Whether you’re looking for party favors or a special treat, Portland’s got some of the best candy stores and chocolate shops around

If you’ve got kids, you know candy is part of deal. And not just because it’s a requirement for many holidays and special occasions (we’re looking at you, Halloween). With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we thought you might be on the hunt for some special sweets for your kids or your partner in parenting. That’s why we did the hard work of heading out in search of the best candy stores and chocolate shops in town. And boy, did we find more than a few that will satisfy your sweet tooth. So the next time you need a little extra sugar in your day, be sure to visit one of these spots.

The Best Candy Stores in Portland

1. Moonstruck Chocolate

Moonstruck? More like heart-struck by how insanely good these truffles are. Seriously, if you are a chocolate lover then you have to check out Moonstruck's array of truffles, caramels, bars, and bundles. Own your preferences because Moonstruck has it all, not to mention all their products are ethically sourced and handcrafted with local ingredients.

17905 N.E. Sandy Blvd.
Portland
Online: moonstruckchocolate.com

Related: Holy Cacao! Where to Score the Best Hot Chocolate in Portland

2. Rocket Fizz

This sugar-filled store has it all—wildly-flavored sodas, retro candies, and saltwater taffy in every flavor imaginable. Packed with chocolates, candies, and hilarious gift items, the Portland location of Rocket Fizz is an explosion of fun. You can thrill your kids when you hit up this candy store where you'll find classic candies like Reeses, Mars Bars, and Pez—and adults are sure to love the retro-candy selection. Rocket Fizz has something for every kind of sweet tooth, so be sure to stop by if you're looking for a little bit of inspiration.

535 S.W. 6th Ave.
Portland
Online: rocketfizz.com

3. The Candy Basket

This factory outlet is in an unassuming building in east Portland, but it hides a fun stop for buckets of candy. Don’t miss the crowning glory at the entrance—a 40-foot chocolate waterfall. While you can’t dip a cup in and taste, it does make a great photo op. In the gift shop you can pick up salt water taffy, truffles, chocolate covered gummy bears, and more. Shop online for delivery, as well.

1924 N.E. 181st Ave.
Portland
Online: candybasketinc.com

4. Lolli & Pops

You'll feel like you've just stepped into a storybook at this adorable candy store just outside the city. With a color scheme that rivals the best-tasting cotton candy, and a vast inventory that's sure to please everyone that walks through the doors, this spot exudes charm. No matter what you're looking for, you'll find it here. Imported candy that's hard to get? They've got it. Bulk candy you can stock up on? Check. Seasonal sweets for every occasion? Absolutely. In fact, you don't even need a special occasion to stop in here. 

Insider Tip: Lolli & Pops ins't the only candy store you'll find here. You can also pick up sweets at Candy Tyme and See's.

Clackamas Town Center
12000 S.E. 82nd Ave.
Happy Valley, OR
Online: lolliandpops.com

5. Creo Chocolate

Don't call it repetitive advertising, call it the truth: give the gift of love with chocolate. Why kid ourselves? The gift of love, when it all boils down, will always be those sweet, tiny morsels. Vegan? Creo believes everyone should enjoy chocolate all the same and has two customizable plant-based options. Their normal selections of chocolate bars, truffles, and caramels are available, too. Drooling yet? Good, jump in the car and get your sugar a little sugar—and get yourself something while you're at it.

122 N.E. Broadway
Portland
Online: creochocolate.com

Related: Best Donut Shops in Portland

6. Azar Indulgences

Chocolate this, dairy that, gluten here, gluten there—how in the heck is someone who has a restricted diet supposed to indulge in the deliciousness of sweets with all this run-of-the-mill chocolate? Never fear, Azar Indulgences in SW Portland has a variety of chocolates that are dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free. Don't miss out on a day plied with chocolate without having some yourself. Head to Azar to swoop up these restriction-friendly delights ASAP. Azar sells boxes, bars, and individual chocolates, depending on how big that sweet tooth of yours is.

712 S.W. Salmon St.
Portland
Online: chocolate.azarindulgences.com

7. The Meadow

Here's a quick head's up: you will go to one of The Meadow's four locations for chocolate, but you might leave with more than just sugar. If you love to browse, this store is the place for you. Who knows, perhaps your hunt for an amazing chocolate shop will land you with a new salt block, a bouquet of flowers, bitters, or any of The Meadow's other wonderful gifts. Think of it as a two-for-one opportunity. Their chocolate selection has seasonal arrivals, dark, milk, and white chocolate, as well as flavored chocolate options and packaged drinking chocolates. Plus, some of The Meadow's flowers or a bottle of their wine wouldn't be a terrible addition to your bag on the trip.

Locations in Nob Hill, North Portland, Southeast Portland & Nolita/Soho
Online: themeadow.com

Related: The Coolest Ice Cream Shops You Can Visit Now

8. Betty Rose's Chocolate & Coffee

Formerly Fleur Chocolatte & Wine, this Portland candy store, just over the border, is under new ownership as of the first of the year and has a new name—Betty Rose's Chocolate & Coffee. But don't worry, its strong suit—truffles—is still the same. From Butter Pecan to Almond Coconut, Betty Rose's has flavors that will appease any palate. Into minty freshness? Traditional flavors or novel ones, any of these little treats will have your kids asking why you didn't buy a second box. Try a sampler pack in case decision paralysis takes over. Or if you know exactly what you want, mix and match any truffles for the ultimate flavor experience. 

1304 Main St.
Vancouver, WA
Online: fleur-chocolatte.com

Forget YouTube. For kids who need all the answers (and need them now), try a podcast! Whatever piques their curiosity, you’ll be able to find a program that will not only educate but will also entertain your precocious humans. From NPR’s popular podcast to story-telling programs, here are our top picks for podcasts that are perfect for curious kids.

Wow in the World

Wow in the World is a popular podcast for kids

NPR’s popular show, hosted by Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz, will have you following along on adventures throughout the world and tackling topics like animals, science and technology. Throw in hilarious voices and silly humor, and you’ll be begging for the next episode as much as your littles. 

Ages 5+ 

Cost: Free

Get more info here and listen on multiple streaming platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids

But Why, A Podcast for Curious Kids

It might just be the most dreaded question a kid can ask a parent, and this bi-weekly show could be your saving grace. The hosts take questions that have complex answers (think “Why is the sky blue?”) and break them down in a kid-friendly way. There are also kid-submitted questions, and experts explain with interesting, uncomplicated answers. 

Ages: All ages

Cost: Free

Get more info here and listen on multiple streaming platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Brains On

Brains On is a good podcast for kids who are curious.

This is a similar show to But Why, but this one tends to skew a bit older and has a different kid co-host every week. The experts still answer the kid-submitted science questions, but there’s a nice combo of silliness and insight, too.

Ages: 8 & up.

Cost: Free

Get more info here and listen on multiple streaming platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Greeking Out

Greeking Out is a podcast for kids

Is your kiddo interesting in Greek mythology? National Geographic's podcast for kids "Greeking Out" tells some of the greatest tales of heroes, Gods, and humans in this engaging series of stories adapted for little ears. Think Prometheus, Heracles, the Muses, and many more. 

Ages: 6 & up

Cost: Free

Find out more here, and subscribe here

Newsy Pooloozi

Newsy Paloozi is a fun podcast for kids

This podcast covers everything from tech and culture to arts, current events and science. And the correspondents are kids from all over the world, so listeners get information that's created just for them, presented by kids just like them. 

Ages: 7 & up

Cost: Free 

Learn more here and subscribe on your favorite platform including Apple, Spotify, Pandora and more. 

The Past & the Curious

It’ll remind you of Drunk History (minus the alcohol), as this podcast tells little-known stories from history with an emphasis on fun and humor. We love the fact that there’s also a quiz, so your curious kids will learn something new, too. 

Ages: 7 & up

Cost: Free

Get more info here and listen on multiple streaming platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Purple Rocket Audio Adventures

This show tells a new story every episode, and there are nuggets of knowledge sprinkled throughout each one. Discover exactly how tricky it is to hatch a dinosaur egg, find out how far you can get into the universe on a Space Train and what happens when your grandpa's magic globe can transport you to other countries all over the world.

Ages: 5 & up

Cost: Free

Find out more here and subscribe via Apple Podcasts.

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If you are like us, you are likely swimming in cardboard boxes. Fear not! There are loads of ways to get crafty with them from crafting them into Halloween costumes to turning them into amazing forts. Scroll through, find your favorite cardboard box crafts, and get that packing tape and scissors ready!

Cardboard Box Castle

Cardboard Box Snowman

Mini Foosball Game

Bullseye for Target Practice

Cardboard Box Rocket Ship

Cardboard Box Dinosaur

Mini Bunny Rabbit Put-Put

Whack-a-Rabbit Game

Cardboard Masks

Cardboard Box Craft for Soccer Fans

Cardboard Box House for Stuffies

Cardboard Dinosaur Hats

Cardboard Box Fort

Cardboard Box Car

Cardboard Box Pretend Play Safe

Cardboard Ocean World

 

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With road trips on everybody’s minds, we’re all searching for those quirky roadside stops full of a little weird and a lot of fun. These unique destinations are the perfect excuse to get off the beaten path and stretch out your road-weary legs. Just in case post-pandemic life wasn’t odd enough for you already, we’re rounding up the top roadside oddities in the DMV.

Marty Snook Magical Woods

Visit Hagerstown

Like a little Scandinavian forest tucked inside a distant DC burb, the Martin L. Snook Memorial Park, better known as the Marty Snook Magical Woods, featured expertly carved gnomes and trolls alongside wooden play structures like a wavy bridge and a treehouse.  This Hagerstown park opened just last year and has become an influencer favorite for capturing magical memories. These are the kind of trolls you want on your feed!

Where: 17901 Halfway Blvd., Hagerstown, MD 21740
Online: washco-md.net

Johnny Monarch's

Tricia T. via Yelp

In under an hour, take a trip across the pond to Johnny Monarch's, a busaurant (not a food truck!) in pastoral Loudoun Co. This fully operational double decker bus was built in the 1960s and once traveling the route from Yorkshire to Manchester. As a nod to the era it was created in, the upper deck (which seats 20) features photographs from the '60s. Many of the dishes are served TV dinner style, like meatloaf and roast beef. You'll also find lots of vegetarian options and a few kid-friendly picks, like PB & J and grilled cheese sandwiches. 

Where:  8374 W Main St, Marshall, VA 20115
Online: https://www.johnnymonar.ch/

 

The Big Chair

Tod Eytan, MD

Once an ad for a big furniture store, this chair sculpture located at the intersection of Martin Luther King Ave. and V. St. SE is a fun, oversized photo op for your family. The chair, which stands 19 ½ feet high and is made of aluminum. It weighs in at over two tons. Built in 1959 by a Virginia-based furniture maker, the ginormous chair stood to draw in customers. It drew notoriety when a local artist lived on the chair for 42 days without coming down. Now, it still stands to draw locals for a fun roadside stop.

Martin Luther King Ave. and V St. SE
Historic Anacostia 

Zero Milestone

Wikipedia

Modeled after a similar milestone in Rome, the Zero Milestone symbolizes the United States' road system's effectiveness. It's an inscribed granite block, set inside a big brass compass on the sidewalk, about four feet high. It serves as the exact spot from which all roads in the country would be measured. That idea was an epic fail, but it still stands as a symbol of the cross-country road system that connects us all.

Ellipse Rd NW
National Mall

Q Street Barbies

Alexas Photos via Pixabay

Do you have a Barbie-lover in your house? Then, you need to stop at this quirky doll hangout. With every new holiday, those in-the-know flock to get a look at this ever-changing display of dolls in front of a local building. The setup makes it look like the figures are growing up out of the dirt. Neighbors have strong opinions on the display, but it is still a fun stop for your next local road trip.

1454 ½ Q St NW
Logan Circle 

NASA Goddard Rocket Garden

NASA Goddard/Tabatha Luskey

Blast off with this roadside attraction. The "Rocket Garden" located right behind the visitor center and features a large green space filled with decommissioned rockets and educational plaques. Among the rockets on display is an Apollo capsule used for training astronauts before missions and a huge Thor Delta-B rocket weighing in at just under 115,000 pounds.

Insider tip: While you're there, check out the Goddard Space Flight Center

9432 Greenbelt Rd.
Lanham, MD
Online: nasa.gov

Municipal Fish Market

Vincent L. via Yelp

Don't miss the oldest continuously operating fish market in the country! You'll probably smell and hear this stop before you see it. In operation since 1805, the majority of the seafood sellers here have been hawking the bounty of the sea for decades, possibly generations. Your little foodie will love the fantastic selection at this market. Chinese octopus and Chilean seas bass are ready to be wrapped and taken home for a family dinner. Want a break from cooking dinner? That's OK! This is a full-service market where vendors will cook the seafood to order.

1100 Maine Ave. SW
District Warf, Under the I-395 overpass
Online: wharfdc.com

Beyond the Beltway

Kiptopeke's Concrete Fleet

Angelica Kajiwara via Toddlin' Across America

Cape Charles is a beautiful family-friendly beach town perfect for any getaway with your crew. While you're there, check out the fleet of ghost ships in the Chesapeake Bay. The eerie-looking vessels consist of 9 of the 24 concrete ships made during World War II. The sunken ships serve as a breakwater to protect the pier and beach and a home for tons of local sea life. If you want an up-close look at this super cool site, rent a kayak, and you'll be all set to paddle out for a better view.

Kiptopeke State Park
Cape Charles, VA 
Online: dcr.virginia.gov

The Ruins of Presidents Park

Wikipedia

Check the website for special events at this location. It is on private property, and you'll need a ticket for this one. What once was a ten-acre sculpture park and museum is now a vast field of 18-to-20-foot-high busts of Presidents of the United States, many in disrepair but so cool to see. In 2017, National Geographic featured a video of the current owner discussing this historic exhibit's future. He'd like to restore the statues to their former glory.

8212 Croaker Rd
Williamsburg, VA
Online: thepresidentialexperiece.com

—Meghan Yudes Meyers and Angelica Kajwara

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Anytime you can get a deal on LEGO kits is a parent’s dream come true.

While LEGO stores don’t tend to share their deals in advance, there are a few sneak peeks the brick maker is sharing, in addition to other retailers who are already marking down towns of products. Keep reading to get some early sale picks!


Harry Potter Hagrid's Hut: Buckbeak's Rescue

$42 (Save $18) BUY NOW

Luke Skywalker’s Lightsaber

Gift only with purchase of the new LEGO® Star Wars™ AT-AT™.

BUY NOW

LEGO Classic Bricks and Animals 11011 Building Set

$30 ($29 off) BUY NOW

Santa’s Front Yard

Gift with purchase of $170+

BUY NOW

Deep Space Rocket & Launch Control

$81 ($19 off) BUY NOW

Holiday Tree Gift

In-store only gift with $40+ purchase

BUY NOW

VIP Gift: Fleece Blanket

Cyber Monday gift with purchase of $200 available only 11/29

BUY NOW

LEGO Art Marvel Studios Iron Man Canvas Art Set

$84 (Save $36) BUY NOW

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of LEGO

 

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The beloved blue steam engine is rolling to a screen near you very soon! Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go premieres September 13 on Cartoonito, a new preschool block from Cartoon Network. And we have an exclusive new clip to get your kids even more excited. 

It’s rocket launch day and Thomas is ready to go! Of course, big days are a little more fun with friends involved. You’ll get a sneak peek at Percy, Nia, Diesel and Kana, plus the vibrant 2D animation, in this brand new clip.

 

The series follows the adventures of Thomas as he dreams of being the Number One Tank Engine. There’s plenty of trial, error and fun involved. Along the way, it showcases 26 social-emotional, cognitive and physical life lessons for young viewers. It’s produced by Mattel Television and reimagines the classic train franchise, with all the friends as kids, played by kid actors. 

“We can’t wait for the next generation of fans to meet Thomas and his friends. In Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go, we aim for audiences to have fun as we expand the world of Sodor in new and exciting ways,” said Christopher Keenan, Senior Vice President, Global Content & Executive Producer, Mattel Television.

Gather the gang and get ready to watch next Monday, September 13! The Cartoonito preschool block runs from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day. After the season premiere, new episodes will come out every Monday. And if you’re looking for more fun ways to jump into the world of Thomas, check out the Thomas & Friends Storytime podcast, with 70 episodes available by the end of 2021. It can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and wherever else families listen to podcasts.

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Mattel

 

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A grownup take on the classic bomb pop? Sign us up! The ever-popular Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is releasing a new collection called “Ice Cream Truck Flavors,” but much like chasing the truck, you can only get them for a limited time.

Starting July 8, you can find a new flavor each week online and in scoop shops. First up is the Rocket Pop, buttermilk ice cream with a tart and creamy blueberry pineapple swirl. Mango Cheesecake Swirl drops on July 14, followed by Orange Freeze on July 22, High Five Candy Bar on July 29 and Golden Nectar on August 5. The last one is rumored to taste like a chilled summer chai!

If you don’t live near a scoop shop, you can buy the full collection and have it shipped to your house, thanks to the wonders of modern delivery services. It’s a lot less sweaty than running after the ice cream man, too.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams burst onto the scene in 2002 in Columbus, Ohio. Today it’s a Certified B corporation with 58 scoop shops and distribution in top grocery stores across the country. With flavors ranging from Fluffernutter Pie to Sweet Cream Biscuits and Peach Jam, there’s a unique combo for everyone!

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Jen’s Splendid Ice Creams

 

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Spring has arrived and warmer weather is here which means it’s time to get the kids outside and away from their screens. But what can we do to keep kids entertained while still learning and innovating?

Check out these stimulating and fun outdoor STEM activities that can be made with materials you have at home.

Tiny Rocket
This activity is out of this world.

Test different amounts of water and Alka-Seltzer and see how high your rocket can go! When you mix these effervescing tablets with water, a chemical reaction takes place between the citric acid and sodium bicarbonate contained in the tablet and the water. This chemical reaction creates many, many bubbles of carbon dioxide gas. When the lid can’t hold all that gas anymore, the canister goes shooting off! This action can be explained using Newton’s Laws of Motion.

Materials:

– Film canisters

– Alka-Seltzer

– Water

Instructions:

– Fill your film canisters with varying amounts of water.

– Drop ¼ to ½ of an Alka-Seltzer tab into your water and quickly replace the cap and turn it upside down.

– Test different ways to make your rocket go off, just keep faces clear of the exploding canisters!

Exploding Bags 
A new kind of baking soda and vinegar activity.

Watch as your bag explodes! Popping the inner bag releases the vinegar and mixes with the baking soda causing the solution to quickly make bubbles and gas until the bag can’t take it anymore! Try this activity with different measurements and record your findings!

Materials:

– 1 medium to large zip bag

– 1 small to medium zip bag (this bag needs to be smaller than your other bag)

– Baking powder

– Vinegar

Instructions:

– Pour some vinegar into the small bag and zip closed. Make sure there’s some air left in the bag.

– Pour some baking soda in the larger bag, add the smaller bag of vinegar, and close the bag making sure to get out as much air as possible.

– Lay your bag on a flat surface and smack it until you pop the inside bag, shake, and watch as your bag inflates and eventually pops!

Lemon Juice Balloons 
Ever needed a new way to blow up a balloon? 

How big can you make your balloon? When the acidic lemon juice mixes with the baking soda base, it rapidly creates carbon dioxide and blows up the balloon! What combinations make the biggest balloon?

Materials:

– Balloon

– Lemon juice

– Baking powder

– Bottle or jar (the mouth needs to be small enough for a balloon to fit over it)

– Funnel (optional)

Instructions:

– Add lemon juice to your jar.

– Add baking soda to your balloon using a funnel.

– Stretch the opening to your balloon and fit it over the mouth of the bottle. Tip the balloon up and let it fall into the lemon juice.

– Watch the chemical reaction blow up your balloon!

This post originally appeared on Tierra Encantada.
Tierra Encantada is a warm, community-oriented Spanish Immersion Daycare and Preschool headquartered in Minneapolis, MN and currently expanding nationwide. We offer quality child care for children ranging from 6 weeks – 6 years of age. We focus on the growth of the whole child and believe children learn best by doing. Our award-winning bilingual education program fosters early cognitive development and teaches a respect for diversity.