLlE S

Over 600 IndoorSpaces

Something for everyone Vintage to New & Everything in between

November 5th, 2022 8am to 5pm General Adm. | 7am Early Birds

Clark County Event Center @ the Fairgrounds 15 minutes North of Portland, I-5 EXIT 9

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Chalkboard: The 411 on CMV 1 IN 4 Americans ages 18 to 40 years old who know what cytomegalovirus (CMV) is.

1 IN 3

pregnant women who have CMV may pass it on to their babies.

93% Percentage of health care providers

who agree that anyone who is pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or has young children should know about the risks of CMV. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the No. 1 infectious cause of birth

17% Percentage of health

care providers surveyed who reported having talked to patients about CMV.

16 TO 40 Ages of women currently

being evaluated in CMV vaccine studies.

Sources: Allison August, M.D.; nowiknowcmv.com, National CMV Foundation

Currently women ages 16 to 40 years are enrolled in the study,

defects. For most people, CMV does not pose a health risk and

but Dr. August says the age range of candidates for the

its symptoms can present like the common cold. According

vaccine will depend on the determination of the Food and Drug

to the National CMV Foundation, primary CMV infection will

Administration and the Center for Disease Control’s Advisory

impact 1% to 4% of pregnancies. And babies born to mothers

Committee on Immunization Practices. “Researchers have been

who developed CMV during pregnancy can experience

working for more than 50 years to investigate various CMV

lifelong hearing loss, vision impairment, learning disabilities,

vaccine candidates, but the complexity of the virus has made

and decreased muscle strength and coordination. The virus

finding a suitable vaccine candidate difficult,” says August. Find

is commonly transmitted through bodily fluids such as saliva,

out more at nowiknowcmv.com. — D.C.

urine or tears. Pregnant people with toddlers are at especially high risk of passing CMV to their unborn child.

The good news is there are ways to prevent transmission: not sharing food, utensils, drinks or straws; never putting a pacifier in your mouth; using only your own toothbrush; avoiding contact with saliva when kissing a child; and washing your hands.

And even better, a vaccine is currently being studied. Currently, it’s being evaluated in a phase III pivotal registration study, known as CMVictory, says Allison August, M.D., vice president, clinical development, infectious diseases at Moderna. “The study is ongoing and continuing to enroll patients,” August says.

“We anticipate having preliminary

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results from the study as early as 2023, but it’s too early to speculate on when the vaccine candidate may be approved and authorized for use.”

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October 2022

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FLU

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Learning more than one language builds a foundation of lifelong skills by enhancing cognitive, creative, and social abilities—from sharpened focus, critical thinking, and problem solving to open-mindedness, empathy, and interpersonal skills. Discover why families choose FAIS: Portland’s longestestablised immersion school.

“I saw what language did for my kids’ brains and how it helped them make connections, be open-minded, and be exposed to other cultures.”

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JOIN US FOR AN OPEN HOUSE MATERNELLE & LOWER SCHOOL (2.5-K & 1st-5th grade, French immersion) Wednesday, November 16, 9 am MIDDLE SCHOOL (6th-8th grade, multiple language tracks) Thursday, November 3, 6:30 pm

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THE SECRETS OF SPOOK WE TALKED TO THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES THAT PUMP UP THE HALLOWEEN AND FALL FUN IN PORTLAND.

BY DENISE CASTAÑON AND TIFFANY HILL

It wouldn’t be fall in the Portland area without intricate corn mazes on Sauvie Island, fields of orange (and white and yellow) pumpkins and haunted displays.

And while these quintessential events are accessible and fun for everyone in the family, a lot of time and effort goes into creating these Halloween and harvest attractions. Not to mention a passion for all things spooky. Here’s a peek behind the scenes at your favorite fall-

TOPA Z FAR M

time attractions.

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TACULAR PORTLAND PUMPKIN PATCH: TOPAZ FARM Did you know that pumpkins have a sweet tooth? Kat Topaz, the co-owner of Topaz Farm on Sauvie Island, waters the farm’s thousands of pumpkins with a bit of molasses twice a week. “The sugars in the molasses help the pumpkins grow nice and big, but it also helps their stems be very strong, and not break when you go to pick them up.”

Intrepid visitors might notice that Topaz’s pumpkin fields are in different spots each year; staff rotate the crops annually. This year, there are three pumpkin fields; the largest is more than 16 acres. Topaz says many of the approximately 5,000 pumpkins that visitors come across — more than a dozen varieties — were planted by hand. “The ground was so muddy we couldn’t get our tractors in the fields when it was time to plant, so we planted acres of pumpkins entirely by hand,” she says. “I feel an intimate relationship with every plant! It’s been extra satisfying to watch them grow.”

New this season: Topaz Farm is charging $20 per car to enter the farm on the weekends. “Last year, the farm got so crazy on October weekends that we wanted to find a way to prevent the farm from getting too packed, so everyone would have a really lovely time while they are here.” Pro tip: Go during the week for a less-crowded visit, and free admission.

Kat Topaz’s top 5 pumpkin uses 1. Carving them and putting a candle inside.

2. Roasting pumpkin seeds.

3. Cutting the pumpkin meat out and freezing it, to enjoy in soups and dishes all winter.

4. Getting a bunch of different colors and sizes and decorating the front porch.

5. Using pumpkins as a vase for flowers.

Also new, Topaz Farm is debuting two designed corn mazes each planted in the middle of the pumpkin fields, something Topaz says she’s always wanted to do. Littles will also love the cow train — now with side-by-side seating — and the mini-digger. “(Kids can) channel their inner farmer and pick up and move dirt and gravel,” says Topaz.

SAM GEHR K E

Open daily until October 31. Visit topazfarm.com/fall-on-the-farm for tickets.

Pumpkin Patch Like a Pro

Sauvie Island is beautiful and idyllic and the perfect place to go on a fall weekend.

And that’s why everyone will be there on any given Saturday in October. Pro tip: Go early and leave early. There are few things worse than being stuck in traffic off the island at 5 pm with a 4-year-old who is coming down from a kettle-corn high.

Lots of pumpkin patches have corn mazes, farm animals, pumpkin doughnuts, you name it. Some include lots of extras with admission,

some charge for the extras. Check their websites ahead of time to pick one or two things or plan on a splurge. Pro tip: Avoid a kid meltdown by managing expectations for your child ahead of time! “So, yes, we can do two fun activities and then we’re going home.

Let’s find the two you’d like best!”

Visit pdxparent.com/pdx-pumpkin-patches for more pumpkin patch and corn maze fun!

Yes, there are families that coordinate cute outfits for pumpkin patch family portraits.

But as a Pacific Northwest family, you are more than likely to encounter a very muddy field. And we all know that there’s no sweeter siren song to a toddler than a mud puddle.

Pro tip: Dress your toddler in a rain suit and rain boots and snag adorable muddy photos.

You should wear rain boots, too!

This whole thing is supposed to be fun right? So find a pumpkin patch you love and start a tradition. Have your child pick out the smallest or weirdest looking pumpkin every year.

Or base your family’s new tradition on something you (as a parent) love: like trying a different farm’s pumpkin doughnut each year. Pro tip: Yes, you’re making memories for your kids, but you should have some fun along the way, too!

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CORN MAZE: BELLA ORGANIC FARM

Sofia Kondilis-Hashem, the marketing director of Bella Organic, says members of the farm have lost friends and family members to suicide, so this year’s theme is particularly meaningful. “(We want to) spark conversation about mental health this fall, and how we can lean on each other during difficult times inside and outside of our communities.”

Farm staff spend months thinking and brainstorming each year’s theme. In fact, discussions start roughly a year ahead of each fall opening. Each preceding winter, they talk about

BY THE NUMBERS:

current events and topics and how the maze can provide a gathering place to not only have fun, but also have a positive community impact. Once the theme is decided, thousands of stalks of corn are either planted into the design shape, or meticulously cut from traditionally planted fields. This year’s maze was cut since all the springtime rain prevented an early planting. “A tractor with GPS cuts out the maze to be precise and make the design perfect every time,” says Kondilis-Hashem.

In addition to meandering through the maze — laser focused maze-goers can finish in about an hour — visitors can play games inside the maze, and there’s family-friendly trivia based on the theme of hope to raise awareness about suicide prevention and help ease its stigma.

In addition to the Hope corn maze, Bella Organic also has cow and grain train rides around the farm, a pumpkin patch and a petting zoo. Or come after hours, when things get spooky inside the Haunted Maze.

250,000 corn stalks comprise the Hope corn maze 7-acre farm | 2.7 miles of start-to-finish corn maze paths

Visit pdxparent.com/pdx-pumpkin-patches for more pumpkin patch and corn maze fun!

Hope. That’s the theme of this year’s 7-acre corn maze at Bella Organic Farm on Sauvie Island. And something we could all use more of. The farm is known for its intricate, thoughtprovoking themes creatively crafted into a giant cornstalk labyrinth. This fall, families can wander through the word “hope,” along with “Dial 988,” the new toll-free National Suicide Prevention hotline, the Lifeline.

Open daily until October 31. Visit bellaorganic.com/pumpkin-patch for tickets.

BELL A ORGANIC FAR M

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HAUNTED DISPLAY: DAVIS GRAVEYARD Perhaps the most well-known house in Milwaukie, the ghoulishly talented owners of 8703 SE 43rd Ave. sure do love Halloween. Chris and Jeff Davis, of Davis Graveyard are back at it for the 13th year of family-friendly haunting.

Each year, the husband-and-wife team transform their yard with dozens of handmade

BY THE NUMBERS: tombstones, mummies, spooky monuments and gravestones at Davis Graveyard more for the public to view from the street. They start prepping the displays in May, but brainstorm the number of visitors each year new designs a few years out. “We keep creating new things to display,” says Chris Davis. “We love making the tombstones and the monuments over the years. We are always cycling out old props for new ones, so things change every year.”

75: 2,000:

DAVIS GR AVEYAR D

While the tombstones and mausoleums look like actual stone, Chris Davis says most of the displays are made from Styrofoam. “It’s lighter to move and handles the rain better.” They look so realistic though, that Davis says visitors often ask to buy their displays. “We say, ‘better yet, let us teach you.’” The couple started offering workshops to teach fellow scary aficionados how to make their own grave markers and creepy corpses.

Davis notes that eagle-eyed visitors will notice new tombstones with clever epitaphs this season. And don’t miss Chris Davis’ favorite piece, the chapel. “It’s a work of art not only in the design so that it can be installed year after year, but it was a labor of love for the whole crew.”

Open daily October 1-31. Visit davisgraveyard.com for more information.

MORE SPOOKY FUN In the ’90s, a kitschy, little Disney Channel Halloween movie etched the sleepy town of St. Helens into cinema history. Every September and October the Spirit of Halloweentown brings back sets, actors and thousands of visitors who adore Halloween and the Hallowteentown movies. September 17 to October 31. Spiritofhalloweentown.com Older kids, tweens and teens into spooky stuff (or history) will dig a guided tour of the Lone Fir Cemetery in Southeast Portland (with their grown-ups). Catch the Stories in Stone Tour on Saturday, October 1 and the Guided Historical Tour on Saturday, October 8. Both start at 10 am. $10 suggested donation. Friendsoflonefircemetery.com.

WEST LINN PUMPK IN DISPL AY

The Pumpkin Display at West Linn (pictured left) has grown from a small setup for friends and neighbors to more than 200 intricately carved pumpkins with a cool laser light display!

Pro tip: The display is wheelchair- and stroller-friendly! October 15-16, 22-23 and 28-31, 5-9 pm.

Pumpkindisplayatwestlinn.com.

The family-run Wenzel Farm Halloween Fantasy Trail is back after being dark for two years. Take a Halloween walk through a lighted, wooded trail decorated with spooky sights and sounds. October 1-31, 7-10pm; daylight hours: noon-5 pm. Adults $7, children $6. Cash only.

Fantasytrail.com/hallowtrail.htm.

Covens of witches are planning to congregate on the Willamette River for the Standup Paddleboard Witch Parade. Grab a viewing spot from John’s Landing, the South Waterfront, or the Tilikum or Hawthorne Bridges to watch the creepy/cool floating parade that hugs the west side of the river and starts at Willamette Park then heads to Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Saturday, October 29, parade starts at 11 am. Free.

Don’t miss the Oregon Zoo’s annual Howloween event! Kids are encouraged to wear their costumes while zooming around the zoo for a scavenger hunt! October 22-23 and 28-31. Free with admission. Visit oregonzoo.org/events/howloween. pdxparent.com

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HARVEST EVENT: WEST COAST GIANT PUMPKIN REGATTA Think of Heidi Marx as the fairy godmother of the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta. She is, after all, the coordinator of the October event that transforms humongous pumpkins into boats. She doesn’t wave a magic wand like Cinderella’s fairy godmother though — the two-day event that culminates in pumpkin boat races on Tualatin Commons Lake takes seven months to plan. And those gigantic pumpkins take five and a half months to grow. “The pumpkins are provided by the members of the Pacific Giant Vegetable Growers,” says Marx. “The PGVG is a club whose members are giant vegetable enthusiasts. They grow all types of giant vegetables including giant pumpkins. The pumpkins come from all over Oregon, Washington and even Canada.”

The pumpkins are then sawed open and hollowed out. And then event sponsors and lucky winners of a pumpkin racer lottery board the pumpkin boats and paddle away.

BY THE NUMBERS:

But the boat races are just one part of the fun at the festival that’s back after a COVID hiatus. Visitors can browse arts and crafts vendors, run in a 5K or try out pumpkin bowling and golf. “My favorite part of planning the Regatta is thinking up fun new ways to use pumpkins at the event,” says Marx.

And she says the hardest part is not knowing the exact number of pumpkins available to paddle until the morning of the event!

15,000-20,000 visitors attend 7 Months to Plan | 51/2 months to grow Pumpkins weigh 600-1,200 pounds each

What are Marx’s tips for families who plan on visiting the regatta this year? “All of the activities and admission is free! Make sure you explore all around the lake. There are activities and vendors throughout.”

Saturday, October 15: Pumpkins and Pints and the Terminator Weigh-Off at Stickmen’s Tualatin Beer Hall. Sunday, October 16: Regatta Run and West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta Festival. Pumpkin races start at noon and 2 pm. Tualatinoregon.gov/ pumpkinregatta.

DON’T LIKE CROWDS? NEITHER DO WE INTRODUCING PRE-RESERVED, $20/CAR FARM ENTRANCE FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS (TO REDUCE CROWDING)

Includes FREE mazes, hayrides, parking!

All details & reservations: topazfarm.com

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FA L L F U N

Heiser Farms

Pumpkin Patch Fun for the whole family!

Opening day is September 24.

Come enjoY A day at the farm!

Open Fridays in October with limited attractions.

Admission Saturdays and Sundays - $7 per person

Pumpkin patch, farm animals and play area every day!

Hayrides on the weekend or by appointment.

Come pick your favorite pumpkin right off the vine!

Open October 1–31 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily (503)538-6834 4745 Raybell Rd NE, Saint Paul, Or. 97137

www.heiserfarms.com 21425 SE Grand Island Loop | Dayton, OR

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FA L L F U N

www.liepoldfarms.com (503) 663-5880

LIEPOLD FARMS

FALL FESTIVAL Open Daily 9am-5pm

September 17-October 31

Corn Maze, Dark Maze, Apple Slingshot, Children’s Pavilion, Hayride, Dead End Challenge in the Corn Maze, Festival-wide scavenger hunt

Pick

Your

Perfect Pumpkin

at Bella Organic Farm!

Free Hay Rides 7-acre Corn Maze Petting Zoo Cow Train and Grain Train Haunted Corn Maze Friday & Saturday Nights Full food and beverage menu OPEN DAILY 9 - 6 HAUNTED CORN MAZE FRI. & SAT. 7 - 10 16205 NW Gillihan Rd. Portland, 97231 503-621-9545

GEORGE BALANCHINE’S

THE NUTCRACKER

®

December 10 – 24, 2022 Keller Auditorium

tickets start at

$24

A treasured holiday tradition continues as the Land of Sweets comes alive with Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score!

obt.org/nutcracker FEATURING 12 PERFORMANCES WITH THE OBT ORCHESTRA

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Welcome back to having someone to talk to.

If you struggle with mental health or substance use issues, please know you’re not alone. Our providers are ready to help with counseling, substance use and recovery treatment, and more. And if you’re a CareOregon member, it’s free.

careoregon.org/care pdxparent.com

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A Banner

Se a s on Portland’s performing-arts organizations are serving up a season of stellar live acts, from shows staged by skilled youth performers to a rollicking kinder crooner singalong.

Here’s when and where to catch the fun.

BY ERIN J. BERNARD

OR EGON BALLE T THE ATR E

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November

QUEEN SK IT TLES PHOTOGR APHY

October We live in complicated times, and if you ask kindie music collaborators Jazzy Ash and Red Yarn (aka, Ashli St. Armant and Andy Furgeson, pictured above), there’s no better way to help kids engage with the complexity than by immersing them in the arts.

“Music and performance and art is such a gentle-yet-powerful approach to learning difference, learning about yourself, learning about the world,” says St. Armant, and Furgeson agrees.

“You feel it first, then you think about it later,” he says of music in particular. “I think our hearts can accept new feelings a lot faster than our minds can accept new ideas.”

The duo will visit the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts in Beaverton on October 8 to showcase songs from their new album, Sing Together. This eclectic collection, featuring everything from accordion and mandolin to guitar and tambourine, is a mashup of their shared and individual musical sensibilities, landing it somewhere between folk and funky, says St. Armant, who draws inspiration from folk music and the AfricanAmerican diaspora. “It’s a beautiful mix of everything we both love,” she says.

The album explores moments throughout history when Black and white music mixed and merged, explains Furgeson, from 1940s jazzy pop to 1970s Southern rock.

Touring the United States in recent years has sometimes felt fraught for St. Armant, a queer Black woman raising two teenage sons, but she knows that voices like hers are needed, and music can be a powerful tool

for pushing toward change and connecting intergenerational audiences.

“Now more than ever, it feels important to stay in the game and to share not only this music but these stories,” she says.

These songs tackle cultural and social issues in a way that invites discussion. “I hope that kids will first experience the joy of this collaboration, and then later have those important conversations with their families to unpack the bigger ideas,” says Furgeson.

The pals promise a colorful mix of thoughtprovoking tunes and belly laughs at their show, which Furgeson envisions as “a loose and lively party.”

“We want you to feel like you’re in your living room enjoying a good time with some friends,” says St. Armant. “In some ways, that’s what we’ve missed most over the last couple of years.”

Find out more at thereser.org.

Also happening in October The Oregon Symphony’s Hocus Pocus in Concert, running October 2930, sets the classic Halloween film to live orchestral music and is sure to cast a spell on little goblins. Find out more at orsymphony.org. Or introduce older kids to Shakespeare with Oregon Ballet Theatre’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, running October 8-16 (pictured left). Find out more at obt.org.

Struggling to help your kids make ongoing sense of the pandemic? Teens, too, are grappling with its implications, says Alli Jaffe, an 18-year-old member of the Oregon Children’s Theatre’s (OCT) Young Professionals (YP) Company (pictured below), and it turns out that doing so onstage makes for some magical live theater. “[Theater] helps me break down what’s happening in the world into manageable chunks,” Jaffe explains. “Being in shows helps me to understand myself and how I’m dealing with that theme in the world.”

During her time with the YP, Jaffe has explored everything from performing to stage managing and assistant directing. She even sat on the selection committee for this season’s YP shows, including Pestilence:Wow!, running October 28 to November 13. It’s an absurdist comedy set during the bubonic plague, and Jaffe was struck by the modernday parallels.

“It’s about how people deal with difficult events in such different ways,” she says.

Insights like these are exactly what the company aims to inspire in serious young performers, explains YP Artistic Director Dani Baldwin. Through the program, teens explore theater craft while building community and learning collaborative skills.

Baldwin agrees with Jaffe that performance art is therapeutic for kids during challenging times, especially when they’re the ones making it. “It allows teens an opportunity for self-expression and provides the ability to look at the world through the lens of another person. … You get to laugh and play and release together, and those things are so valuable in a time when it’s hard to find a reason to laugh,” says Baldwin. Find out more at octc.org.

OR EGON CHILDR EN ’S THE ATR E

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November continued Speaking of excuses for joy, what could be more happiness-inducing than an auditorium of young musicians uniting to bring the work of a fellow budding musician to life?

Audiences can get in on the good vibes during an upcoming premiere from Metropolitan Youth Symphony’s Authentic Voice Series

(pictured opposite, top), happening November 13. In partnership with fEARnoMUSIC’s Young Composers Project, the series grants young musicians access to a high-level full orchestra to workshop, rehearse and perform original compositions, with Young Composers faculty working with students for several years before

JER EMY DANIEL

they write for full orchestra.

Creating and playing music together facilitates the human desire for connection, says MYS Music Director Raúl Gómez-Rojas.

“You become part of a closely-knit team creating something beautiful together,” says Gómez-Rojas. “Add to that the fact that as a young musician, you’re playing music created by your own peers, and you get a boost of joy and a sense of accomplishment.”

A live performance at a major local venue is quite the boon for an up-and-coming musician. “Our young musicians are keenly aware of the incredible feat that it is to bring a completely new piece of music to life,” he says. “They take ownership of the whole process, from workshop to concert. The world premieres of these pieces are always high points of our season.” Find out more at playmys.org.

Introduce Your Kids to the Oregon Symphony the magic of mozart nov 13, 2:00 pm

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tickets start at $ 22

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Also happening in November Celebrate the beauty of Mexican traditions at Milagro Theatre’s Día de Muertos celebration, running October 14 to November 6. Find out more at milagro.org. And younger theatergoers who are fans of Dav Pilkey graphic novels can bounce along with the antics of OCT’s Dog Man: The Musical, onstage October 23 to November 20 (pictured left).

Find out more at octc.org.

December The Oregon Symphony’s roster of winter performances has something for everyone, exploring music across genres and cultures. Comfort & Joy, a merry singalong, debuts on December 7, followed by Elf in Concert on December 12 and 18, with the symphony providing musical accompaniment to this hilarious tale of an endearingly delusional Christmas elf. On December 20, enjoy a musical tribute to Mexico’s holiday traditions with A Very Merry Mariachi Christmas, with Mariachi Sol de México de Jóse Hernàndez (pictured opposite, bottom). The merriment continues with Holiday Brass on December 21, with the symphony’s brass section playing a mix of classic and popular favorites.

Find out more at orsymphony.org.

Also happening in December If you’re ready for a new tradition, this might be the year to introduce your kids to the Oregon Ballet Theatre’s rendition of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, playing December 10-24. Dancing snowflakes, toy soldiers and an enigmatic nutcracker will awaken their wonder right alongside Clara, the young ballerina dancing her way through this timeless tale. Find out more at obt.org. Or sway to the beautiful songs of Hawaii at The Reser with Kalani Pea’s Hawaiian Christmas on December 2. Find out more at thereser.org.

ME TROPOLITAN YOUTH SYMPHONY

January and February Looking to hit a meaningful musical with your teen? Check out the Oregon Children’s Theatre’s Young Professionals Company’s winter show, The Mad Ones, running February 10-26. This play explores how adolescents deal with grief and confront difficult life decisions, explains YP member Alli Jaffe.

Audiences can expect “great singing, amazing acting, and a really strong message,” she says.

How do young actors prepare to tackle heavier themes, especially when characters’ life experiences don’t mirror their own? With a little research and a lot of empathizing, says Jaffe, who hopes to double-major in acting and psychology when she heads to college next year.

“Even if I haven’t experienced what the character is dealing with, I have likely had that emotion,” she says.

The theater is a wonderful medium for helping kids to explore challenging themes while learning to prioritize their own mental health, says YP Artistic Director Dani Baldwin. Adults guide young thespians by providing nuts-andbolts training, but also by building

a space where teens can explore big feelings and safely express emotional needs, no matter how heavy the subject matter playing out onstage — or in real life., “A teen’s mental health is far more important than any show,” she says. “As a theater and as a society, we need to honor what actors need to stay healthy.” Find out more at octc.org.

Also happening in January and February Old-school kindie cool hits town on January 8 when the Metropolitan Youth Symphony performs music to accompany a screening of The Very Hungry Caterpillar and other celebrated stories from children’s

author and illustrator Eric Carle. (Mr. Carle, who died in 2021, gave special permission for the show!)

Soundtracks by Julian Nott come to life alongside film renditions of Carle favorites, courtesy of Illuminated Films, accompanied by live narration

by All Classical Portland and the International Children’s Arts Network. The imaginative multimedia show (plus an instrument petting zoo!) will thrill younger concertgoers. Find out more at playmys.org.

Teens can feast on the visual delights of the Oregon Ballet Theatre’s La Sylphide, a 19th century Danish ballet written by an adoring father looking to showcase his ballerina daughter’s talent, onstage February 18-25. Find out more at obt.org.

Erin J. Bernard is a freelance writer and editor who lives in Northeast Portland with her husband and two rather noisy and opinionated kids.

They can often be found exploring the mountains and coastlines of the PNW in their trusty green Subaru.

A Bewitching Halloween Concert with Your Oregon Symphony!

IN CONCERT Feature Film with Orchestra Sat, Oct 29, 7:30 pm Sun, Oct 30, 2 pm Mon, Oct 31, 7:30 pm

OR EGON SYMPHONY

Northwest Children’s Theater: Stay Tuned!

The Northwest Children’s Theater & School will spend the winter settling into its new downtown arts district performance space. The Judy Kafoury Center for Youth Arts celebrates its grand opening January 2023, and shows will resume in the theater’s two performance spaces soon after.

Find out more at nwcts.org.

orsymphony.org 503-228-1353 pdxparent.com

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MKT-264_PrintAd_PDXParent_HocusPocus.indd 9/13/22 1 10:01 AM

OPEN HOUSE

OREGON EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

OPEN HOUSE

CATLIN GABEL SCHOOL

OPEN HOUSE

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30 12-4P.M.

Learn More & Register at CATLIN.EDU/OPENHOUSE

GRADES 6 TO 12 (PARENTS & STUDENTS)

SUNDAY OCTOBER 16 1–4 PM

PRE-K TO GRADE 5 (PARENTS ONLY)

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 19 6–8 PM

6300 SW Nicol Road Portland, OR 97223 503-768-3115 • oes.edu/openhouse

Now Enrolling

Portland Village School - Your Tuition-Free Public Waldorf School

GRADES K-8

EDUCATING AND NURTURING THE WHOLE CHILD HEAD, HEART, AND HANDS PVS - where children learn through: Drawing & Painting Storytelling Drama Music Engaging Academics Daily Outside Recess Movement Spanish Handwork Crafts Relationships

To Apply Visit Our Website:

www.portlandvillageschool.org 7654 N Delaware Ave, Portland, OR, 97217 or call 503-445-0056

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OPEN HOUSE

EARLY LEARNING & GRADE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE ~ OCTOBER 25, 2022 MIDDLE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE ~ NOVEMBER 1, 2022

Now Enrolling Sixth Grade German and Mandarin programs.

Hallo

Hello

3900 SW Murray Blvd, Beaverton, OR 97005

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OPEN HOUSE

Embrace the World.

Friday, October 2 th, pm - 8:00pm Take your child on a magical journey in the autumn twilight where they'll encounter many enchanting characters!

Halloween-Enchantment2022.eventbrite.com

all to reserve o r to r time www.micha-elschool.org 503 882-3322

OPEN HOUSE: OCTOBER 28, 9-12

Bringing into practice all of Rudolf Steiner’s indications for Waldorf schools.

Chinese • Spanish • Japanese International Baccalaureate Preschool – 5th grade South Waterfront / Downtown

French Immersion Education in the Heart of Portland Preschool • Kindergarten • Elementary Small class size • Native French-speaking teachers Accredited by the French Ministry of Education Care available from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

letoilefrenchschool.com • 503-715-1258 5839 S Hood Avenue 26

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OPEN HOUSE

OPEN HOUSE Wednesday, October 26 from 6:00-7:00pm

We are a school of

community and nature!

JOIN US FOR AN OPEN HOUSE 10/4, 11/8, 12/6 K-8TH 6-7 PM

R E I M A G I N E

E D U C AT I O N RSVP at renpdx.org/enrollment Email admissions@renpdx.org Call 971.221.2311 234 S. Bancroft Street, Portland

4617 SE Milwaukie Ave. | Portland Oregon 97202 portlandforestschool.com

OMSI Auditorium 1945 SE Water Ave. Portland, OR 97214

TUESDAY, October 11, 2022

PRESCHOOL TO GRADE 12

5:30–7 p.m.

FREE EVENT pdxparent.com

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kids Museums are magical places of learning and wonder. Open the door to your kids’ imaginations at these local institutions.

useums

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Portland Art Museum CURRENT & UPCOMING

EXHIBITS

Dakota Modern: The Art of Oscar Howe Introduces new generations to one of the 20th century’s most innovative Native American painters. Oscar Howe (1915-1983) committed his October 29, 2022artistic career to May 14, 2023 the preservation, relevance, and ongoing expression of his Dakota culture.

MUSEUM INFO ADDRESS: 1219 SW Park Ave., Portland, OR.

Jeffrey Gibson: They Come From Fire

WEBSITE: portlandartmuseum.org.

PHONE: 503-226-2811.

An immersive installation by multimedia Native American artist Jeffrey October 15, 2022Gibson, this dynamic February 26, 2023 work will celebrate Portland’s Indigenous history, presence and vitality through the use of suspended glass panels, text and photographs.

The first exhibition of its kind to consider the work of Black artists collectively in Oregon, from the 1920s to present. It will deepen awareness of the talented artists who have shaped and inspired artists regionally and nationally.

Opens June 10, 2023 October 2022

|

ADMISSION: Kids 17 and under free. General admission: $25; seniors and students: $22. Visit the website for more ways to visit for free or at a reduced cost.

RECIPROCAL MEMBERSHIPS: Western Reciprocal and Museum Alliance Reciprocal Program with membership at the Friend level and above.

CAMPS/CLASSES: pamcut.org/colaboratory/youth-camps.

INCLUSIVITY INFORMATION: portlandartmuseum.org/plan-your-visit/accessibility.

GET SOCIAL: Facebook: @portlandartmuseum | Instagram: @portlandartmuseum |

Black Artists of Oregon

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HOURS: Wednesday-Sunday: 10 am-5 pm.

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Twitter: @PDXArtMuseum.

WHY KIDS

IT

Colors, shapes, people, places and ideas that expand their world!

WHY PARENTS

IT

Free admission for kids age 17 and under.

Hands On Children’s Museum CURRENT & UPCOMING

EXHIBITS

New Wags and Whiskers Animal Hospital Exhibit!

Kids get to be the vet, use a checklist to evaluate their furry friends, conduct X-rays, and pretend to wash and fluff at the grooming station in the Wags and Whiskers Animal Hospital sponsored by Olympia Veterinary Hospital.

MUSEUM INFO ADDRESS: 414 Jefferson St. NE, Olympia, WA, 98501.

WEBSITE: hocm.org.

PHONE: 360-956-0818.

HOURS: Monday-Friday: 9 am-5 pm; Sunday: 10 am-5 pm.

ADMISSION: General admission, 18 months-64 years: $15.95; seniors 65+: $14.95; military/first responder/foster (with valid ID): $14.95. Members are free.

RECIPROCAL MEMBERSHIPS: hocm.org/join/northwest-association-of-youthmuseums.

Boo Bash

October 21-31

Dress up and bring your little monsters, superheroes and princesses to the Hands On Children’s Museum for a spooktacular good time. Enjoy Halloween-inspired fun and exciting activities without the fright.

CAMPS/CLASSES: hocm.org/events-programs/camps.

INCLUSIVITY INFORMATION: hocm.org/events-programs/sensory-friendly-events.

GET SOCIAL: Facebook: @handsonchildrensmuseum | Instagram: @handsonchildrensmuseum.

WHY KIDS

IT

150 interactive exhibits and a half-acre of outdoor play space including a giant climbing boulder, dino dig, vintage schooner, lighthouse lookout, trike loop and children’s garden. Plus, Art Studio, MakeSpace, two-story climber and stream slide, Ballcano, water table, Emergency! gallery and Airways Maze. Seasonal themed events with special guests and activities.

WHY PARENTS

IT

Washington’s award-winning museum on Olympia’s waterfront. Near downtown and the Farmers Market. Clean and beautiful facility with fresh foods in the Play Day Café. Voted Best of Western Washington, by King 5 TV, Best Family Destination

by Showcase Magazine, and Best of South Sound for Children’s Party Venue and Museum.

Celebrate the Holidays!

December 1-31 Meet Nutcracker ballet dancers and special guests, make a handcrafted gift, design a nature wreath, tinker in the MakeSpace, and join the Noon Year's Eve Party countdown on December 31.

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Columbia River Maritime Museum MUSEUM INFO ADDRESS: 1792 Marine Dr., Astoria, OR, 97103.

WEBSITE: crmm.org.

PHONE: 503-325-2323.

HOURS: Daily: 9:30 am-5 pm.

ADMISSION: Adults: $16; seniors: $13; children 6-17: $5; children 5 and under, and active duty military: free; Recipients with EBT or WIC card: $3. 3D Movie: $5 per person.

RECIPROCAL MEMBERSHIPS: Museum Members receive reciprocal admissions to a different regional attraction each month.

CAMPS/CLASSES: crmm.org/youth--family.

WHY KIDS

INCLUSIVITY INFORMATION: crmm.org/

Climb aboard a floating lighthouse, turn the ship's wheel, stand on a

IT

accessibility.

tugboat or Navy destroyer bridge and make a TV weather forecast.

GET SOCIAL: Facebook:

WHY PARENTS

Columbia River Maritime Museum | Instagram: @columbiarivermaritimemuseum | Twitter: @CRMMAstoria.

IT

A wide variety of hands-on, interactive experiences for all ages on Astoria's waterfront. Indoor and outdoor exhibits, 3D movie theater — something for everyone!

Oregon Historical Society MUSEUM INFO ADDRESS: 1200 SW Park Ave., Portland, OR, 97205.

WEBSITE: ohs.org.

PHONE: 503-222-1741.

HOURS: Monday-Saturday: 10 am-5 pm; Sunday: 12 pm-5 pm ADMISSION: General admission: $10; seniors/teachers/students: $8; youth 6-18: $5.

Children 5 and under, and Multnomah County residents are free.

FREE/DISCOUNT DAYS: Free every day for members, children 5 and under, and Multnomah County residents.

GET SOCIAL: Facebook: @oregonhistory | Instagram: @oregonhistoricalsociety | Twitter: @orhist.

WHY KIDS

IT

With three floors of permanent and rotating exhibitions, the Oregon Historical Society brings the past to life for visitors of all ages. In our cornerstone exhibition, Experience Oregon, kids can touch a real beaver pelt, be transported to the Oregon Trail by walking through a covered wagon, and compete in the Pendleton Round-Up by playing a touchscreen video game!

WHY PARENTS

IT

Who lives in Oregon, where did they come from and what are some challenges and choices they have faced? Parents and young history buffs can explore these questions in History Hub, a hands-on, highly interactive exhibition designed for youth and families.

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Rice Museum of Rocks & Minerals MUSEUM INFO ADDRESS: 26385 NW Groveland Dr., Hillsboro, OR 97124.

WEBSITE: ricenorthwestmuseum.org.

HOURS: Wednesday-Thursday: 10 am-4 pm; Friday-Sunday: 10 am-5 pm.

ADMISSION: Members: free; adults: $12; seniors (60+) and veterans: $10; students: $8; and kids (up to 5 years): free.

RECIPROCAL MEMBERSHIP: Portland Attraction Marketing Alliance.

WHY KIDS

FREE/DISCOUNTED DAYS: Museums for All and Blue Star

IT

Families programs provide reduced admission year-round.

Sparkling crystals, glowing rocks,

Washington County Library patrons can reserve a Cultural

fossilized dinosaurs — and their

Pass to Adventure for free admission.

poop!

CAMPS/CLASSES: ricenwmuseum.simpletix.com.

WHY PARENTS

IT

GET SOCIAL: Facebook: @RiceNWMuseum |

Situated on 23 acres, there is room

Twitter: @RiceNWMuseum.

to eat lunch, run and explore.

MUSEUM INFO ADDRESS: 116 Marion St. NE,

Gilbert House Children's Museum

Salem, OR, 97301.

WEBSITE: acgilbert.org.

PHONE: 503-371-3631.

HOURS: Tuesday-Sunday: 10 am-5 pm.

ADMISSION: General admission: $10; seniors (60+) and military: $8. Members are free.

RECIPROCAL MEMBERSHIP: acgilbert.org/membership.

CAMPS/CLASSES: acgilbert.org/homeschool-adventures | acgilbert.org/summer-camp.

INCLUSIVITY INFORMATION: acgilbert.org/plan-your-visit.

GET SOCIAL: Facebook: @gilberthousechildrensmuseum | Instagram: @gilbert_house.

WHY KIDS

IT

It is an entire museum designed just for them to play in. And the Gizmo Trickor-Treating event that delivers candy to kids via catapult, ghost zipline, candy pipeline and more is back on October 30!

WHY PARENTS

IT

Kids can learn and explore through play in 20 indoor and outdoor exhibits.

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fa m i ly s u p p e r

Choose-your-own-adventure

Dinin

Find something for everyone at the newly opened, Asiancuisine-focused Happy Valley Food Hall.

For more family-friendly restaurant reviews visit: pdxparent.com/ family-supper.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY DENISE CASTAÑON

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October 2022

“So it’s like a food court with no mall?” asked my

Happy Valley Food Hall, 15640 SE Happy Valley Town Center Dr, Happy

10-year-old daughter, Adela, when Valley. Happyvalleyfoodhall.com.

I explained to her where we were After checking out the menus we settled on Sunday-Wednesday: 11 am-8 pm; going for dinner. And Adela’s a junior bowl ($11.99) from the Korean-focused Friday and Saturday: 11 am- 9 pm. comment sums up the new Happy Bibimbap for Adela and her 7-year-old brother, Valley Food Hall very well. The Cruz. You can build your own bowl by selecting indoor food hall in the southeastern white or purple rice, a choice of protein (bulgogi, suburb of Happy Valley is set up like a mall food court — tofu, teriyaki chicken, spicy pork or salmon), choice of veggies and sauce. with no mall. Six different vendors, all selling varying Asian My kids decided on teriyaki chicken and the only veggies I could convince cuisines, circle a seating area. There’s also a full bar. At the them to order were carrots. The bowl also comes topped with a fried egg time of our visit, Wheat Bay, Bibimbap, TwoZone Chicken, with a jiggly yoke. I tried to explain that bibimbap sometimes comes in a Kama‘āina Express and Musashi’s were open and selling hot stone bowl and you are supposed to mix in the egg so it cooks from the dumplings, sushi, Hawaiian plate lunches and more. The heat of the bowl and creates a silky sauce — similar to spaghetti carbonara. sixth stall, Kung Fu Tea, had signage up, but wasn’t open They wouldn’t eat the egg. The kids picked at the bowl, eating most of the that evening. chicken. I asked how the teriyaki chicken compared to Ate-oh-Ate, one of |

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our favorite restaurants. They said they preferred Ate-oh-Ate. But don’t worry they didn’t go hungry.

So my husband ended up eating the egg while waiting for his sushi order from Musashi’s. While we had ordered from a person behind the counter, Musashi’s had a contactless, touch-screen ordering system. My husband had to wait longer to order his food because this stall was the busiest (and a customer in front of him had a hard time navigating the ordering system). He was borderline hangry by the time his spicy tuna roll/nigiri combo came out (8 for $14.95). He had also ordered chicken and veggie gyoza (8 for $6.95) and spring rolls (6 for $7.95) as appetizers to share, but they came out after the sushi. The kids dove on the crispy gyoza and rolls. The good news is my husband devoured the sushi and rated it as very good. Pro tip: If anyone in your party is planning on ordering sushi, make sure they place their order first!

I decided on Korean-fried TwoZone Chicken for my meal. TwoZone Chicken also has locations in the Alphabet District and on North Williams. I am a huge fan of the Korean fried chicken from Bonchon.

The method of ordering for boneless chicken is a little confusing, but the server at the counter was helpful. You can order a 1 or 2, which stands for one serving or two servings. (And my 1 was large enough to have leftovers for lunch the next day.) I asked for the chicken pieces to be tossed in soy garlic and a side of spicy sauce so I could control just how spicy it got ($14.49). I wanted to try the Parmesan corn on the cob, but they were out. So I went with onion rings instead ($7.25). My chicken came out relatively quickly. I added a little of the spicy sauce and enjoyed the crisp chicken. I gave some without the spicy sauce to Cruz and he said it was hot. Pro tip: Even the soy garlic glaze has some spiciness to it! The crunchy-not-soggy onion rings were a hit all around.

We had a few bumps in our visit — and also some very good food.

And we all liked the casual food court vibe. We would have loved to have some more dessert options. (Dream vendor: An eastside outpost of Oyatsupan Bakers!)

Expanding Minds, Nurturing Spirits, Stewarding the Earth •

Small class size

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Pre-K to 8th grade

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Earth experiences

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Foreign language programs

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Before and after care

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10 acres campus with extensive gardens Visit

www.FMES.org to schedule a

virtual or in-person

TOUR!

www.FMES.org | 503-760-8220 | Portland, Oregon 97236-2316

Celebrating Our Heroes: OCT’s 2022-23 Season Opening Extravaganza & FUNdraiser

Editor Denise Castañon loves exploring Portland’s family-friendly dining scene with her husband, 10-year-old daughter and 7-yearold son.

Tick on saets now! le

Celebrate Our Heroes With Us! Activities include: Exclusive preview of Dog Man: The Musical Donation opportunities and raffles

Saturday, October 22nd 2:00-5:00pm

Beverages & hors d’oeuvres for adults & kids

Newmark Theatre

Photo booth and selfie opportunities Youth theatre games and activities Special guests and performances

TICKETS: octc.org/gala

Newmark Theatre • 1111 SW Broadway, Portland • octc.org • (503) 228-9571 pdxparent.com

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time out

October 2022

Go. Play.

Explore. harvest hullabaloo Celebrate all things fall harvest at the 40th annual Hood River Valley Harvest Festival. For three days, check out produce stands chock full of locally grown bounties, a sprawling arts and crafts marketplace, eight food cart and restaurant vendors and live music. Weekend planned! Friday-Sunday, October 7-9 at the Hood River Event Site. $10 admission; kids 12 and under free. Visit hoodriverharvestfestival.com for tickets. — Tiffany Hill

Nordic delights Autumn is in full swing and the folks at Norida House are joining in the fall fun.

Portland’s Nordic cultural center, located in the Garden Home neighborhood (just a few minutes drive from Washington Square Mall), Nordia House is hosting a harvest season storytime and craft-making afternoon.

Children will hear a seasonal tale and make goodies that tie into the story. The perfect weekend activity for kids ages 3 to 10. Saturday, October 8, noon-1 pm. $5 registration. Visit nordicnorthwest.org/familystorytime to register. — T.H.

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HOOD R IVER VALLEY HARVEST FESTIVAL

bringing the joy

THE JOY STOR E

Seeing a need for a little more joy in our city, local balloon artist Kameron Messmer opened an interactive, pop-up installation dubbed The Joy Store in downtown Portland. He’s transformed an empty office space into mini galleries packed with brightly colored balloons that kids (and adults) can play in. It’s a month-tomonth pop-up, but will be open through October. Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, noon-5 pm, 825 SW 5th Ave. Reserve tickets at thejoystore.net. Donations accepted for admission.

— Denise Castañon

get them to the Greek (festival) Bring your appetites and love of Greek culture to the 69th annual Portland Greek Festival. There will be plenty of baklava as well as other other Greek pastries like phyllo stuffed with custard, apricot butter cookies and orange-flavored spice cookies. Yum, yum and yum. Don’t worry, it’s not all sweets; roast lamb, gyro, souvlaki and Greek salad are just a few of the meal options. Folk dancing, a marketplace full of imports from Greece and an exhibit on the Acropolis at the HellenicAmerican Cultural Center & Museum will transport your family to the Mediterranean country. Friday, September 30, and Saturday and Sunday, October 1-2. 11 am-10 pm Friday and Saturday; noon-7 pm on Sunday. At Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 3131 NE Glisan St. Find out more at portlandgreekfestival.com. — D.C.

ready, set, run!

This year, the Portland Marathon celebrates its 50th anniversary. And if you have a super speedy kiddo, have them participate in the inaugural Kids 1-Mile Fun Run. Children of all ages can participate, and will feel like they are true marathoners with a time chip, race bib, t-shirt and finisher medal. Cheer them on as they cross under the race finish line arches!

Sunday, October 2 at 11:30 am, $5 registration. Waterfront Park at 1000 SW Naito Parkway.

Visit portlandmarathon.com to register. — T.H.

PORTL AND MAR ATHON

into the Marvel-verse Black Panther. Spider-Man. Captain Marvel. All the epic Marvel superheroes are coming to the Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes exhibition at OMSI. Your family will see hundreds of artifacts including original comic book pages, interactive displays, life-size statues of your favorite superheroes, and costumes and props from Marvel films and television programs — many of which have never been on public display outside this exhibition! Opens Saturday, October 8 and runs through April 9, 2023. Reserve tickets at tickets.omsi.edu. — D.C.

OR EGON HISTORIC AL SOCIE T Y

PORTL AND OPEN STUDIOS

art in the wild We’re lucky to have so many talented artists in our area! Give your kids a peek into how artists work at this month’s Portland Open Studios. Find lists of painters, potters, photographers and more. Then pop in to see more of their work. Saturday and Sunday, October 8-9 and 15-16, 10 am-5 pm. Find out more at portlandopenstudios.com. — D.C.

learn from the past Learn about Asian-American experiences of discrimination and resilience at the Oregon Historical Society’s new exhibit, I Am An American: Stories of Exclusion and Belonging. The exhibition includes photographs, collected objects, and narratives of six Asian-American women whose experiences reflect the different facets of Asian-American identities. Their stories correspond with a history of xenophobic policies that resulted in the discrimination and erasure of many Asian Americans.

The exhibit is on view now through January 8, 2023. Oregon Historical Society, 1200 SW Park Ave. Find out more at ohs.org. — D.C.

magic at twilight For a gentle, Waldorf Halloween experience head to Halloween Enchantment at Micha-el School. Your child will venture on a magical journey in the autumn twilight and meet several enchanting characters along the way. Dress warmly or wear your costume (but no scary ones, please). There will be food, drink, music and trinkets for the children! Friday, October 28, 5-8 pm. Micha-el School, 13515A SE Rusk Rd., Milwaukie. $10. Tickets at halloween-enchantment2022. eventbrite.com. — D.C.

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arcade aficionados Calling all retro gamers! The Portland Retro Gaming Expo is for you. Launched in 2006, this fun expo features special guest speakers, free play in the large arcade featuring hundreds of consoles — no quarters necessary — and a vendor exhibition.

Game on! Friday-Sunday, October 14-16. $15 weekend pass for kids ages 3-12; $65 for adults. Oregon Convention Center. Visit retrogamingexpo.com for tickets. — T.H.

PDX SPELLING BEE

bee right there Need some help showing your kid just how important correct spelling is? Enter yourselves in the PDX Spelling Bee at Mississippi Pizza. Every last Wednesday of the month, word lovers gather for a single-elimination spelling competition, prizes and bragging rights. Both kids and adults can compete! Wednesday, October 26, doors at 5:45 pm, bee from 6 pm-7:45 pm. Mississippi Pizza, 3552 N Mississippi Ave. $5; kids under 12 free. — D.C.

Find more family fun on our online calendar: pdxparent.com/events-calendar.

Be sure to confirm the most up-to-date info with event organizers before heading out.

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Cedarwood isn't just a school.

It's a place for the whole family to learn, grow, and connect with community.

Cedarwood students are curious and engaged critical thinkers and doers who care about creating a better world. Children in prekindergarten 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.

We value a progressive approach to Waldorf education, in which new ideas, practices, and styles are incorporated to support and 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.

Schedule a tour to experience the Cedarwood difference 3030 SW Second Avenue Portland, OR 97202 | (503) 245-1477 www.cedarwoodschool.org

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