8 Beginner Bike Rides for the Whole Family

by Annette BenedettiApril 24, 2022

Portland is known for its bike friendliness and spring is the perfect time for young bikers to get their peddle on, even if it’s for the first time. Finding bike paths where kids of all ages and abilities can learn and practice their bike riding skills isn’t as hard as you might think. From tree-lined paths to state parks and waterfront trails, we’ve lined up our picks for the the best bike paths for beginners in and around Portland. So grab your helmet, it’s time to ride.

Fanno Creek Trail

Winding through Greenway Park near Washington Square in Beaverton, Fanno Creek Trail is really great for anyone just starting out. It’s a short trail at 1.8 miles one way, making it perfect for a quick out and back ride. The paved path is flat and is mainly in parks and along the creek, with plenty of trees and occasional shade. The trail continues through several communities if you’re willing to connect the paths, but for a beginner jaunt, just stick with the park section.

1.8 miles one way
Location: Scholls Ferry to Denny Rd, through Greenway Park, Beaverton
Online: accesstrails.org

Banks-Vernonia Trail

This forested path west of Portland is Oregon’s first rails-to-trails, running from the towns of Banks to Vernonia. Once a set of train tracks to haul lumber, it’s now a beautiful flat path through bird songs and ferns, and over 13 trestle bridges. Six different trailheads allow access along the way, including LL Stub Stewart State Park. The small town of Vernonia prides itself on being bike-friendly. Pro Tip: Check the website in advance for any trail closures (due to logging) or other hazards. The advisories are always being updated.

Distance: 21 miles one way
Location: West of Portland, Vernonia
Online: oregonstateparks.org

Springwater Trail

Another one of Portland's iconic bike trails, this trail winds along Johnson Creek, jumping back and forth along at least 10 bridges on it’s way out to Gresham. You can start either downtown at the Willamette River, or jump on the trail from several parks and other access points like Beggars-Tick Wildlife Refuge, Leach Botanical Gardens, Powell Butte Park, and Gresham’s Main City Park. The wide paved path is easy to follow and nice and flat for all levels of riders. If your older kids are ready for a challenge, tell them you’re going to ride all the way to where the trail ends at Boring, Oregon, to see if it matches up with it’s name!

Distance: 21 miles one-way, though it’s easy to cut into shorter bits
Location: Downtown Portland through Gresham to Boring
Online: portlandoregon.gov

Tualatin River Greenway Trail

If you are looking for wide scenic bike paths, this local trail is worth checking out. Your family bike ride will follow a 12 foot wide multi use pedestrian and bike path that meanders through trees, along the Tualatin River, by creeks, and past wetlands. The biking option is 4.6 miles long and runs from Brown's Ferry Park to Tualatin Community Park into Durham Park and Cook Park in Tigard. There are plenty of places to stop, play and explore along the way.

Distance: 4.6 miles
Online: tualatinoregon.gov

a father and two children biking on one of the best beginner bike paths in Portland — Free Range Kids

Champoeg State Park Trails

Get ready for a gorgeous bike ride that takes you back in time. The 4 miles of paved path winds through Champoeg State Heritage Area, where early settlers to Oregon held their provisional government and young bikers can access the trails. You’ll ride through wildflower meadows, riverbanks, and forests on a path that never feels too busy. Off-path, you can dig into history at old farmsteads and interpretive centers.

Distance: up to 4 miles of trails
Location: 5 miles south of Newberg, OR
Cost: $5 vehicle pass required
Online: oregonstateparks.org

Waterfront Park Loop/Eastbank Esplanade

This trail is one of Portland's iconic bike rides, looping around the Willamette with bridges, skyscrapers, fountains, and a floating bike path. When you’re ready to cross the water you can choose which bridge you want to use. Choose between the Steel Bridge, Hawthorne, or best of all—Tilikum Bridge, which doesn’t allow cars. There are lots of options for breaks, with two fountains on the downtown side, and on the other side you’ll find OMSI or the floating bike path—perfect for dipping hot feet into the river come summer!

Distance: approximately 6 miles looped, easy to cut into shorter parts
Location: Downtown Portland
Online: portlandoregon.gov

Marine Drive Trail

One of the best Portland bike trails, this is a flat, wide, straight trail great for beginners, running right alongside the Columbia River you can expect gorgeous views of the water, boats and the marina. This is part of Portland’s 40 Mile Loop, but it’s super easy to access anywhere for a quick ride. It’s a great place to practice bike skills. The western side starts at Kelley Point Park and goes through some industrial areas. Another good option is to start at Blue Lake Regional Park, where you can end your day with some splash pad fun when hot weather eventually hits!

Distance: 17 miles one-way
Location: NE Portland
Online: traillink.com

Trolley Trail

An urban interpretation of a rails to trails, this 6 mile path follows an old streetcar route from Milwaukie to Gladstone. The path has roots way back in 1893! Today it winds through neighborhoods and parks. Start at Riverfront Park in Milwaukie and follow the paved path as far you’d like. Several parks along the way make great stopping points, and the trail ends in Gladstone, or can be easily extended to Oregon City.

6 miles one-way
Location: Milwaukie Riverfront Park to Gladstone
Online: ncprd.com

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Welcome, Winter! 8 Outdoor Adventures to Take with Kids Now

by Allison SutcliffeDecember 12, 2021

Winter is a great time of year to plan outdoor activities around Boston with your family. Get your hat, gloves and warmest winter boots ready and find a new sledding hill, book a day on the ice or makes some s’mores by the fire. These are a slew of our favorite things to do in Boston in the winter. All you have to do is check off the activities one by one!

Editor’s note: As things continue to evolve due to the omicron variant, please remember to double check information for the most up-to-date changes before packing the kids in the car for an adventure.

See the Winterlights

It's not too late to catch the Winterlights at the Bradley Estate or at the Stevens-Coolidge House and Gardens. This weekend is the last chance you'll have until next year!

Head to Your Nearest Sledding Hill

Boston has tons of sledding hills to choose from. Whether you're after trills on long hills or easy slopes that are perfect for toddlers, you don't have to look to far to find them. So, grab your favorite sled and get ready for a day in the snow!

Read Stories in the Red Barn

Cows, crafts and a story are all part of this weekly time for toddlers at the Red Barn at Weir River Farm. Better get moo-ving!

Visit Chestnut Hill Farm

Chestnut Hill Farm is a great destination for the winter months as there's so much to do there. You can go on a Reindeer Quest or enjoy fire pits on Saturday afternoons. It's a bring your own camp chair situation, but they'll provide everything you need to roast s'mores and find adventures between bites.

Take a Night Hike

World's End is where you'll find the start of this guided night hike that happens when the moon in out. Hikes are scheduled in January, February and March of this year.

Go Ice Skating

Get ready to practice your triple axel...or maybe just skate a few wobbly laps with your tot (we won't tell). However you skate, enjoy this activity with the kids at one of our favorite ice skating rinks. It doesn't get any better (or quintessentially Boston) than skating at the Frog Pond. Enjoy it while you can! The Kelly Outdoor ice rink in Jamaica Plain is another of our favorites, and you've got through March to enjoy it. Make your way to Winter Skate at Patriot Place for a great big ice rink and amenities too.

Make a New Farmyard Friend

Appleton Farms is where kids can make a barnyard animal friend this winter. They'll soon be calling Angora rabbits, Nubain goats and the resident flock of heritage chickens their buds.

Explore Outdoor Art

boston deCordova sculpture park outdoor activitiy — Christina R. via yelp

The sculptures at deCordova Sculpture Park are just as stunning when they're surrounded by snow or cold hard ground as they are in the heat of summer. Learn about each one during a docent-led tour this winter.

—Allison Sutcliffe & Kate Loweth

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Spectacular Waterfall Trails to Hit Now

by Maura O'BrienMarch 1, 2021

Shake off the summer heat with an awesome adventure filled with dense woodlands, volcanic ridges, and a rushing cascade (or two). From the Columbia River Gorge to the Cascade Mountain foothills, the following are six of our favorite waterfall hikes, all located within sixty miles of the Portland area. Whether you’re looking for a level, stroller-friendly path or a dazzling misty payoff, these trails will give you just the experience you need to shake off the COVID blues. Read on for all the details.

photo: Carrie Uffindell

Pothole Falls at Lacamas Lake Park

For a quick hike in the metro area, head to 312-acre Lacamas Lake Park. At the play area, follow the gravel path circling the lake through the trees. Nestled a short distance off the main trail is the falls, named for the round holes punched into the rock. An unexpected highlight is the fish screen and dam, located on the south side of the lake. With several sections of moderately steep terrain, this walk isn’t suitable for strollers. Make a day of it with visits the park’s other two waterfalls, also located off the main loop.

Pandemic Status: Open
Round-trip distance: 1.2 mile (Round Lake Loop)
When You Go: Free. The park is located 15 miles east of Vancouver, WA off Highway 14. Spots in front fill up fast, so look for the large overflow lot at the north end..

Munson Creek Falls

The short, winding path – perfect for little legs – follows along the creek to an impressive 319-foot tumbler, the tallest in the Coast Range. The protected site, located south of Tillamook, is a 62-acre timber-turned-natural area, so be sure to enjoy the old-growth western red cedar, moss-draped maples, wildflowers, and other flora and fauna along the way. In late fall and winter, the waters are home to spawning salmon.

Pandemic status: Park is open dawn to dusk with reduced services.
Round-trip distance: 0.6 miles, out and back
When You Go: Free. From Portland, take Highway 26 west approximately 77 miles. Turn left on Munson Creek Road. Note: Parking is limited and no restrooms are available.

Silver Falls State Park

Peek behind a 177-foot torrent of water at this 9,200-acre Oregon park, situated in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. Of the ten waterfalls sprinkled throughout the park, South Falls is one of the most accessible – and dramatic – for families. From the South Falls lot, follow the main path (and the sound of rushing water) past the lodge to a viewpoint above. From there, descend 400 feet to explore a cave behind the falls. For the full 2.6-mile loop, continue on to Lower South Falls. Or, for a shorter 1-mile walk, return via the scenic bridge.

Pandemic status: Expect reduced services. No showers. Camping reservations required (no walk-ins). Day-use visitors should plan to turn around if parking lots are full.
Round-trip distance: 2.6-mile (Maple Ridge Loop)
When You Go: $5/vehicle. Head south some 55 miles to Silverton. From Silverton, take Highway 214 almost 16 miles south until you reach the park. Follow the signs to the South Falls Day Use Area.

photo: Chi T. via yelp

Multnomah Falls

One of the the most popular waterfalls hikes in the Gorge. This 611-foot-tall roaring force of nature lets visitors get up close and personal with its power. According to Native American lore, Multnomah Falls was created to win the heart of a young princess who wanted a hidden place to bathe. And this spot is magical. This hike can be made shorter or longer as there are multiple tiers that offer different views. Each is spectacular, but the lower hike is more appropriate for families with younger children or elderly grandparents.

Pandemic status: Open
Round-trip distance: A moderate, 2.2-mile hike with 700 feet of elevation gain to the top of Multnomah Falls, or a difficult 5.4-mile loop to Wahkeena Falls with 1,600 feet of elevation gain.

featured image: Jonathon L. via yelp

—Annette Benedetti

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Toe-Dip Trips Are the New Travel Trend, According to Experts

by Erica LoopFebruary 21, 2021

You know what a staycation is—but have you heard about the toe-dip trip? According to the vacay experts at Travelocity, a toe-dip trip is the shorter getaway you take to build back your travel confidence levels.

The pandemic put your extended travel plans on hold. Nearly a year later, you’re ready to get back in the swing of things. At least, you’re maybe, sort of, kind of ready.

photo: Josh Willink via Pexels

Safety is key and you may not be 100 percent ready to schedule a major family vacation yet. Don’t stress. Here’s where the toe-dip trip comes in. Think of travel as a big, kind of cold swimming pool. You don’t want to dive in with wild abandon. At the same time, you really, really want to go for a swim. Instead of cannonball-ing or swan diving in, you dip a toe into the water. The toe-dip trip follows the same principle. Start small, build your confidence, and wait until you’re ready.

Melissa Dohmen, travel expert from Travelocity, explained the toe-dip trip in a press release, “We may be dreaming of that big bucket list trip, but what travelers are actually planning so far this year are visits to familiar destinations nearby, weekend getaways or road trips and beach trips.”

If you’re not sure where to go on your toe-dip trip, the pros at Travelcity note the some of most popular picks for families in 2021 include Orlando, Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, Big Bear, Lake Havasu City, Oklahoma, Columbus, Indianapolis, and Kansas City.

—Erica Loop

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Why We Decided to Homeschool This Year & Why You Don’t Have To

By Elisabeth Fox

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

August 24, 2020

Photo: Jessica Lewis on Unsplash

Let me begin by clearly stating that I am 100% in support of all parents faced with this impossible decision this year. Whether you keep your children home, participate in an online version of their traditional school, or homeschool completely, no option is solely right or wrong. We are all living in a gray area during this crisis and we are all trying to make the best calls with little to no experience of the predicament we have found ourselves in.

My husband and I have made the choice to keep our kids home this academic year. They are a part of an online-based academy that isn’t part of our district, but we will also be supplementing with our own homeschool curriculum. Deciding this wasn’t easy at all and was met with particular resistance by my thirteen year old son who just wanted to see his friends every day. After a lot of thought and deliberation, I think I have figured out what I feel comfortable with and how to mesh it into a smorgasbord of acceptable for all involved in our home.

We didn’t want the chaos surrounding the virus to interrupt our kids’ focus on studies, let alone the struggle that the district is going through to switch to an online platform as opposed to traditional st‌yle. It made more sense for our kiddos to have a more relaxed and designed specifically-for-them option.

With the plan we have in place, they will wake up and have personal time as well as school time. They can scatter their classes throughout the day, or knock them all out at once. As long as the assignments are completed by the end of the day, the time is theirs to be responsible with. This also leaves plenty of time for friends. Provided they use their smarts and don’t risk their health or wellbeing, we allow them to come and go and visit with their friends in the neighborhood.

Thanks to that, we aren’t worried about the socialization factor. Another part we love about this choice is how tailored we can make it for each child. My youngest son thrives in math, while my oldest son and my daughter don’t. This lets us give the youngest the room to shoot forward in progress while still nurturing the other two at their pace. Not having to accomodate an entire class of children with different comprehension levels and needs makes for a shorter day and less frustration for ours.

The shorter paper work time allows them more opportunity to explore other interests as well. My daughter has begun learning Spanish in her free time, and my oldest is pursuing boxing as a physical education credit. Many districts also allow homeschooled students to participate in the extracurriculars offered in the schools. So, when basketball season comes, or if they peak a sudden interest in chess club or drama club, that door is open to them. The freedom to choose and flourish their way is amazing for their independence and responsibilty growth.

The last big reason we chose is something many people don’t realize. Colleges, Ivy and otherwise, scout homeschooled kids. They set a lot of value by the real world skills gained by most homeschool journeys. More often than not, homeschooled children are more comfortable interacting with people generations above their own. They also gain more practical knowledge and responsibility about things like money management and taxes. A lot of children also begin to take a larger part in homemaking whether that be sewing, gardening, construction, or even cooking. These wide skill sets make them especially alluring to colleges looking to enroll well rounded, full of potential young adults.

This choice is not without its own shortcomings. Those of us who choose this also have to remember the effort and time it takes to actually develop a routine where the kids can self start and be trusted to complete things themselves. We also have to understand that some of our days will inevitably be incredibly frustrating for both student and parent.

It takes real work to commit to homeschooling, even if it is online and not wholly on your shoulders. Beyond facing your own headaches, there will always be people who critque your decision. We are all in this whirlwind together and our only control is ourselves. What’s important to remember, whether you chose what I did or the opposite, naysayers are an inevitability. Stick close to your tribe of parents who support your choices because they know you are doing your best to make the right calls. Never let the peanut gallery win. You are doing awesome.

Elisabeth Fox

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

I'm a Texan Mom always chasing after my crazy chaos bringer. When I'm not parenting, I run a personal artistry website and a small arts label. More than anything, though, I'm just biding my time until TACO TUESDAY.

“LEGO Ninjago” Is Back with New, Shorter Episodes

by Erica LoopMay 21, 2019

LEGO Ninjago fans rejoice! According to recent reports, the series based on the fave plastic bricks is about to get an eleventh season. And here’s what we know so far.

While there’s no debut date as of now (or even info on whether the series will return to Cartoon Network or not), Season 11, Secrets of the Forbidden Spinjitzu, will include a shorter episodes. Instead of the 22-minute installments of the past, the eleventh series will cut the run time down to 11 minutes.

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A post shared by LEGO (@lego)

So what storylines will the new season bring? Brick Fanatics recently reported that Season 11 will give viewers a new adventure, while still acting as a refresher course for the franchise, citing an announcement from the LEGO Group, “This is not a reboot, nor a spin-off, but merely a brand-new adventure. A fresh beginning helps new viewers to watch and discover the magic of Ninjago without knowing about the 100 episodes prior.”

For more info on the next Ninjago season, stay tuned. LEGO will reportedly release the Season 11 teaser trailer on May 26.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Cartoon Network via YouTube

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This New Study on Sunscreen Chemicals Will Surprise You

by Shahrzad WarkentinMay 16, 2019

Summer is just around the corner, which means it’s time to replenish your sunscreen stockpile. Before you hit the store, however, you’re going to want to see the results of a new study on the health risks of common sunscreen ingredients.

A new study published in JAMA and conducted by the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research found that the blood concentration of four of the ingredients found in sunscreen continued to rise as daily use of the product continued. These ingredients were also found to remain in the body for at least 24 hours after using the sunscreen.

photo: Ashley K Little via Pexels

The study did not look at the health impact this absorption has if any, on users––only that it occurs. The study points to the need for more research on the impact of these specific ingredients once they are absorbed into the body.

Four ingredients were tested: avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, and ecamsule. Out of these, oxybenzone stood out above the rest with an absorption rate of “about 50 to 100 times higher concentration than any of these other three chemicals they tested,” according to David Andrews, a senior scientist at the EWG.

photo: iStock

Previous studies have shown a potential link between oxybenzone and lower testosterone levels in adolescent boys and shorter pregnancies and disrupted birth weights in babies. Oxybenzone is also known to be one of the most common cause of contact allergies. The ingredient has also been banned in several parts of the world due to the fact that it can cause coral bleaching and pose a danger to marine life when it’s introduced into the ocean.

So does this mean you should stop using sunscreen? No. Instead, consumers should more vigilant about reading labels and researching the ingredients in the sunscreens they use. Check out our detailed list of sunscreens here, many of which contain safer ingredients.

The American Academy of Dermatology urges people to apply at least one ounce of sunscreen to all exposed skin every two hours or after swimming. In addition, you should always talk to a board-certified dermatologist if you are concerned about the safety of a sunscreen’s ingredients.

“Studies need to be performed to evaluate this finding and determine whether there are true medical implications to absorption of certain ingredients,” said Yale School of Medicine dermatologist Dr. David Leffell, a spokesman for the American Academy of Dermatology. He added that in the meantime, people should “continue to be aggressive about sun protection.”

—Shahrzad Warkentin

featured image: quinono via Pixabay

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This Innovative Pacifier Could Shorten NICU Stays for Preemies, Study Finds

by Shahrzad WarkentinFebruary 27, 2019

An incredible new tool known as the pacifier-activated lullaby (PAL) device could significantly shorten the need for preemies to stay in the NICU. And it’s all thanks to the power of music. Read on to see how this amazing innovation works.

The device, which plays parents’ recorded lullabies whenever a baby sucks on the pacifier is already being successfully test by researchers at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles, California. Their study has shown that 70 percent of babies who use a PAL device improve their proficiency using a pacifier, which plays a role in developing feeding skills. This translates into shorter stays in the NICU after delivery.

“Babies born before 34 weeks gestation often struggle to feed orally because they have not yet developed the reflex to suck, breathe and swallow,’’ Shelly Frisco, a nurse in the NICU at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital, says. “With the PAL device, babies learn to feed faster and gain weight because they want to keep hearing their parents’ voices.”

Music therapists help parents record themselves singing a lullaby of their choosing. The recorded song then plays when the infants suck on their pacifiers, stopping only when they stop sucking.

Jenna Bollard, an expressive arts therapies manager at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital explains, “Giving parents a way to be part of their babies’ treatment helps them feel more bonded with their baby and gives them a very important role in their health and development.”

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital

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5 Tips for Your Kid’s First Trip to the Movies

By Common Sense Media

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

February 12, 2019

Photo: Promo photo

Before you had kids, a trip to the movies was a no-brainer. You liked the actor or the movie poster was cool, so you went. Simple. But if you have little kids, you have to put a bit more thought into a visit to the multiplex, especially the first time you go. Here are some tips for making the first venture to the theater a success.

Determine whether your kid is really ready. What’s the right age to take kids to their first movie? Well, it depends on your kid. Lots of kids see their first movie around the age of 3 or 4, but some parents wait until kids are a bit older, especially if they’re sensitive to loud noises or scared of the dark.

Choose the right movie. Obviously, you want something kid-friendly -– usually, animation fits the bill. But also look for movies that are slower-paced or shorter than the average blockbuster. These kinds of movies aren’t always playing in the mall theater, but keep your eye out for special screenings at art house theaters, churches, or schools where they show classic kids’ movies on the big screen. Here’s a list of great first movies to watch at home or at a special screening.

Skip the ads and trailers. Lots of theaters show a slew of commercials before the feature. Kids younger than about 8 aren’t able to distinguish advertising from content. Also, movie trailers are often louder and faster-paced than the movie itself, which can be a scary introduction to the theater.

Plan it right. Most little kids are at their best earlier in the day, so a theater’s first screening can be a great time to go — and it’s usually filled with other kids who won’t care if your kid talks through the whole thing (for older kids, teach movie theater etiquette — no talking, no devices, no getting up for no reason). Make sure kids are well fed, and decide ahead of time if you’ll be buying popcorn or candy so you don’t have to negotiate in the theater. (And if you buy popcorn, make sure you have water –- that popcorn’s salty!)

Go with the flow. You won’t be the first parent who’s left a theater with a screaming, crying, or otherwise overwhelmed kid. Yes, you might feel like you wasted your money on tickets, but you don’t want to force your kid to sit through something they’re not ready for. On the other hand, sometimes a short break in the lobby will be enough to prepare your kid for one more try.

– By Sierra Filucci, Common Sense Media

This post originally appeared on Common Sense Media.

Common Sense Media

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Common Sense Media is an independent nonprofit organization offering unbiased ratings and trusted advice to help families make smart media and technology choices. Check out our ratings and recommendations at www.commonsense.org.

Here’s Why Doctors Want Women to Wait a Year Between Pregnancies

by Shahrzad WarkentinJanuary 18, 2019

All parents-to-be have two big wishes: a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Now experts are saying there is one thing you can do to help lower health risks for both babies and moms. According to a new study, women should wait a year between pregnancies.

New research published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that pregnancies with shorter intervals less than 18 months apart were at increased risk for adverse fetal and infant outcomes, as well as higher risk of maternal mortality and severe morbidity. The study included 123,122 women of various ages and 148,544 pregnancies.

photo: KathrinPie via Pixabay

For women 35 and older, the risk of maternal mortality was 0.62 percent when there were only six months between pregnancies (between the birth of one and the conception of another), versus only 0.26 percent with an 18 month interval. For younger moms (those 20 to 34) the increase in maternal mortality was not as significant, however those moms had a higher risk of spontaneous preterm delivery, 5.3 percent at a six month interval versus 3.2 percent at 18 months, and adverse fetal and infant outcomes, 2.0 percent at six months, compared with 1.4 percent at 18 months.

“My main takeaway is that this association between short interpregnancy interval and poor pregnancy outcome is well-known, but this shows that it’s for all maternal ages. It doesn’t matter if you’re 20 or you’re 40,” said Dr. Laura Riley, chair of obstetrics and gynecology at Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian, who was not involved in the study.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

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Fanno Creek Trail

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Springwater Trail

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Waterfront Park Loop/Eastbank Esplanade

Marine Drive Trail

Trolley Trail

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