Anytime Outings: Drop in and Hang out at these fun Portland Places
Have a free afternoon with the kids and want to get out of the house? Here is a list of fun things to do in Portland that don't require too much planning - just show up and have fun!
Art in the Pearl
At the 12th Annual Labor Day Art in the Pearl, families can enjoy visual arts, musical arts, theater arts and even culinary arts. This event attracts great participation from local galleries and artists, with more than 100 artists showing and selling their work. Kids can also get in on the fun by making their own art in the kids arts and crafts area.
The fun takes place in the North Park Blocks in the Pearl District on NW 8th Ave between W Burnside and NW Glisan St. Saturday and Sunday from 10am-6pm and Monday from 10am-5pm.
Community Corn Roast & Zucchini Derby
Nothing beats all the great fresh produce of the summer months. Before we say goodbye to the last freshly grown ear of corn or spear of zucchini, the Portland Farmers Market is hosting an end-of-summer harvest celebration at both the Ecotrust Market, (NW 10th Ave. between Irving St. and Johnson St., Aug 21st) and the Eastbank Market (SE 20th Ave. and Salmon St., Aug 28th). » Read more
Festa Italiana
Even if your family doesn't have an ounce of Italian in them, they are bound to love the fun to be had at Festa Italiana. The week-long events range from the Opera in the Piazza (this Thursday, Aug 21st at 7pm) to three full days of Italian festivities this Fri-Sun.
Kiddos will love the marionette shows, face painting, live music, dancing and grape stomping; adults will love all of the above plus the many Italian wines to be tasted. There is no charge for admission but donations are appreciated. Pioneer Courthouse Square, Thur 5-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 11am-7:30pm. » Read more
Celebrating Crawfish for 58 Years
Summertime and festivals go hand in hand. It seems like everyone uses this time of year to show off their unique specialty. And, on August 8th and 9th, for Tualatin, that means crawfish. Is Tualatin the Crawfish Capitol? Rumor has it this designation goes way back into its slightly checkered past that includes, believe it or not, a voodoo curse. However, there's no need to worry, these days, the Tualatin Crawfish Festival, now in its 58th year, is nothing but good times. » Read more
A Sandbox in Portland's Living Room?
Why fight traffic getting to the coast when the beach can come to us? With more than 450 pounds of sand, Pioneer Courthouse Square is transformed each summer into a sand castle/sculpture mecca.
Visit Yoshida's Sand in the City on July 18th-20th and you'll be amazed at the talent of the artists as tons of great sculptures emerge. The sculpting takes place on Friday from 10am-4pm (let's just pray for no rain). Suggested donation: $3 or $10/family. Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 SW 6th Ave. Portland.
It's Nearly the Fourth of July; Start For Fireworks Displays!
Not sure where to take your family this year to celebrate our country's 232nd birthday? Check out our list of fireworks displays around the Portland Metro area and take your pick.
•Waterfront Park, Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival – It just doesn't get much better than watching gorgeous displays of exploding colors reflecting over the water with the cityscape as a backdrop. The show starts at 10pm.
•Oaks Park, Pepsi Fireworks Spectacular – The perfect end to a day of play. Fireworks start at 9:55pm and the park stays open until midnight for late night fun. 7805 SE Oaks Park Way.
Berry Fun
In a world of Twinkies, Skittles and double-fudge cake, sometimes it's nice to know that not all yummy desserts have to be over-processed, bad-for-you junk. Sometimes the simplest things in life, like good old-fashioned berries, make the tastiest treats for the whole family. » Read more
Cool Off!
It's been hot, hot and hotter lately. So what's the best remedy for little and big bodies alike who are overheating? Better than snow cones, better than ice tea and, dare we say it, even better than A/C - taking a dip in some cool water!
There are some great places around the region: swimming pools, fountains, river and lakes. Of course, in this record-breaking heat wave, these hot spots (or should we say cool spots) will probably be fairly well-populated with other families seeking the same relief from the heat, but we still think they are still the best places around. » Read more
