Between the Rose Festival CityFair and Multnomah County Fair, your kids have an opportunity to stay up late for fireworks, ride a sheep and eat their weight in cotton candy. If you’re feeling a little more country and a little less rock ‘n’ roll, head to Spray, Oregon for the best small-town rodeo in the west.
Eastside
Mutton Bustin’ at the Multnomah County Fair
Enjoy this first county fair of the season, with pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting and farm fun, like playing in corn bins and mutton bustin’ (aka: kids under 55 lbs. wearing helmets, riding sheep). An entertainment stage will offer up a community talent competition, as well as local dance troupes and bands. Sat.-Mon., noon-7 p.m. Free. All Ages. Event details.
Reading has Gone to the Dogs
Kids can practice their reading skills on gentle therapy dogs who love to listen. 10% of all purchases will go to Pet Partners, a nonprofit matching dogs and people who need their services. Sat., 2-3 p.m., Free. All Ages. Event details.
Westside
Rides and Fireworks on the Waterfront
Rose Festival CityFair opens this weekend and features thrill rides, attractions, exotic animals, an entertainment venue with national acts and performances. New this year are the Butterfly Adventure where you can step inside the Flutter Garden and feed nectar to free-flying butterflies. There’s also the new Kids Zone, with interactive arts and crafts and the Crafter’s Corner, featuring local, handmade artisan pieces for sale. Rose Festival Opening Night Fireworks are at 10 p.m. on Friday and can be seen from either side of the river. Fri.-Sun., various start times,$10/souvenir pin/season pass or $7/person ages 7 and up, Free for kids 6 and under. All Ages. Event details.
Field Trippin’
Find out why woodpeckers don’t get concussions, where owls nest and other fascinating facts about birds and hawks as Tryon Creek hosts Family Field Trip Day. Experts will take each family on a guided hike and play discovery games. Be prepared to get your hands dirty. Pre-registration is required. Sat., 2-4 p.m., $6/person non-members, $5/person members. All Ages. Event details.
Rockin’ Good Times
If your kids love rocks, stones and meteorites, will be in rocky heaven at Meteorite and Family Fun Day, celebrating the opening of the museum’s meteorite exhibit. Activities will include cracking open geodes, identifying meteorites and meteor-wrongs, sand sifting, dino-hats and rock arts and crafts. Dick Pugh, a specialist in Field Meteoritical Research, will give a presentation. Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., $5/person. All Ages. Event details.
Worth the Drive
Mosey Down to the Rodeo
If you’re looking to escape the city and get a taste of small town life for Memorial Day weekend, round up the family and head past The Dalles to eastern Oregon for the 67th Annual Spray Rodeo, dubbed the best small town rodeo in the west. Their 50th annual Eastern Oregon Half Marathon, Buckaroo Breakfasts and parade will also take place along with bucking broncos, bull riding, barrel racing and roping. Fri.-Sun., various start times, $10/person 13 and up, $5/child ages 6-12, free for kids under 6. All Ages. Event details.
What are you up to for the long weekend? Let us know in the Comments below!
–Suzie Ridgway
Photo courtesy of The Portland Rose Festival
