When it comes to the best Christmas lights Portland has to offer, these displays are totally lit

The City of Roses should be renamed the City of Lights during the holidays, as far as we’re concerned. Starting right after you finish up Thanksgiving dinner, running throughout the month of December, Portland is ablaze with fun and unique light displays that will brighten up anyone’s day. So after you’ve picked out the perfect tree for the season, fill your thermos with hot chocolate (maybe a hot toddy for the parents), bundle up the kids, and check out these holiday light displays that will brighten your season.

Portland International Raceway Christmas Lights - Winter Wonderland

If you're looking for drive-thru Christmas lights in Portland, head down to the Portland International Raceway for a one-of-a-kind holiday experience.  Recognized throughout the Pacific Northwest as the “Largest Holiday Light Show West of the Mississippi,” the 30th annual Safeway Winter Wonderland is unlike any light show you’ve ever seen. Spectators become part of the show as they drive through the track, taking in more than 250 set pieces and animated displays along the course. Plus, all proceeds from the event will benefit Sunshine Division's year-round hunger relief efforts.

Good to Know: Tickets range from $48 - $155 depending on vehicle size

Dates: Nov. 25-Dec. 31, 2022

1940 N. Victory Blvd.
Portland
Online: winterwonderlandportland.com

Related: Our Top Spots for Local Holiday Shopping in Portland

a lighted train runs through the Oregon Zoo during Portland Christmas lights season
courtesy Oregon Zoo

Oregon Zoolights

'Tis the season to check out one of Portland’s most popular light experiences:  ZooLights at, you guessed it, the Oregon Zoo. This larger-than-life display has more than a million and a half lights, plus all your favorite animals, too! You can take it all in two ways: on a classic walk through the grounds or from the comfort of your car during their drive-through experience.

Good to Know: All tickets are timed-entry and must be purchased in advance online. They range from $21-$29, and drive-thru tickets are $65. Remember, Zoo members receive discounted admission.

Dates: Nov. 23, 2022-Jan. 5, 2023 (Closed on Christmas Day)

4001 S.W. Canyon Rd.
Portland
Event details

Related: All Aboard! Holiday Train Rides to Book Now

a lighted reindeer atop a Portland Christmas ship for the lighted boat parade
christmasships.org

Christmas Ships Parade

The Christmas ships are coming! A fleet of ships have sailed down the Willamette and Columbia Rivers every year for 67 years. Grab a perch with a view (restaurants along the route book up quick), pack your thermos and blankets, and watch the floating lights go by. This is a great parade, and the best part is, you can catch it almost every night in December for free. Be sure to check online for when they’ll be closest to you, as the route changes. It's the perfect winter evening activity for tiny boat enthusiasts (and their parents).

Dates: Dec. 3-21, 2022

Related: Your Insider's Guide to the Portland Christmas Ships Is Here

Lighted trees and walkways are part of this Portland Christmas lights display at the Grotto

Christmas Festival of Lights

The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights features more than two million lights and is the largest Christmas choral festival in the world. Enjoy the amazing sounds of local schools, churches, and civic groups as you explore the beautiful property.  Concerts are scheduled each evening and families can also enjoy outdoor caroling, puppet shows, and storytimes. 

Good to Know: Kids 2 and under are free at this display.

Dates: Nov. 25-Dec. 30, 2022 (Closed Christmas Day)

8840 N.E. Skidmore St.
Portland
Online: thegrotto.org

Christmas on the Campground

Drive by or stroll through the Apostolic Faith Church’s campground to enjoy thousands of lights with the kids this year. The lights are on from dusk to dawn at this free display, and music plays at two different times throughout the night. In addition to the life-size nativity scene, the coolest part of the display is hands down the ginormous Christmas tree at the heart of the display. It's the tallest in Southeast Portland, and it's one reason to bring the kids to see this festive display. 

Dates: Nov. 25 - Dec. 31, 2022

5415 S.E. Duke St.
Portland
Online: christmasonthecampground.com

A mom and young daughter among Portland Christmas lights displays smiling
iStock

Lightopia - An Illuminated Journey

Add Lightopia in Hillsboro to your light tour this year.  Families can take in all the beautiful sights as you drive along a half-mile winter landscape. This free display is open for visitors on Sundays through Thursdays, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on weekends until 10 p.m. One thing to note, you'll need a reservation to drive through, so snag one while you can.

Dates: Dec. 3-31, 2022 (Closed Christmas Day)

Gordon Faber Recreation Complex (Hillsboro Stadium)
4450 N.E. Century Blvd.
Hillsboro, OR
Online: hillsboro-oregon.gov

Clackamas County Winter Fair

Head over to the Clackamas County Event Center for the 3rd Annual Winter Fair and Holiday Market. Not only can you enjoy more than 200,000 lights and scenes, but the kids can meet Santa while you check off people on your Christmas list. Admission to the experience is just $10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 3-12. Bring your 3 and unders for free.

Dates: Dec. 2-23, 2022

694 N.E. 4th Ave.
Canby, OR
Online: clackamascountyfair.com

Related: 9 Festival Christmas Tree Farms You'll Want to Visit

Enjoy more Portland Christmas lights at these neighborhood displays

Take a stroll on Peacock Lane

One street you absolutely cannot skip is Peacock Lane—known as Portland’s Christmas Street. Located in S.E. Portland, each house on this little street has been taking Christmas cheer to the next level since 1932. From nativity scenes and rotating trees to re-enactments of your favorite holiday characters and movies, Peacock Lane continues to delight visitors from near and far. You can find this super sweet displays along S.E. Peacock Lane between SE Stark and Belmont Streets.

Insider Tip: Families can walk the display without car congestion on pedestrian-only nights. This year they're scheduled for December 15-17.

Dates: Dec. 15-31, 2022
Times: 6-11 p.m.

Online: peacocklane.org

Visit Portland's Most Festive Neighborhoods

Nearly anywhere you drive in Portland, you are likely to see stunning and creative light displays by local families. Holding true to our city's reputation for creativity, you are guaranteed a bright and magical holiday when you live in the City of Roses. Don't forget to pack some hot chocolate and candy canes, to add to the seasonal magic when you head out to one of Portland's many neighborhood light displays. Pile everyone into the car and head to these neighborhoods to see some of the best home grown displays in town. Some of our favorite areas include the Pearl District, Downtown Portland, Alberta, and the Sellwood/Moreland area.

Put on your dancing shoes because these Portland-area dance studios have it all for kids

Children love to express themselves through movement—or maybe they just love to move. If your kids are all about showing off with their newest dance moves (thanks, TikTok), it’s time to sign them up for one of our favorite dance classes near Portland. Not only do these Portland dance studios offer an opportunity for kids to harness their talents, they give them a chance to have fun and exercise too (hint: check out our favorite rock climbing gym spots and indoor playgrounds for more movement ideas). Now is the time to sign up for a local dance or movement class.

Portland Dance Studios for Kids

1. NW Dance Project

NW Dance Project has earned itself a reputation for cultivating and nurturing young dancers. Their Youth Dance Program offers exceptional year-round programming for youth ages 4 to 18. Dancers will experience the joy of dance taught by Portland’s finest teachers. Sign your little dancer up for beginner ballet or contemporary dance.

211 N.E. 10th Ave.
Portland
Online: nwdanceproject.org

2. Kids Club Fun & Fitness

At Kids Club Fun & Fitness, kids can take dance, gymnastics, and swimming lessons. They offer ballet and musical theater classes as well as a variety of classes for tots, all the way up to age 12.

13914 N.W. 3rd Ct.
Vancouver, WA
Online: kidsclub4fun.com

Related: Make a Splash! Portland’s Best Indoor Pools & Water Parks

​3. Portland Parks & Recreation

If you are as proud of where you live as we are, consider taking your little ones to our city’s dance classes. Portland Parks & Recreation is a reflection of all we stand for as Portlanders: variety, community, kindness, and an affinity for being eccentric. Offering an array of dance classes for a variety of ages plus parent/child classes, Portland Parks & Recreation helps everyone boogie. With a variety of locations, an easy online schedule, and registry (complete with class description and how many spots are left) this site is a great way for your family to find their groove.

Greater Portland area
Online: apm.activecommunities.com

4. Portland Metro Arts

Portland Metro Arts is home to dance, theatre, music, and visual arts programs. They focus on helping dancers discover their favorite form of self-expression through supportive, quality classes and an emphasis on always being a kid at heart. Their dance program breaks down by the school year and the summer season with performances peppered in.

9003 S.E. Stark St.
Portland
Online: pdxmetroarts.org

5. Dance With Joy Studios

It’s no surprise that this studio’s mission is “to be a positive force in your world by adding joyful moments to your day!” They work to enrich the mind, body, and soul through teaching with creativity, excellence, responsibility, and teamwork all while honoring each dancer’s individual learning style and needs. So smile, twirl, and leap on over to this center full of classes for “little toes” to kids.

7891 S.E. 17th Ave.
Portland
Online: dancewithjoystudios.com

6. New Vision Dance Center

New Vision Dance Center has classes for everyone—little ones and older. Enroll your young kiddos in the Hippity Hop class for 3-to-4-year-olds or 4-to-6-year-olds. Your older kiddos will enjoy the challenge of the more advanced classes. These dance classes will benefit your whole family.

8975 N.E. Walker Rd.
Hillsboro, OR
Online: newvisiondance.com

Related: Reach New Heights: Portland Climbing Gyms for Kids

7. Steps PDX

Check out Steps PDX for a variety of classes for your kids. They put on exciting dance showcases with fun themes that your kids will love to be a part of. They also have a Steps for Youth program that partners with schools to get more kids involved with dance. Let your kids express themselves while learning amazing skills.

1734 S.E. 12th Ave.
Portland
Online: stepspdx.com

Thanks to COVID-19, the school’s closed in spring, and parents were forced to become de facto teachers for the rest of the year. What many quickly learned was that teachers are underpaid, and that trying to educate their children while working or working from home is a struggle.

Just like a teacher, you need to have a game plan for the day to survive. Creating a structure and routine to each day will help kids understand that school isn’t over, it’s merely changed locations. A schedule will help you block time for specific activities, and build in times of the day that will allow you to still do your job.

The schedule you create needs to take into account what and when your child’s school is offering in terms of online coursework. It also should be age-appropriate. What you do with a five-year-old will be remarkably different than a schedule for a 15-year-old. The day should include traditional schoolwork, as well as breaks and blocks of time for creative, fun activities. The more your schedule mirrors their school schedule, the less disruptive homeschooling will be. Online schedule-making tools can help you plan out your new routine.

While schools are doing their best to adapt to the situation, it’s a bit like the Wild Wild West when it comes to how each is trying to conduct school virtually. Many are using Zoom for virtual lessons, offer set “office hours” each day to answer student questions and keep in touch via email and text. Despite trying to offer the curriculum that was originally planned virtually, there are usually gaps of time left to fill. Thankfully, a lot of resources are available out there for parents to supplement formal education.

“Parents and teachers are facing an unprecedented challenge and are quickly adjusting to a new normal. Education is going virtual. Now, more than ever, is the time to try new online resources that can help pick up the slack,” said Ethan Fieldman, CEO of Math Nation. “Online math learning services, such as Math Nation, not only help your child excel but also bring structure and a sense normalcy—teachers can assign standards-aligned videos and assignments for each at-home school day.”

If you’re looking to add more school lessons into the mix, consider the non-profit Khan Academy or Scholastic Magazine, which offers projects for a variety of different age groups. Math Nation is offering free online access until the end of August. For younger children, ABC Mouse offers reading, math, science and art lessons.

Now is a great time to teach your kids things beyond reading, writing, and arithmetic as so many cultural institutions are offering free virtual content. Some of the best museums in the world including London’s British Museum, Paris’ Musée d’Orsay, and Florence’s Uffizi Gallery have virtual online tours of their collections. Top Opera Houses worldwide are streaming concerts, and many top Broadway shows are giving you a virtual center stage seat. Perhaps it will inspire your kids to want to create their own music, which they can do virtually with Chrome Music Lab, or unleash their inner Van Gogh with a variety of online art projects.

With everyone being cooped up at home, it’s extremely important to incorporate some phy ed. into your lesson plan. Family dance parties using TikTok are a worldwide phenomenon and a great way to burn off energy for the kids and calories for Mom and Dad. Plan a hike, bike ride, or even just a neighborhood walk to get moving and get outside.

If you’re finding it too hard to balance schooling and working from home, or if you are still working outside the home, using a tutoring service like The House can be a lifesaver. During this time they offer virtual tutoring from first grade through college. Additionally, they have online test prep for students who still need to study for exams like the ACT and SAT.

Let’s face it, it’s a weird new world we’re currently living in and we’re all learning to navigate it. Thankfully, with all the resources available online, you can ensure that your kids won’t miss a (school) beat and stay sane in the process.

Dena Roché is a multi-faceted communications professional who assists luxury, hospitality and wellness brands become publishers of quality content and writes for national and international publications, while helping brands create their own messaging.

For all those curious cuties who keep their parents working overtime exploring interesting subjects and answering endless questions, we’ve rounded up a slew of stimulating experiences to keep those big brains busy (and maybe even give you a break). So bust out those mini pocket protectors, it’s time to kick that grey matter into high gear at these brain-stimulating events and classes that’ll leave you and your Littles wanting more. It’s time to get your geek on!

photo: Chess4Life 

Explore Engineering
The Seattle Public Library is pulling out all the stops in recognition of National Engineers Week (what, you didn’t know it was a thing?). In fact, they’ve expanded the celebration beyond the last week in February to include the whole month, and teamed up with the Pacific Science Center to host lots of cool classes that teach engineering concepts to the littlest designers. The party kicks off with a sweet lesson in pulleys, weights and strings, for kids 6 and up. Then continues on throughout the month giving budding scientists a chance to play with slime, test out the floatability of boats, and even participate in a classic egg drop that will bring back memories of your own school days (shhh… no hints allowed). Each class runs about an hour and most meet on the weekends or early evenings, so families can geek out together. Check out the complete list of classes below for maximum brain engagement.

photo: Seattle Public Library 

Good to know: Many of the classes require registration, so be sure to call the hosting branch ahead of time to save a spot!

Classes:
Slime!: Feb. 17, 2 p.m.-3 p.m. at the Montlake Branch; Feb. 22, 2 p.m.-3 p.m. at the Greenwood Branch; Feb. 26, 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Queen Anne Branch; Feb. 28, 3 p.m.-4 p.m. at the Beacon Hill Branch; Mar. 1, 3 p.m.-4 p.m. at the Magnolia Branch

Egg Drop Rescue: Feb. 21, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Capitol Hill Branch

Catapult Challenge: Feb. 21, 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. at the Green Lake Branch; Feb. 21, 4 p.m.-5 p.m. at the Ballard Branch; Feb. 26, 4 p.m.-5 p.m. at the High Point Branch

Robot Challenge: Feb. 21, 11 a.m.-noon at the Lake City Branch; Feb. 21, 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. at the Greenwood Branch; Feb. 21, 4 p.m.-5 p.m. at the Magnolia Branch; Feb. 23, 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. at the Northeast Branch; Feb. 26, 4 p.m.-5 p.m. at the West Seattle Branch; Mar. 1, 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. at the Rainier Beach Branch

See-Saw Savvy: Feb. 27, 4 p.m.-5 p.m. at the Southwest Branch

Boats Afloat: Mar. 7, 2 p.m.-3 p.m. at the Delridge Branch

Seattle Public Library
206-386-43636
Online: www.spl.org

Ages: 4 & up, depending on class
Cost: Free

Game like a Grandmaster
Whether your little smarty pants is a chess neophyte or a grandmaster wannabe, testing out strategies and playing skills at a tournament with Chess4Life is the perfect way to foster a little competition, while learning character-building skills, like perseverance and gamesmanship. Novices can get a taste of the game against similarly-skilled opponents at the Saturday Beginner Tournaments, held almost monthly (be sure to check the online schedule first) at Chess4Life centers around the Eastside, Bothell and Renton. And those with a little to a lot of playing experience will love showing their chops at the Friday Night Quads tournaments (held at the various center locations), where experienced players of all levels go head-to-head playing in three rounds of this timeless game. Be sure to register in advance for this one. Our favorite part? That Chess4Life emphasizes it’s all in how you play the game, focusing tournament play on positive and fun outcomes, even if you lose. That and there’s trophies. Check mate!

photo: Chess4Life

Good to know: For Littles who know that more chess means good chess, Chess4Life offers weekly class options too. After a quick assessment, you can drop in ($25) to test out the class and get registered if it’s right for you.

Chess4Life
12729 Northrup Way, Suite 15
Bellevue, Wa 98005
425-283-0549
Online: chess4life.com

Date and Time: Fri.; 7 p.m. for Friday Night Quads; Sat., Beginner Tournament times vary by location.
Cost: $20 & up, depending on tournament type

Get Crafty!
Go for the art, stay for the crafts on Saturdays at the Bellevue Arts Museum. This weekly drop-in program is a spectacular way to introduce petite Picassos to the inspiring works on display at BAM. But it can also stand on its own. Each Saturday’s crafty activity changes based on season and what’s on display at the museum, because each craft ties into some experience families will find inside, if they dare to venture beyond the first floor and explore the intriguing exhibits within (yes, please!). Expect to spend about 30 minutes creating the day’s project, but more time is definitely allowed for kids who want just can’t seem to get enough. And helping hands are on hand if parents get stuck or lay no claim to the artistic gene carried by their mini artist. Bottom line: It’s a messy good time for families to spend together.

photo: Emilie Smith

Good to know: If you have an absolute blast at the Get Crafty time, be sure to mark your calendar for the BAM KIDSfair, on the books for July 24-26, where kids can experience bigger, better (and possibly badder) of the same.

Bellevue Arts Museum
510 Bellevue Way N.E.
Bellevue, Wa 98004
425-519-0770
Online: bellevuearts.org

Ages: 4-12
Dates & Time: Sat., 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
Cost: $2/child; $4/child after Feb. 20

Gaze at the Stars
Get ready to boldly go… to a monthly star party hosted by the Seattle Astronomical Society at Green Lake in Seattle or Paramount Park in Shoreline. These free, open-to-the-public parties are a great way to turn some of those out-of-this-world questions into real life experiences for little stargazers and future astronauts. Each party is scheduled for the Saturday closest to the first quarter moon (check the online schedule to make it simple–hint, the next one’s February 28), and is an opportunity for volunteer astronomers and enthusiasts to share their knowledge with astronomy novices of all ages. SAS volunteers provide telescopes and come equipped with a wealth of knowledge to tap into. So queue up the questions for this one! Remember to dress for the weather, especially during these cooler, wetter winter months, and bring a sense of adventure with you. It’s out of this world!

photo: Sean Chin via Flickr

Good to know: This time of year, it’s especially important to check the SAS website before heading out to a star party, as grey skies and clouds make for poor visibility and parties do get cancelled when the weather’s bad.

Green Lake
7201 E. Greenlake Dr. N.
Seattle, Wa 98115

Paramount Park
946 N.E. 147th St.
Shoreline, Wa 98155

Seattle Astronomical Society
When: Viewing times vary based on the month and season
Online: seattleastro.org/news_and_events/star_parties

Get a Backstage Pass
What kid doesn’t love getting a behind-the-scenes look at, well, basically anything. After all, figuring out how things work is forever fascinating when you’re a half pint. That’s why the Paramount Theatre’s free backstage tours appeal to little drama kings or queens and curious kiddos equally. The tour meets at the corner of 9th and Pine St. on the first Saturday of the month, and puts a whole new spin on the “theater experience” for families. During the 90-minute guided tour, you’ll get to check out the player piano, hear an engaging demo on the Wurlitzer, peek your head into dressing rooms and even wander the basement of this historic building. Top it all off with a trip to the theater library that’s bursting with mesmerizing memorabilia, and you’ve got a whole new set of brain cells to call your own. Expect about 20 people in each tour group, lead by very knowledgeable volunteers, who can answer every question your little smarty pants throws at them (theater related or otherwise). Bravo!

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Good to know: Expect to climb up and around all four floors of the Paramount building on this tour. That means strollers are a no-no, so plan to strap kids on or piggyback them if their little legs wear out during the tour.

Paramount Theatre
911 Pine St.
Seattle, Wa 98101
206-682-1414
Online: stgpresents.org/paramount

Dates & Times: First Saturday of the month, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Cost: Free

Reach New Heights
Aspiring architects will jump at the chance to design and build their own creations at the Seattle Architecture Foundation’s monthly family build workshops. Each workshop introduces kidlets to architectural examples that provide a framework for that day’s project, followed by time to construct your own creation, using familiar materials like pre-cut cardboard shapes, construction paper and wood. As families work to bring their project to life, designers walk around giving feedback and asking questions like Tim Gunn, a la Project Runway style, engaging budding builders in some real-world “design thinking.” So have your thinking caps at the ready! The munchkins love creating, but there’s something in this for parents too. Getting to work together with your mini me to create something new is always a blast! February’s workshop topic looks to the future, as families design a city in the year 3000. In March, plan to bring some green spaces to the urban environs. A building we will go!

photo: Seattle Architecture Foundation

Good to know: Pack a sack lunch for your crew to enjoy during the break. Brain fuel is a must on this creative endeavor.

Seattle Architecture Foundation
Rainier Square
1333 5th Ave., 3rd Floor
Seattle, Wa 98101
206-667-9814
Online: seattlearchitecture.org

Ages: 6-10
Dates & Times: Feb. 21 & Mar. 21, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Cost: $20/workshop; $15/workshop with an SAF Family membership

Hear Spellbinding Stories
What happens when storytellers from the Seattle Children’s Theater team up with art educators at the Frye Museum? Magic of course! Take your brainy sidekick to witness this perfect pairing on the first Friday of the month in the Frye Galleries. The storytelling talents of local actors will captivate little listeners, as they breathe life into fanciful stories, before handing the crew off. From there, mini learners can paint, sculpt and draw their way through the morning, getting messy and making connections between what they heard and what they’re creating. And who doesn’t love a little preschool learning disguised as fun? We do! When all’s said and done, don’t forget to head into the museum for some extended viewing, complete with wide-eyed “oohs” and “ahhs” from your sidekick. What an art-astic way to end your week!

photo: Lou Daprile

Good to know: Register for just the craft or both activities online beforehand, as seating and craft supplies are limited. But there’s no limit to storytelling time.

Frye Art Museum
704 Terry Ave.
Seattle, Wa 98104
206-622-9250
Online: fryemuseum.org

Ages: 3-5
Date & Time: First Fri. of the month; 10:30 a.m.-11 a.m. (storytelling), 11:15 a.m.-11:45 a.m. (art)
Cost: Free 

Where do you like to hang out with your brainy kiddo? Share your favorite spot in a comment below. 

— Allison Sutcliffe

There’s a time in every party planning parent’s life when inspiration strikes and the quest to design the coolest kiddo bash in town begins. If you’re left wondering what Martha would do in this situation, we’ll let you in on a secret, she’d hit up these amazingly crafty shops. They’ve got everything you need, from invites to goody bags, so you can throw one unforgettable event.

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Packaging Specialties
PS Stores are a DIYer’s dream because they stock just about everything you can think of to assemble a party that won’t soon be rivaled. They make tying in colored themes easy with straws, cellophane packaging, organdy and muslin bags, as well as that cute baker’s twine everyone uses these days. They even have baking boxes and tins for everyday treats like cupcakes or colored M&Ms, right on through to custom boxes (think macarons and more!) for stand out assemblage. As for printables, the party planner in you will delight in the many flags, tags and labels that will add that special touch to your invites, goody bags or games. And if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, take it down a notch and grab one of their adorable ready-to-go boxes of invites. Finding matching elements for circus, pirate or ladybug themes is a cinch in this store. It’s easy to look like a pro when you’ve got the right stuff!

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Good to know: Packaging Specialties hosts classes a few times a month where those who are craft curious learn techniques that transform projects from amateur to amazing. The cost is usually around $25.

515 S. Michigan St.
Seattle, Wa 98108
206-768-0540

15120 N.E. 24th St.
Building 18, Suite F
Redmond, Wa 98052
425-885-0264
Online: ps-stores.com

Paper Delights
This stylish Wallingford store is the party and card store you’ve been looking for your whole life, in that “had me at hello” kind of way. If you’re not already drooling when you walk through the door, you will be after leafing through the invite booklets and wandering the rows of irresistible cards that you must have. We love this shop because it’s one place you can create custom invites in small quantities without breaking the bank. Plan on about $1.75 per card, with a 20 card minimum (although you can fudge that and order less, you just have to pay $10 to do so) and voila, you’ve got an adorbs card for your cutie’s next bash, just 48 hours after it’s been approved. While you’re there you can also grab matching straws, baker’s twine, cupcake sleeves and paper globes to round out your party décor. Simple elegance is always in style!

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

2205 N. 45th St.
Seattle, Wa 98103
206-547-1002
Online: paperdelights.com

Paper Source
We love the knowledgeable staff at Paper Source, who can take all those awesome ideas you’ve pinned and show you how to make them by yourself. It’s the go-to store for the craftily inclined (but maybe not so crafty) who have more confidence in their inspired ideas than they do in their skill. It’s also a great one-stop-shop because everything you need to create the look you’re going for can be found in the store, right down to crafty favors, centerpieces or activities for the party. And if you want to be less do-it-yourself, and more do-it-for-me, please (and who can blame you if you do?), their pre-packaged invites and accessories are the way to go. Psst! We totally love their printable invites that couple with online templates, so you can customize the message and look, plus print everything at home. It’s the breathe-easy, DIY option for busy parents!

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Good to know: Throughout the year, Paper Source holds classes so you can up your craft ante from season to season. Check out their online schedule to see what’s next on deck. Classes are usually between $20-$35.

1908 Queen Anne Ave. N.
Seattle, Wa 98103
206-284-2615

2606 N.E. 46th St.
Seattle, Wa 98105
206-523-3683

610 Bellevue Way N.E., Suite 100
Bellevue, Wa 98004
425-646-0100
Online: papersource.com

Impress
Stamps as far as the eye can see, in every imaginable shape or size, is what party planners will find at either of Impress’s two locations. It’s a true stamper’s paradise, just waiting for your next party project. But beyond stamps, they’ve got amazing ideas that line the shelves, and staff who can help you bring a certain look to life, if you’ve got grand plans. Plus, they’ve got all the embellishments (think brads, buttons, sequins and ribbons), tools and stamp pads right there in the store, which is always appreciated by busy parents. And if you can’t find the exact stamp you’re looking for, you can make one that’s the perfect fit for your little one’s next bash (be sure to plan turnaround time into this one). DIY-ing here is one way to make an impression!

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Good to know: Mark your calendar for an upcoming class at Impress to level-up on your party prowess.

2621 N.E. Village Ln.
Seattle, Wa 98105
206-526-5818

120 Andover Park E.
Tukwila, Wa 98188
206-901-9101
Online: impresscardsandcrafts.com

The Red Balloon Company
If balloons are what you need to complete your party look, you gotta check out the Red Balloon Company on Capitol Hill. They do balloons the way Marshawn runs the ball, like a boss. They’ve got everything you need, from simple uninflated balloons on through to helium-filled balloon arches that really make a doorway pop (wink, wink). And did we mention they (can) deliver? Yes, please!

417 15th Ave. E.
Seattle, Wa 98112
206-467-0318
Online: redballoon.com

Looking for original favors for goody bags? Or the perfect present to bring to the party? Be sure to check out our guide to unique stores for birthday gifts for some awesome ideas.

What’s your favorite place to pick up DIY party supplies? Share it with others in the Comments below!

— Allison Sutcliffe

Even at the height of summer, Seattle weather can be fickle. But when the mercury does begin to rise or heaven forbid… a full-fledged heat wave hits the Emerald City (gasp!), Seattle families flock to local watering holes to cool off. While a trip to the beach or spray park is always fun, nothing screams “summer” more than splashing around in an outdoor pool. And even though there are just two (yup) outdoor public swimming pools in the city of Seattle, and neither is, shall we say, in a convenient location, don’t throw in the towel just yet. With just a wee bit of effort, the quintessential outdoor pool experience is just a short dive (er, drive) away.

Colman Pool in West Seattle
This setting is quintessential Seattle (unbelievably stunning) and the facility offers plenty of floaties and even a corkscrew slide. It’s a 10 – 20 minute hike to get down to the pool, literally, so make sure kiddos are wearing decent walking shoes (i.e. no flip flops). The pool underwent major renovations last year so if you haven’t been in a while you will be pleasantly surprised. Also note that Colman pool does not have a wading area for little ones. Which is great! This is an experience in which you want to fully submerge. Note: Occasionally, the pool hosts swim meets so be sure to check the online schedule before you go.

Colman Pool
8603 Fauntleroy Way Southwest
Seattle, Wa 98136
206-684-7494
Online: seattle.gov/parks/aquatics/colman.htm

Cost: $3.75 to $5.25; $1 extra for slide (under 1 free)

Lowery C. “Pop” Mounger Pool in Magnolia
The great thing about this Magnolia pool is that there are actually two pools. One smaller, warmer, shallower pool perfect for teaching little fish how to swim, and the other is a big deeper pool, fit for big kids who are ready to careen down a 50-foot slide. This is a newer facility with all the things you want and expect for a classy pool experience: clean locker rooms, decent snack bar and plenty of lounge chairs. Which all adds up to this being a super-popular place. Check the online schedule for themed family swimming nights throughout the summer.

Lowery C. “Pop” Mounger Pool
2535 32nd Avenue West
Seattle, Wa 98199
206-684-4708
Online: seattle.gov/parks/aquatics/mounger.htm

Cost: $3.75 to $5.25; $1 extra for slide (under 1 free)

Henry Moses Aquatic Center in Renton
Short of driving 45+ minutes south to Wild Waves, the Henry Moses Aquatic Center is your next best bet for a water park-type of experience. With a 9,000-square-foot leisure pool with wave machine, two 26-feet high water slides, a six-lane lap pool, and a concession area, they aim to please. Note: the higher rates for non-Renton residents. In other words, if you’re not a local, plan on paying double for admission or find a local to tag along with.

Henry Moses Aquatic Center
1719 Maple Valley Highway (Cedar River Park)
Renton, Wa 98057
425-430-6780
Online: rentonwa.gov

Cost: $4 to $14 (under 1 free)

Peter Kirk Pool in Kirkland
Ahh, Kirkland. With your kid-friendly parks and adorable lakefront shopping and district, you’re quite lovely this time of year. The pool, conveniently located in the center of town right near the library, is no frills, but that’s they way we like it. Make a day of it and stay late for one of their family swim nights (see schedule for details) filled with pool games, crafty activities and music!

Peter Kirk Pool
340 Kirkland Avenue
Kirkland, Wa
425-587-3335
Online: kirklandwa.gov/depart/parks/Aquatics/Peter_Kirk_Pool.htm

Cost: $4/person

Vashon Pool on Vashon Island
Yes, you will need to take the ferry to get there. But you won’t be disappointed. This is a fun, unfussy community pool located on a rustic, unfussy island. Swimming with your family at this pool is just one of the many destinations you’ll make when you explore Vashon Island with little ones this summer.

Vashon Pool
9600 SW 204th Street
Vashon, Wa 98070
206-463-3787
Online: vashonparks.org/section_facilities/facilities_facilities_pg6.htm

Cost: $6/person; discount punch cards available

Seattle Wading Pools
Wait – there’s more! No, actually, there isn’t. Seattle Parks and Recreations’ numerous wading pools are just that – fit for wading, not swimming. Consider them an easy and exhilarating alternative to filling up your own plastic backyard wading pool – the city actually encourages you to come as a water-saving measure. Participating wading pools are filled with water only on hot days (above 70 degrees) and only in certain parks, so check online or call the wading pool/spray park hotline to see if your neighborhood park is on the list. Tots and wee ones will have a great time splashing around, and parents need only worry about getting their ankles wet. Oh, and bathing suits or swimming diapers are required. But we didn’t need to tell you that.

Online: seattle.gov/parks/wadingpools.asp
Wading Pool Hotline: 206-684-7796

Insider Tips: On those rare hot Seattle summer days, expect outdoor pools to be crowded, so plan accordingly: Check family swim hours online, arrive early and don’t be surprised if you have to stand in line. Also: big kids who want to swim in the deep end will need to pass a swim test (varies by pool; usually two widths of crawl stroke). Most pools charge an extra dollar to use the water slides, and take cash or check only. Want the pool to yourself? Go when it’s overcast or even raining. Hey, you’re getting wet anyway!

Where will you be swimming this summer? Let us know in the comments section below. 

– Kristina Moy & Allison Ellis

Photos courtesy of Kristina Moy, Lowery C. “Pop” Mounger Pool Facebook page, King County Parks Your Big via Flickr and Seattle Parks & Recreation