NW Kids Newsletter: October 22, 2009

<br /> NW Kids Newsletter

Family Fun in Portland

October 22, 2009

	From Our Friends at Columbia Gorge Model Railroad Club Chuga chuga choo-choo! If anyone in your family loves trains or if you're just looking for a fun, weekend activity, check out the Columbia Gorge Model Railroad Show. It's a 4200-sq.-ft. model-train fest - vintage trains, modern trains, steam engines and even some made from Legos! Visit from 10am-5pm every Friday or Saturday in November. Admission is $5 for grownups and $2 for kids ages 3-11. 2505 North Vancouver St., Portland. Need more rainy day activities? Here are our faves »
	"You Who" Variety Show for Kids this Weekend Miss the interview with Chris Funk of the Decembrists about You Who, his new monthly rock show, in the October issue of NW Kids? You can catch up here. Basically, it's a rock variety show for kids, but one that adults will totally enjoy too. The inaugural Halloween costume bash is this Saturday at 1pm at the Kennedy School. All of this is great news for parents and kids who love to rock, but what's even better is that we have some tickets to give away to one lucky family! Just leave a comment here about your kid's favorite song and we'll select a winner randomly from those comments! But hurry - we have to pick the winner today. Kids got the music bug? Get them enrolled in classes now »
	This Scary, Spooky Holiday Halloween might seem like it's all fun and games, but we know the scary truth. Behind all those pumpkins, adorable costumes and freaky getups lie sugar highs, rotten teeth, never-ending nightmares... and swarms of bees on your face (curious? Look here). But this year we might have some answers to help ease your All Hallows Eve fears. First up - the Halloween Fairy. She loves lending a helping hand to frightened parents concerned about candy overindulgence. She's sorta like the tooth fairy but she pays more. Then we have some area dentists who are doing a similar thing - Michelle Stafford of World of Smiles and the folks at Dewey Dental. Families CAN partake of Halloween without all the blood and guts. For a family flick that's in the spirit but without any scary nightmares, check out one from this list. Happy Halloween! Still looking for a costume? Look no further than our neighborhood! »
	10th Annual Great Pumpkin Event If you love Charlie Brown, you know all about the Great Pumpkin � but what about the Great Pumpkin event at the Portland Farmers Market? This October 31, head down to the PSU Farmers Market, on the South Park Blocks between SW Harrison & SW Montgomery, for lots of fun with a distinct pumpkin flavor. There will be a children's costume parade through the market, pumpkin-cooking demonstrations and a pumpkin carving contest. If you can't make it to the festival but are craving some fall flavors, here are some delicious pumpkin recipes to try at home. And remember, those pumpkin seeds are a treat that won't leave you feeling guilty. This article outlines all their health benefits! More Halloween and harvest time fun here »
	Holiday Card Design Contest Get the crayons, colored pencils or markers out and let the creativity flow. Munchkin Designs is hosting a "Kids Helping Kids Holiday Card Design Contest" and it needs submissions from your little ones! In addition to some cool prizes such as gift cards and fun stuff, the winner will also have his or her design sold online and at Me Too! Caf�. Half the profits will be donated to NW Children's Outreach � a very good cause that helps provide kids in need with necessities like diapers, formula, clothing and food. All the details are here and don't forget that your kidlet's design must be submitted by Oct. 31. Good luck! Can't get enough drawing and coloring? Here are some fun crafts »
	Clifford Is Coming! Paws down, Clifford is our favorite big red dog, nine feet tall to be exact and a big heart to match. We are so excited that he is setting up shop in the Portland Children's Museum tomorrow! Both Friday and Saturday will have opening celebration activities, from a ribbon cutting at 10am tomorrow, to meet and greets at 11am and 12pm and storytimes at 11am and 2pm and both days. Come join in the fun! If you can't make it this weekend though, don't worry, Clifford will be at the museum until Feb. 15th. Save money by checking out our Museum deals and discounts page »
	Get Ready for Holiday Photos The holidays are upon us and that means it's time to start thinking about our annual cards. You know the ones - the ones you always wait until the last minute to try to throw together, complete with great photos, nice haircuts and cute clothes? We're here to help! First the haircuts. Our friends over at Sit Still Salon are having some fall specials that you can read about on the salon's Facebook page. Then, check the NW Kids online Photographer guide to find a pro who can help your perfect family photo dream be realized. Next up, the cards. Here are some places that can help turn your photo into an amazing holiday card. The one pictured here is from Green Ink, but there are lots of others too! Want to take your own photos? Here is our online slideshow full of photo tips from the pros »
	Happening this weekend... There is so much to fun stuff to do around town this week! Movie Night, both Friday and Saturday at Cafe Sip-n-Play, 3000 SE 164th St., Vancouver. 5pm Baby's Bottom Dollar Sale, now through Sunday at the Tigard Maison Armory, 6700 SW Oak Street, Tigard. Halloween Fantasy Trail, all weekend at 19754 So Ridge Road, Oregon City Guided Nature Walks at Tryon Creek State Park on Saturday, 11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd., Portland. 10am-11:30am Storytime with Arts & Crafts at Grandma Leeth's Restaurant all day on Saturday, 10122 SW Park Way, Portland Tons more stuff is going on this weekend... check out our calendar! »
	About NW Kids NW Kids is the best place to find out what's great about being a parent in Portland. It's informative, fun, exciting, and the perfect resource for local moms and dads. And it now comes in three flavors: the print publication, which you can pick up almost anywhere around the area; the website, and the monthly newsletter. Pick up a copy, browse the website - be sure to check the calendar and events pages for fun ideas. We update it often, so check back. We hope you enjoy receiving this email. If you don't, please unsubscribe and we will cease contacting you. Local Family Fun »