What’s to Love: This site highlights all kinds of adventures. Granted, sometimes the “adventures” are more like cushy vacations or a walks in nearby parks. However, I want the site to feature a little something for every family. Every once in awhile, we kick it up a notch (e.g., Rock Climbing at Smith Rock, Free Riding near Hood River, Hiking Cooper Spur, etc.). The Tree to Tree Aerial Adventure Park (Gaston, Oregon) brings the level of adventure up SEVERAL notches, especially if you venture off 60 feet in the air to try their black course.
What’s to Love: I was just at a conference on teaching and learning in Chicago, IL (July, 2010). The keynote speech had a profound and urgent message. The message was that “play,” not as a concept, but an actual act, especially imaginative/creative play, is vital to our well being. The speaker said, “There are consequences of play deprivation…” and cited some truly disturbing examples that I won’t get into here. I think the fear-based culture has ultimately led to a decline in play. TrackersPDX offers some innovative and unique summer camp programs that will take your kids on wonderful journeys both in their minds and on their feet (usually at the same time).
What’s to Love: Sunriver feels like a community built around 30+ miles of paved walking/biking paths. When you’re there, it feels like everything (i.e., the pools, the tennis courts, the homes, condos, etc.) was an afterthought to this incredible network of trails. Most of the time, these paved trails are completely separated from the roads, which adds an element of safety.
What’s to Love: After leaving Sunriver Resort, we decided to stop at the Lava Lands Visitor Center and check-out the awesome cinder cone – Lava Butte. Driving down 97, you cannot miss this 500 foot high volcano, which erupted 7000 years ago and covered 9 square miles with lava. If you want to get your kids’ attention, just say, “We’re going to drive-up a real volcano!”
What’s to Love: When we used to live in Northeast Portland, we’d frequent Fernhill Park with our dog. As you can see, there is PLENTY of green space for romping, stomping, running, and jumping. With the tall trees providing cover on the north end, this is a stunning park and the perfect destination if you feel like you need a little space.
What’s to Love: I’ve lived in Portland since 1999, and this was my first trip to Henry Hagg Lake. I was always concerned that it would just be a big scene with jet skis, motor boats, and a bunch of yahoos throwing trash all over the place. I was definitely wrong and we had a lovely time. I found the entire recreation area clean and a bargain at $5.00 for a pass. The lake offered up a fairly secluded beach with warm water for swimming and a bunch of activities for the whole family.
What’s to Love: Located just to the west (and below) Sellwood Park, Sellwood Riverfront Park often gets passed-up as bikers cruise the Springwater Corridor and cars zip by on the way to Oaks Amusement Park , Oaks Rollerskating Rink, or hiking in the nearby Wildlife Refuge. Too bad! Just like many inner southeast parks, this is one you don’t want to miss.
What’s to Love: North Portland – so many parks, so little time! Yes, Columbia Park is awesome, and it has a pool. Pier Park has a pool, an 18-hole disc golf course, and an amazing skatepark. Of course, there is Peninsula Park, Smith & Bybee Wetlands, Kelley Point Park, and many other little gems scattered across “the Gateway to Nature.” How does Kenton Park rate? Well, if they were to add a new playstructure, Kenton Park would be right on-par with the many beautiful parks in North Portland. Chances are, if you don’t live in North Portland, Kenton Park isn’t even on your radar – until now!
What’s to Love: Do you want to have a day at the beach without driving 70+ miles to the coast? That’s exactly what we wanted this past weekend, and the beaches of Sauvie Island provided a reasonable substitute. Specifically, the Walton Beach area is about 9 miles from the bridge crossing along the NE coast of the island. It’s a pleasant drive that takes you by many possible side-excursions including blueberry picking at Bella Organics, the Pumpkin Patch Farm, and the Island Cove Cafe and Market.
Hi Folks,
Just got word from the owner of Me Too! restaurant that they’ve had to close-up shop. Like many of you, this was one of our favorite places to take the kids to eat.
Free Fireworks on the Columbia River 30 minutes from Portland
Are you a bit intimidated by the 4th of July crowds around Portland? Perhaps, it’s time to try something different this 4th of July. Here is a note from our friends in St. Helens, Oregon.
Celebrate the 4th of July in Saint Helens Olde Towne on the majestic Columbia River, just 30 minutes from Portland.
The St. Helens Foundation puts on a free fireworks show every year from the south end of Sand Island, a 42-acre island in the Columbia River.
Enjoy the display from Columbia View Park or out on the water. Tour Twilight movie locations and do the Twilight Scavenger Hunt.
Festivities all day in Olde Towne include the Rapture of Scrapture competition. Show it, see it, sell it or buy it.
Enter the day of by bringing your sculpture made from salvaged material. Sculptures must be in Columbia View Park by 10 a.m. and are on display until 3 p.m.
$100 awarded in each of three categories.
Special Guest Anita Wheeler, a Traditional Quileute storyteller presents at 1:00 p.m. as the Experience Twilight Eclipse Release Party nears conclusion. Limited seating.
Purchase advance tickets. www.experiencetwilight.com
Entertainment for the whole family begins at 3:00 p.m. in Columbia View Park and goes until 10 p.m.
Stake out your spot early and order take out from Olde Towne’s many restaurants.
Tap Dancers, Belly Dancers, Bo Skinny and Backstage Pass
For lodging and camping information go to travelcolumbiacounty.com
NEW FIRE RESTRICTION ON SAND ISLAND
The St. Helens Foundation provides a fireworks display for citizens and visitors annually on the 4th of July.
In the interest of public safety, during site prep and the period when several thousand pounds of explosive ordinance will be on the island, the City of St. Helens will take the following steps:
1. Under the authority of St. Helens Municipal Code (SHMC) 8.24.100, Special Use Areas, the Public Works Director hereby establishes Sand Island as a special use area for set up and conduct of the Foundation’s annual fireworks display, from July 2nd through July 5th, inclusive.
2. As a special use area, no open fires of any kind will be allowed on Sand Island from 6:00 am on July 4, 2010 until 2:00 am on July 5, 2010.
3. As a reminder, per SHMC 8.24.050: “No person shall ignite or use any type of firework, sparkler, snake, model rocket, rocket motor, other form of explosive, or smoke-producing device or material in any city park or on any city docks, except for qualified pyro-technicians with proper city, state and federal permits and liability insurance who may use Sand Island to ignite fireworks.” This ordinance will be strictly enforced.
What’s to Love: Leach Botanical Garden’s mission “…is to maintain and enhance living collections of plants for the purpose of education, research and conservation and to preserve the legacy of the Gardens founders, John and Lilla Leach. The Garden is committed to providing positive experiences to the diverse community upon which it relies for support” (source).
What’s to Love: If you’re wondering what “Freeriding” means, you might want to first check-out OPB’s feature from Oregon Field Guide. Basically, it’s riding a mountain bike through “technical features” setup along forest paths. These technical features can be something as innocent as a small bump. However, as one progresses further into freeriding, the “technical features” become narrow balance beams (far off the ground too!), teeter-totters, banked turns, and HUGE drop-offs. This is a popular form of mountain biking, and “Post Canyon” outside Hood River is one of the country’s premiere areas.
What’s to Love: Despite being sandwiched-in between some nasty industrial businesses, Smith & Bybee Wetlands Natural Area is an excellent family-biking destination with several options for family fun. You may just need to hold your breath every now and then.
“The Playground Gym provides kids with an environment that nurtures physical, mental and emotional development. Kids are built to play, and skills learned from physical activity combined with social interaction are the foundation of a healthy life. For many parents, its easy to forget the energy and curiosity that we took granted as children.” (http://www.theplaygroundgym.com/about/)
Read MoreWhy did you start The Playground Gym and what makes it unique for kids and families?
J.J. responds: Both Casey and I have worked with kids for years and have developed a great passion for it. We’ve been in and around the fitness industry for some time, and we repeatedly heard from parents that Portland lacked a multi-use family hub that was locally owned and had a real “Portland” feel. We also heard that athleticism and the value of active play have been taking a back seat to other (often occupational) pursuits in today’s educational environment. I’ve long believed that physical play not only encourages healthy lifestyles, but is a fantastic vehicle for creative, social and cognitive development.
It is also our explicit desire to strive to not only be good coaches, but to be good mentors to our kids and allies for our parents.
Read More
St. Helens, Oregon transforms into “Halloweentown” during the month of October. Visit on the weekend for fun activities for the whole family. Eat at The Klondike and The Plantation House restaurants, climb at The Vault Climbing Gym, and visit Jilly’s for some dress-up fun.
Read More
City folks just don’t understand what it takes to run a farm. Where does our food come from anyway? We are all detached from our food sources. Very rarely do city kids get a chance to visit a farm where they can actually feed animals, shovel manure, pick produce, clean stalls, and breath clean fresh air. Don’t worry, there will be plenty of time to kick back and relax and/or run wild at Leaping Lamb’s “Farm Stay.”
Read More
Just take a look at some of the pictures I posted in this article – this beach speaks for itself. Of course, many amazing beaches can be found throughout the area from Newport to Yahacts. However, Driftwood beach resides close to a beach rental we’ve frequented over the past few years, and it holds sentimental value along with stunning natural beauty. I recommend a visit to this beach whenever you’re in the area.
Read More
The Department of Skateboarding is an indoor skate park in North Portland near the Rose Garden arena. They have kids’ lessons every Saturday morning from 9AM – 10AM. The kids who participate in the lessons get to stay until 1PM. Excellent for beginners!
Read More
