ML Interest Tag: street-fair

10 Things You HAVE to Do in July

by Suzie Ridgway

Aside from all of the fireworks and rodeos taking place around Independence Day, July offers a myriad of unique, active and cultural adventures your family can totally get into. There’s a kids’ mud run, the Scottish Highland Games, Cathedral Park Jazz Festival and a boat float adventure down the Willamette, for starters. Read on to find out about the memorable experiences you could be spending this month with your posse in Portland.

photo: Subaru Kid’s Obstacle Challenge

1. Stock Up on Laundry Soap for the Subaru Obstacle Course Challenge
The Subaru Kids Obstacle Course Challenge will have kids (and adults) running through tires, swinging on ropes over mud puddles, crawling through mud and more on the 3/4 mile track with 10 obstacles designed by Eight 18 Productions and the Army National Guard. Sat., July 11, $40/child (parents free), Ages 5-16. Event details.

2. Dunk It at the Mississippi Avenue Street Fair
A parade, 40 live music acts, 200 vendors and a dunk tank (!) make this one of the best-attended street fairs in Portland. Sat., July 11, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Free, All Ages. Event details.

3. Come Sail Away at the Wooden Boat Festival
This fifth annual family boat building competition and demonstration will let you watch teams launch finished projects, then build your own toy sailboat, take sailboat rides, check out live music and see a classic wooden boat show. Sun., July 12, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Free, All Ages. Event details.

photo: Pixabay via creative commons

4. Fiddle Around at the Portland Highland Games
Enjoy boatloads of Scottish Highland-influenced music, dancing, sheepdog demos and a variety of unbelievable competitions. In addition to the fiddle, harp, bagpipe and drumming contests, there will be the traditional heavy athletics, including the one-mile kilted race, swinging the Scottish Hammer, the Caber Toss (throwing a Spruce log) and the Portland Stone throw, which involves heaving a 96-lb. stone harvested from the Sandy River farther than your kilted buddy. Fri. noon-10 p.m.;  Sat. 8 a.m.-8:30 p.m., July 17-18, $8-$17/person or $45/family, All Ages. Event details.

5. Sherwood Robin Hood Festival Hits the Mark
How cool is an entire weekend festival based around the original Robin Hood? There’s a parade, archery contests, castle building competitions, a knighting ceremony and tons more to do at this weekend-long festival. Fri.-Sun., July 17-19, Free, All Ages. Event details.

photo: firstoptiononline.com via creative commons

6. Cut the Rug at the Cathedral Park Jazz Festival
Sit on the hilly bank of the Willamette River, under the majestic St. Johns Bridge while jazz fills the air and the kids run around and dance. Plenty of food and drink vendors will be on hand, so you won’t need to bring anything but a blanket or chairs. Note: finding a parking spot near the venue can be challenging, depending on the time of day you go, and the hills in and around the park are steep for little feet. Fri.-Sun., July 17-19, Free, All Ages. Event details.

7. Get Cultured at Beaverton’s Party in the Park
Beaverton’s largest community event of the year includes favorite events like the Classic at T-Hills car show, the Family Triathlon and the fourth annual Beaverton International Celebration with culturally diverse music and dance performances and food, giant inflatable play structures, climbing walls, arts and crafts, face painting and more. Sat., July 25, Free, All Ages. Event details.

8. Tube Time: It’s The Big Float V
Grab your raft, canoe, inner tube or kayak and head down with your family to the Willamette River (yes, the Willamette!) for The Big Float V. This annual event encourages people to “get into the river” as a way to help keep it clean and treasure it as recreational resource.  Gather at Tom McCall Waterfront Park’s Bowl, then march south down the river parade-style to the put-in point beneath the Marquam Bridge. Floaters will paddle down the river to the beach party, back at Tom McCall Bowl, where a music barge with 2 live bands, food carts, booths and a kids’ area await.  Registration is required. Sun., July 26, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., $5-$10/person, All Ages. Event details.

photo: Portland Bureau of Transportation

9. Roll and Bounce at Sunday Parkways – Northeast
It’s the northeast quadrant’s turn to close off 8 miles of streets from cars and open them only to non-motorized bikes, strollers, feet and skates.  Check out the Northeast Neighborhood Greenways and take a pit stop for bouncy houses, food and activities at Alberta, Fernhill and Woodlawn parks along the route. Sun., July 26, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Free, All Ages. Event details.

10. Eat Elephant Ears at Washington County Fair
National performers, livestock on display, dog frisbee events, thrill rides and so much more await at this huge county fair. July 30-Aug. 1, 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Free admission; $7 parking, All Ages. Event details.

What’s your favorite July activity?  Let us know in the Comments section below.

—Suzie Ridgway

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Dance & Stroll at the Mississippi Street Fair

by Maura O'Brien

On any given weekend, we need few excuses to visit the unique collection of restaurants, brew pubs and retail shops that line the sidewalks of N Mississippi Avenue. But on Saturday, July 11, this family-friendly neighborhood will play host to the Mississippi Street Fair, Portland’s largest street fair and one of the city’s most beloved annual community gatherings. Read on to find out why you have to go.

photo: Deanna N. via Yelp

Music and Activities
With tens of thousands of people expected to attend this year’s fair, organizers have lined up more than 40 bands to perform on six stages (keep track of the full schedule here). Families in particular should be sure to stop by Mississippi Pizza—not only for the tasty pies, but to catch a musical performance on its sponsored Kids Stage.

Children will find other fun activities among the 200 vendors expected at the fair, as the New Seasons Kids Zone will set up shop at N Mississippi Avenue & N Beech Street. And they’ll also be overjoyed to find a dunk tank at N Failing Street from 1-5:30 p.m.—providing both a cool antidote to the summer heat and a perfect way for kids to seek revenge on their unsuspecting parents.

Food and Drink
Because N Mississippi Avenue is home to so many restaurants, food carts and beer purveyors, it’s no surprise that these local favorites will play a starring role at the street fair. Meat lovers shouldn’t miss the Grandfather’s Rib-Off Competition, which will be judged at 3 p.m., while kids will appreciate a stop at Ruby Jewel for one of their famous hand-crafted ice cream sandwiches, like their drool-worthy lemon cookie honey lavender ice cream concoction. Parents can keep an eye out for the beer and wine gardens. They’ll be open from noon-8:30 p.m.

photo: Hilary B. via Yelp

Getting There
To make the most of your family experience at the Mississippi Street Fair, keep a few things in mind. Street closures can make parking a bit difficult, so consider making the journey by bike, bus or MAX. For complete information on street closures, detours, public transportation and parking, click here.

Volunteer
The proceeds of the Mississippi Street Fair will benefit the Boise-Eliot School and Self Enhancement Inc., but that’s not the only way you can help the community. Interested in volunteering at the street fair? Find details here, and get a free t-shirt, snacks and a beer token for your efforts.

Mississippi Street Fair
Sat., July 11, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Admission: Free
N Mississippi Ave. between N Fremont & N Skidmore
Online: mississippiave.com/streetfair

What’s your favorite neighborhood street fair? Let us know in the comments below!

— Maura O’Brien

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Hip To Be There: An Evening Emporium with Food & Fun

by rtrachelaydt

You might not think that a hipster carnival for foodies, vintage lovers, live music enthusiasts, and yes, craft beer aficionados in Williamsburg would be a primo spot to hang with your children. And for the most part, you’d probably be right. However, the Brooklyn Night Bazaar, if done right, can actually be a really good time for the whole family — especially if you are OK with staying out past bedtime. Here’s what you’ll find there, as well our tips for getting the most out of this unique evening outing with little ones in tow.

Brooklyn Bazaar photo: via Brooklyn Bazaar on Yelp

The Basics

Held in an industrial area in North Williamsburg every Friday and Saturday night, the Brooklyn Night Bazaar is a festive and sprawling emporium of food and trendy goods, fun games — both old school and electronic — and live music.

Got kids who like to be stimulated? There’s a lot for the senses here: indie merchandise for sale (jewelry, sunglasses, vintage goods), arcade games, and lots of food options to consider.

Food vendor photo via Brooklyn Night Bazaar Facebook page

The Food

A little bit like Smorgasburg at night, Brooklyn Night Bazaar gathers together quality foodie-friendly vendors to serve up small batch goodness. Offerings from the rotating crop of businesses include sliders from Bolivian Llama Party, tacos from Oaxaca’s, deep dish pizza from Sunday Gravy and barbecue from Crafty ‘Cue. Sweet stuff in all forms abounds as well, from crazy flavored cotton candy (pineapple, chocolate, sour cherry) from Brooklyn Floss, to ice cream from Ample Hills Creamery and Ice & Vice (buttered popcorn-flavored ice cream, anyone?) to pastry from BooQoo Beignets.

Vendor photo: via Brooklyn Night Bazaar Facebook page

The Goods

The vendors who sell their wares at Brooklyn Night Bazaar are heavy on the jewelry and light on other sartorial goods (there are one or two booths with vintage t-shirts and dresses). Other street fair style booths include sunglasses, handmade soaps, artisan-made cutting boards, and more. (Note: if you’ve been wanting to jump on the itty bitty geometric jewelry trend, this is ground zero.)

Skeeball photo: via Brooklyn Night Bazaar on Facebook

The Games

An old school arcade offers SkeeBall, one of those maddening grab-a-toy-with-a-claw games, Asteroids, Street Fighter, and some (admittedly, kind of violent) zombie and Terminator games. Older ones will delight in air hockey or table tennis.

There’s also Black Light Mini-Golf to be played. The first (glow in the dark) hole features a life-sized cardboard cutout of Fabio… need we say more? Some of the cultural references will be lost on wee ones, but they do make it more fun for the grown ups.

Pin-pong photo: via Brooklyn Night Bazaar Facebook page

How to Do Brooklyn Night Bazaar With Kids

Rule number one: Get there early. The festivities carry on until 1 a.m., but doors open at 7 p.m. The live music starts at 9 p.m., which means there’s a lot more breathing room and shorter lines for food, drink (and everything else ) from 7 to 9 p.m. (Note: no live music doesn’t mean no music — so expect some booming tunes even at 7 p.m.) Around 9 p.m., the vibe is starts to transition from family-friendly to happening neighborhood date night.

How Much Is It to Hang with the Hipsters? 

Entering the Bazaar is actually free! Of course, once you cross the threshold there are plenty of ways to separate you from your money. Table tennis and Mini Golf run $5 per person, per hour, and the video games range from .50 cents to $1.00. (Still — a bargain compared to going to the movies.)

Because you’re probably at an age when you’re willing to pay for convenience, consider the two advance ticket options, which allow you to skip any line at the door and offer some extras. The Superpass is good for two drink passes and entry for two to black light mini-golf or table tennis; a TastePass good for a sampling of treats from five food vendors and one drink.

Brooklyn Night Bazaar
Saturdays and Sundays, 7 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Tickets: free
165 Banker St.
North Williamsburg
Online: http://bkbazaar.com

Have you been to the Brooklyn Night Bazaar? What did you think? Tell us in the comments below!

— Rachel Aydt

 

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Last Blasts: 10 Summery Things To Do Before School Starts

by liz overson

The last month of summer has officially arrived, but that doesn’t mean all of the fun is behind us. And, because some kids may have hit the mid-summer slumps, that gives us even more reason to spring into action. Sandy toes, saggy paper wrist bands, happy photos and ear-to-ear grins await. Welcome to August in Portland. This is how we do it.

photo credit: Liz Overson

1. Go for a Ride
Perhaps you crave an alpine slide, zip line and/or giant hamster ball adventure like at Mt Hood Skibowl Adventure Park? Or maybe you envision a soaking wet, happiest-20-minutes-ever log ride, followed by an icy Jetson-esque roller coaster thrill at Enchanted Forest? Or, by all means, would you rather rock a close-to-home spin on the 2nd oldest and still running carousel in the US at Oaks Park? Whatever your thrill ride poison, all of these are available within in hour of Portland.

Mt Hood Skibowl Adventure
88335 E Government Camp Loop Rd.
Government Camp, Or
503-715-2175

Online: skibowl.com

Enchanted Forest
 8462 Enchanted Way SE
Turner, Or
503-363-3060
Online: enchantedForest.com

Oaks Park
7805 SE Oaks Park Way
Portland, Or
503-233-5777
Online: oakspark.com

2. Get Wet
With options from lakes to rivers to our favorite public pool –  there is no time like the present to cool off and float around. And nothing wipes the kiddos out like swimming! However, Blue Lake and Vancouver Lake have both had bacterial issues this summer so be sure to check the web or call ranger stations before heading to our local lakes. Meanwhile, our rivers are bringing it (some with hefty undertow) and Wilson Pool is outdoors and has open swim every afternoon of the week.

Wilson Pool
1151 SW Vermont St.
Portland, Or
503-823-3680
Online: portlandoregon.gov/parks

photo credit: Liz Overson

3. Root for the Home Team
The Timbers and Thorns soccer teams and the Hops and Volcanoes minor league baseball teams all want you! Open air seating, enthusiastic crowds, unbridled talent and in some cases divinely family-friendly priced tix await. And they serve beer. Once autumn rolls in, they’re done, unless, of course, they’re in the playoffs.

Timbers & Thorns
Providence Park
1844 SW Morrison St.
Portland, Or
503-553-5400
Online: providenceparkpdx.com

Hillsboro Hops
Ron Tonkin Field
4460 NW 229th Ave.
Hillsboro, Or
503-640-0887
Online: milb.com

The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes
6700 Field Of Dreams Way
Keizer, Or
503-390-2225
Online: milb.com

4. Hit a Street Fair
Maybe you made it to Mississippi Street Fair, maybe you didn’t. Fear not. There are heaps more street fests all month long in August, ready to delight and entertain the minis and their grown ups. Alberta Street and Hawthorne Street fairs are two of the bigger ones, and they’re both in August. Lucky us.

photo credit: Liz Overson

5. Sing with the Band
There’s a free, outdoor concert pretty much every evening this month. Pack a picnic and have a blast. If you prefer a more traditional concert venue than your local park, the Oregon Zoo and Edgefield are barely halfway through their summer shows. Pack only low chairs and blankets if you don’t have an assigned seat, bring only unopened bottled water and don’t forget the earphones for the minis.

The Oregon Zoo
4001 SW Canyon Rd.
Portland, Or
503-226-1561
Online: oregonzoo.org

McMenamins Edgefield
2126 SW Halsey St.
Troutdale, Or
503-669-8610
Online: edgefieldconcerts.com

6. Take in a Flick
Flicks on the Bricks, Movies in the Park and Dive in Movies are surrounding us with fantastic film choices all month long. For the Dive-In variety, the pools are warmed to keep floaters toasty warm. For Flicks on the Bricks, bring your chairs and blankets. Lastly, if you are aching for a throwback, non-floating movie experience for your reel-lovin’ next gen,  head to Newberg’s real deal drive-in. Aw yeah.

99W Drive-In
3110 Portland Rd.
Newberg, Or
Online: 99w.com

photo credit:Liz Overson

7. Hit the Beach
Even if the ocean is tooooo c-c-c-cold to truly bask in, the beaches here do not disappoint. Keep an eye on the weather for our western shore. There’s always an August gem of a day to go and play. We heart us some Pacific City fun, Seaside silliness, Astoria magic,  and of course – Cannon Beach merriment.

8. Count Some Stars
From Cape Lookout to Lost Lake and hundreds of others between and beyond, there are numerous, amazing family camping options all over Oregon. Cabins, yurts, and good ole platforms beckon your family for lifelong memories. Grab your outdoor champions and enjoy some nature. Bonus points if you see the Milky Way.

Cape Lookout
13000 Whiskey Creek Rd.
Tillamook, Or
503-842-4981
Online: oregonstateparks.gov

Lost Lake Resort & Campground
9000 Lost Lake Rd.
Lost Lake, Or
Online: lostlakeresort.org

photo credit: Liz Overson

9. Embrace Our Best: Farms and Fish
There is no time like the present to berry pick, cherry pick and lavender snip. Our local farms are dynamite and always worth the undertaking. From Sauvie Island to Oregon City to Hood River, it’s on at these local treasures. Or, if you’re feeling more like a hunter than gatherer,  grab your bait and tackle and hit a stocked pond, river or stream. In late August, salmon are running and waters are high. And even if you prefer not to catch them, you can admire their exhausting journey upstream at Bonneville Dam. Educational trip, anyone?

Bonneville Dam
40 miles East of Portland
near Cascade Locks
Exit 40 off of I-84 East
Online: nwp.usace.army.mil

10. Explore a New Corner of Town
Whether it’s a shady playground on the other side of town, a day trip to Lake Oswego, bike riding in an unknown park, or creating a groovy exploit on the Washington side of the Gorge, summer is for new adventures. Pile in the kids and on the sunscreen and away you go!

How will you and your kiddos round out the dog days of summer? Tell us in the Comments section below! 

– Liz Overson

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18 Reasons to Plan a Daycation at Alki

by Allison Sutcliffe

You’ve heard of a staycation. But how about a daycation? One precious day where families wave bye-bye to those time-consuming obligations and say hello to family time. Read on for all the reasons you’ll need to plan a family daycation at Seattle’s favorite beach spot—Alki. Your sandy oasis awaits!

1. Because you never turn down a street party. Kickstart the summer beach season with a street party and family-friendly 5K race, May 18 on Alki. Start your day running in the West Seattle 5K Run/Walk to benefit West Seattle High School. The scenic course runs along the beach where seal and ferry sightings are almost a sure thing. Then stay to party with SDOT when they shut down the streets and let the people take over (well… sort of). Plan on a costume bike parade (starting at 1 p.m.), DJ sets, a fire truck just waiting to be explored, plus lots of time with neighbors and friends. Party on!

2. Because kites are more fun with a view. Those breezy days at the end of spring and early summer provide just enough wind for some carefree kite flying on Alki. Pack up the kiddos and a tricked-out stunt kite or basic diamond flyer and then lift off!

3. Because summers were made for BBQ. And Alki is the perfect backdrop for grilling up hot dogs and s’mores in their open air fire pits run through Seattle Parks and Recreation. These bad boys are first come, first serve and fill up fast on summer weekends. So pack up some firewood and grill-ready noshables, then arrive early to reserve your space. Bring on summer!

4. Because there’s even a museum. The Log House Museum provides a nice detour when your lil’ beach bums have reached their daily sun and sand quota. Just a block off the beach, the museum houses West Seattle artifacts and can be toured formally or informally. A small donation ($3/adult and $1/child) is suggested for admission. Learning and playing? Sounds like a plan!

5. Because there’s no tide like low tide. And Alki low tides are some of the most dynamic in town. Wear rain boots and carry a bucket to collect and examine up close all the cool things you’ll find (think crabs, sea anemones and kelp times ten). Or hunt with local volunteers through the Seattle Aquarium’s Beach Naturalist Program. This free, family-friendly program is a great place to learn about the Sound and its inhabitants. The Alki group usually meets at 63rd Ave. S.W. along Beach Dr., and the naturalists wear red caps, so they’re easy to spot.

6. Because who can resist a treasure hunt? If there’s one thing you can count on when it comes to kids and sand, it’s their passion for digging. And dig they will when the sensors go off on your metal detector. Bring one and some shovels down to the beach this summer to see what precious metals you can unearth. It’s all treasure to the kidlets!

7. Because pirates are awesome. Grab an eye patch and pirate bandana (weathered hook optional), then head over to Alki for the annual landing of the pirates. A beloved part of the city’s Seafair celebration, this is one cool experience for mateys big and small. Part street fair, part family beach time, this year’s pirate bonanza is scheduled for the morning of July 28. Start practicing your pirate talk now for this one!

8. Because there’s a secret park to explore. Just south of Salty’s, families will find Jack Block Park, and we’re guessing it’s one park you haven’t explored yet. With walking trails, a children’s play area, and a totally cool observation tower, Jack Block’s definitely worth checking out. It puts a whole new perspective on the harbor!

9. Because summers were made for ice cream. And Pepperdock’s has the best on the beach. They serve up Cascade Glacier ice cream scoops as big as your head to hungry beach goers every day. Expect a line on sunny days, but remember it’s worth the wait!

10. Because the Alki Bath House isn’t the Roman kind. If you’ve ever been to Alki, you’ve probably seen the Alki Bath House. Just east of the Statue of Liberty, this building can be rented for events, and plays host to camps and classes run through the Alki Community Center during the summer. Check the schedule and see what piques your interest.

11. Because family bike rides rule! If you can ride it, you can bring it to Alki this summer. Bike, board, skate, stroll, run, walk or jog along Alki with the family. No streets to cross and a trail that goes on for miles (it continues all the way to Lincoln Park along the shore!), it’s as family-friendly as it gets. Plus, on a sunny day, you can’t find a better view anywhere in the city!

12. Because sometimes kids get hungry. When the kiddos work up an appetite from all that digging and rock throwing down on the beach, there are plenty of family-friendly spots happy to help out. Check out Pegasus Pizza and Pasta or Cactus for sit-down dining and delish food. Or grab a slice and a Coke at Slices on Alki. We love their casual outdoor seating. Early mornings call for homemade breakfast fare at the Alki Café . And Spuds is a definite go-to if all that water’s got you thinking about fish ‘n’ chips. 

13. Because there’s even a playground. When the novelty of the beach has worn off, and the kiddos need a change of scenery, head over to Whale Tail Park. This nautically-themed playground comes complete with swings, slides and a boat, from which the kiddos can spot their white whale (or in this case his metallic tail). Land ho!

14. Because you’ve always wondered what a surrey was. Cruise with the fam along the beach this summer with a surrey rental from Wheel Fun Rentals. You can rent them by the hour, and they easily fit a family of five, plus a small furry friend (bring ‘em if you’ve got ‘em) in the basket. You’ll bring a whole new meaning to cruising the strip!

15. Because art is always better beachside. This year’s Alki Art Fair is scheduled for July 19-20, and it’s just one more reason for families to make an Alki date this summer. With art booths, musicians and a slew of children’s art activities, it promises an artfully inspired seaside experience.

16. Because you might spot a whale. There’s life beyond the Statue of Liberty on Alki. It’s hard to believe, but it’s true. And if you head over to Constellation Park you might just spot orcas travelling between Vashon Island and West Seattle. Check out The Whale Trail for the low down on these chance sightings.

17. Because lighthouses were made to explore. The iconic Alki Point Lighthouse is open for tours during the summer months. Usually from 1-4 p.m., with the last tour starting around 3:45 p.m. This is beach history at its best!

18. Because beach time rocks! When you’ve crossed off everything else on this list, don’t forget about simple beach time with the fam. You can sun while the kiddos dig and dig and dig some more. Beach towels, snacks and every sand toy you own are all you need for this one. Three cheers for sunny Seattle days!

What’s your favorite family activity on Alki? Share it with us in a comment below.

–Allison Sutcliffe

Photos thanks to: Heather Whelan, Sally Heit, Alki Art Fair’s Facebook page, Seattle Aquarium, West Seattle 5k’s Facebook page, Seafair’s Facebook page & Allison Sutcliffe

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Eclectic Family Fun in Portland's Hawthorne District

by writerredtri

The Hawthorne District begins at the Hawthorne Bridge and runs all the way up to Mount Tabor—some 60 blocks. (Most of the action is concentrated between 30th and 42nd.) It’s a jumping off point to several other neighborhoods, like Buckman, Ladd’s Addition and Richmond. But it has a character all on its own. Many people think of Hawthorne as a modern-day Haight Street. It’s definitely a laid-back place with a bohemian vibe—and a street that your family can have fun exploring again and again.

When to go: There’s not a bad time to visit, and there’s always something cool happening including the Hawthorne Street Fair on August 26, 2012 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Scavenger hunt: The Dollar Scholar has got to be the best $1 store anywhere. You’ll find useful things, like a spatula. But you’re here with the kids, so put down the tweezers and check out the great gag gifts: rubber chickens, and oddities like the ooze-filled sticky balls you can throw at walls. And, yes, you may regret that whoopee cushion or fake poo purchase tomorrow, but hey, it’s only $1. You’ll find more rubber chickens at The Monkey King, a Chinese import store that contains a mish-mash of Chinese knick-knacks, art, ceramics and decorations. Pick up a Lucky Cat and then head to The Gold Door to explore an amazing global art collection. You’ll need to supervise the kiddos here, as there are some very nice items, particularly jewelry. But there’s plenty of stuff they’ll love looking at—like Day of the Dead skeleton dolls.

Just for kids: In the heart of Hawthorne, Kids at Heart is a wonderful independent toy store with a wide variety of unique educational and developmental toys here—none of that plastic stuff you can find at the big-box stores. Step outside and a wonderful smell will lead you to the nearby Waffle Window. While this is not a just-for-kids venue, it will bring out the kid in anyone, old or young. Sweet or savory, these waffles are amazing. Try a Ham and Cheese or Peanut Butter Chocolate Dipped Waffle any time of day. They even have waffle sundaes with homemade ice cream.

Time to eat: There’s not a shortage of casual restaurants on this street. Get the best fish and chips in PDX at Hawthorne Fish House. It’s casual, and has great service. If you have a dog, the whole family, fur or no, can dine together at the Lucky Labrador Pub. Enjoy sandwiches or bento and handcrafted ale with your pooch on the back patio. Kids + dog + beer = perfect PDX family outing.

Visit a landmark: For generations, the Bagdad Theatre and Pub’s neon sign has made it a Hawthorne District icon. You can eat in the casual pub or kick back in the theater and enjoy a slice of pizza and handcrafted ale during the show. Admission is $3; $1 for 11 and under; free for 2 years and under. You’ll find lots of all-ages events on the calendar.

Run and play: Could there be a park more awesome than Mt. Tabor? It’s built on an extinct volcano. It has wonderful views of Portland. It’s filled with people playing and dogs running. A playground horseshoes, tennis courts, volleyball, and picnic tables—it’s a park lovers dream come true. You’ll find it way up at the tippy top of Hawthorne, around 60th street.

Dress the part: Come as you are, even if that means you’re wearing a superhero outfit. You’ll fit right in. Be sure to wear some comfy walking shoes, because there’s over 50 blocks of fun to explore.

Need to know: Free parking is plentiful on side streets.

Cost of trip: It depends on whether you go with the fake poo at The Dollar Scholar or the blue topaz pendant at The Gold Door. So, it’s really up to you, but you can have a day full of fun and a wonderful lunch for not a lot of cash.

Online: thinkhawthorne.com

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