For an unforgettable family trip, take the train! It’s easier, and more affordable than you think, with these four destinations near Portland.
By Emily Corak
We take the stress out of planning your kiddo’s next birthday party with expert tips on themes, favors and treats, whether you host it yourself or have someone else do all the work. By
Denise Castañon.
PDX Parent Reader Favorites: Birthday
to pack for baby on the airplane; some of our favorite mom-owned businesses; how to donate period products to those in need; new plans for the Waterfront Park and more.
Explore the colorful world of manga at this new book store and cafe in North Portland.
on delicious, house-made pasta with the family at Monty’s Red Sauce in Sellwood.
Denise Castañon.
return of the Sunday Parkways and the Rose Festival’s CityFair. Plus UFOs, free comic
Create core memories
We all have those lasting memories from childhood that cause a surge of emotions when they are triggered. Reading Emily Corak’s story on train travel did that to me. I remember taking a short train ride up the coast with my mom when I was around 8 years old. The Pacific Ocean glittered outside our window as the silver train took us to Santa Barbara, California. I don’t remember a lot of the specifics, just that I was excited and happy, the sky was perfectly blue and we had a really good day together.
Now that we are the parents, we can help our kids create those core memories that hopefully trigger a wave of good nostalgia. A family train trip is certainly one way to do that. (Head to page 12 to learn how to snag some deals on train tickets and explore four fun itineraries.) Celebrating your kid’s birthday is another. Our other feature this issue focuses on four birthday themes you can steal. I love to plan and throw parties of all sorts, but I get especially excited when it comes time to celebrate another trip around the sun for my kiddos. But I know other parents may not feel the same way about party planning. I detailed four themes that you can use for the next kid’s birthday party you throw. (And some ideas are super budget-conscious because we know everything is more expensive right now!) Each theme has both at-home and partyvenue options. You’ll also find some helpful, general kids’ party pro tips in there. Find it on page 18.
On Our Cover
And just remember any quality time spent with you — even if it’s walking to the park or reading a book together — is going to create those warm childhood memories for your kiddo.
We love the whimsical and nostalgic style of Monmouthbased Rachel Perrella Photography. Perrella captured this shot of her son, Oliver on his first birthday. Perrella says her favorite thing about being a family photographer is “being able to see a family exactly as they are and capture it in a way that feels magical and truly authentic to them.” See more of her work at rachelperrella.photography and on Instagram @rachelperrella.photography.
Eastside and Vancouver Account Executive Ashley Argyropoulos, 503-922-0893 ashley.argyropoulos@pdxparent.com
Digital Ad Manager/Calendar Editor/ Distribution Coordinator
Melissa Light melissa.light@pdxparent.com
Accountant
Kelli Bagby
Truly Bookkeeping, Inc.
Vice President of Operations Rose Caudillo operations@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. 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.
PHOTO CREDIT
DENISE CASTAÑON
oregonmetro.gov/parks
Ask Dr. Baynham: Travel Essentials for Baby
Q: We are about to take our 10-month-old on her first flight. What are the items we should pack in her diaper bag?
A: Traveling with a 6- to 12-month-old can be great! They travel as “lap infants” so typically fly for free. They also usually aren’t super mobile yet, so they’re pretty happy to stay in your lap. Let’s talk about some common scenarios with travel and how to set yourself up for success.
First, make sure your child is up-to-date on all routine vaccinations including flu and COVID. The last thing you want is a sick infant on your trip. If you are traveling internationally or to a state with active measles cases, it is also recommended to get an MMR vaccine for travel. This early dose won’t count towards lifetime immunity (they will still need two doses after age 1), but it offers excellent protection while traveling. Make sure all vaccines are received at least two weeks before departure.
For the flight itself, take lots of snacks (non-chokable and no new foods), books, toys, any cherished stuffies (pack a backup in your suitcase, trust me), extra pacifiers if your baby takes one, plenty of diapers and wipes, and a change (or two!) of clothes for baby and an extra shirt for you. If your baby
is at least 6 months old, also pack infant acetaminophen or/and ibuprofen.
Make sure to pack any medications your baby is taking in your carry on and not in a checked bag. If you realize you forgot a prescription medication or it gets lost, call your doctor as soon as you can to see if they can send a new prescription to a local pharmacy. Breastfeeding, giving a pacifier or giving a bottle during take off and landing can help with the feeling of “ears popping,” which can be painful for babies.
And don’t forget, the most important rule when traveling with kids is go with the flow and have fun!
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 struggles and team with her for great care at Metropolitan Pediatrics in Tigard.
Top 5: Mom-owned Businesses
Moms know how to get it done. This month, in honor of Mother’s Day, we are featuring some cool local businesses that are owned and operated by some of the hardest-working women in Portland: moms. 1. Hammer and Jacks. More than a toy-store, this beloved gem, owned by Jillian Sevick, is a community space for families to play, explore and learn. Kids can hear storytimes and more in the Rec Room and get the wiggles out in the Happy Place indoor play space. Hammerandjacks.com 2. Bison Coffee House. Bison Coffee House is Portland’s only Nativeowned coffee shop. You’ll find coffee sourced from Native coffee roasters, plus delicious baked goods, from recipes crafted by owner Loretta Guzman. Bisoncoffeehouse.com
3. Books With Pictures. Billed as “comics for everyone,” this cozy shop is owned by Katie Pryde, a queer, single mom of two. The Hosford-Abernethy shop is not only a repeat PDX Parent Reader Favorites winner, but was also named the best comic book store in the world during the 2022 Comic Con event. Bookswithpictures.com 4. Sit Still Kids Salon. This kid-tailored and -approved hair salon makes getting a new ‘do fun for littles (they even host parties). Now a national franchise — with four locations in the Portland area — Sit Still is co-owned by mom Amy LeClerc. Sitstillkids.com 5. Aerial Dance PDX. This dance studio lets kids get airborne! Owner, instructor and mom, Alicia Anthony, teaches classes, workshops and hosts birthday parties at this fun Beaumont-Wilshire studio. Aerialdancepdx.com — Tiffany Hill
HAMMER AND JACKS
Good Deeds: Period Products for All
For many of us, periods are just a fact of life. But that doesn’t mean those who menstruate should have to worry about regular access to products like pads or tampons. Dubbed period poverty — the inability to afford or access period products — is a growing public health crisis, including here in Oregon.
From May 10-30, nonprofit, Positive Charge! PDX, is launching Period Power, a donation event where Portlanders can donate menstrual products and other hygiene and comfort items to those in need. The campaign, in conjunction with Period Poverty Awareness Week, will collect, assemble and distribute Period Power Packs to organizations like the Blazers Boys & Girls Club, Portland Community College campus, Neighborhood House and others.
“Many of our own low-income neighbors — think people living under the federal poverty threshold, refugees, migrant farmworkers, and the houseless — struggle to afford menstrual products,” says project co-leader Abby Menashe. “They often choose between buying food or essential hygiene supplies and may resort to using socks, toilet paper or even folded plain paper in lieu of appropriate items.”
For more information, visit Positivechargepdx.org. — T.H.
How to Help
Positive Charge! PDX collection bins will be placed throughout Portland from May 10-30 for the following items: tampons, pads, reusable pads and covers, reusable menstrual cups, ibuprofen, hand sanitizer and heating pads.
You can also drop off donations in person at the Tigard Walmart from May 17-18.
In the Know: Waterfront Park Renovations
Tom McCall Waterfront Park is an iconic part of Portland. And now the bowl section of the park — located between RiverPlace and the Marina, on the west side of the Willamette River — will get its own special attention, thanks to a $750,000 grant (made possible through Metro’s construction excise tax). With the funding, Metro, in partnership with Portland Parks & Recreation, will create a comprehensive plan to reimagine and redesign the bowl into a revitalized park space that will serve as a hub for outdoor entertainment and cultural activities along the river.
Once complete, renovations will include improvements to accessibility, upgrades for river and swimming access (including a shoreline redesign), an outdoor entertainment stage and more. But it will still be some time before Portlanders see these changes — the design phase is expected to take about two and a half years.
“The objective is to create an iconic Portland park that is both a transcendent event space and green space that leverages its connection to the river — Portland’s blue space,” said Willie Levenson of the Human Access Project in a press release. — T.H.
We Recommend: New Kids’ Book
Check out the new children’s book from our Parentlandia cartoonist, Tom Toro! Crocodiles Need Friends, Too! tells the story of a misunderstood crocodile who gets the chance to prove she is more than her scary teeth. Available May 20. (See page 31 for this month’s comic from Toro.) — Denise Castañon
June 23 - August 15
Age
several locations throughout pdx-se, ne & n Camps for ages 5 and up, camps for older kids too
new for 2025: creative expression with literacy-building activities! smaller camps.
cartooning. digital art. beat making. stop motion animation. mixed media, costume sewing. natural dyes, pride art, jewelry making. band camp. puppet making. miniatures.... & MORE!
JUNE 23-AUG. 1, 2025
Pre-K–Grade 5 plus special workshops for grades 6-11
oes.edu/summer
the
Traveling by train with the family is fun and affordable — and will create lasting memories.
BY EMILY CORAK
Whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teenagers, every parent knows that travel is work. The packing, planning and unscheduled bathroom stops are part of family treks, but we do it because we want the memories — and it beats never leaving the house. I vaguely remember the road trips from my childhood, but the two-day train trip with my grandmother up the coast is permanently etched into my memory. Trains elevate travel and invoke nostalgia; kids will remember the journey just as much as the destination. Plus, train travel has perks that all members of the family can appreciate.
Traveling by train is a greener way to get around and can be a great way to get kids involved with the planning. Amtrak Cascades has stops spanning from Eugene to Vancouver, British Columbia, which lends itself to exploratory day trips or more extensive stays. Train rides have an air of relaxation. Skip waiting at the gate, and avoid rest stops altogether with bathrooms and a dining car. Kids getting antsy? No problem! Let them stretch their legs and get the wiggles out. As parents, we can explore and relax alongside our kids rather than parenting from the front seat.
In 2026, Amtrak Cascades will have all brand-new cars, but whether you ride now or next year, here are some things to know to make the most of your trip. You can purchase tickets up to 364 days in advance, and the further out you book the cheaper your tickets will be. An adult fare from Portland to Seattle, for example, starts at $27 per person. You’ll have the best luck planning ahead for the busy summer months, but you can usually find a decent rate for a spontaneous trip, so always check!
For trips within Oregon and to Canada, fares for kids ages 2 through 12 are discounted 50%. Pro tip: For any rides within Washington, everyone 18 and under is free! If you’re traveling from Portland to anywhere in Washington, this adds a quick and easy extra step by calling 1-800-USA Rail to book your trip. They’ll help purchase your tickets from Portland to Vancouver for a small cost and then reserve the rest of your trip within Washington free of charge for the kids. If you aren’t crossing state lines, you can easily book your reservation on Amtrakcascades.com or through the Amtrak Mobile app.
There aren’t assigned seats on the train, but a conductor will always help to make sure your family is seated together. You might be sitting two by two, or you may be lucky enough to snag a table. You can move throughout the cars and head down to the dining car to eat, grab a glass of wine or gather around a table to play Uno.
Train travel is fun, convenient and adds a little bit of whimsy to your trip. Here are some of our favorite places in the Pacific Northwest to visit by train.
Salem
Spend an hour on the train as you make your way from the train station to downtown and spend the day exploring the history, architecture and charisma of Oregon’s capital!
If you stay longer than a day, consider staying at the Grand Hotel or Holman Hotel, both downtown and only a mile from the train station. Soak up the cherry blossoms in the spring or head to Riverfront Park for walking trails and places to play along the Willamette and cross the pedestrian bridge to Minto-Brown Island Park (pictured below). You truly can’t miss the iconic Riverfront Carousel, rich with Oregon history or Gilbert House Children’s Museum (pictured above) for hands-on learning.
If you want to infuse culture and history into your itinerary, stop by Hallie Ford Museum of Art or World Beat Gallery with its rotating global exhibitions and hands-on activities celebrating diversity. Explore the murals and installations sprinkled throughout downtown or take a selfguided historic walking tour.
Hungry or craving a sweet treat? Check out fresh food at the Saturday Market, or try local favorites Nekia Kitchen, Archive Coffee or Cozy Taberna!
TAYLOR
HIGGINS
RON COOPER
Albany
Head a little farther south and spend the day in Albany, a historic and charming gem full of family fun. The trip takes a little less than two hours, and you can walk the half mile to downtown to spend the day or rent a historic home for a longer trip.
Take a self-guided walking tour to explore Albany’s historic charm through their very cool app, Albany Explorer or do some shopping in their eclectic shops. If you love history and want to introduce your kids to the oldest and most accurately restored pioneerera home in Oregon, the Monteith House is must-see.
Albany also boasts a Historic Carousel and Museum complete with hand-carved animals (pictured top left) and games to play, meaning you won’t be able to ride it just once. Albany Regional Museum is a treat for everyone in the family with its interactive exhibits and intriguing local history.
Visiting in the summertime? Head to Monteith Riverpark to run around and play in the splash pads (pictured left) or enjoy a picnic and concerts in the park during July and August. Pack a swimsuit and hit the water slides at the Cool! Pool and stop by Hasty Freez for a tasty treat.
If you have puzzle solvers in the family, try a family-friendly escape room designed for all ability levels at Enigma, and if you want affordable and delicious food, stop in at Brick and Mortar or indulge in a sweet treat at Natural Sprinkles Co.
Tacoma
South of Seattle and a truly special place, a 2 ½-hour train ride will land you in Tacoma, Washington. Tacoma’s Light Rail is connected to the train station and makes checking out the sights and culture impossibly easy.
A great start to the day is Tacoma’s rich museum district. Head to LeMay’s Car Museum (pictured below) that will impress even the most skeptical car enthusiasts. Want to see exquisite art and live glass blowing? Watch your kids marvel at the Museum of Glass (pictured above) and Chihuly Bridge of Glass. Explore Washington’s incredible past and present at Washington State History Museum, which will soon be hosting the exhibit This is Native Land. Spark imagination and expend some energy at the donation-only Children’s Museum of Tacoma
Make sure to go to the Stadium District and check out the iconic school made famous in the movie 10 Things I Hate About You and devour a burger and milkshake at Shake Shake Shake Head to Wright Park for 27 acres of trees, playgrounds and spraygrounds and soak up tropical vibes in W.W. Seymour Botanical Park.
Visit the largest used bookstore in Washington at Tacoma Book Center and unleash your quirky creativity at Tinkertopia. If you love good food and plenty of international options, Tacoma is a haven. You’ve really got to try the incredible ramen at Moshi Ramen Bar or Zeeks Pizza near Union Station.
It takes a little more effort to get there, but a true family favorite is a walk along the waterfront looking for seals on Ruston Way or taking in the unmatched beauty of Point Defiance Park
LONNA CAPACI
Bellingham
A longer trip that will require an overnight stay, Bellingham is worth the six-hour trek! Home to Western Washington University, Bellingham has an outdoorsy and cozy vibe that will make you want to stay indefinitely.
Fairhaven Village Inn is walking distance from the train station, or you can hop downtown by bus to Hotel Leo. Check out Sun-E-Land Bikes for rentals to ride along the Southbay Trail.
See Bellingham by water on a boat tour or you can explore by kayak. Take a walk through Fairhaven Village and indulge at Village Books, Evolve Chocolate or ACME Ice Cream.
Play along the water at Boulevard Park (pictured below) and check out the play structures and slides dotted throughout the area. Want museums that your kids are guaranteed to love? Mindport Exhibits is a hands-on hit and SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention will leave your kids raving about the lightning cage. The Whatcom Museum houses a children’s play area and gorgeous Native American exhibits — you won’t want to miss any of them!
Try any of the fantastic breweries and play mini golf with your kids while you eat at Flatstick Pub. Explore the town and local art, soak in the scenery and have an experience your whole family will always remember.
Emily Corak lives in Vancouver, Wash. with her two kids and exchange students. A former high school teacher, Emily now writes about parenting and travel for local magazines and is working on her YA novel. She doesn’t like to brag, but she’s a former 4-H all star who once graced the cover of a national pygmy goat magazine.
Chugga Chugga Choo-Choo!
Why the Amtrak to Seattle with a toddler is the way to go.
Train travel to Seattle starts to sound like an attractive alternative to flying or driving when you have a vehicleobsessed toddler who needs room to wiggle. Think about it: children are half off, no pit stops for the potty, no Olympian airport hurdles, no seat belts. Plus, it’s a choo-choo.
We booked it.
Pro tip: Make your child an Amtrak rewards account to earn points on their tickets. You’ll need to make them an email account first. I made my 2-year-old’s with Gmail. (Do this for airlines, too!)
We arrived at Portland’s Union Station about 30 minutes before our train departed (they recommend 45 minutes) to check bags and leisurely make our way to the gate.
Pro tip: If you’re driving, use SpotHero (spothero.com) to find and reserve multi-day garage or lot parking near the station.
Those traveling with infants under the age of 2 are allowed a stroller and diaper bag, which don’t count toward the carry-on limit of two bags per person.
We couldn’t overdo the theme for this trip. We brought along a vehiclethemed reusable puffy sticker book — a lightweight and mess-free travel activity — and a book about trains, of course. And every time we heard the train whistle, Franklin, my kiddo, happily echoed “choo choo!”
Early in the morning, the dining car line was long, but it was worth practicing patience to stretch our legs and acquire breakfast. Although the food was pretty mediocre, Franklin was pleased with the bagel and cream cheese.
Pro tip: On this route, there are no changing tables in the bathrooms, so if you’ll be changing diapers, bring a portable changing mat you’re comfortable using on the floor.
Just as we were starting to approach naptime (and therefore potential for a meltdown), the windows on the left side offered a field of small planes, followed by a bunch of parked freight train cars, then a huge lot of semitrucks. This really kept him going until we got to Seattle, where he sat in his stroller and promptly fell asleep while we walked in search of a good afternoon latte.
Pro-tip: Want to keep the vehicle theme going? Travel by bus in Seattle, take a ferry ride and play at T.T. Minor Playground where plenty of airplanes fly low overhead. — Sarah Carpenter-Peck
SARAH CARPENTER-PECK
Whether you want to host your kid’s birthday or have someone else do all the work, here are four fun themes — complete with activities, party favors and treat ideas — to make their day extra special.
BY DENISE CASTAÑON
I love throwing birthday parties for my kids. Even though it can be exhausting and expensive, I love coming up with party themes and doing something fun for my birthday kid. But I know not every parent has the same level of birthday party enthusiasm that I do. If you’d rather do, well … anything else than plan a kid’s party, this article is for you. Here are four themes that you can use for the next kid’s birthday party you throw. Each theme has both at-home and party venue options. You’ll also find ideas for kid activities, party favors and in some cases an extra-special treat.
LEGO
At Home
Got a LEGO lover in your house and want an at-home party? Have kids build their own vehicle and then race them down an inclined track. Pro Tip: Use heavy-duty cardboard (like from an appliance box) or plywood for the track. If you want to go all out, paint it or use colored duct tape to make it look like a road (pictured bottom right).
Don’t have space for a raceway? Play the easy building games available at lego.com/ en-us/family/brick-party. You’ll need to sign up for a free account to have access to timed game ideas like “build a monster in 90 seconds.” The fun part is a random spinner picks the winning characteristic, e.g. “monster with tallest legs.” And you can continue with more rounds. The best part is you won’t need to go out and get special pieces, you can use bricks you have on hand.
Party Venue
If you want someone else to do the set-up, lead the activities and clean up, book a party with Brick & Minifigs, which has locations in Portland, Gresham, Beaverton and Vancouver, Wash.
DIY Treat
Want to take your theme over-the-top? The week before the party starts, make edible candy bricks (pictured far right). It’s easy and you can even get the birthday kid to help. You’ll need at least one silicone brick candy mold, 3 bags of colorful candy melts and crispy rice cereal. Use a 2-cup, glass measuring cup to melt 1 cup of candy melts in a microwave, following the instructions on the bag. You’ll want to stir well in between microwaving. When the last bits are almost completely melted, stir it up again. Mix in 1/3 cup of crispy rice cereal. Spoon mixture /into the mold, tamping down. Use an offset spatula or butter knife to scrap off excess candy. Bang the mold down a few times to release air bubbles. Place on a baking sheet in a refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. Unmold, store in an airtight container and repeat the process with other colors. Use candy bricks as cupcake decorations, put candy bricks in small treat bags to give away to guests, or just place in a bowl for snacking during the party.
More Info
Bricksandminifigs.com
Pro tip: Go to lego.com/en-us/gifts/birthdaygifts/how-to-plan-a-lego-birthday-party for more ideas and free printables that can be used as invitations or decor.
ANIMALS
At Home
Animal-loving kids have plenty of options for petting all sorts of animals at their birthday parties. The Oregon Reptile Man will bring his scaly friends, Whiskers & Tails Parties (pictured left) will bring bunnies, and Portland Goat Parties will bring baby goats to your home.
It’s an especially good idea to have another quiet activity for kids to do since everyone won’t be able to pet the animals at once. Google “color in animal masks” to find masks you can order or print out for kids to decorate. For a party favor guests can also wear during the festivities, order or craft some animal-ear headbands. Take lots of photos!
Party Venue
Does your kiddo want farm animals to be part of their party? Triskelee Farm in West Linn has a party package that includes feeding farm animals. Or party with emus, llamas, camels and more at Frog Pond Farm in Wilsonville. For horseback-riding parties, check out Sauvie Island Stables where kids can groom ponies, go for a ride and play with miniature horses and goats. Or to see wild animals, take the birthday kid and a few of their besties on an outing to the Oregon Zoo. For a budget party from September through November, arrive early to secure free picnic tables at Oregon Heritage Farm in Hillsboro. Buy the farm’s mini apple cider doughnuts for your guests instead of cake and enjoy free activities like farm animal viewing.
At Home
With a big yard or indoor play room (or your local park), you can set up a homemade obstacle course for an epic game of Floor Is Lava. Throw in a few gigantic beach balls and the kids will wear themselves out before birthday cake.
Be sure to include a sneaker or sports-themed piñata for even more active fun. Pro tip: The Winco candy bins are a very affordable way to stuff a piñata to the brim.
Party Venue
If your kid has a winter birthday or you want birthday party guests to get their energy out somewhere other than your home, check out
The Wiggle Room, which is a great space for preschoolers, or Sky Zone Trampoline Park for older kids. Want someone else to wrangle energetic kids? Try a Trackers Earth archery party (pictured middle left) or Clackamas Ultrazone Laser Tag party.
Make homemade buttercream frosting and decorate cupcakes using a pastry bag fitted with a Wilton #233 “fur” tip. At the party, let kids decorate their own cupcake to look like a furry creature. Put sprinkles, candy eyeball sprinkles, and other decorations that can be used for a nose or mouth in a cupcake liner and give one to each kid. Pro tip: If you are feeling extra crafty ahead of time, use melted chocolate or candy melts to make triangle “ears” on parchment paper so each kid can also add ears to their cupcakes. When I’ve had kids decorate their own cupcakes, I’ve been surprised with how seriously they take it! They really put a lot of thought into it.
How it works: Dry ice is cold, solid carbon dioxide. When it is placed in hot water it doesn’t melt, but turns directly into gas creating white fog, which is condensed water vapor, mixed with the invisible carbon dioxide gas. When you add soap to the mix, the water vapor and gas gets trapped in bubbles. Food coloring lets you see the bubbles even better — and make you feel like you are in a mad scientist’s lab!
SCIENCE
At Home
If you’ve got plenty of space in a backyard or patio, an athome STEM party can be lots of messy fun! Just be sure to set expectations ahead of time by asking kids to keep their experiments in the designated area and to wear any safety equipment provided. One fun, easy and cheap at-home STEM activity for elementary-school aged kids is making dry ice “potions.” Get a couple of pounds of dry ice (usually available at Winco and other grocery stores) and lots of clean, empty, funshaped bottles (tall bottles make an extra dramatic effect) and bowls along with warm water, dish soap and food coloring. A grown-up should use a hammer to break the dry ice into small pieces and always make sure anyone who handles dry ice is wearing gloves! Add a different combination of warm water, dish soap or food coloring to the containers and then let kids drop pieces of dry ice into them. (For a foggy effect, have a bowl with very hot water, too!) You can have the kids take “lab notes” to describe the various reactions or just let them have at it. I love party activities that can double as a take-home gift. Buy kid-size safety glasses and a bunch of small stickers and stick-on rhinestones. Then have kiddos personalize their safety glasses before you start with the dry ice play.
Party Venue
Experiment PDX has a range of STEAM party themes such as slime making, LEGO robotics or a super science show. Your party also includes 30 minutes of play in their hands-on science museum.
More Info
Experimentpdx.com
Pro tip: For more at-home experiments check out sciencebuddies.org
Kids’ Party PRO TIPS
• For younger kids with shorter attention spans, keep the party at two hours max, especially if you are hosting it at your home.
• Water bottle stickers related to your theme are always fun to give out as party favors or stuff into a piñata.
• Red Plate Foods (based in Bend, Oregon and available at New Seasons) makes vegan goodies free of gluten, peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, egg, soy, sesame, shellfish, fish and GMOs! Their whoopie pies are kid-approved and perfect so kids with food allergies don’t feel left out!
• Be sure to include a gluten-free snack that all kids can enjoy such as Pirate’s Booty or Classic Lay’s Potato Chips.
• Strawberries, stemmed and cut in half are always a big hit at kids’ parties. I find that every single one gets eaten no matter how many cartons I get.
PDX Parent’s Editor Denise Castañon loves a good at-home kid’s birthday party, but also really appreciates party venues that do the set up and clean up for her.
Reader Favorites: Birthday
BEST OUTDOOR BIRTHDAY SPOT
Winner Oregon Zoo
4001 SW Canyon Rd., oregonzoo.org
Any visit to the Oregon Zoo is a fun outing, and it’s even more special when it’s your child’s birthday. With plenty of picnic tables — some covered — dotted throughout the zoo grounds, including near the animals, it’s a hasslefree way to celebrate the little animal lover in your life.
Top 5
Bullwinkle’s Wilsonville
Enchanted Forest
Oaks Amusement Park
Topaz Farm
Triskelee Farms
KINDIE MUSICIAN/PERFORMER
Winner Red Yarn Productions Redyarnproductions.com
The Portland kindie music scene wouldn’t be quite the same without Andy Furgeson, better known as Red Yarn. This Texas-born performer expertly blends catchy folk songs with puppetry. And guess what?! You can hear Red Yarn on June 21 at Topaz Farm during the PDX Parent Family Festival!
Top 5
Kelli Welli
Mo Phillips
Nikki Brown Clown
Olivia Presents (formerly Olive Rootbeer)
Tallulah’s Daddy
BEST INDOOR BIRTHDAY SPOT
Winner Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Multiple locations; skyzone.com
Give your kiddo (and all of their friends) a birthday to remember with a fun celebration at Sky Zone. This first-time PDX Parent Reader Favorites winner has three Portland-area locations — plus a recently announced fourth location in Happy Valley — making it convenient to book and visit for a high-adrenaline celebration. Even better, Sky Zone staff will handle all set-up and clean-up of the party.
Top 5
Craft Factory
Happy Play
Playdate PDX
Play Street Museum
The Wiggle Room
Mad about Manga
This new manga cafe in Arbor Lodge is a fun, welcoming space for anime aficionados.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY
KATE HAGAN GALLUP
If You Go
Reggie’s Manga Shop, 7015 N Greeley Ave., reggiesmangashop.com
Reggie’s Manga Shop, offers a new space for teens and tweens to hang and find community, adding an all-important family-friendly space in the Arbor Lodge neighborhood.
As a ’90s teen who practically grew up in a coffee shop, I walked into this reinvented house and stood speechless as I saw a happy tween reading comics in front of a wall of fancy ramen noodles. Manga, for those unfamiliar, generally refers to comics and comic characters, and in the U.S., this generally means Japanese comic culture. (You might have heard of One Piece, Gundam or Full Metal Alchemist.)
Cafe Pro Tips
• Simple street parking was easily available in the afternoon with a labeled crosswalk near the store on the corner.
• Arbor Lodge Park is a short walk away if you want to stock up on Japanese-themed snacks for a picnic.
While stuck imagining myself happily tucked away with noodles and comics in a corner, my far less introspective 9-year-old ran gleefully across the room, drawn to the many colorful character displays between the books. Near the entrance, he found a wall of gashapon, Japanese vending machines in which you put tokens in and get a mystery prize inside a plastic egg (pictured opposite page). Pro tip: The $3 tokens can be purchased at the cashier and younger kids can choose from a range including cute bunnies to fighting robots.
At Reggie’s, my son’s excitement was palpable and he jumped from topic to topic. He tugged down on my
arm to whisper that he, “Knows that one guy” from a comic he enjoys and wanted to know which shows I will watch with him — after he gets a prize, of course.
I’ve already mentioned ramen, but there’s more. Explore a wide variety of Japanese food and drinks, plus a really great variety of cold coffee beverages for adults. I decided on a Kona coffee drink, my son chose a banana milk, and we shared a dessert that reminded me of Nutella and breadsticks. Most snacks range between $3 to $6 with a few exceptions.
The full Reggie’s experience is larger than simply a good snack and some Pokémon (although we witnessed that combo while in house). Check the website for regular clubs categorized by adult, teen and youth. The facility also hosts drawing, stationary and other art classes, housed in the back community room and on the large, rear patio. Signs on the wall tease summer/ day camps coming soon.
More Manga Please
If you love manga, don’t stop at just one shop. Check out these other area favorites.
Kinokuniya Portland
Comics and comic book characters abound at this downtown Portland location in the old Guild Theatre building. Enjoy a cup of authentic Japanese tea. Open daily 10:30 am-7 pm. Usa.kinokuniya.com/ stores-kinokuniya-portlanddowntown
GeekEasy Anime Cafe
Chinatown’s newest addition, this venue opened in late March and features elaborate wall murals, comfy seating and robots. Weekdays, 8 am-6 pm; Saturday, 10:30 am-8 pm and Sunday, 10 am-7 pm. Instagram.com/ geekeasyanimecafe
Powell’s City of Books
It’s almost impossible to mention books in Portland without Powell’s, and that includes a large selection of manga and manga-adjacent reading and merchandise. Open daily 10 am–9 pm. Powells.com
Preschool, Kindergarten & Childcare Center
4845 SW Murray Boulevard, Beaverton, OR 97005 503-644-1466 | sunshine-montessori.com
Ages: 2 years through Kindergarten
Hours: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm (Mon - Fri)
Early Learning School 14950 SW Osprey Drive, Beaverton, OR 97007 503-579-0600 | childs-place.com
Ages: Infant through Kindergarten
Hours 7:00 am - 6:00 pm (Mon - Fri)
Kate Hagan Gallup has experience with marketing clients big and small. A mother to a little boy, her most recent roles and digital skills help share her passion for parenting, eco-consciousness and all things food with a larger audience.
• Locally owned and operated
• Serving the community since 1996
• Qualified & consistent staff
525 SW 150th Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97006
503-626-0457 | www.nwlearning.com
Ages: Infant through Kindergarten
Hours: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm (Mon - Fri)
• Large outdoor play areas
• Snacks & lunch prepared and served daily
Preschool, Kindergarten & Childcare Center 17650 SW Alexander Street, Aloha, OR 97003 503-591-9660 | www.mayflower-montessori.com
Ages: Infant through Kindergarten
Hours: 7:00 am - 6:00 pm (Mon - Fri)
If You Go
Monty’s Red Sauce
6716 SE Milwaukie Ave., montysredsauce.co
ReadySpaghetti
Since it had been open for two months, I figured when my family headed to Monty’s Red Sauce in the Sellwood neighborhood early on a Saturday evening we wouldn’t have too much of a wait. The 4,000-square foot space, formerly home to Beeswing and Laurelwood Brewing, has lots of seating, after all. But I was wrong! The Portland spin on a New Jersey Italian restaurant was packed; we spied lots of families with littles in high chairs in the large, airy dining room. The wait was 45 minutes to an hour; I put our name in and was told I’d get a text when our table was ready. (Pro tip: They take reservations, I highly recommend making one.) Luckily Wallace Books was still open, so we walked down Milwaukie Avenue to browse through the stacks of used books. We arrived back at Monty’s 45 minutes later and waited about 10 more minutes for our table.
STORY
AND PHOTOS BY DENISE CASTAÑON
Sunday to Thursday: 11 am-9 pm; Friday and Saturday: 11 am-10 pm. Reservations recommended.
Despite how slammed it was, our appetizers of garlic bread ($9) and the small butter lettuce salad ($12, pictured opposite page) came out impressively quick. The garlic bread was a small baguette cut into four spears and my 12-year-old and 10-year-old devoured it. It was buttery and generously covered in grana padano cheese, which my 10-yearold scraped off. The butter lettuce salad with tomatoes, blue cheese, and crispy pancetta and shallots was everything I ever wanted from a salad. It hit my favorite flavor notes: creamy, crunchy, salty and fresh. Even my husband, who doesn’t appreciate blue cheese as much as I do, loved it in this salad. Both kids ordered from the kids’ menu.
My older kiddo got spaghetti with red sauce and grana padano ($9, pictured left), plus two meatballs ($6). My younger child ordered the spaghetti with butter sans the grana padano ($8). My 12-year-old declared the meatballs to be very good and ate a sizable amount of pasta, but ended up taking a fair amount home. My 10-year-old said the butter noodles were very buttery and almost finished them.
I was torn over what to order. Homey, American-style Italian food might be
my favorite cuisine. The gnocchi bolognese sounded delicious as did chicken parmigiana and chicken marsala. When my husband firmly decided on eggplant parm ($19), I opted for the penne alla vodka with an added meatball for a bit of protein ($18).
The thing to know about Monty’s is that the portions are very generous. The plate of eggplant parmigiana was covered with a huge slab of eggplant parm and a huge portion of spaghetti with red sauce. My husband and I could have split the plate and still had leftovers. Of course huge portions don’t matter if the food isn’t good. But Monty’s eggplant parm is delicious, probably
the best I’ve had in recent memory. And the penne alla vodka was also excellent — creamy, rich and slightly spicy.
Good news!
Even though we’d all eaten a lot, given how good everything else had been we had to try Monty’s tiramisu. We weren’t disappointed by the big slice. Again, it was tiramisu done right. The ladyfingers were soaked in just the right amount of espresso, and the marsala mousse was not too sweet. One slice was plenty big enough for the four of us.
We saw signs that additional seating is in the works.
One of my family’s key markers of a good restaurant is that we already start planning our next visit while we are still there.
“I’m coming here for my birthday,
and I’m ordering the calamari,” said my husband. “But I want to come here before my birthday, too.”
See you soon Monty’s for top-notch food, great ambience and a kidpleasing menu. We’ll be sure to make a reservation next time.
Editor Denise Castañon loves exploring Portland’s family-friendly dining scene with her husband and two kids who take their job as food critics very seriously.
Now Enrolling Two years through 8th grade Mandarin, German, and English programs
Go. Play.Explore. MAY 2025
I want to believe
Fans of all things extraterrestrial should zoom down to McMinnville for the 25th annual McMenamins UFO Festival
Purchase tickets to the speaker panels or partake of the free fun like the Kids Adventure Run at Joe Dancer Park on Saturday, May 17 at 10 am (preregistration required) or the UFO Festival Parade later at noon. Friday and Saturday, May 16-17. McMenamins Hotel Oregon, 310 NE Evans St., McMinnville. Ufofest.com — Denise Castañon
carnival cheer
Nothing kicks off summer in Portland quite like the annual Rose Festival CityFair
Indulge in fried fair foods, go on carnivals rides, bop to live music and shop for locally made goods. Friday to Sunday, May 23 to June 8. Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Tickets are $12; kids 6 and under are free. Rosefestival.org — Tiffany Hill
Top 3 Free
It’s back!
Free Comic Book Day is happening on Saturday, May 3. Tasteecat Comics, Books with Pictures and Future Dreams are a few of the local shops that will be handing out free, kid-friendly comics. Freecomicbookday. com/StoreLocator
Fun stuff for zero dollars!
Dog lovers young and old and their four-legged friends will have a blast at the Sandy Canine Carnival. Doggos get free pup cups, can bob for tennis balls, run an agility course and more. Thursday, May 15, 6-8:30 pm. Golden Bluff Park, 36910 Goldenrain St., Sandy. Pdxparent.com/ event-single/sandy-caninecarnival
Learn all about the adaptable coyote at Coyotepalooza. Participate in hands-on activities, discover ways to keep pets and people safe, learn about the cultural significance of coyotes, and more. Saturday May 31, 8:30 am-2 pm. PSU Farmers Market at the South Park Blocks. Portlandcoyote.com — D.C.
Find more family fun on our online calendar: pdxparent.com/events-calendar. Be sure to confirm the most upto-date info with event organizers before heading out.
bike on
The popular Portland Sunday Parkways program is back! Get excited because this year there are four total events for the season. Things kick off this month in Southwest Portland with a familyfriendly 2-mile bike, roll and stroll route and a separate 3.6-mile walking route. Stops include Gabriel Park, Spring Garden Park and the Multnomah Arts Center. Sunday, May 18, 11 am-4 pm. Free. Portland. gov/sunday-parkways/2025 — D.C.
pretty woman
Celebrate your mom and the mother figures in your life by organizing an extra special Mother’s Day for her on Sunday, May 11. Here are some of our favorite options. (All events are on Mother’s Day unless otherwise noted.)
Brunch: Don’t cook today, moms! Topaz Farm will host a farm-to-table brunch; the Portland Spirit will cruise down the Willamette for a special Mother’s Day brunch or visit restaurants like Mother’s Bistro, Tin Shed and Screen Door
Acitive: Register mom for the Hippie Chick Half Marathon in Champoeg State Park, or the annual Reigning Roses walk in Northwest, a fundraiser for nonprofit Rose Haven.
Outdoors: Treat mom to some new blooms during the 2025 Master Gardener Mother’s Day Plant Sale in Vancouver. Or head to Lan Su Chinese Garden for its Mother’s Day event. Places like Crystal Springs Rhododendrun Garden or Leach Botanical Garden are also peaceful (and affordable) ways to enjoy nature with the family.
Shopping: Get a treat from the weekly Portland Saturday Market the day before Mother’s Day. And on Saturday, May 3, visit the Mother’s Day Craft Pop Up and Indigenous Marketplace. Hosted by the Historic Parkrose organization, the pop up features locally made goods, arts, DIY crafts and food. — T.H.
Local dad Tom Toro is a cartoonist for The New Yorker and an award-winning children’s book illustrator and author. His comic strip Home Free appears on GoComics.com. His latest picture book, Crocodiles Need Friends, Too!, will be released on May 20.
