PDX Parent May 2021

SUMMER CAMPS, pg. 17

FREE

Kids ♥ Adventure: plan a family getaway

for the long days and short years

Explore Portland!

The Rose Garden, farmers markets, doughnuts & more

PDXPARENT.COM

pdxparent.com | May 2021 1 PORTLAND | VANCOUVER | MAY 2021

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contents OREGON RAIL HERITAGE CENTER

8 FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

The Ultimate Portland Weekend With Kids....................................8 If you only vaguely remember exploring the city with your kids or are new to Portland, this story is for you! A long-weekend itinerary that packs in the family fun.

By Denise Castañon.

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

PDX Parent Picks.......................................24 Services & Shopping

Play Room............................................................................... 6 Employers realize the need for familyfriendly benefits, a new kids’ book from a local mama, and a family project to help the unhoused.

Field Trip…................................................................................ 22 It’s farmers market season! Find kidfriendly markets with the freshest produce and local goods. By Miranda Rake.

Kids Can Cook…................................................................... 26 Help your kids master the skill of measuring by whipping up a delicious lemon-blueberry snack cake.

RESOURCES Kids

♥ Adventure........................................................14-17

Summer Camps............................................................. 17-21

* cover stories

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e d i t o r ’ s n ot e

Growing Season

M

for the long days and short years

DENISE CASTAÑON

y life in Portland has in many ways revolved around the PSU Farmers Market. It was a big factor in why my husband and I moved here 16 years ago. And, shortly after moving, my husband got a job as a cashier for Jeff Falen of Persephone Farm. Aside from working for Jeff, an amazing person who cared deeply about sustainability and heritage crops, the biggest perk of the job was that my husband got to bring home produce that was left over at the end of the day. We’d been foodies before, but our cooking jumped to a whole new level with unfettered access to new-to-us produce like kohlrabi, kabocha squash, lemon cucumbers, sungold tomatoes and spicy mustard greens. I am 100% sure Jeff is responsible for my deep love of kale. For years, I even penned a blog about turning Jeff’s exquisite produce into delicious meals. While it’s insignificant in the grand scheme of things and all the injustice in the world, not being able to go to the farmers market during the pandemic really hurt. Even after my husband stopped working there, it was a place full of happy memories.

I’m sure your family has a place like the farmers market in Portland. Somewhere full of good memories that you sorely miss. There’s a good chance it’s included in the Ultimate Portland Weekend With Kids story starting on page 8. With the school year almost over, all Oregonians 16 and older eligible for the COVID-19 immunization, and the vaccine on track to be approved for kids ages 12 to 15, things are looking up, and it will be safer to get out and rediscover our city. Find out which of your old favorites are open — with COVID precautions like distancing and masking in place. (New to Portland and ready to make new memories?

The Ultimate Portland Weekend is perfect for you, too!)

And going even farther afield is more of a possibility these days. Check out our Kids ♥ Adventure section on page 14 for getaway inspo. All of the locations highlighted are a fourhour drive or less. You’ll get family-friendly recommendations from island to high desert for hikes, attractions, dining and more.

We’re also covering the farmers market a little more in depth in our Field Trip column this month, page 22. Fellow farmers-market lover Miranda Rake details the new precautions and a few booths you’ll definitely want to check out.

Sadly, our friend Jeff passed away a few months ago. But every time we go to the farmers market, we will remember Jeff’s incredible gift for growing and be thankful we could share in it.

PDX Parent P.O. Box 13660 Portland, OR 97213-0660 Phone: 503-460-2774 Publisher Rose Caudillo, 503-460-2774 publisher@pdxparent.com Editor Denise Castañon, 503-922-0893 denise.castanon@pdxparent.com Art Director Susan Bard Web Director Michelle Carew, 503-914-6151 michelle.carew@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 Newsletter and Calendar Editor Melissa Light melissa.light@pdxparent.com Finance Manager Christie Kline, 503-810-9817 christie.kline@pdxparent.com President Jill Weisensee jill.weisensee@pdxparent.com For distribution issues, e-mail us at distribution@pdxparent.com For calendar submissions, e-mail us at calendar@pdxparent.com

PDX Parent is published monthly (except July) by Northwest Parent, LLC., and is copyright 2021 Northwest Parent, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. PDX Parent is distributed free of charge throughout the Portland, OR / Vancouver, WA metropolitan area.

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

PDX Parent does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion,

On our cover: We’re so happy Ranjani Ramakrishnan

of Grace Photography PDX shared this photo with us!

We love how the vivid blooms of the International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park are the perfect backdrop for capturing our cover girl Olivia’s positively radiant smile.

Want to know the story behind Olivia’s rainbow tresses? Go to page 6. And see more of Ramakrishnan’s extraordinary work at gracephotographypdx.com or facebook.com/ gracephotographypdx.

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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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p l ay r o o m

In the Know:

She's a

There’s a story behind our cover girl Olivia’s beautiful,

multihued hair. When Olivia was 1, she was diagnosed with

the organizations that have

severe aplastic anemia (SAA), a rare form of bone marrow

helped Olivia. Be the Match,

failure in which the body is unable to produce enough

(bethematch.org), a bone-

red cells, white cells and platelets. Without treatment,

marrow donor registry, paired

SAA is fatal. Olivia underwent various treatments, but

Olivia with a donor from the

unfortunately, her body was still unable to produce red

United Kingdom. Olivia had a

cells or platelets — causing her to need regular blood

wish for an amazing outdoor

transfusions. In March of 2020, her medical team decided

playhouse granted by Make-

she needed a bone marrow transplant. Lori and Michael,

A-Wish Foundation. She is

her mom and dad, explained that while SAA is not

now a Make-A-Wish ambassador

cancer, she’d need chemotherapy and radiation before

and team captain of our area’s

the transplant and that would make her hair fall out. Lori

Walk for Wishes team — Olivia’s

hoped to soften the blow by saying she could dye her hair

Rainbowtastic Walkers. You can

before the procedure. Olivia wanted rainbow hair. Lori dyed

donate to the May 22 virtual walk at

Olivia’s hair herself and posted photos to the Facebook page she had set up to give updates on Olivia’s progress. “Everybody loved the rainbow hair,” says Lori. “More than that, I think it was this glimpse of happiness, of hope and inspiration that people were drawn to in the midst of all the fear and unknown surrounding us at the beginning of the pandemic.” The Facebook page, Olivia’s Rainbowtastic Life, now has nearly 35,000 followers. The family is using the platform to draw attention to

oregon.wish.org/Olivia. Almost a year LORI SEXTON

after her transplant, 4-year-old Olivia has come a long way. “A year ago, Olivia had weekly

daylong doctors appointments. Now, we go once a month for a quick set of labs. Her recovery has gone so smoothly, with hardly a hiccup along the way,” says Lori. “Olivia will be monitored for life.

Her journey is far from over. But despite it all, I feel confident she is going to continue to grow and thrive.” — Denise Castañon

Good Deeds: Helping the Unhoused Nicholl Summers and her

as period products, sunscreen or hand sanitizer

three kids love to travel from

— and also a personal touch like a keychain,

their westside home to the

friendship bracelet or a child’s drawing.

Gorge for hikes, but Summers

So far, the Summers family has worked with

says her kids often went from

Open Door HousingWorks to get filled bags and

giddy to solemn when they

distribute supplies to people who need them.

noticed the juxtaposition

(Check out the family’s Amazon wish list!) The

of million-dollar homes

family also keeps bags in the car to give when

next to tent encampments

they are out and about. Summers says she

of the homeless. When a

hopes to make the Summers Family Community

virtual campout with the

Project a 501(c)(3).

Hike It Baby group led to a

“This project was their idea, and we are fully

discussion of using personal

supporting them,” says Summers of her kids,

strengths to help others, her kids remembered

ages 7, 4 and 1. “I obviously handle a lot of the

those unhoused people in tents and talked about what they could do. With Summers’ encouragement, they started the Summers Family Community Project with the goal of helping homeless neighbors. “Within 24 hours, they already had donations of toiletries and snacks,” says Summers.

Her kids assemble care-package kits of a canvas bag, art supplies to decorate the bag and a few toiletries. Other families then take the kit, decorate the bag and fill it with necessities such

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logistics because of their ages, but the ideas

ALACRITY PHOTOGRAPHY

and the outpouring of love for our neighbors came directly from their hearts. My 4-year-old even took to using Canva to create images for the project. My 7-year-old is on a personal mission to give a care package to every human in need, and wants to make additional care packages for dogs. They have new ideas every day, and the limit of their creativity is only exceeded by the love in their hearts.”

To find out how your family can join in, visit: facebook.com/ groups/summersfamilycommunityproject. — D.C.

APPLE / COMMON SENSE MEDIA

Mom to Know: Author, Illustrator & Publisher Eastside Portland writer and mom

We Recommend: Easy Listening

Charlene J. O’Connor is no stranger

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by

children’s book, she knew she’d

the choices of kids’ podcasts, check

to the “Just one more story, Mom!” plea from her preschool-aged son. So when she decided to pen her first keep it a quick read. “I wanted to

out the collaboration between Apple

write something for parents who

makes finding the right podcast for

‘no’ when their kids ask to hear a

and Common Sense Media that your kid easy-peasy, lemon squeezy.

Go to either the Apple Podcasts app

are short on time but refuse to say story,” says O’Connor.

So, Burl the Attention-

CHARLENE J. O’CONNOR

or iTunes, and look for the Common

Seeking Squirrel was launched. O’Connor not only cut out lots of paper squirrels

Sense Media Picks under the Kids

for the book’s fun illustrations, she self-published as well. “I’m really interested in

& Family category. You’ll find vetted

documenting my self-publishing journey,” says O’Connor. “I learned a lot of lessons

podcasts for ages 2 to 5, 6 to 9, and

that I think other authors and illustrators might like to know. I have a background in

10 and older. Some picks include Ear

writing, fine art and graphic design, and this process was still way more challenging

Snacks, Live From Mount Olympus and

than I’d anticipated.” Find her book (and download a free coloring page!) at

Smash Boom Best. — D.C.

burlthesquirrel.com. — D.C.

Chalkboard: MakiNg Work

Work for Families

The silver lining of COVID-19? Workplaces have learned just how essential child care is to employees. A new report from Care.com, a platform that helps families find high-quality care for children, elders and more, shined a light on how workplace benefits will adapt to all the change we’ve experienced as a result of the pandemic. The report surveyed human-resources directors and decision makers at large companies with 500 employees or more and gives hope that “work-life balance” are more than buzzwords. “In our understandable hunger to get ‘back to normal,’ we may want to forget the unsolicited insights this crisis has generated,” reads the report. “But we can’t, and we shouldn’t, because the ‘New Normal’ need not look like the old one.”

Some additional takeaways: Those employers losing employees are the ones most likely to want to expand care benefits. But offering these new benefits isn’t all about generosity. Employers have learned that providing employees with the flexibility they need to perform their role as caregivers is integral to enhancing their mental health — and that, in turn, supports employees’ productivity. In fact, having that support needed to care for children and seniors enables employees to be less stressed, and thus more focused and productive when they are working. And adopting these policies also helps the bottom line; announcements of family-friendly policies had a positive impact on companies’ sales and stock prices.

The Care.com report goes a step further than giving survey results by calling on companies to become political advocates for themselves and the women they hope to hire and retain. And that means publicly supporting and lobbying for an expansion of publicly funded child care centers and tax credits for companies that rehire women who left the workforce during the pandemic. — D.C.

64% of employers surveyed by Care.com

have experienced high employee loss rates, in which 95% report care concerns as a major factor.

98% of HR leaders have plans to expand their benefits. Child care benefits rank high on the prioritization list, with considering care benefits essential.

50% believe that the positive impact of child care benefits outweighs the costs.

71% report increased attrition has been

more common in their female employees, resulting in 91% concerned by this loss of female talent.

For those caring for children and elderly relatives, help with senior care is another benefit 41 percent of employers surveyed plan to focus on.

SOURCE: CARE.COM’S FUTURE OF BENEFITS REPORT

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The

SATURDAY:

Ultimate Portland Weekend With Kids Get reacquainted with your old favorites and find some new spots to explore.

BY DENISE CASTAÑON

If your family is like my family, you probably haven’t been out much. But as the vaccines are rolling out and COVID-19 case counts drop, more and more places are opening back up, and people are cautiously venturing out. We know it’s not “back to normal” just yet, but these spots are open now with precautions in place and are ready for exploring. Whether you’re just visiting, new to Portland or have lived here all your life, you could probably use this refresher on what’s out there for families. Pick and choose what sounds fun for your family — or try to knock out a whole weekend’s worth of fun!

8:30 am The Portland Farmers Market at Portland State University is a cornucopia of locally grown goodness. Grab a breakfast burrito from Enchanted Sun or pastry from Twisted Croissant for your first meal.

Then walk around to gaze at gorgeous produce or pick up edible souvenirs such as hot sauce, honey and hazelnuts.

The South Park Blocks at SW Park and Montgomery.

MIRANDA RAKE

10 am Walk over to the Portland Art Museum to see more than 100 images from acclaimed landscape photographer Ansel Adams. Pro tip: Reserve a specific entry time prior to your visit, at portlandartmuseum.org.

(Free admission for kids 17 and younger!) 1219 SW Park Ave.

©THE ANSEL ADAMS PUBLISHING RIGHTS TRUST / MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, BOSTON

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W

Westside Wonders Noon

Brunch on a breakfast sando or crush a Korean fried chicken sandwich from Toki (James Beard nominee Peter Cho and family’s new spot), 580 SW 12th Ave. Or the housemade pasta is always a hit at Grassa, 1205 SW Washington St. (Pro tip: They will do plain noodles with butter if that is as adventurous as your kid gets.)

1 pm The littles might need a nap, but families with bigger kids can head to the Oregon Zoo. Make sure to check out the polar bears’ brand-new home, Polar Passage, which recently opened to the public.

Pro tip: Reserve a time slot well in advance.

The limited, timed entry makes for a superenjoyable experience!

4001 SW Canyon Rd., oregonzoo.org.

SHERVIN HESS

SARAH VANBUSKIRK

Bonus evening activity

3 pm While you’re in Washington Park, hike around the Hoyt Arboretum or stop to smell the blooms at the International Rose Test Garden.

for the ultra-motivated or those with older kids: Drive out to Newberg’s 99W Drive-In for an old-school movie experience!

Find shows and times at facebook. com/99WDriveIn.

4 pm Browse the stacks at Powell’s City of Books. Stare in wonder at the size of the Rose Room that houses kids’ books!

1005 W Burnside St.

DENISE CASTAÑON

5 pm

DENISE CASTAÑON

Sample Verde Cocina’s gluten-free menu of fresh, healthy Mexican dishes in one of its outdoor cabanas. 1131 NW Hoyt St.

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SUNDAY:

Inner-eastside Escape 10 am Reserve a spot for OMSI’s new exhibit, Dinosaurs Revealed, then explore other open parts of the museum.

1948 SE Water Ave. Omsi.edu.

TREVOR PARKER

8 am The kids are hungry. Stop at Pine State Biscuits

OMSI

Noon

for over-the-top breakfast sandwiches (we’re looking at you, Reggie Deluxe) or just plain biscuits with honey. Pro tip: Order at pinestatebiscuits.com to skip the wait in line. Also, its covered, heated outdoor seating is open. 1100 SE Division St.

If you’re not still stuffed from breakfast, sample the Asian fusion at Boke Bowl — think steamed buns stuffed with fried chicken and duck confit ramen. Pro tip: Boke Bowl offers kid-specific options!

(Do a car picnic if indoor dining is not available!) 1028 SE Water Ave.

9 am

1 pm The recently reopened Oregon Rail Heritage Center is a

The neighborhood immediately around Pine State Biscuits is home to some truly fun public art. Take a stroll and see if you can find the geisha with “growing” hair, the giant banana and miniature bronze statues.

train lover’s dream come true. Gawk at three steam locomotives — two are functioning and one is being restored. The center is run by volunteers and admission is free, but donations are appreciated.

2250 SE Water Ave., orhf.org.

Going to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center on a Saturday? Your family can take a short, round-trip train ride on the Oregon Pacific Railroad. Tickets at portlandtrainrides.com.

OREGON RAIL HERITAGE CENTER

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TOP 5 ...

Smash Burgers Beef patties smashed into a screaming-hot griddle resulting in a crunchy crust? Count us in. The smash burger craze is in full swing in Portland.

Try one of these outstanding spots to feed your family’s burger craving.

OAKS PARK

➊ The light-blue Burger

3 pm Maybe it’s nap time. Or maybe your family is ready for a snack and more exploring. Find yummy pastries at Grand Central Bakery, 7987 SE 13th Ave., or bubble tea at Tea Chai Té, 7983 SE 13th Ave. Then explore the Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood. Some ideas: Window shop along Southeast 13th Avenue — mixed in with the antique stores you’ll find family-favorite shops including Oodles toy store and Cloud Cap Games. Westmoreland nature playground is a destination park. Or reserve a time for roller-skating at Oaks Amusement Park, oakspark.com.

Stevens cart was ahead of the trend. The thin

patties topped with melty cheese still rank as some of the city’s best. Pro tip: Order the lemon pie, too! Burgerstevens.com

➋ With its fun fright-

night theme, Monster Smash, a cart behind

5 pm Stay in Sellwood for dinner. Outdoor dining options include: old-school Italian at Gino’s, 8051 SE 13th Ave., or smoked ribs, brisket and out-of-this-world mac ’n’ cheese at Reverend’s BBQ, 7712 SE 13th Ave. Or grab a pie from Sunny’s Pizza to go, 7738 SE 13th Ave.

Belmont Station, flings scarily good burgers and yummy, salty fries with

DENISE CASTAÑON

garlic aioli. Facebook.com/

➌ For a spicy

monstersmashpdx.

spin, hit up Güero for a smash burger

DENISE CASTAÑON

with jalapeños and chipotle mayo.

Guerotortas.com.

➍ Open Thursday to Sunday,

popular Mid City Smash Burger consistently sells out, so plan to get there early! It has shakes, too. @midcitysmashburger on Instagram.

➎ Union

Burger at Park the Carts on Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard offers a slightly thicker patty with great crunch — like a burger you’d find at a great backyard barbecue. The heavily breaded, diner-style onion rings satisfy all your crunch cravings.

Unionburgerpdx.com. — Denise Castañon DENISE CASTAÑON

DENISE CASTAÑON DENISE CASTAÑON

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MONDAY:

Northeastern rtheastern & Northw 8 am

Pip’s Original Doughnuts & Chai is calling your name. Try each variety of these minidoughnuts. (And if it’s your birthday, you get a free dozen!) 4759 NE Fremont St.

9 am

Run off that sugar rush at Khunamokwst Park. The amazing playground and path through the park were designed so kids of all abilities could play to their hearts’ content.

S 5200 NE Alberta St.

10 am Stroll down Northeast Alberta

DENISE CASTAÑON

Street between 11th and 31st avenues. You’ll find everything from high-fashion boutiques to artsupply shops to yarn and fabric stores — not to mention restaurants galore. And you’ll want to fill your feed with photos in front of the prolific street art. (For a mural map, check out pdxstreetart.org.)

And don’t miss the Black Heritage Markers that tell about Portland’s Black community’s important history in the area.

PORTLAND PARK & RECREATION

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western Notables Noon For lunch, veggie options abound at The Bye and Bye, 1011 NE Alberta St. (Yes, it’s a bar, but kiddos are allowed in the outdoor seating area until 8 pm!) Or try the thincrust slices at Bella Pizza for a quick bite, 2934 NE Alberta St.

1 pm Did you save

T& SAL

AW

STR

room for ice cream?

There’s a Salt & Straw on Alberta. 2035 NE Alberta St.

2:30 pm Head over to the Lower Macleay trailhead (2960 NW Upshur St.) to explore Forest Park. A little less than a mile in, this hike rewards kids with a chance to play in an old stone house known as the Witch’s Castle. You can connect to other more challenging trails if your family is up for a true hike.

SALT & STRAW

5 pm

Explore Slabtown for dinner. Grab sandwiches or a light salad — and decadent French pastries — at St. Honoré Bakery, 2335 NW Thurman St. Or hit Breakside Brewery’s outdoor dining space for award-winning brews and highly rated pub fare, 1570 NW 22nd Ave.

6 pm

You started the day with doughnuts — end it the same way. Most Portlanders have their own niche shop they prefer, but hitting up the “Old Portland” Voodoo Doughnuts at 22 SW 3rd Ave. reminds you who started Portland’s love affair with doughnuts to begin with.

Editor Denise Castañon loves exploring Portland’s family-friendly dining scene with her husband, 8-year-old daughter and 6-year-old son.

DENISE CASTAÑON

BLACK HERITAGE MARKER

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kids ❤ adven bainbridge island Just getting to this island in Washington’s Puget Sound is an adventure! First, you’ll need to drive to Seattle’s Colman Dock, where you’ll board a ferry for the 35-minute trip to Bainbridge. (The ferry transports cars, pedestrians and bicyclists.) Park your car and head up to the sun deck to get the best view of the Seattle skyline as the ferry pulls out of the dock. Once on the island, head to Bloedel Reserve, a 150-acre botanical garden with 23 distinct landscapes to explore. Plan on taking two hours to stroll the 2-mile loop.

(Pro tip: Reserve timed-entry tickets well in advance at bloedelreserve.org.) Or take a walk through a lush canopy of firs, cedars and maples on the West Grand Forest Trail

DENISE CASTA

ÑON

network; be sure to visit the impressive rock cairn off the Ted Williamson Trillium Trail!

Pro tip: The bathroom is open at Prue’s House at the top of Hilltop Trail. Head back to Bainbridge Island’s main drag — Winslow Way — for a snack at Coquette Bake Shop, and then peruse the truly excellent selection of silly finger puppets at Calico Toy Shoppe. Don’t miss the lovely children’s room at Eagle Harbor Book Co. For dinner, Doc’s Marina Grill has a kid-pleasing menu — and filling fish ’n’ chips for grown-ups. Or get the freshest catch at Proper Fish. Spend the night at an Airbnb or take the ferry back to Seattle. — Denise Castañon

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DENISE CASTAÑON

nture Waldport/Yachats

Day trips and short

jaunts have proven to be highly beneficial for everyone’s mental health in my family. It’s easy to keep a safe distance from others while visiting the beautiful natural scenery in the coastal towns of Waldport and Yachats. You can catch a glimpse of lounging and playful harbor seals during a morning walk across the Alsea Bay Bridge in Waldport.

Venture to Smelt Sands Park in Yachats and walk along the paved 804 Trail to watch blowholes put on a show.

Walking north along the 804 Trail leads you to a vast sandy beach. (Thor’s Well is another nearby blowhole, but please don’t walk on those rocks! The trail north from Thor’s Well will lead you to peaceful tide pools full of green anemones!) For beach-going without the

DENISE CASTA

ÑON

walk, drive north of Waldport to Seal Rock State Recreation Site. Bring chairs and park yourselves next to

the little creek if engineering a dam or building a sandcastle would keep your kiddos busy for an entire afternoon. (And stop by Seal Rock’s Indulge for to-die-for fudge or Tillamook ice cream. Don’t miss the decadent salted-caramel fudge — trust us!) For camping-lite accommodations that help you easily distance, check out the deluxe cabins at the Waldport/

a camping cookstove. There are also fire pits and outdoor grills. Or get takeout fish ’n’ chips from Luna Sea Fish House in Yachats. (If your kids don’t do seafood, there’s a cheeseburger on the menu, too.) Swing by the newly reopened Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport

Newport KOA. Each has a private bathroom and kitchenette,

on your way in or out. You can read about its COVID-19 safety

but you’ll need to bring your own linens or sleeping bags, and

procedures at aquarium.org. — Denise Castañon

bend Think Bend isn’t close enough for a weekend getaway? Think again. A quick threehour drive over Mount Hood gets your family to Oregon’s favorite high-desert playground, and there’s lots to do here even without snow falling. Mount Bachelor, situated in the serene Deschutes National Forest, offers day hikes ranging from gentle to challenging, plus scenic chairlift rides all the way up to Pine Marten Lodge, perched at 7,800 feet. Pro tip: Older kids won’t want to miss the Mount Bachelor ZipTour. And kids 12 and up can embark on a starlit canoe tour of the Cascade Lakes with local company Wanderlust Tours, which includes dessert and hot cocoa served on the lakeshore. Keep dinner simple with the family-style takeout menu at globally influenced Spork, or dine on kid-sized rice bowls and tacos, with a side of fresh veggies. Of course, Bend is known for beer, and we like Crux Fermentation Project — about the kid-friendliest brewery around. The foodand-drink specials are good during Sundowner Hour (half-hour before and after sunset). Check out vrbo.com for house rentals. And be sure to visit Columbia Park, which is famous for its pirate ship play structure. — Julia Silverman and Erin J. Bernard R MT. BACHELO

ZIPTOUR

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kids ❤ adventure toys that travel It’s family vacay season, and when you hit the road with kids, you’re gonna need backup. These travel toys are compact, cleanish and (probably?) entertaining enough to engage kids for 20 minutes at a stretch. Happy adventuring!

Sweeten the prospect of a long trip for your 2-year-old with Peaceable Kingdom’s Topper Takes a Trip.

In this carry-along game, which fits into an adorable suitcase, kids pick a destination (like Grandma’s house or the beach), select and match the items they’ll need to pack along, and playact PEACEABLE KINGDOM

the vacation of their dreams. At iSpark Toys.

Take the waste out of on-theJaq Jaq Bird’s Bored

Boards, games edition.

These sturdy, reusable tiles, featuring classic

DENISE CASTAÑÕN

road entertainment with

travel games like 4 in a Row and JAQ JAQ BIRD

tic-tac-toe, come with four pieces of ButterStix no-dust chalk, and

they wipe clean in a jiffy. At Hammer and Jacks, Polliwog or jaqjaqbird.com.

corvallis A trip to Reser Stadium to cheer on the Beavers isn’t the only reason to hit this classic college town. Family-friendly offerings, fun outdoor activities and a burgeoning food scene are all great

Make new tracks wherever you roam with a compact

reasons to visit this summer. Bring your bikes and cycle along the

roll of “classic road” PlayTape, perfect for recasting

scenic Campus Way bike path that stretches from the Oregon

a car window or airplane seat into a mini car or

State University campus to the Benton County Fairgrounds. Avery

school bus super-highway. When you’re done, peel it off, throw it out, and be on your merry way.

At Hammer and Jacks and inroadtoys. com.

INROADS TOY S

Park is worth a visit so your kids can clamber over the Dinosaur Bones play structure and old Georgia Pacific locomotive. Get fresh veggies and a different view of the Willamette River at the Corvallis Farmers Market, open April through November on Saturdays and Wednesdays at Northwest 1st Street and Jackson Avenue. Hit up the long-lived New Morning Bakery in Corvallis’

Markers? Paints? Pastels? Whatever they are,

quaint and walkable downtown for a quick and tasty breakfast

Chunkies Paint Sticks by OOLY rule for long road

or lunch. We love the fresh salad options from the deli case (and

trips. These quick-drying, rainbow-hued sticks glide

the irresistible pecan-and-cinnamon pull-aparts). For dinner (and

smoothly onto any surface, from coloring books to in-flight magazines, and they last for eons if you remember to cap ’em. At Collage or ooly.com. — OOLY

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independent artisan beer), check out Block 15 Restaurant and Brewery. Craving something sweeter? Swing by Benny’s Donuts and peep a dazzling array of regionally inspired doughnut flavors, from Oregon marionberry to Canadian maple. Visit airbnb.com for a slew of affordable rental houses. — Denise Castañon and Erin J. Bernard

SUMMER CAMPS ❤ adventure kids

SUMMER CAMPS

LAKE OSWEGO PARKS & RECREATION

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE OUT MARCH 11!

REGISTRATION OPENS MAY 3! pdxparent.com

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SUMMER CAMPS

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SUMMER CAMPS

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SUMMER CAMPS

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SUMMER CAMPS

SUMMER ACTING ACADEMY June 14-August 13

Join us this summer for our all-virtual Acting Academy!

Students will develop their skills, build confidence, and—most importantly—have FUN!

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“It was a good balance of guided work, creative play, and freedom to explore.” —Acting Academy Parent

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field trip

Market Report Rediscover Portland’s famous farmers markets to find the freshest berries, tempting baked goods, local hot sauce and much more.

STORY AND PHOTO BY MIRANDA RAKE

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hen it comes to stocking up on everything from standards like organic kale and bunches of carrots (in rainbow hues, no less) to more seasonal goodies like pea tendrils and fava greens, there’s still no place better to go in Portland than the PSU Farmers Market.

For more Portland-area farmers markets that are especially family-friendly: pdxparent.com/kid-friendly-farmers-markets.

Before we get to the many things that are wonderful about making a regular trip to the farmers market, let’s cover what’s a little different at the market right now because of COVID-19. Thankfully, the list isn’t long and the precautions that are in place mean that shopping at these outdoor markets feels very, very safe. First and foremost, masks are required when shopping in the market for anyone over the age of 2. Pets are not allowed, with the exception of service animals. Hot foods, like the much-adored Enchanted Sun Burritos, are still available, but are to-go only for the time being (meaning you can’t actually eat and stroll). So it’s a good idea to make them your last stop instead of your first. Sadly, sampling is not allowed right now, but, on the upside, most every vendor has set up contactless payments, which means that the days of cash-only booths are a distant memory. Families are encouraged to send only one or two family members to shop, to make it easier for everyone shopping in the market to maintain social distance. This means that a trip to the market is not the best idea for whole families right now — but those days are coming back soon! Instead, think of a market day as a terrific chance for some quality one-on-one time. So, just grab your masks and a kid who’s ready for some attention and adventure — and (most of all) has a good appetite. Despite these pandemic adjustments, Oregon’s incredible local agricultural bounty is still right at your fingertips.

Soon, most every produce booth will be hitting their summertime stride, dripping with the fresh berries we’ve waited for all winter.

Raspberries, blackberries and, of course, marionberries, loganberries and tayberries (if you know, you know) will be glittering in the sunshine, ready to go into pies, jams and directly into eager mouths and tummies. Get there early, especially in May and June, when the berries are just getting started and can sometimes sell out quickly.

We always stop at Groundwork Organics first and fill a flat with various berries and giant local strawberries that are impossibly sweet. The delicate, melt-in-your-mouth golden raspberries are my son’s perennial favorite. After you load up on produce, check out the many nonproduce treats available throughout the market — many of the bakeries and small-batch makers work hard to use mostly local ingredients, so you can feel good about even the most indulgent treats. Don’t miss Marshall’s Haute Sauce, a true family-run business that uses almost all local produce to make its spicy wares, and Small Baking Co. whose cookies (pro tip: get the ginger-molasses) are as tender and irresistible as they are huge. Though some of the interactions are a bit more distant, and a few things are missing — the kids are counting the days till live music returns to the markets — great food and good vibes are still plentiful at this downtown PDX staple.

If You Go: PSU Farmers Market: Saturdays year-round. April to October: 8:30 am-2 pm.

November to March: 9 am-2 pm. South Park Blocks at SW Park and Montgomery.

Miranda Rake is a Portland-based writer, editor and mom to Griffin, who is 3 years old and super-great. She has written about food, motherhood, cocktails, the history of wine advertising in the United States and just about everything in between. For a few years along the way, she owned and operated a (very) small-batch jam company. She’s passionate about all of the usual stuff like farmers markets and swimming in the warm sea.

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We’re excited to roll out the winners of the 2021 PDX Parent P Find the complete list of winners at pdxparent.com/picks-winners.

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BIKE STORE/REPAIR Winner Sellwood Cycle Repair 7953 SE 13th Ave., 503-233-9392, sellwoodcycle.com Our readers have selected Sellwood Cycle Repair as their top choice for all their biking needs. In addition to bikes and accessories for grown-ups, you’ll find family-friendly cargo bikes for tooling around with kids, child seats, and new and used kids bikes.

Sellwood Cycle Repair invests in the community, throwing its support behind local schools, cycling teams and biking-advocacy groups.

DARIUS KUZMICKAS

Top 5

BOOKSTORE Winner Powell’s City of Books Multiple locations, powells.com

Bikes for Humanity PDX

Community Cycling Center

Bike Gallery

River City Bicycles

Clever Cycles

This time last year when Powell’s City of Books was named our readers’ poll winner, owner Emily Powell had publicly announced massive layoffs as the legendary bookstore’s doors closed indefinitely. But book lovers young and old rallied to support Powell’s, and it has more or less weathered the pandemic. (The home-and-garden and airport locations closed permanently.)

The flagship location on West Burnside Street is again open

CONSIGNMENT SHOP/EVENT Winner Beanstalk Children’s Resale 3527 NE 15th Ave. and 8021 SE Stark St., beanstalkpdx.com Ever sworn that your kid woke up taller after a nap? Same. That’s when Beanstalk Children’s Resale comes in pretty handy. Make an

with COVID precautions in place.

appointment to take

Top 5

in used kids’ clothing in good condition and

Annie Bloom’s Books

Maggie Mae’s Kids Bookshop

Green Bean Books

MudPuddles Toys & Books

gear for your growing

A Children’s Place Bookstore

then buy new-to-you kiddo. (It’s got online shopping now, too!)

LOCAL NEW KIDS’ CLOTHING Winner

Hanna Andersson

Hannaandersson.com Hanna Andersson — the kids’ clothes that last and last and last — was once again our readers’ favorite place for clothes.

All of its in-person locations, including the outlet store in Lake

Readers have voted Beanstalk to the top spot for several years now.

Top 5 Hoot-N-Annie

Oswego, are temporarily closed. But you can always find

Children’s Boutique

twirly dresses, sturdy pants and matching family jammies in

Just 4 Kids

the web store.

Top 5 Black Wagon Grasshopper Store Le’D Bug Boutique

BEANSTALK CHILDREN’S RESALE

BEANSTALK CHILDREN’S RESALE

Consignment Piccolina Children’s Resale Boutique Super Kids Resale Sweetpea’s Resale

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Picks! Here are our readers’ top choices in our Services & Shopping categories.

COMIC BOOK SHOP Winner

TOY STORE Winner

Bridge City Comics

Thinker Toys

3725 N Mississippi Ave.

7784 SW Capitol Hwy.,

503-282-5484,

thinkertoysoregon.com

bridgecitycomics.com Winner yet again, Bridge City Comics

Multnomah Village’s Thinker Toys is the stuff kids’ dreams are made of. You’ll

is the place for graphic novels like

find everything from Lego to chemistry

Lumberjanes and Phoebe and Her

sets to sweet stuffies. And it has an

Unicorn to X-Men comics — and

excellent selection of puzzles and

everything in between. You can

family games as well. We also love how

either shop in person at the store or

it rallied to help seniors and families in

online. And for a dose of hometown

need during the shutdown. It’s open for

pride, check out the well-stocked

in-store and online shopping.

Portland authors section!

THINKER TOYS

Top 5

Top 5

Bricks & Minifigs

Books with Pictures

Finnegan’s Toys & Gifts

Comic Cave

Hammer and Jacks

Cosmic Monkey Comics

Kids at Heart Toys

Excalibur Books and Comics

Piccolo Mondo Toys

Things from Another World

THINKER TOYS

GROCERY STORE

KIDS’ HAIR SALON

Winner

Winner

Sit Still

70 N Mason St. and 4768 NW Bethany Blvd.,

New Seasons Market Multiple locations,

sitstillkids.com

newsseasonsmarket.com

If you had to give your kids haircuts during lockdown,

New Seasons Market has topped

you probably appreciate the skills of the professional stylists at Sit Still even more than ever. They’ll do

our readers’ poll again. But 2020

everything from first haircuts to big transformations

brought new reasons to love

to temporary hair color. And we love that they

the grocery store. New Seasons

held a “Buy One, Give One” haircut drive that

adopted early mask and spacing

allowed foster kids associated with Project

requirements, making shopping

Lemonade to get free ’dos.

feel safe in a very uncertain time — all while still delivering

Top 5

fresh, healthy choices from local

Bishops Cuts/Color

farmers, ranchers and more.

Cookie Cutters Haircuts for Kids

Top 5

Tualatin

Costco Wholesale

Kid’s Castle Cuts

Fred Meyer

Lil’ Snippers Hair Care 4 Kids

Grocery Outlet Bargain Market

Pigtails & Crewcuts

Trader Joe’s Portland SE WinCo Foods

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kids can cook

TECHNIQUE: Measuring AGE: 4+

Help your kids learn to measure dry ingredients by baking this secretly healthy snack cake from the staff at Basics Market.

Measurin n Up

LAUREN SALGADO

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easuring is the perfect first cooking task for kids. You can start by holding measuring utensils with them to model the scooping motion, or pre-measure ingredients for them to dump into a bowl. This skill is important because proper measuring can be the key to the success of a recipe, especially when it comes to baking.

This snack cake is simple to make but has several ingredients, so it’s ideal for practicing measuring skills. The cake has a moist texture, is packed with flavor, and happens to be gluten-free, nut-free and vegan. It’s great for breakfast, an afternoon snack or dessert.

Measuring Tips

Lemon-blueberry Snack Cake

Steps

• Use sized (¼ cup, ½ cup,

Prep time: 15 min | Bake time: 30-45 min

1. P reheat the oven to 350º F. Grease an 8-by-8-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.

etc.) measuring cups to measure dry ingredients and a spouted measuring cup to measure liquid ingredients.

• Use the fork-spoon-knife method for measuring flour. Fluff the flour with a fork, gently scoop it into a measuring cup with a spoon, then level it by scraping over the top of the cup with the back of a butter knife.

Powerful ingredients Oats are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which has shown to promote gut and heart health. Blueberries contain anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties.

Ingredients Butter or nonstick cooking spray ½ cup flaxseed meal ½ cup water cup maple syrup 1 ½ cup oat flour ½ cup rolled oats 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg ¾ cup frozen or 1 cup fresh blueberries ½ cup applesauce ¼ cup olive oil ½ teaspoon lemon extract Zest of 1 large lemon, about 1 tablespoon Optional glaze ½ cup powdered sugar 1 teaspoon olive oil 2 teaspoons almond milk Zest of ¼ of a lemon

2. I n a small mixing bowl, add flaxseed meal, water and maple syrup. Stir and let rest for 10 minutes.

3. In a large mixing bowl, add all dry ingredients (oat flour through nutmeg) and stir together to combine.

4. Add blueberries and toss to coat. Set aside.

5. After the flaxseed mixture has rested for 10 minutes, add applesauce, olive oil, lemon extract and lemon zest. Stir to combine.

6. Pour the flaxseed mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.

7. Pour mixture evenly into prepared baking pan.

8. Place in the oven for 30-45 minutes, or until the center is baked through.

9. If you’d like to add the glaze: In a small mixing bowl, add all glaze ingredients and stir until well combined. Spoon glaze over completely cooled cake. If the glaze is too thick, add additional almond milk by the teaspoonful until you like the consistency.

Locally owned Basics Market is committed to nurturing strong, healthy communities through food. Find more info and lots of recipes at basicsmarket.com.

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Find your summer camp at: pdxparent.com/ portland-summercamps-guide

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