Dig into these fun kid-friendly activities. | Photos by @digpdx
We’re not kiddin’ around. From major attractions like the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry to hidden gems like the Books with Pictures, there’s something in the City of Roses for children of all ages. You’ll have no trouble entertaining the youngsters with this list of 25 kid-friendly activities around Portland.
🤝 Sensory-friendly playgrounds
Harper’s Playgrounds, locations vary
The original location in Arbor Lodge Park sparked a movement to create universally accessible play areas in the greater Portland area. Amenities include adaptive swings, a climbing net, and a xylophone. Kids will remember the sand and water area where they can create dams, castles, and moats.
Luuwit View Park, Northeast 127th Avenue and Fremont Street
Accessible slides, nature paths, a merry-go-round, swings, and more await visitors of all ages and abilities. Kids will remember the futuristic-looking structures and giant, colorful sundial.
Meet resident polar bears Nora and Amelia Gray at the Oregon Zoo.
Photo by Cambrie Juarez, PDXtoday
🦁 Animal encounters
Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Rd. | 🎟️ Family memberships available
From Elephant Lands to Predators of the Serengeti, it’s easy to spend hours exploring the many habitats, watching unique creatures go about their day, and learning about conservation. Kids will remember seeing polar bears swimming below the surface and naked mole rats tunneling through the ground.
Portland Goat Parties, 19457 SW McCormick Hill Rd., Hillsboro
Three words: baby goat therapy. Schedule a visit at the 18-acre goat paradise, or book a party and bring the fun to you. Kids (the human kind) will remember getting up close and personal with the animals.
PlayDate PDX is a popular spot for birthday parties.
Photo by Cambrie Juarez, PDXtoday
🎳 Indoor adventures
PlayDate PDX, 1434 NW 17th Ave.
Kids up to 12 years old will enjoy hours of fun in this 7,500-sqft play space, while parents can enjoy free Wi-Fi and a cafe serving food and drinks (even beer). Kids will remember the interactive dance floors and ball cannon.
Lloyd Center Ice Rink, 953 Lloyd Center
With a little practice (and a lesson or two), families will be whirling around the ice together. Kids will remember gliding on their own two feet like never before.
Boozy Book Fair | Monday, Feb. 6 | 5-7 p.m. | Migration Brewing Company, 2828 NE Glisan St., Portland | Free | Indulge in the nostalgia of a school book fair — only this time, it’s for grown-ups and includes beer.
Tuesday, Feb. 7
“This Woman, This Warrior": Comics and Women’s Liberation | Tuesday, Feb. 7 | 7-9 p.m. | Empirical Theater at OMSI, 1945 SE Water Ave., Portland | $5 | This OMSI Science Pub event will explore the evolution of a comic launched in 1977, starring a female superhero, as a response to second-wave feminism in mainstream media.
Wednesday, Feb. 8
BIPOC Affinity Night for “Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson - Apt. 2B” | Wednesday, Feb. 8 | 7:30 p.m. | Portland Center Stage, 128 NW 11th Ave., Portland | $25+ | This performance of Kate Hamill’s theatrical spin on the detective duo is a “mindful curation of an environment meant to center the experience of people who identify as part of the BIPOC community.”
Thursday, Feb. 9
Cascade Festival of African Films | Thursday, Feb. 9-Saturday, March 4 | Online + various in-person locations | Free, donations encouraged | Four films — created by directors hailing from nations across Africa — give viewers a glimpse into African cultures. Thursday night’s screening features “We, Students!”
Friday, Feb. 10
Portland Night Market | Friday, Feb. 10-Saturday, Feb. 11 | 4-11 p.m. | 100 SE Alder St., Portland | Free | Find special gifts, home goods, food, clothing, jewelry, and more created by 175+ local vendors at this themed market with music and drinks.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
If you’re one of the whopping 110 million Americans over age 50 — or a wise Millennial looking to get ahead — SmartAsset’s no-cost tool makes it easy to find vetted financial advisors serving our local area.
A three-day labor strike involving hundreds of city workers ended over the weekend. Portland City Laborers and the city of Portland announced that they reached a new bargaining agreement — which reportedly includescost-of-living adjustments, improvements to working conditions, and equity matters — capping nearly 10 months of negotiations. (KOIN)
State
You may be in for a windfall. This month, the Oregon State Treasury will sendover $3 million in unclaimed funds (think: uncashed checks, forgotten bank accounts, and tax refunds) from 2018 to 2020. People normally need to file claims for their money, but the treasury is sending checks directly throughout 2023. 💸 (KOIN)
Coming Soon
Akkapong Earl Ninsom, the culinary mastermind behind Langbaan, Hat Yai, Eem, and Phuket Cafe, will open a new restaurant inspired by his late-night dining in Bangkok’s Chinatown. Yaowarat is slated to open sometime this summer. Though nothing is finalized, guests may find dishes like cuttlefish curry and sweet basil clams. 🍽️ (Eater Portland)
Edu
Washougal School District’s first-ever student-run food truckopened last week. Students in Career & Technical Education programs at Washougal High School helped plan the truck, called Shoug Shack. It offers students the chance to build professional, real-world skills by serving lunches at local schools and future community events. 🍲
Plan Ahead
The clock is ticking down to Valentine’s Day — but maybe you work best under pressure. MindTrix Escape Room Games at Clackamas Town Center in Happy Valley is offering 14% off for groups of four or more friends, Monday, Feb. 13-Thursday, Feb. 16. Use code LOVEGAMES when booking. ⏳
Shop
From chocolates to candles and cards, we’ve got you covered with all things loveable in our online shop, Six & Main. Explore our Valentine’s Day Gift Guide to start shopping for sweet presents such as this bonbon gift box by Marble & Steel Craft Chocolates. 🍫
Travel
Dreaming of a tropical summer vacation? Us too. We’re eyeing this romantic villa with pristine views in Costa Rica and this charming beachfront cottage in St. Kitts. Or maybe we’ll splurge on a trip to Tahiti and stay in this beach house with a private pool. 🏝️ *
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ASKED
The heart of the matter 💚
Share your Portland love story for Valentine’s Day
We’re looking for love in all the right places. | Graphic by PDXtoday
Have you found love in Portland? We’d love to hear about it.
This Valentine’s Day, we’re making a map of places where our readers have made memories around the City of Roses. We want to hear about every kind of relationship. Tell us about your meet-cute stories, getting advice from a parent, learning to love yourself... we love love in all its forms. (But do keep it PG, please.)
Fill out this form by Thursday, Feb. 9 for a chance to be featured in our interactive map. We can’t wait to hear your stories.
We’ll go first. If you’ve been looking for a casual place to get to know someone, City Editor Cambrie says the Oregon Zoo has a special place in her heart because it’s where she and her now-husband had their first date. Toucan really bond over the special critters — and walking around helps eliminate any hawkwardness. Welcome to the jungle.
Editor’s pick: I snapped the above photo on my first date with my future husband, way back in January 2014. Even the weather was rooting for us that day.
Missed Friday’s newsletter? 2023 is full of reasons to look up at the night sky.
Connect with us.
Editorial:Cambrie Juarez, Ben McBee, Britt Thorson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.
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