16) Take a Hike! Pack up some snacks and water, slick on the sunscreen and head out for a glorious hike on one of the many trails around Portland! Younger kids might enjoy adventuring around Hoyt Arboretum, which has a variety of walks and trails, including a 1-mile paved path that is suitable for strollers. Tryon Creek State Natural Area has plenty of nature trails, and activity sheets that families can print online and take with them to enhance the experience. Kids will also love trying the scavenger hunt as they explore the flora and fauna of the Leach Botantical Garden. (Print the scavenger hunt from the Garden’s website, access it on your phone or pick up a laminated copy in the gift shop when you arrive.) For kids who can do more serious hiking, Latourell Falls has a 2.4 mile loop, gorgeous waterfall views and is often less crowded than Multnomah Falls. For fascinating city walks, pick up a copy of Laura O. Foster’s The Portland Stairs Book at Powell’s or the library, and do a self-guided tour of Portland’s most interesting urban hikes, including hidden staircases that you never even knew existed. 17) Make a Splash Grab your suits and take a dip for a Family Swim, Open Swim or Parent/Preschool Swim at one of the local pools through Portland Parks and Rec. Admission varies slightly by location, but is generally less than $6/ person, with kids 2 & under swimming for free. Swim times also vary with each location, so check each pool’s schedule through the Portland Parks and Recreation website for the most current information. Learn More: Perfect for the littlest legs! Preschoolers age 2-5 and their parents can explore parks around Portland with Ladybug Nature Walks. Environmental educators guide children and their grown-ups on exciting journeys to find bugs, plants, and other wonders of nature. Walks are $4/child, with no charge for adults. Locations vary, so check the website for the most current schedule. 19) Big Fun in a Little Bookstore There’s always something magical happening at Green Bean Books, the sweet bookstore nestled along Alberta. Although technically a store, one glance at the schedule shows plenty of free events and activities that families can join. Stop by for story times, the Middle Reader Book Club, craft times, author book signings, musical Span - ish story time and much more. Both kids and adults will love the fun surprises tucked all through the store, along with the outdoor space, which is perfect for sunny days. Learn More: https://www.portlandoregon. gov/parks/64625 portlandoregon.gov/parks/38284 18) Take a Ladybug Walk
FALL 2020 EDITION 9
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker