ML Interest Tag: tulip-farm

Make Your Plans for This Year’s Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival

by Annette Benedetti

Trust us. Oregon’s Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival is as family-friendly as it gets

If you are thrilled that spring is here, then you’ll want to celebrate with Portland’s epic Annual Wooden Shoe Tulip festival! This month-and-a-half-long family-friendly event kicks off on March 17, and offers tons of exciting activities like hot air balloon and cow train rides as well as special events and activities for families to attend. Read on for your guide to this beloved spring event.

What is the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival?

The Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm puts on the Wooden Shoe Tulip Fest in Woodburn, Oregon. This Oregon farm is home to 40 acres filled with various tulips that come in stunning colors. The fields get rearranged into new patterns each year, so the annual celebration never fails to stun attendees—a big reason they return again and again. But the tulips aren’t the only thing your crew has to look forward to at this spring event. There are incredible views of mountains, nearby vineyards, and onsite food, drinks, and fun for the whole family to enjoy. Kids in particular love the play area, and there are hay rides and special weekend events you should start planning for now.

When is the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival?

The Festival is held annually in Woodburn, Oregon. This year you can get tickets to the festival from March 17 to April 30, 2023. Advance tickets are a must and online ticket sales start March 1, 2023. As you consider dates that work well for your family, remember that Mother Nature is in charge of when the tulips bloom. So if you’re heading out to get pictures to send to the grandparents, it’s best to avoid the first week (or so) of the blooming season.

When is the Best Time to Visit the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival with Kids?

We’ll let you in on a little secret—crowds are smaller during the work week, so this is an ideal time to come if you have busy little ones or don’t like negotiating space with others. The gardens are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, so you’ve got plenty of time to make it down from the city, explore, and still be home in time to make dinner.

What to Expect During a Weekday Visit

The festival is open daily throughout the week. During the weekdays you can wander through the tulip fields, and check out the four-acre garden bursting with over 100 varieties of tulips. Take the kids on a tulip train ride, a leisurely, cushioned ride around the tulips with plenty photo stops—better make room on your phone. The train runs from noon to 5 p.m. during weekdays and is an extra cost. Or just let them run in the children’s play area on a lovely spring day. The play area includes play structures kids of all ages will love, the famous duck races, and even old-fashioned tire swings to catch air on.

Weekend Activities at the Festival

The weekends bring extras to the fest that make it worth navigating the eager crowds. Plus weekend hours are a little longer (8 a.m.-7 p.m.) so you’ve got more Your kids can watch wooden shoe-making or steam tractor demonstrations, or you can wander through the crafter marketplace and peruse the offerings from various vendors. Up the excitement with a balloon animal or let your little athletes get their energy out in the jump tents or the rock wall. For adrenaline addicts, there are even carnival rides. It’s easy to spend a whole weekend playing and relaxing on the farm.

But if you ask us, the got air balloon rides (available only on the weekends) are the big draw. If you are interested in seeing the tulip fields from above, there are a number of balloonists you can call directly and book flights with. Please remember, the rides are weather dependent.

Where to Eat at the Festival

One of the things that makes this festival family-friendly is that families can pack their own picnics and eat onsite with the kids. It's a great way to save money. But if you'd prefer to head out the door without a ton of prep time, there are plenty of tasty options available at the festival. Alotta Wood Fire Pizza will sell you a slice, Real Mexican Food will be available, and who doesn't want something from Gimme Some Sugar? You will also find coffee and smoothies and so much more.

Wine Tasting & Tours

Whether you're looking for a date idea or you've got grandparents or a friend who wants to come along and watch the kids, you don't want to miss the Tulip Fest's wine tasting and tour opportunities. Enjoy a glass of one of the estate-grown wines or a glass of local beer or cider at the vineyard, or go on a wine farm tour at the scheduled ticket time. There are three different tours you can go on: The Estate Wine Tour, the Light Wine Tour, and the Red Wine Tour. All are worth it.

Other Things to do in the Area

Extend your fun beyond the fest by joining one of the festival-related events. Check out the Wooden Shoe Vineyards for some wine-tasting fun. There are also a number of fun runs to check out including the Tulip Trail Run.

​What to Bring & Wear

Make sure you get the most out of your Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival experience by showing up prepared. Spring is wet in Oregon so bring boots and a raincoat in case you get caught in a downpour. It’s also wise to bring a dry change of clothes for the kids or at least dry socks if you want to keep your diaper bag uncluttered. Snacks are a must. If you have little ones, pack the stroller. It’s bound to come in handy. Don’t forget your camera! You will get some incredible shots no matter what the weather does.

Insider Tip: This is a dog-friendly event. Your pooch must be leashed, but is bound to love the event as much as you do.

Dates: Mar. 17-Apr. 23, 2023
Cost: $10-$40/weekday pass; $15-$55/weekend pass; $60/season pass; all tickets include parking

Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival
33814 S. Meridian Rd.
Woodburn, OR
Online: woodenshoe.com

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Portland Family Staycations You’ll Actually Want to Do

by Annette Benedetti

Waiting for that one big vacation that takes you overseas or across the country can be real hard once summer rolls around. Ease the longing by planning out a bunch of smaller staycations that allow you to take in Portland like a tourist. From outdoor excursions to winding wine country experiences to urban adventures, we’ve put together the best Portland staycation experiences for every type of family.

Go To The Mountain

Head to Mt. Hood for a daytrip or staycation at Timberline Lodge and enjoy some summer skiing! That’s right, this spot has snow in the summer. It also offers visiting families epic hikes, including access to the iconic Pacific Crest Trail. If your kids love to travel on two wheels, you’re in luck. There are tons of bike trails to explore that take you through towering trees and offer families epic views.

After being one with nature and getting some solitude from the masses, book it to the lodge where you can hit one of their restaurants or book a room and stay the night. Timberline Lodge offers an array of room options that fit can accommodate families of all sizes while providing a true “deep woods getaway” experience.

If you really worked up an appetite, swing by Hood River to enjoy Italian wines and some nibbles at Marchesi Winery, rock-solid brews at Full Sail Brewery, or a mix of American cuisine at Skamania Lodge.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors.

One of the best hikes in Oregon is located in a rural town close to Salem: Silver Falls. The hikes are rolling and easy, even on little ones with dramatic falls. And there’s a lodge nearby with snacks and bathrooms. While you’re there, check out the Tulip Farm or wander though the Oregon Garden. Bonus: See the only Frank Lloyd Wright house in Oregon.

Get Your Game On

Do you have a family full of gamers? You don’t have to stay home to get some good gaming time in. Quarter World is and old-school hangout with a variety of arcade games and pinball machines, plus a full bar that serves pizza. It welcomes gamers of all ages on the weekends. Not done playing arcade games? Joystick on over to Ground Kontrol, an arcade in Northwest Portland, where you can play everything from Pacman to pinball. Ground Kontrol also has beverages, including the adult kind, and food.

But that’s not all Portland has to offer both old-school gamers and new. Make sure to check out Grand Central Bowling where you can take your gaming to the alley and when you’re done, you can hit the arcade and grab a bite to eat in the diner!

A Downtown Portland Staycation

For a real staycation experience, head downtown for the day to take in one of Portland’s most beloved spots. Tom McCall Waterfront Park, where the family can stroll and play along the walking path that follows the Willamette River. Stop and let the kids cool off and play in the Salmon Street Springs, and interactive water fountain controlled by and underground computer.

But that’s not all downtown watefront has to offer. Go to the best urban garden in Portland – the Lan Su Chinese Gardens. It’s close to Waterfront Park and blooming cherry blossoms and flowering plums. Take pictures of our bridges and the Willamette River with the kids. Hungry? Old Town Pizza is a favorite pizzeria close by. If it’s the weekend, you can stop at the Saturday Market to get handmade soaps, t-shirts, and bird houses. And why not finish up the day with an art-lover’s experience. The Portland Art Museum and stroll through a variety of exhibits ranging from paintings and photography to sculptures, there’s something for everyone.

Sound like a real vacation? Make it so with an overnight at the Woodlark, a Provenance Hotel, located downtown. It offers families suites with luxurious beds, living-room like sitting areas and there are even amenities for the family pet! You’ll love it so much that when you have the grandparents come visit, you’ll have them book a suite for themselves just so that you can visit!

Wind Your Way to Wine Country

Who doesn’t want to experience a wine country getaway? Head to McMinville where you can spend hours in the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum that has Howard Hughes’ all-wood airplane, the Spruce Goose, and a giant indoor waterpark, too. When you are done, you can also stop by various wineries like Dominio IV and Remy Wines. Not far away is a small town called Mt. Angel where there’s an abbey and some of the best German food you’ll eat. Afterward, go to St. Paul and enjoy two of the best wineries in the area: Lady Hill Winery and Sinnean. (They’re even next door to each other!)

Enjoy Vancouver

Step back in time; Vancouver is home to a historic site and fur-trading outpost: Fort Vancouver. Established by the Hudson’s Bay Company’s Columbia Department, it boasts housing a number of military elite, including Ulysses S. Grant before he became a U.S. president. A fantastic playground and Pearson Air Museum are a stone’s throw away. While at Pearson, don’t miss the video about the history of Southern Washington, covering everything from the Native Americans who fished the Columbia to the women who built World War II ships. The kids will love the library in Vancouver, and there’s reciprocity if you live in Portland; you can check out books. The children’s section is one the best in the area and definitely worth your time.

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Your Family Guide to the 2022 Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

by Allison Sutcliffe

Signs of spring are popping up all over Seattle, but the surest one of all is the return of the popular Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. This month-long celebration has miles of tulip farms to explore, and with events running throughout the season, it’s not only fun, it’s totally kid-friendly. So load up the car, get your tickets and make your way to Skagit Valley’s fields of dreams. Read on to make your plans.

tulip festival skagit valley near seattle

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

When to Go

The festival officially kicks off on April 1 and runs through April 30, when the flower fields in the Skagit Valley will be in full bloom. You should see color in the fields by the first week of April, and fields fully blooming by the second week, give or take. Tulip Town and Garden Rosalyn will open on April 1, and RoozenGaarde, open year-round, will start charging for admission March 25. Since blooms can change in a short amount of time, check the bloom status or bloom map so you know what to expect, or call the bloom hotline at 360-428-5959.

Just like last year, families will need timed tickets to visit the tulip fields in 2022. All three growers are encouraging folks to purchase them in advance, but Tulip Town and RoozenGaarde have confirmed they will be selling tickets at the gate, if space is available. Bottom line, it’s best to plan ahead, especially if a weekend visit is part of your flower gazing plan.

Good to know: Saturdays are the busiest days to visit the gardens, followed by Sundays, Fridays and Mondays. If you’re looking to avoid crowds and traffic, and you’ve got flexibility for your visit, a mid-week plan is best.

tulip festival skagit valley seattle

photo: courtesy Tulip Town

Where to Find the Flowers

Tulip Town will be open everyday from April 1 to May 1, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and offers a few different ticketed experiences. For families with young kids, the General Admission tickets should do the trick. It includes parking, entry to the fields and indoor exhibits and a ride on the tulip trolley, weather permitting. It’s all you need to get the kids in the field for those Insta-worthy photos on a beautiful spring day. General admission tickets are $15 for anyone over the age of 12, $6 for kids ages 6-11 and free for kiddos 5 and under. If spontaneity is your family jam, consider purchasing the Anytime ticket for $25 (ages 6 & up). You get the same perks as the General Admission without being tied to a specific time frame. To get your tickets, simply choose your date and a three-hour window (arrive anytime in between). Sorry, no pets.

Good to know: Due to last year’s regional flooding, there may not be as much color in the fields this year, but Tulip Town will strive to provide an amazing experience for visitors.

tulip festival skagit valley seattle

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

RoozenGaarde has a colorful five-acre display garden (including a 25-acre tulip field and a 22-acre daffodil field) with over one million bulbs and an authentic Dutch windmill. Stroll the garden and see your favorite flowers, including over 150 varieties of tulips. Each year, RoozenGaarde redesigns and replants its garden with a new layout featuring brilliant color combinations, spectacular floral designs and flowering rivers of deep blue muscari. This year they’ll be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the weekdays and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.on the weekends. Advance tickets are highly encouraged. It’s $15 per person and kids two and under are free. Sorry, no pets permitted in the garden.

skagit valley tulip festival seattle

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Garden Rosalyn is Skagit Valley’s newest tulip farm, and it’s the only one that welcomes well-behaved, leashed dogs. Playful designs are part of what makes visiting this field fun for kids, but so are the geese and ducks that call the little lake on the property home. They plan to host food trucks on site this year and have picnic benches out to enjoy your meal. The farm will be welcoming visitors daily, from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. starting April 1. Tickets are $12 per person and kids 5 and under are free.

Good to know: If driving isn’t in your plan, Shutter Tours offers a motor coach tour that departs from the Downtown Seattle Sheraton with stops at the big tulip farms and downtown La Conner. The tours run April 2-24, 2022 and have limited availability.

tulip festival seattle skagit valley

photo: Kylie Kirkland

Possible Lunch Spots

The waterfront town of La Conner is a charming small town that’s bustling with activity during tulip season. It’s also a great spot to stop and eat once you’ve had your fill of flowers. There are lots of restaurants to check out, including the very popular Calico Cupboard Cafe & Bakery, a from-scratch cafe that serves all-day breakfast, hearty lunches and some of the largest cinnamon rolls this side of the Cascades. La Conner Brewing Company is another family-friendly spot, as is Waterfront Cafe, where you can watch the boats go by when you dine dockside.

You’ll also find plenty of options in Mt. Vernon, no matter what you’re in the mood for. Check out the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce site for some ideas. Calico Cupboard Cafe & Bakery also has a Mt. Vernon location, and a local favorite, Whidbey Island Bagel Factory, serves New York style bagels that are some of the best in the state. For an extra special treat, stop by Snow Goose Produce for a scoop of specialty ice cream from Lopez Island Creamery. Served in a homemade waffle cone, these generous scoops will fill the kids up for the car ride home. Note: Remember to bring cash if you plan to stop at Snow Goose Produce; they do not accept debit, credit or checks for ice cream.

We’re glad to report the popular Kiwanis Salmon BBQ at Hillcrest Park Lodge is back this year. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays it’s the spot to get a plate of delicious grilled salmon ($20-$23/plate) and support local and global Kiwanis projects. Note: Online tickets are not available this year.

photo: Eric Riddle

How to Dress

It’s best to dress in layers, and wear waterproof clothing in case there are April showers. Bring a change of shoes, socks and pants (especially if it’s a muddy weekend), and sun hats and sunscreen if it’s sunny. Depending on the rainfall, the fields may be mucky and uneven making even experienced toddlers a little wobbly on their feet.

What to Bring

You will definitely want to pack some snacks and items to keep the Littles busy in the car. Since the photo ops are endless, you’ll also want to bring along your fully charged smartphone (and maybe a backup). If traveling with babies or just-walkers, we recommend bringing a backpack rather than a stroller, and if a stroller is how you roll, make sure it’s got rubber tires. Older kids can walk the paths around some of the fields and put those cute rain boots to use!

Garden Etiquette

The fields are generally not for “picking,” just admiring and taking pictures. Often there are paths around the fields, but generally they don’t want you walking in the rows of flowers, as the bulbs are fragile. Tulips are usually for sale at the entrances, so you can take some home.

skagit valley tulip festival seattle

photo: Tanya Hayes

Special Events

There are all kinds of special events in honor of the festival happening throughout April. On April 9, the 35th Annual Kiwanis Club of La Conner Not So Impromptu Tulip Parade will begin at 2 p.m., starting at the Port of Skagit complex in LaConer. Grab a curbside seat and expect to see lots of wacky, impromptu participants—from farm animals and mascots to your favorite pets.

The 37th Annual Street Fair in Downtown Mt. Vernon is scheduled for April 15-17. Arts, gourmet foods, kid’s toys—you’ll find lots of goodies at this masked, outdoor event that’s fun for everyone.

If your kids are older or they just love being fancy, consider attending the English Tea at Willowbrook Manor. Reservations are available every Friday and Saturday in April, from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. for $40 per person.

Bonus Activity

Because children’s museums are always a hit with kids, plan to check out the Children’s Museum of Skagit County. It’s located inside the Cascade Mall in Burlington and has lots of fun exhibits to explore. The Museum is open with limited hours Tuesday through Saturday, with ticked, two-hour long sessions starting at 10 a.m. (although this may change come April.) Reservations are recommended. Admission is only $8 for kids and adults and $7 for military and seniors; babes under 12 months are free.

 

skagit valley tulip festival seattle

photo: Anika Blake

Travel Time & Getting There

Depending on traffic, it should take you 60 minutes from Seattle. If possible, try to go during the week. The traffic can be a bit of a zoo on the weekends, although that may not be the case because visiting the fields is now a ticketed experience. Whenever you travel, bring along some car activities and a dose of patience for the adventure.

It’s easy to get to the Skagit Valley. Travel north on I-5 for approximately 60 miles. The tulips are generally grown in a 15-mile triangle bordered by Highway 20, the Skagit River and the Swinomish River Channel. Note: The festival is designed as a driving tour as many events and attractions are miles apart, scattered throughout the lower Skagit Valley.

Online: tulipfestival.org (view the 2022 festival brochure here)

—Allison Sutcliffe & Kristina Moy

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DFW’s Best U-Pick Farms for Apples, Berries, Flowers & More

by Kate Loweth

There’s nothing quite like a day at a U-pick farm that gets the kids excited about fruit. These farms near Dallas offer apple picking in the fall, berries and peaches in the summer, and even sunflower and lavender picking. Pack up a picnic basket full of your favorite snacks and get the kids ready for a day of fruit picking!

Apple Valley Orchard—Llano

Jennifer Young

This 32-acre farm grows apples, berries and more out in Llano, TX. Check their Facebook page for u-pick updates. 

12340 S. Highway 16
Llano, TX
Online: facebook.com

Majestic Farms

Head to this farm in early summer for pear and plum picking. Did you know that pears are one of the only fruits that need to ripen after they've been picked? We didn't either! Check the farm's website before you head over as they'll indicate which fruits are ready for picking and whether they are closing early due to high temps.

You can also find them at the Hillsboro Farmer's Market. 

433 Hill County Road 1306
Whitney, TX
Online: majesticfarms.net

Blase Family Farm—Rockwall

Emily Williams

Blueberry and pumpkin picking happen at this too-cute farm in Rockwall. Blueberry season runs in early summer and October brings pumpkin season. This year you can find everyone's favorite square pumpkin, Spookley, at Blase Family Farm.

1232 E Fork Drive
Rockwall, TX
Online: blasefamilyfarm.com

Price Farms—Whitney

If strawberries and pumpkins aren't the best combination, we don't know what is! Head to Price Farms in spring to pick your fill of strawberries, and then come back in the fall for pumpkin season.

142 Hill County Road 2401 North
Whitney, TX
Online: facebook.com/pricefarmsocial/

Lavender Ridge Farms—Gainesville

This picturesque spot was originally a melon and strawberry farm, but has been selling lavender, cut flowers and herbs since 2006. Head out and visit the two acres where you'll find a cafe serving lavender treats as well as a shop with soaps and other lavender-scented items. Check their Facebook page for current hours before you head over. 

2391 County Road 178
Gainesville, TX
Online: lavenderridgefarms.com

Jenkins Farm—Ravenna

This peach orchard is 10 miles North of Bonham, TX on Hwy 78, about 90 minutes from Dallas. The peach-picking season runs from May-July and the best spot to find information on their picking status is on their Facebook page. In addition to peaches, they also grow blackberries and plums.

269 CR 1600
Ravenna, TX
Online: facebook.com

Wild Berry Farm—Sadler

Blackberries and blueberries are the name of the game at this North Texas farm. They also have fields of sunflowers blooming in July. If you want to cut flowers, bring a jar or large container and scissors. Their outdoor farm market sells jams, jellies, veggies seeds, and more. 

905 Crawford Rd.
Sadler, TX
Online: realtexasfood.com/wild-berry-farm

Texas Tulip Farm - Pilot Point

Gabby Cullen

Closed for the 2023 season, the Texas Tulip Farm is a spring destination for DFW residents. Over six acres of brightly colored tulips, a hay maze and the opportunity to pick your own beautiful bouquet are all part of the fun when you visit.

10656 FM 2931
Pilot Point, TX 76258

Ham Orchards - Terrell

One of the most popular farm destinations in DFW, you can pick your own raspberries at Ham's at the beginning of the summer while also being able to buy some of their famous peaches all the way until mid-August. There's plenty of other fun to be had: a browse through the general store, a BBQ lunch and enjoying some soft-serve peach ice cream are a must!

11939 County Rd. 309
Terrell, TX 75161
Online: hamorchard.com

 

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30 Ways to Have Fun with Your Kids This Spring!

by rtelissacirignotta

Portland is bursting into bloom and with COVID restrictions lightening families are bursting out of their front doors eager to celebrate the arrival of Spring. This time of year special to locals. It fills the city with much-needed color and a multitude of fun activities are available to parents with kids of all ages. Get outside with the whole family this spring! Breathe the fresh air, go for a hike, take a bike ride, plant a garden…but don’t stop there! Read on for inspiration on your next spring adventure!

Evelyn Cirignott

  1. Jump on a bike! There are tons of awesome bike paths for families with riders of all sizes to explore. Here are some of our favorites!
  2. Volunteer to help Friends of Trees plant new trees. Fill up the water bottles, roll up your sleeves, and get your hands dirty. Be prepared to learn a lot about all the different kinds of Portland trees.
  3. Visit the Audubon Society. Birding families may enjoy learning about native birds in this beautiful Sanctuary.
  4. If you have an hour or two to spare load up all the kids and head to Forest Park for a lusciously green family hike.
  5. Hit one of our amazing local parks! There's more than you can fit in in one season.
  6. Too rainy to hike? No problem. Take the family bowling instead. Portland’s bowling alleys are slowly opening pack up. Check out these alleys (always check to find out about their COVID rules) and then knock out a few pins.
  7. Go on a spring break getaway. Load the kids into the car and explore Oregon. Not sure where to start with your planning? Check out these locations.
  8. Take an urban walk. If you are needing an extra big dose of spring head on over to Laurelhurst Park. Lap the perimeter of the park, visit with the baby ducks (just remember not to feed them), and head over to the play structure!
  9. Bloom baby bloom! Check out some incredible displays of flowers in this beautiful rose city.  If you don't want to travel far take a walk around your neighborhood. Greet strangers, touch trees, be silly, and stop to smell the flowers!
  10. Dance among the tulips at the Woodburn Tulip Festival. From March 19th until May 2nd at Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm you can enjoy the annual Tulip Festival! There will be hay rides, trains, slides, delicious food, and plenty of photo opportunities for the whole family. Tulips of every color and size are scattered throughout the farm. It’s basically a dream come true.

OCVA via Flickr

  1. It’s officially Farmer’s Market season! You could easily spend an entire Saturday morning wandering the Portland State University Farmer’s Market. Nibble on fruits and veggies, buy flowers for the kitchen table, and enjoy the local live music.
  2. Not sure what to do over a long weekend? We suggest visiting the Oregon Coast. Head to Depoe Bay. It will be whale watching season and you’ll definitely want to catch sight of a magnificent whale tail!
  3. Did you know that Hoyt Arboretum covers over 189 acres and about 6,000 trees!? Stop by the visitor center first and grab a free kids’ map that is full of exciting challenges and activities that you can do together on one of the many hiking trails!
  4. Go for a hike. These easy trails are fun for even your youngest little hikers.
  5. Try fishing. Spring is the perfect time for kids to try to reel in their first catch. Check these local fishing spots out for your family experience.!
  6. Spring sunsets are the best in Portland. Have a picnic and watch the sun go down here.
  7. Hike our very own dormant volcano of Tabor. Bring the dogs and let them play in the off-leash area then soak in the views of downtown.
  8. Splish, Splash. Browse this list and make your way through all your favorite Portland Indoor Pools!
  9. Wander around The Portland Nursery and let everyone pick a small plant or pack of seeds. Then go home and spend time nurturing this new growth.

Kirt Edblom via Flickr

  1. Need new kid clothes? Go shopping at these consignment stores. Get all of the clothes you need at an affordable price at these shops that carry new and gently used items.
  2. Go on a PNW road trip. We've got some awesome options for you all rounded up here.
  3. Cozy up with your kids and listen to a local podcast. There are tons being created by and for local families.
  4. Sip some ramen! The kids ramen bowls at Boke Bowl are rich, flavorful, and reasonably priced!
  5. Take a drive to the gorgeous coastal town of Manzanita! We recommend keeping an eye out on the weather and picking the first sunny windy day to go fly a kite!
  6. Take the kids to Omsi! That's right! It has reopened and there are plenty of awesome exhibits to check out.
  7. Visit the Children’s section at Powell’s Bookstore. Make a special trip to the downtown flagship store, grab a coffee for you and hot chocolate for the littles, and sit in the children’s section reading books!
  8. Make a play date and host a craft day! Get inspiration for your next project here.
  9. Get science-y at home! Try one of these awesome at-home projects with your kiddos.
  10. Stay in and get cooking. Check out these child friendly crock pot recipes, get out the aprons, ingredients, and cooking materials and let this meal become a family affair.

—Annette Benedetti

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10 Things You HAVE to Do in Portland This Month

by Suzie Ridgway

We are definitely in the thick of spring and April is the month to let those little ones run through acres of tulip fields bursting with color at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival, to treat yourselves to free ice cream cones at Ben and Jerry’s, or to take kids on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Oregon Zoo’s new elephant habitat they will never forget. The following are 10 things in Portland your family cannot miss this month.

 photo: Brady Montz via Flickr Creative Commons

1. Stop and Smell the Tulips at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival
Now through May 3rd

This 31st annual event centers on field after field (40 acres, actually) of tulips in every color and draws visitors from far and wide. Activities and photo opportunities take place each day, including hay rides and cow train rides, bouncy houses, slides, swings, trying on wooden shoes and eating plenty of delicious food. Some of the kids’ activities require an additional small fee. All ages.

Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm
33814 S Meridian Rd.
Woodburn
$5/person ages 13 and up; $20 max per carload; free for kids 12 and under
Online: woodenshoe.com

2. Learn Why Three is a Magic Number at Schoolhouse Rock Live!
Now through April 26, Sat. and Sun.

Check out the 70’s morning classic, animated shorts, School House Rock, as they come to life in a musical production on the big stage. The show features Tom, a nerve-wracked school teacher, inspiring his students with the beloved music cleverly disguised as history, civics, grammar and math lessons. Kids will have a blast with I’m Just a Bill, Three is a Magic Number and Conjunction Junction, among others. Best for ages four and up.

Dolores Winningstad Theatre
1111 SW Broadway
$15-$28
Online: octc.org

3. Let Them Entertain You: Tears of Joy Puppet Show: When Animals Were People
April 10-19

Tears of Joy Theatre presents two tales from Mexico and Argentina paired into one dynamic puppet play incorporating Spanish words and phrases. When Animals Were People features friends, Tortuga, Grandfather Zopilote, and Ardilla, who enjoy sharing meals together. Find out what happens when Lobo asks to join them, and wants to eat more than just their delicious stew. The Lazy Bee, features a young, fun-loving bee as she faces the consequences of refusing to do her fair share of the work. Best for ages four and up

Imago Theatre
17 SE 8th Ave.
$15-$22/person
Online: tojt.org

4. Have a Blooming Good Time at the Hood River Blossom Festival 
April 11-26

Celebrate spring with Hood River County’s acre after acre of pear, cherry and apple trees dressed in their delicate pink and white blooms. In addition to the supremely scenic 35-mile drive around the Fruit Loop, families can expect pancake breakfasts, a pansy party, quilt and craft shows, beer and wine tastings, as well as truckloads of baked goods, preserves, yarn and fresh produce available for purchase. See website for a complete schedule and event locations along the Fruit Loop. All ages.

Hood River Fruit Loop
Various locations, schedules and pricing (see website for details)
Online: hoodriver.org

photo: Ben and Jerry’s 

5. Treat Yourselves to Ben and Jerry’s Free Cone Day
April 14

What’s better than ice cream?  Free ice cream!  Ben and Jerry’s celebrates another awesome year of making ice cream by doling out free scoops for one day. Pop into one of their five Portland locations to get yours. All ages.

Pearl District, 301 NW 12th Ave.
Downtown, 524 SW Yamhill St.
PSU, 510 SW Mill St.
Uptown Center, 39 NW 23rd Ave.
Hawthorne, 1428 SE 36th Ave.
Online: benjerry.com

6. Immerse Yourselves in Culture at Oregon Symphony’s Peter and the Wolf
April 19

The Magic Circle Mime will play out Prokofiev’s classic story, set to music performed by the Oregon Symphony for their final kids’ concert of the season. The performance will have kids on the edge of their seats as three musicians and a conductor’s assistant try to outwit the wolf that threatens the orchestra and the audience. All Ages.

Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
1037 SW Broadway
$10-$50/person
Online: orsymphony.org

photo: ©Oregon Zoo/ photo by Kathy Street

7. Get an Elephant’s View at Elephantastic!
April 25

Visitors will have the opportunity to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience touring a portion of Elephant Lands from the elephants’ perspective. Small groups will be able to walk through the North Habitat, formerly the Elk Meadow. The exhibit is covered in thick sand and not suitable for those with mobility challenges, but the pedestrian viewing area is completely accessible. All ages.

Oregon Zoo
4001 SW Canyon Rd.
Free with Zoo Admission ($8.50-$11.50/person; Free for children 2 and under)
Online: oregonzoo.org

8. Kick Off the Rose Festival at the 82nd Avenue of the Roses Parade
April 25

The Rose Festival events kick off in 3, 2, 1… For the first officially sanctioned event of the Rose Festival, the 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade will feature local businesses, school groups, bands, fire engines and community organizations marching down the street in grand fashion. Stick around afterwards for the carnival with children’s entertainment, face painting, balloon animals and more, as well as the ultra-cool, classic car cruise-in. All ages.

Eastport Plaza
S.E. Boise Street – North on 82nd Ave. to SE Yamhill & SE 80th Ave.
Free
Online: rosefestival.org

 photo: Oregon Ag Festival

9. Be a Farmer for a Day: Oregon Ag Fest 2015
April 25-26

After petting adorable bunnies, goats, sheep and pigs, learning how to lasso from real-live wranglers, racing mini tractors and riding ponies, don’t be surprised if  your kids want you to pack up your city life and move to the country. In addition to the mountains of activities to keep the littles entertained, there will also be plenty of free, live entertainment and delicious homemade food available to sample and purchase. All ages.

Oregon State Fairgrounds
2330 17th Ave.
$9/adult; Free for kids 12 and under; Free Parking
Online: oragfest.com

10. Go on an Epic Adventure with The Little Mermaid
April 25-May 25

The NWCTS finishes its season up with this world-premiere adaptation featuring a young mermaid longing to live above the sea, on land. A-WOL Dance Collective takes the audience on a grand journey through the mermaid’s underwater adventures, and up into the air, flying high above it all, with this musical performance. All ages.

Northwest Children’s Theater
1819 NW Everett St.
$18-$22/person
Online: nwcts.org

Which of these will your family do? Let us know in the comments below!

—Suzie Ridgway

 

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