Rainy Day Fun Portland

Munchkin Playland
18335 NW West Union Road,
Portland, Oregon
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Comments:
4/28/09 ~ Munchkin Playland is my most recent rainy day- awesome find. My two year old had a
blast playing with all of the fun toys (climbing and non)and getting his very own
kids cocoa. There's even a baby dinosaur that talks and moves! I enjoyed my coffee
while watching my toddler have so much fun. Christelle, Aloha Mom of 3

6/27/09 ~I absolutely love this place. My three year old had a blast for well over an hour.
Basically, they have a play area similar to the one at Washington Square Mall. There
is a 42 inch height limit (and it's enforced!) There are also other toys (kitchen
set, dinosaur, school bus, etc) that my daughter really liked.
Nicole, Hillsboro Mom of 2 kids (3 and 6 mos.)

Portland Audubon Winter Camps
5151 NW Cornell Rd
Portland, OR 97210
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Comments:
11/17/09 ~ Audubon has great nature camps for kids in grades 1-9! Camps run December 21-24 and
28-31. Kids can take field trips to learn about elk, wolves, raptors, and ducks.
Sarah, NW Portland

No School Art School
1639 NE Alberta St.
Portland, Oregon
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Comments:
While the kids are out of school, Art School is IN SESSION. Jennifer Wells Design,
DIY Lounge and a wide variety of local artist/teachers are teaming up to offer an
amazingly comprehensive art program for kids age 6-12! This camp operates as three
art workshops in one dynamic day. Children participate in unique art and music
projects, art history education, and cultural diversity, while gaining insight into
themselves and the world around them.
Portland Mom of 1 (age 9)

Critter Cabana Pet Store
516 E First Street, Newberg
8261 D SW Wilsonville Road, Wilsonville
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Comments:
~I have never been to the new store is Wilsonville but the Newberg store is amazing. It is the best pet store ever! My daughter and I go there at least twice a month and she loves to wander around and enjoy the animals. Great people and an awesome store. A must for kids!
Jessica, Newberg Mom of 1 (age 3)
~We love to go to Critter Cabana!!! They let you hold the animals as long as you ask first and are so nice (even to the non buying visitors). It is easy to spend an hour just playing with the pets. A very original pet shop, a must see!
Jessica, Mom of 1

Safari Sam's
Sherwood Plaza just off Hwy 99W and Tualatin/Sherwood Road.
Sherwood, OR
503-925-8000
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Comments:
~Great cheap afternoon of fun with the kids. Spend the afternoon playing in the jungle gym. Pay for the kids and the parents can play for free. A great way to wear them out and get in a fun workout for yourself!
ME, Newberg Mom of 1 (age 3)

CeramiCafe
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Comments:
Paint your own ceramics with no experience necessary and no age limit! They have fun clay imprints to capture those sweet little hands and feet of your kiddos in addition to other fun activities. Mama B, Wilsonville Mom of 2

5530 SE 72nd Ave
Portland, OR
503-823-3183
Birth - 5 years. .50 drop-in fee
(Call or check activities guide for date and times.)
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Comments:
~I have to say that while Mt Scott's indoor play time is the right price (only $1 per child) it isn't the most fun. The park is actually on their underground roller rink, there are a few windows along one edge but they're covered in bars, you have to take the toys from their storage area and bring them to the play area yourself, and there isn't any padding to cover the hardwood roller rink. It'd be nicer if they brought out the tumbling mats they use for their other kid activities and had the play time in the very well lit upstairs gym.
~Patricia, SE Portland Mom to 1 (age 2)

~ I love Mt. Scott indoor park! It's held on the roller rink , every morning 9:15-11:15. It's a buck a kid. They provide tons of trike, little tike toys, balls, and tumble mat to choose from. The rink has a wall encircling it, so it helps keep little one's contained. Great place to socialize with other parents and get involved in the community.
Kirstin, SE Portland Mom of 2 kids (ages 1 &3 )

Grandma Leeths Restaurant
10122 SW Park Way
Portland 97225
~Grandma Leeth's is amazing! It is a restaurant with adult and kid food that has an enclosed "performance area" where children 2-9 are completely engaged with art projects, games, story time etc. Your kids can eat their food within the performance area or with you at the table and there are large viewing windows so that you can see what the kids are doing from any pointin the restaurant. The food is not your typical deep-fried offering for but fresh & healthy alternatives for both adults and kids. There is a fee for the performance area but for me, it is reasonable and well worth it to be able to sit with my friends and talk and enjoy adult food while the kids are having a ball. My kids love Grandma Leeth's.
Mermon, Canby Mom of 2 (twins age 5)

~This is a perfect restaurant for moms with little kids. They have a see-through, supervised play area for kids. I and my friends were able to enjoy our food (delicious pasta) while kids were havings fun. I strongly recommend this restaurant to everyone.
MBK, Portland Mom of 8 yr old boy

Park Lanes Family Entertainment Center (Family Fun Ideas, Oregon)
6360 Southeast Alexander Street
Hillsboro, OR 97123
(503) 642-2161
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Comments:
~This is a great place... had my oldest birthday party here and the kids loved it..
also my homeschool group also meet here a couple times a month as they have
homeschool bowling day...also had a blast here with my church on Christian night
and half of the proceeds went back to my church.... there is a snack bar and an arcade too..
Korah, Hillsboro Mom of 6 (11mos - 13 yrs)

Oaks Skating Rink (Kids Skating)
East of the Sellwood Bridge, Portland OR
503-236-5722
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Comments:
~They have a great preschool skate time with a lesson and skating. Very kid-friendly. Mom of 3, Hillsboro

~My kids love this! It's Tuesdays and Wednesdays, October to June from 10-11:30am. It's a great chance to let the little ones try skating. They tighten up the skates if you ask. Moms can be in shoes or skates. Strollers welcome on rink floor. Short lesson on skating basics during session. Then, to top it all off, they give the kids cookies and milk at the end. Great activity for rainy days!        WLMom, West Linn Mom of 2 (8 and 5)

~We visited Oaks Park Amusement Park during their preschool morning where only the little kiddie rides and train were operating. It's a fun way to introduce young children to the rides when the park isn't so crowded with all-aged children. Certain summer mornings are designated for the preschool age group. The preschool time ends with storytime and milk & cookies.        Cindy, Beaverton Mom of 2 (1 & 3)

~We love the twice a month homeschoolers' mornings here! The first and third Mondays from 10am-12pm. There are a ton of kids! They can do in-line or traditional roller skating. The snack bar is closed and the video games turned off, so that is no pressure from the kids! The cost is $4 for each skater.        Suzanne, Tigard Mom of 3 (12, 8, 3)

~We are homeschoolers and they have arranged regular days for homeschoolers to come and skate w/friends and
other homeschoolers. We meet every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month from 10-12 noon. We have meet lots of wonderful families and it is a great way to get support w/homeschooling. Oaks Park is very accommodating, and friendly to everyone, homeschool times or other times.       Evonne

Newberg Indoor Park Children's Indoor Play, Portland
CS Lewis Gym / Friends Center
708 E 2nd St Newberg, Oregon
Comments:
~A safe indoor play haven where children make first friends and parents make lasting friendships. A very LARGE facility with LOTS of toys and the CHEAPEST membership fees ANYWHERE!!! Hula Chicken

Pump It Up - Beaverton Children's Indoor Play, Portland
9665 SW Allen Blvd.
Beaverton, OR
503-644-6488
Comments:
~Check the open playtime dates for kid under 5 years. $7 per child. Looks like tons of fun if your kids don't mind a mosh pit environment! :)

OMSI & OMSI Science Playground Children's Indoor Play, Portland
1945 SE Water Ave
Portland, OR 97214
503-797-4671
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Comments:
~The science playground at OMSI is fabulous for so many different reasons. One of my favorite things about taking my daughter there is the huge variety of activities she can entertain herself with. it seems that no matter whether we visit alone or with a favorite playmate, she always gets so much from it and comes home completely exhausted. Me too! I also like that she is exposed to new and different activities and toys than what we have at home and that she meets and interacts with so many new children close in age.      Emmacafe, Portland mom of 22 month old

~We've been going to OMSI since my oldest was 1 and she loves it. I love that the Science Playground is contained and she loves all the different activities. Of course, when we're done playing, we have to go pet the cockroaches, rats, and other animals at the Life Sciences area!              KC, Tanasbourne Mom of 2 (9mo and 2)

~There are too many great things about this place to list. Many hands on projects and busy town is a great place to get together for play dates. Bring your lunch and plan on spending at least an hour here. Go early before the school busses of kids arrive!    Nikki, SE Portland Mom of 1

~As a mom of a younger toddler I have to give OMSI huge praises for their younger children's area. There is a water play area, a sand play area, a wooden blocks area, a "marketplace", a separate snack area, a place to color and create, a "construction zone", and a blocked off area for those younger babes under 18 months old.
There are a few family restroom facilities, and a nursing room for those mothers that are still a little afraid to Nurse in public. Not to mention the great long standing exhibits, and the frequently updated visiting exhibits. for parents of any age, this is the place to be. the Cafe has a variety of vegetarian options as well as many non vegetarian foods.
and, as a "grown-up" I LOVE going there, even without the kids. OMSI is A#1 for us!     Tiffany

~I cannot say enough good things about OMSI. Their are many things for every age and a whole day just isn't enough time to explore it all. There are great hands-on activities in each of the labs. Our membership allows us to get free planetarium shows, which is well worth it. They have terrific laser matiness and great shows about stars, planets, and the entire universe.      Beaverton Mom of 2

ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum Children's Indoor Play, Portland
1500 E. Main St.
Ashland, OR
541.482.6767
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Comments:
~We visited the ScienceWorks Museum in Ashland when my daughter was 2 1/2. She loved it! Her favorite exhibit was the bubble room. She spent half of our time there making gigantic bubbles. She also enjoyed the toddler play area and art studio. I would definitely recommend this place when traveling to Ashland or through Ashland. Some exhibits are similar to CM2 in Portland, but I was very impressed with various number of different ones as well.
Cindy, Beaverton Mom of 1

Portland Children's Museum Children's Indoor Play, Portland
4015 SW Canyon Rd
Portland, OR 97221
(503) 223-6500
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Comments:
~A wonderful place to take preschoolers. Lots of fun - although the water fountains will get them soaked. School age children might find the exhibits a little elementary. Older children running amok can make the ambiance a little hectic if you have several toddlers and young ones.    Kym, Mom of 3

~This is a great excuse to get out and have fun with your kids. My two year old loves the water area and my baby loves to look on. There are puppet shows and other events as well!    Maryann, Beaverton Mom of 2 (2 and 1)

~Always lots to do here, hands-on exhibits. Especially fun for preschool kids.    Anonymous

~There are so many activities for the kids. It puts their imagination at work.    Jennie

Kennedy School Movie Theater - See What's Playing
5736 N.E. 33rd Ave.
Portland, OR 97211
1-888-249-3983
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Comments:
~You can take your kid(s) to the theater. It's not kids movies per se, its just movies that we can see and take out babies etc... Dawn, Beaverton mom of 1

Oregon Children's Theatre
600 SW 10th Ave Portland, OR 97205
503-228-9571
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Comments:
~The plays are wonderful - especially if you follow their age guidelines. A trip to their office is worthwhile when buying tickets. The staff maintains a seating chart so you can pick the seats you want without taking someone else's idea of "best available". If you have an Entertainment book remember to use the coupon - it makes for a great outing at a decent price. SarahC, Inner N. Portland Mom of 2 (ages 4 and newborn)

Tears of Joy Puppet Theatre
323 NE Wygant Portland, OR 97211
503-284-7540
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Comments:
~Tears of Joy does fabulous puppet theater! They do interesting stories and use all kinds of puppetry.
We have had season tickets for 3 years and our kids love every show and really enjoy the after-the-show Q&A
session. Beaverton Mom of 2

Gymboree Classes (See Website for locations in Oregon)
Fun music, art and activity classes. The first class is free - so it's easy to try
one just for fun!
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Comments:
~The Global Kids class (Bridgeport Way, Lake Oswego) is for 3-5 year olds and is completely unique from anything else I've seen for this age group. It exposes children to all the different cultures around the world, through music, storys, language, and more. For instance, when the class was "in Japan" they learned how to count from one to ten in Japanese. Gymbo Fan (Tigard Mom of 3 year old)

Rice NW Museum of Rock and Minerals
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Comments:
~We love to go to the rock museum. It is great for all ages! They have a world renowned collection of rocks, minerals, crystals and petrified wood. My boys learn something new every time we go, and love to go to the outside rock pile to take home their very own precious gem. They then spend the next month out in our backyard with a hammer trying to find something special! The tour guides are informative, patient and really challenge the kids!
Suzanne, Tigard Mom of 3 Boys (12, 8, 3)

Oaks Skating Rink
East of the Sellwood Bridge, Portland OR
503-236-5722
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Comments:
~They have a great preschool skate time with a lesson and skating. Very kid-friendly. Mom of 3, Hillsboro

~My kids love this! It's Tuesdays and Wednesdays, October to June from 10-11:30am. It's a great chance to let the little ones try skating. They tighten up the skates if you ask. Moms can be in shoes or skates. Strollers welcome on rink floor. Short lesson on skating basics during session. Then, to top it all off, they give the kids cookies and milk at the end. Great activity for rainy days!        WLMom, West Linn Mom of 2 (8 and 5)

~We visited Oaks Park Amusement Park during their preschool morning where only the little kiddie rides and train were operating. It's a fun way to introduce young children to the rides when the park isn't so crowded with all-aged children. Certain summer mornings are designated for the preschool age group. The preschool time ends with storytime and milk & cookies.        Cindy, Beaverton Mom of 2 (1 & 3)

~We love the twice a month homeschoolers' mornings here! The first and third Mondays from 10am-12pm. There are a ton of kids! They can do in-line or traditional roller skating. The snack bar is closed and the video games turned off, so that is no pressure from the kids! The cost is $4 for each skater.        Suzanne, Tigard Mom of 3 (12, 8, 3)

~We are homeschoolers and they have arranged regular days for homeschoolers to come and skate w/friends and
other homeschoolers. We meet every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month from 10-12 noon. We have meet lots of wonderful families and it is a great way to get support w/homeschooling. Oaks Park is very accommodating, and friendly to everyone, homeschool times or other times.       Evonne

Sternwheeler Cruises - Sight Seeing Cruises
Boarding at Marine Park in Cascade Locks, Oregon.
Interstate 84, Exit #44
(45 minutes east of Portland, or 20 minutes west of Hood River.)
Free parking.
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Comments:
~Kids 4 and under are free. A fun way to explore the Columbia Gorge and go on a relaxing cruise. Kids love to watch the water pass by and you'll enjoy hearing local history and legend. Captains provide narration on Lewis and Clark, the Oregon Trail, Bridge of the Gods, and riverboats. It's really more fun to go with a group of people and bring cards or a game - the cruise itself can seem rather long....   Kym, Mom of 3

Shanghai Tunnels - Portland's Underground
$12/adults, $7/children under twelve
Discover Portland's dark side with a tour of the secret underground tunnels. Learn Portland's involvement in the Shanghai slave trade. This is a unique outing for older children who enjoy oral history and "adventure".
Check the detailed website to schedule a reservation.
Comments:
~Spooky, but an interesting bit of Portland's history. Who knew Portland had such a sad "secret" and shady past -although many say this is all legend. A good outing for adults or older kids (over 8?). Out of town guests would enjoy this adventure, too. I definitely wouldn't take a preschooler or younger child.

Trillium Lake Sno-Park
Location: Approx. 5 miles past Government Camp on 26 - across from Snow Bunny sno-park
Kid-Friendly Amenities: Sledding, Tubing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing
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Comments:
This is a great little snow park. There are two decent size, small kid friendly snow hills for sledding - and we have always only come across kind people here. Along with the sledding, there is plenty of playroom and two great areas for stuffing small ones into your backpack carrier and heading off for a cross-country ski or snowshoe outing. The main, most popular route leads you around Trillium Lake, where, under good conditions you have beautiful views of Mt. Hood.         Emmacafe, Portland mom of 22 month old

World Forestry Center
4033 SW Canyon Rd.
Portland, Oregon 97221
503-228-1367
Comments:
~What amazing tree's! This is a great place to take a nine year old, we love it! I've taken kids around 12 and 15 who enjoyed it as well. I learned plenty! Nikki, SE Portland Mom of 1