Oxbow Regional Park
By admin | August 19, 2008
What’s to Love: One of my favorite things about writing these articles is the shocking surprises that often occur while on different adventures. The biggest surprises happen when I think a place is just going to be awful, and it turns out being the exact opposite. It’s happened several times this summer, and it definitely happened on my visit to Oxbow Regional Park. This park is a MUST visit during the hot days of summer! Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Beaches, Campgrounds, Columbia Gorge, Fishing Spots, General Info./Homepage, Hiking | No Comments »
Oregon Coast Aquarium
By admin | August 18, 2008
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What’s to Love: The Oregon Coast Aquarium is located in Newport, Oregon, and its proximity to some lovely beaches in Newport, Waldport, and Yachats (yah-hots) is definitely a plus. For a relatively-small operation, this is a quality destination with some nice attractions. The layout of the exhibits works well, and it moves people through in an efficient manner. Even when it’s busy, it doesn’t feel too crowded. Give your family at least a few hours to make it through without feeling rushed. Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Aquariums | No Comments »
Wahclella Falls
By admin | August 4, 2008
What’s to Love: In my opinion, Wahclella is the Columbia River Gorge’s most beautiful waterfall. I realize that’s a pretty bold claim considering all the great waterfalls. However, Wahclella’s massive canyon walls filled with lush-green vegetation will make you think you’re in Hawaii, and it’s only 40 minutes from downtown Portland. Spend the day, half a day, or even a couple hours, and you too will become a believer. Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Columbia Gorge, Hiking, Waterfalls | No Comments »
Great Wolf Lodge
By admin | July 24, 2008
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What’s to Love: Rest assured, when I visit places like the Great Wolf Lodge (GWL), I talk with as many parents as possible - gathering valuable feedback to pass along to my readers. On this visit, I spoke to at least 15 parents, and not one person had a negative thing to say about their experience at the GWL. I even fed them some criticisms I had read online, and they all looked at me like I was crazy. I think that says a lot right there! The reality at the GWL is that parents and kids absolutely love this place. If you bring your family, I’m confident that you’ll all have the time of your lives.
Topics: Washington | No Comments »
Cannon Beach
By admin | July 23, 2008
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What’s to Love: Cannon Beach is the “ace in the hole” when it comes to Portland getaways. It’s a clean town with excellent surrounding beaches, parks and camping. Plus, for a hefty price, you can usually find good food and lodging. It’s a bit predictable for us, but we always seem to stumble onto something new each time.
Many people don’t like the Disney-like-foot-traffic that plugs the walkways, restaurants, beaches, parks and playgrounds. Others think it’s a bit sterile and/or upscale for their tastes - they prefer a getaway with a little more character such as Manzanita or Oceanside. While I like the gritty towns, I also like many of the upscale amenities that Cannon Beach has to offer. And, if you take the time, you will find that Cannon Beach has something to offer almost any visitor. Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Beach Towns, Beaches | No Comments »
Enchanted Forest Theme Park
By admin | June 17, 2008
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What’s to Love: While Oaks Amusement Park in Portland provides a multitude of toddler rides, the Enchanted Forest Theme Park is the next logical progression in amusement park fun, and provides far more than thrill rides. We visited the park on a Monday afternoon, June 16th, and it was relatively quiet with almost zero-wait-time for rides. As you can see in the 8 minute video clip below, we had an incredible time, and I highly recommend taking your kids here for the day. Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Salem Area | 5 Comments »
Memorial Park - Wilsonville
By admin | June 9, 2008
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What’s to Love: I visited this park twice with my son in June, 2008, and I know we’ll be back again soon. I was looking for a park with plenty of open green-space to launch our model rocket (see video below). I noticed that Memorial Park looked like the biggest park in the Wilsonville area, so we headed over to check it out. I don’t think I’ve ever been so shocked by the quality and design of a park. I highly recommend visiting this park! Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Biking, Fountains, Parks Playgrounds Pools, Wilsonville | No Comments »
Cedar Hills Park
By admin | May 30, 2008
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What’s to Love: Cedar Hills Park is a quaint little park right off the very busy “Cedar Hills Boulevard” close to Beaverton. While the actual playground equipment is somewhat sparse, the park does have a few nice features that make it worth a visit. Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Parks Playgrounds Pools, SW Cities | No Comments »
Salmon Creek Park/Trail
By admin | May 26, 2008
What’s to Love: When we moved to the Pacific Northwest in 1999, we couldn’t find affordable rent in Portland, so we ended-up in Vancouver. After hanging out in Portland, we realized that it was a much better match for us. Thus, we left Vancouver after about 3-4 months with a pretty unfavorable impression of the area. Indeed, Vancouver (the ‘couv’) takes quite a bit of punishment from Portlanders. However, in terms of outdoor recreation (specifically bicycling on paved-paths), Vancouver has many opportunities that mirror Portland’s excellent reputation as a “biking town.” Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Fishing, Fishing Spots, Fountains, Parks Playgrounds Pools, Vancouver | 2 Comments »
Beaverton City Park Fountain
By admin | May 21, 2008
What’s to Love: Beaverton City Park is located right next to the city library. We visited on a very hot day when my son was around 3 years old. As you can see in the video clip below, he was pretty spooked-out by the vertical row of spraying jets, so he just hung out on the fringes. I literally had to pick him up and run with him through the spray. This is your basic fountain with nothing too fancy, but it certainly can cool you off on a hot day. Plus, it’s a good fountain for all ages. Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Fountains, SW Cities | No Comments »
Oneonta Falls (Middle)
By admin | May 18, 2008
What’s to Love: Adventurous parents will love this hike - it offers a bit of excitement with some stiff climbs (short), steep drops (careful! No barrier), but it’s still pretty safe for most kid-hikers. At 2.7 miles round trip, the distance on this hike is just right for most family members. Plus, there are many options, if things don’t work out with the longer hike. Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Columbia Gorge, Hiking, Waterfalls | No Comments »
Tualatin Hills Nature Park
By admin | May 8, 2008
What’s to Love: Tualatin Hills Nature Park (THNP) can seem like Nike’s trail running course - it’s literally in the company’s backyard. I’m a bit leery of a “Nature Park” in the middle of a giant suburb. However, our visit to Tualatin Hills Nature Park was perfect! The weather was fantastic, the trails were immaculate, the biking was fun and just right for a 4 year old without training wheels, and the picnic area was relaxing and quiet. I invite your comments on this wonderful park. Read more… Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Biking, SW Cities, Wildlife Viewing | No Comments »
Tillamook Forest Center
By admin | April 1, 2008
What’s to Love: Just like the World Forestry Center in Portland, the Tillamook Forest Center (TFC) really surprised me in a positive way (in terms of family fun). However, unlike the World Forestry Center, admission to the TFC is free! There are so many wonderful, hands-on exhibits inside their beautiful visitor center, an award-winning film about the Tillamook burn, educational classrooms, and a really nice gift shop. It’s an hour drive from Portland, but well worth it.
Topics: Tillamook | No Comments »
Wilsonville Lanes
By admin | March 23, 2008
What’s to Love: My son and I stumbled onto Wilsonville Lanes by accident. We were in the parking lot of Bullwinkle’s Family Fun Center, and my son said, “Dad can we go bowling?” I replied, “I don’t think there is a bowling alley nearby.” At that point, I looked in the distance and sure enough, Wilsonville Lanes appeared. In this area of strip-malls and car dealerships, I didn’t expect much, but was pleasantly surprised.
Topics: Indoor Activities, Wilsonville | No Comments »
Waluga Park, East
By admin | March 8, 2008
What’s to Love: Waluga park (east off Quarry Rd.) has a quaint little playground designed specifically for kids 6 and younger. The playground has a structure for older kids, and one for younger toddlers. We just sort of stumbled onto this property by accident, and it’s worth a stop if you’re in the area. There is plenty of shade, a drinking fountain with really good water, a covered picnic area, and a paved biking path. Because it’s tucked into a wooded neighborhood, this park feels like it’s out in the country.
Topics: Parks Playgrounds Pools, SW Cities | No Comments »
Springbrook Park/Uplands Elementary
By admin | March 8, 2008
What’s to Love: My son and I stumbled upon this little gem while touring (outer) SW parks and playgrounds. We were headed to see “Springbrook Park,” but ended up pulling into Uplands Elementary School. We were pleasantly surprised by the awesome playground structures (see pictures). Lucky for us, there were two trailheads at opposite ends of the playground that led directly into Springbrook Park.
Topics: Hiking, Parks Playgrounds Pools, SW Cities, Wildlife Viewing | No Comments »
Tualatin River Wildlife Refuge
By admin | March 7, 2008
What’s to Love: Right off the very busy highway 99W in Sherwood, OR is a very pleasant surprise. The first thing you’ll notice when pulling into the Refuge is the beautiful new interpretive center. The interpretive center houses exhibits, restrooms, a small gift shop, a spotting scope, and some very helpful and friendly volunteers. Because of traffic, getting to this place can be a real pain, but it’s definitely worth the trip.
Topics: Hiking, Sherwood, Wildlife Viewing | No Comments »
Bullwinkle’s Family Fun Center
By admin | February 1, 2008
What’s to Love: Bullwinkle’s is actually a family-style restaurant, which is located within the confines of the “Family Fun Center.” It appears to be all one business to me, but I have to admit - I’ve never eaten at the restaurant. The food is not why we go to the Fun Center. We go to the Fun Center for the “Kidopolis” indoor playland. Their website describes it as a “…five-level, soft play area is for children 5 feet tall and under. One Frog Hopper Ride is included with the Kidopolis Playland admission price. Socks are required. No wet clothing allowed.” It’s a big collection of tunnels, slides, ups, downs, twists and turns. It’s a great time! Overall, the Fun Center is clean and well kept. There are also many other options for families…
Topics: Indoor Activities, Restaurants, Wilsonville | 1 Comment »
JJJump
By admin | January 21, 2008
What’s to Love: JJJump has two locations in the Portland area (Clackamas and Vancouver). This inflatable playland is very similar to Pump-it-Up, but doesn’t feel as corporate to me. We’ve only tried out the Vancouver location, and we had a great time. JJJump offers a good variety of inflatable structures, which will get you and your children bouncing, sliding, climbing, and crawling. My son loves
Topics: Indoor Activities, Vancouver | No Comments »
Kids’ Club Fun & Fitness
By admin | January 19, 2008
What’s to Love: The main attraction here - “Jungle Playland” - is free for adults and reasonably priced for kids. It’s the best indoor play structure I’ve seen in the Portland area. Bullwinkle’s Family Fun Center in Wilsonville has a nice structure, but this is as nice and bigger. There is just so much room for kids to move and play within this structure filled with great slides, a twirling tunnel, obstacles, and a plastic-ball plunge “pool.” Personally, I love the climbing nets and the fact that adults can go in the structure (if your back can handle it!) with their kids.
Topics: Indoor Activities, Vancouver | No Comments »
Hood River - Outdoor Playland
By admin | January 2, 2008
What’s to Love: What’s not to love? Hood River is my favorite small town outside Portland. For the outdoor enthusiast, there are a myriad of options: windsurfing, kiteboarding, mountain biking, road biking, kayaking, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, sledding, mountaineering, hiking, etc. To detail all of the activities is a book in-of-itself. Many of my favorite outdoor activities are right outside town including the incredible ridge hike, “Cooper Spur” and mountain biking the spectacular Surveyor’s Ridge - not to mention all the amazing hikes in the Columbia River Gorge. The fun never seems to end in Hood River. 
This town is not just a world-class outdoor destination, there are some excellent restaurants, great cheap eats, and unique, independent retail shops.
Topics: Hood River | No Comments »
Oceanside, Oregon
By admin | November 26, 2007
What’s to Love: This tiny, down-to-earth coastal town has maintained a great deal of integrity and local flavor despite being a popular tourist destination. The beach is gorgeous, there are plenty of rental homes for reasonable rates, and your family can walk along the streets without having to worry about traffic. There are several decent restaurants in town, but I prefer the little coffee shop (Brewin’ in the Wind) right next to the beach parking.
Your kids will love the tunnel cut right through the cliff - you’ll see it, and it’s well worth a stroll through to the other side where you’ll see some amazing sea stacks. If the tunnel is too scary, wait until low-tide, and the way should be clear to walk around the cliff alongside the water.
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Topics: Beach Towns, Beaches | No Comments »
Tamanawas Falls
By admin | November 18, 2007
What’s to Love: The hike to Tamanawas Falls is a relatively short (3.8 miles round trip) and easy hike, and the reward is a striking waterfall in a beautiful, amphitheater-like setting. There are several bridges to cross, and your kids will get a kick out of crossing them. As you get close to the falls, you’ll have to walk through a large rock/scree slide, which my son loved! This was one of the best parts of the hike for us. Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Hiking, Hood River, Waterfalls | No Comments »