ML Interest Tag: public-transit

Indoor Playspaces to Get the Winter Wiggles Out

by Kelley Gardiner

Looking to burn off some energy with the kids during our rainy months? Take a trip to one of our favorite indoor playgrounds Portland kids love

Kids need to run, jump, explore, and play even when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Turns out winter weather doesn’t have to keep your crew indoors. In fact, the city has a bunch of awesome indoor play spaces for your family to frequent when the weather is less than ideal…or you just want to give them a reason to squeal! The next time your wiggles worms need to move, take them to an indoor playground Portland kids love.

Playdate PDX via Yelp

PlayDate PDX

Bring a date of your own, and catch up on some much-needed grown-up time as your kids jump in the foam pit. There’s Stumptown Coffee (or wine) for you, Wi-Fi, and plenty to keep the kids busy (climbing a castle, shooting foam balls) long enough to catch up with a friend or some work. It can get crowded, especially on weekends, so head there first thing in the morning for more peaceful play.

1434 N.W. 17th Ave.
Portland
Online: playdatepdx.com

Play Boutique

When it come to indoor playgrounds Portland families come back to again and again, Play Boutique is one of them. Upscale, without being too fancy, it's a great play spot no matter what the weather's doing. Sure, kids can enjoy “fruity fondue,” but there are also whole wheat corn dogs on the menu. The wide-open, safe, indoor playspace gives children the freedom to run, play at a discovery station, or venture wherever their imaginations take them. Check the schedule for “stay and play” times, which offer open play on a drop-in basis. They also offer “drop and shop” services, where you can leave the kids in their hands for a few hours if you need to get some errands done.

Note: the Play Boutique is currently closed, but has plans to reopen. Check the website for more information.

464 First St.
Lake Oswego, OR

12345 S.W. Horizon Blvd.
Beaverton, OR
Online: playboutique.com

iStock

Mittleman Jewish Community Center

Sometimes parents want a playground of their own, and the MJCC has amenities that appeal to everyone from infants to seniors. Enjoy the indoor soccer field, pool, gym and a lot more. Club J offers supervised play time for ages 6-12, while mom and dad go do their own thing. Three times weekly, parents and kids up to 5 can drop in for indoor playground play.

6651 S.W. Capitol Hwy.
Portland
Online: oregonjcc.org

Portland Parks & Recreation Indoor Parks

Portland is home to a wealth of community centers, and each one has several indoor play options for children. From baby gym and family park to indoor parks geared toward homeschooling families, there is truly something for everyone. Check the catalog of your neighborhood center for hours and themes, and don't be afraid to try out a new location a bit further from home. All community centers are accessible by public transit. Portland Parks & Recreation community centers are open for limited activities. Schedules are subject to change to meet public health guidelines, so make sure to check websites or call in advance.

Locations, ages, and hours vary
Fee: Generally $1-$2 drop-in
Online: portlandoregon.gov/parks

kids, siblings, roller skating,
via Oaks Park

Oaks Park

The appeal of indoor skating rinks did not die off in the 90s. Let your kids skate out their wiggles and one of Portland families most beloved parks . Oaks Park has brought the fun since 1905 and it is the the oldest skating facility in the US with the largest skating floor in the west! You can rent your skates on site and then let the kids roll away their wiggles all afternoon long. There are even classes available if you need some regular entertainment for your busy bodies.
 
7805 S.E. Oaks Park Way
Portland
Online: oakspark.com
 

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Beyond the Red Wagon: Radio Flyer Introduces Cargo eBikes & eScooters

by Kate Loweth

Parents are very familiar with Radio Flyer for its red wagons, tricycles and ride-on toys, but did you know that they recently released a line of eBikes and eScooters? You’ll want to check them all out, especially the longtail cargo bike that’s ready to cart your kids and your gear on your next family outing. Here’s what you can expect from the new Flyer line:

Flyer L885—Longtail Fat Tire Electric Cargo Bike
You’ll love the sleek look of the aluminum frame on this cargo bike from the moment it arrives in your driveway. The rear rack is an integrated part of the bike making it extra sturdy for carrying your precious cargo. Pop on kid & cargo carrier to the back rack and you can port two kids or a week’s worth of farmer’s market finds with ease. The addition of the Thule Yepp Maxi seat allows you to travel with even younger kids with them safely secured with a 5-point harness. The rear wheel is slightly smaller than the front, making for a better center of gravity. The L885 has a 400 lb. payload capacity and can travel up to 20mph in throttle-only mode. Cost: $1,999.

Flyer L880—Midtail Fat Tire Electric Cargo Bike
You’ll love the versatility of this smaller option that comes with a shorter cargo rack that’s perfect for porting one kid in the Thule Yepp Maxi seat or popping on a rear storage basket to transport a small cooler or sports gear. As with the longtail, the rear rack on the midtail is integrated into the bike’s frame so you don’t have to worry about flimsy connection points. We had a chance to give it a try and our teen tester found that the 5-level pedal assist and 3-inch tires definitely make for a comfortable ride around the neighborhood. Parents will appreciate that the motor automatically cuts off when you brake. Optional accessories like the front storage basket are well thought out with zippered pockets for keys and other small items. Cost: $1,699.

Good to Know:
Both eBikes ship almost fully assembled and there’s a super-helpful video that walks you through all the steps. Or, have your eBike shipped to a local bike store for assembly there. Make it super easy on yourself and arrange for delivery and assembly by Velofix Direct. This allows you to schedule delivery and have a trained professional set up your bike to your specifications on-site. Could not be easier.

Flyer S533 eScooter
Also recently released were the S533 eScooter line that let’s you commute around the city in style. They fold up so that you can easily take them when you need to hop on public transit or enter your office building. Weighing in at 30 lbs., the eScooter has a max speed of 16 mph and a range of 15.5. miles. Cost: $599.

These new additions to the eBike and eScooter market have excellent price points, sturdy construction and a sleek style that anyone would love.

—Kate Loweth

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Raising Independent Children Starts at Home

By Nikita Khetan

Autonomy is one of the great motivators of human behavior. In Daniel Pink’s bestselling book Drive he elaborates on the research that mastery, autonomy, and purpose are keys to motivating people at work, school and in life. When it comes to children, it is often faster and simpler to tell kids what to do directly or to do it ourselves. Over time, however, this can lead to kids who feel less in control, which can result in frustration, helplessness or even depression. 

The inverse is also true: the more we trust our children to direct their own lives, the more satisfied and capable they become. Stanford professor emeritus Albert Bandura identified four factors that influence our belief in our ability to succeed: 1) past instances of success 2) knowledge of people like us succeeding 3) being told we are capable 4) being in the right physical and emotional state. Try some of these strategies out with your own child in 2020 to improve your relationship and build lasting skills!

1. Ask not what you can do for your child, but what your child can do for you. For example, many four-year-olds can match socks to help with the laundry. Many five-year-olds can water plants or dust around the house. Many six-year-olds can set or clear the table or select a dessert for their lunch.

2. When in doubt, plan it out. A great way for students to take ownership of a task or routine is to have them create the plan. If you want your child to get out the door by a certain time, ask them what the steps are and have them write or draw out a plan from waking up to leaving the house. Let them call the shots, but provide adult reality checks as needed.

3. Examples in film and literature. Pippi Longstocking is one of the most independent young characters in literature—running a house by herself. She advocates for herself in a strong, non-violent way, and she takes care of many of her own needs. Kids can learn a lot from fictional role models, especially if they find a dimension they can relate on.

4. Let them be their own advocate. Build your child’s voice by supporting interactions across age groups and authority levels. You can help your child practice asking questions of adults by rehearsing together and then trying it out in restaurants, doctor’s offices, public transit or even calling into a radio show.

This post originally appeared on Red Bridge Resources.

Nikita is a passionate elementary school educator. Currently, she's on the founding team at Red Bridge, a new school in San Francisco. You'll catch her in her free time rereading the Harry Potter series for the millionth time or trying to recreate her mom's delicious Indian food recipes.

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What’s In the Bag: 9 Things Portland Moms Carry at All Times

by Marianne Walters

A Portland mom has to be prepared for spontaneous adventure at any moment, rain or shine. We’ve come up with 9 things you’re bound to find in just about every Portland parent’s diaper bag, purse, stroller or car. How many of these ring true for you?

photo: Marianne Walters

1. A woven wrap, ring sling, or SSC (soft-structured carrier)
Portland parents love to wear the babies. We wouldn’t be caught without our SSC that allows us to be hands-free.

2. Reusable shopping bags for the next trip to Powell’s
Paper or plastic? It’s a non-issue for Portland parents. We carry our own bags and chances are, a few of them say Powell’s right on the front.

3. Shower caps for wet bicycle seats
It’s not a problem to get caught in a rainstorm with this handy tool tucked away. A shower cap for each bicycle seat means that your tots’ tushes will stay dry for the ride home.

4. Sunscreen for (surprise!) a sunny day
Yes, we get the occasional burst of sunshine, and our kids don’t get a lot of that natural Vitamin D so we like to get outside as soon as the clouds break. Whether it’s cloudy or sunny, we all still need sunscreen.

photo: Dave H. via Yelp

5. Extra supplies for meals at the food carts
Napkins and plastic forks are necessary when it’s lunch time and the kids decide they just won’t make it home without stopping at, say, the Grilled Cheese Grill or The Waffle Window.

6. Punch cards for indoor play
Yes, we know we live in a rainy climate, and luckily, so do our local business owners. Portland’s fantastic selection of indoor playgrounds means that parents have options when the weather demands that we all stay in.

7. Towels for muddy adventures
Portland has some of the best places to park the car or bike and head out into nature. Keeping towels in the car or bike carrier after a trip to Sauvie Island for farm fun or wildlife viewing is a great way to keep the muddy aftermath to a minimum.

photo: Marianne Walters

8. Extra TriMet tickets
Public transit is the way to go when you’re exploring the city. Whether hopping onto MAX and heading to OMSI, grabbing a street car from Pioneer Square to Jamison Square or riding the bus all the way home, Portland kids are well-versed in riding etiquette.

9. Hand wipes for the late-afternoon trip 
Whether your kids prefer Blue Star Donuts, Voodoo Donuts or any of the sensational options we have here in town, there’s nothing quite like a treat at the end of a day out. Smart parents get the sticky fingers taken care of before climbing back into the van. Wipes for all!

10. Supportland card
One rewards card that gives you a little virtual pat on the back for shopping locally. Check supportland.com to see who’s an indy biz hooked up with the program, then start shopping to earn merits good for things from cookies to cocktails, bike lights to eye exams.

What else can’t you leave home without? Let us know in the comments below!

–Marianne Walters

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Flower Power: Bouquets to Art at the de Young

by Amber Guetebier

What happens when fine art meets floral design? Bouquets to Art at the de Young is a floral extravaganza with botanical creations that wow year after year. Diebenkorn in dahlias? Bierstadt in branches? Or maybe Rivera in roses? Every year and every arrangement is different. Read on for our tips for navigating this popular annual event with your little perennials.  

Photo: May Wong via Flickr

Wild and Wonderful
Hundreds of local florists, garden clubs, and floral-students create botanic works that echo the fine art of the de Young museum. Each artists or organization is assigned a work of art in advance, and months of preparation go into the perfect design. Sometimes literal (gowns created out of tiny blossoms) and sometimes figurative. the entire museum comes alive with the color and smell of fresh flowers.

Photo: May Wong via Flickr

The fragrant displays are throughout the museum. You’ll notice them upon entry. Wander through the many different galleries to see how the florists have used their medium to interpret the works of art. Bring a small sketch pad and a crayon or two and let the kids do some interpretative work of their own.

Photo courtesy Fine Arts Museum of SF 

Throughout the week, there will be floral design demos, catered luncheons, and for families, two days that offer hands-on activities: Sat., April 18 and Sun., April 19, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kids will make original paper flower arrangements inspired by the floral displays throughout the museum. Recommended for kids ages 4-12. For families with kids 3 and under, if possible try for a weekday visit when the crowds are thinner. Early mornings and late afternoons are usually the least crowded in general.

Photo: May Wong via Flickr

Good to Know
The cafe offers plenty of kid-friendly fare, but the lines can be long. Send a recon person ahead to get in line and order while you take the kids into the garden to play. The garden also makes a nice spot for nursing moms, as does the far corner of the African Art exhibit on the second floor. It’s dimly lit and there’s a bench. There are infant changing stations in all restrooms. Strollers are not allowed in the museum on this day. You can check them downstairs next to coat check.

Photo: Courtesy of the author

Date/Time
April 14-19, 2015
9:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m.
Special members only viewing hours, Wed., 6 p.m.

Cost
$22/adults; $12/child 13-17; children 12 and under are free.

Members are free. Kids workshops are free; floral design demos are $40 (includes admission to the museum); luncheons are $70/person.

Location
de Young Museum
Golden Gate Park
50 Hagiwara Dr.
San Francisco, Ca 94118
For info about Bouquets to Art: 415-750-3504 

Getting There
On Saturday, John F.Kennedy Dr. is closed from 8th Ave. to Transverse Dr. You can access the Music Concourse Garage from both entrances, but there will be limited street parking. On Sunday, JFK Drive will be closed from Kezar to 8th. (You can still access the garage from both entrances). Public transit lines include: 44, 5, N Judah, and the 71. There is also a free shuttle in the park. which runs 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sat. & Sun.

What’s your favorite part of Bouquets to Art? Share your photos with us on Instagram #rockedtheweekend. 

–Amber Guetebier

 

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A Shipwreck Walk for Your Little Skipper

by Amber Guetebier

Button up your pea coat, don your deck shoes, and weigh anchor at San Francisco’s Land’s End where a Shipwreck Walk awaits adventuresome admirals, both young and old. This revamped park at San Francisco’s western edge offers more than just devastatingly beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean—there’s also ghost trains, shipwrecks, abandoned pools, hidden bunkers, caves, secret beaches, native plants, porpoises, occasional otters, and more!

With trails accessible to a variety of fitness and mobility levels (awesome for strollers), ample parking, a killer visitors center, and nearby dining at Louis’ and the Cliff House, this park is an ideal reason to pack up the visiting grandparents, kiddos, and even the family dog for a day or just an hour of San Francisco at its off-the-Wharf finest.

Sailor Strides
Signs from the parking lot direct young admirals toward a wide ambling path with plenty of stop-and-learn signs along the way. Fans of Thomas the Tank Engine will delight in the stories and pictures of Gold Rush tycoon Adolph Sutro’s 1888 steam train which once chugged along not far from where the very path where their little feet are stomping.

Chug up Steam Train Grade until you (think you can) reach the Golden Gate Overlook which sports postcard worthy views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Then amp up your nautical knowledge at the next stop, Shipwreck Overlook, with this tidbit of twin-ship trivia: of the more than 30 ships that have wrecked along this short stretch of coastline, two of the most visible ruins are the hulls of the sister ships the Lyman Stewart and the Frank Buck.  Together in berth and in death—they were built in the same shipyard and launched just days apart in 1914. The Lyman Stewart wrecked here in 1922, the Frank Buck joined her only yards apart in 1937. At low tide you can make out both, as well as the wreck of a third ship—the Ohioan, which sank here in 1936.

Keep Things Rolling
Though ideal conditions such as low tide and clear skies (the fog rolls in thick!) merit the easiest sightings, even on a socked-in day at high tide, with a little patience you can still make out the ruins among the crashing waves. Plus you might spot a porpoise or two frolicking in the waves!

Go Farther
Once you’ve made it to the shipwreck mecca, you can keep going another half mile to Mile Rock Beach. This coastal trail narrows and is more rugged (there is a pretty steep walk down to the beach) but for the mommy who wants to get her postpartum glutes in shape, this walk will do just the trick! Plus you’ll be rewarded with a secret beach that few visitors see.

Ditch the Stroller
For another rigorous workout and to tire out your toddler: take the steps that lead down to Sutro Baths. Once you’ve explored the bath ruins and nearby cave, you can head back up the wide path to the parking lot, or catch your breath and a breathtaking view, and then head up the Sutro Baths Upper Trail to reconnect with the main trail. Caution: the upper portion of the trail can be slippery when wet, so exercise good judgment and keep your little ones near.

Insider Tip
The newly bedazzled visitor’s center boasts fresh-baked goods and hot coffee, plus clean restrooms, doggie water bowls at the drinking fountains, and lots of kids books and toys. Open Mon-Fri 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sat-Sun 9:00 am – 6:00 pm. And for the hungriest shipmates out there try Louis’, which is open every day from 6:30 am – 6:00 pm and serves breakfast all day, plus burgers, grilled cheese, and mimosas!

What to Wear
You’ve heard it before: pack layers. Even on a sunny day before you get more than a few hundred yards from your car the fog can creep in and when it does it brings the chill of the salt, salt sea with it. And if you want to spend some time on nearby Ocean Beach, you’ll want at least a light jacket.

Getting There
Take Geary Blvd until it turns to Point Lobos Avenue. The parking lot is on your right, before the downward slope. Public transit option: Take the 38 Geary to the end of the line/Sutro Park and cross the street at the light.

Land’s End Lookout Center:  680 Point Lobos Avenue, San Francisco, Ca

What is your favorite feature of Lands End?

–Amber Guetebier

Photo credit: Amber Guetebier

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10 Ideas for Spring Break Fun

by scott wardell

With the first hints of warm weather finally hitting the Bay Area, we’re about as excited as our kids at the thought of swapping our coats for sunscreen and sandals and the glorious return of park playdates and outdoor adventures. Yes, it’s safe to say that we’re happily welcoming Spring Break with open arms. While our kiddos will be eagerly asking us “what’s next?” we’re keeping our fingers crossed that we can come up with enough activities to keep them entertained and prevent a Spring Break meltdown. We’ve rounded up a few great options that will let you celebrate this time off with your kiddo without having to pack your suitcases. So get out there and let the Spring Break revelry begin!

Packing up the kids and heading to Hawaii?  Keeping it local and doing a staycation?  Whatever it is that’s on the agenda, Peek… Kids’ Spring Collection offers all the must-have clothes for an action-packed Spring Break, whether that means building sandcastles at the beach to cruisin’ the neighborhood on two wheels.

Better yet, Peek… is giving you the chance to have an even sweeter spring break where one lucky winner will receive tickets to one of the local activities featured below, plus a $100 gift card to Peek…  Click here to enter.  

1. Plan an animal-filled day that will delight every kind of wildlife-loving kid. For the mini marine biologists, meet a sea lion, for kids who love cats, head to the zoo and see their new furry feline. Kids who daydream about soaring through the skies will get a kick out of these local birdwatching spots, or make some new barnyard buddies at a petting zoo.

2. So our kids may still be on their butter pasta binge, but we’ve still got our fingers crossed that they’ll grow up to be foodies like us. There’s no better way to get your little chefs to appreciate the food they eat than by teaching them how to prepare it themselves. Check out a cooking camp where kids create a savory meal followed by an afternoon dessert–all kid-tested and kid-approved!

3. With a week off school, no doubt your kids are bounding with extra energy. Channel some of that extra pep into a training session for a pint-sized Triathlon. They’re fun, teach kids about sportsmanship, and are a great way to keep your kiddos healthy.

4. Living in the city means that our kids grow up learning their public transit lines and where to score amazing food cart eats like a pro. But even dyed-in-the-wool city kids need a nature excursion every now and then, and what better way than a waterfall hike? These hikes are perfect for little legs and offer vistas of nature’s most beautiful spectacles.

5. Does your kiddos fancy themselves a dino expert? Can they name their dinosaurs better than their U.S. states and presidents? Put their paleontology skills to the test with reptilian role-playing activities and exhibits at the Zoo’s prehistoric playspace, the Dinosaur Revolution Maze!

6. Spring Break can only mean one thing: lots and lots of playtime. Spice up your playdates by doing something both you and your kids can enjoy. These local parks offer tons of fun play structures for kids and stunning views for parents to sit back, relax, and enjoy.

7. If you’re one of the lucky parents who gets to share this time off with your kids, then getting out of town for the day (or more, it is Spring Break after all!) is the perfect excuse for a road trip. Head north to check out the state capitol, which is a veritable gold mine of activities. Or, spend the day a little closer to the Bay in family-friendly Orinda.

8. After all your daily adventures, we’re sure both you and your brood will need a little bit of time to unwind. Snuggle up next to your bookworms at a drop-in story time and let their imaginations do a little running around, instead of their feet.

9. After a relatively mild winter, it looks like we’re finally starting to get some warmer weather here in the Bay Area. It’s time to dust off those bicycle helmets, pump up those tires, and go for a ride. Even if your little ones are too young to pedal, they can still check out the scenic views from the comfort of their bike trailer.

10. Just because our kiddos aren’t in school this week doesn’t mean their imaginations need to slow down at all. Keep those little minds sharp and work on those fine motor skills with a LEGO building session. Brick builders, no matter what the age can’t resist these colorful little blocks, and we love that these plastic pieces will keep them occupied for a few hours.

So, what do you have on your Spring Break itinerary? Share your plans with us in a comment below!

Dino Maze Photo by Marianne Hale

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Insider's Guide to the de Young with Kids

by writerredtri

If you’re looking for an enjoyable outing for the whole family, look no further than San Francisco’s de Young museum in Golden Gate Park. From its intriguing architectural design to magnificent fine art exhibitions, there’s something to appeal to every visitor.

Where is it: The museum is located at 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr., just off of John F. Kennedy Dr., in Golden Gate Park. Those who arrive by public transit and present a Muni Fast Pass or transfer are rewarded with a $2 discount. If you decide to drive, be aware of weekend street closures and limited street parking. However, if you’re willing to pay for parking, Golden Gate Park’s Music Concourse Garage is convenient.

When to go: The de Young is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. – 5:15 p.m., Friday (mid-January through November only) from 9:30 a.m. – 8:45 p.m. and is closed on Mondays.

What to see and do: Most Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. – noon the museum offers a Family Program that includes tours of permanent collections and current exhibitions, followed by studio workshops taught by professional artist-teachers. There are programs for kids ages 4-6 and 7-12. Check the online calendar to confirm.

The current “wow” exhibit is the Olmec collection. These colossal sculptures (from what is now Mexico) will impress young kids, and start great conversations.  The de Young’s African, Oceanic,  and Art of the Americas collections also contain showstopping pieces. The upcoming Balenciaga and Spain exhibit might hold more allure for adults, unless you’ve got a future Zac Posen or Stella McCartney in your brood. The sculpture garden outdoors is a great experience for children, as well as a good place to move around with fewer inhibitions.

Families with babies: Front-facing baby-carriers and standard strollers are permitted, though rear-facing backpacks and oversized or jogging strollers are not allowed in the museum.

Where to have lunch: Snacks and meals are available at the de Young Café, or you can bring a picnic and explore Golden Gate Park before or after your art outing. Additional dining options, such as the family-friendly Park Chow are just a short walk away near 9th Avenue and Lincoln Way.

Bonus: If you’re still not motivated to visit the de Young, imagine you and the kids jumping in the elevator and zipping to the museum’s top floor to take in the jaw-dropping 360-degree view of San Francisco. We say the view alone is worth the price of admission.

Cost of trip: moderate: Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for 13–17 year-olds, and free for children 12 and under. Some additional special exhibition fees may apply. The first Tuesday of the month is free.

Online: http://deyoung.famsf.org/

– Tricia Kerr

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