When you’ve exhausted your bookshelves and your voice is hoarse from that one silly voice you do, it’s time to call in some backup. Find a story time for every day of the week around town–full of even sillier voices, new characters, nature, learning, and friends. You’ll discover new bookshops, outdoor trails, your local library, and maybe even a new favorite toy store at these various story times. Best of all, you can take a break and let someone else take over for a change. Read on for more!
photo: by katrina emery
Maggie Mae’s
Maggie Mae’s Kids Bookshop started out as a mobile bookshop offering new and gently used kids’ books at an affordable price. Their permanent location in downtown Gresham opened to much fanfare in 2018 where they offer a fabulous collection of even MORE new and gently used books of all kinds. Stop by for story times on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10:30 a.m..
43 NW 3rd St.
Gresham, Or
503-512-7493
Online: maggiemaesbooks.com
Tryon Creek Story and Stroll
Though the Tryon Creek Nature Center is undergoing construction this year, their popular Story and Stroll program is still going! The program weaves together stories of nature, with movement and outdoor exploration. Gather to read about a topic like owls or newts, then head out to the woods to see what you can find! The stories are geared toward ages 2-6. Find the story times at 11 a.m. on Thursdays and Fridays–they’re popular, so get there at least 30 minutes early.
11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd.
Portland, Or
503-636-4398
Online: tryonfriends.org
photo: Green Bean Books
Green Bean Books
Green Bean Books is a little nook of perfect book space on Alberta Street–their selections are top notch, and they always have something fun going on like author signings. Story times are always free and are sprinkled throughout the week: find them on Tuesday at 11 a.m., Thursday at 3:30 p.m. and Sunday at 11 a.m., or try their musical story time on Monday at 11 a.m. The littlest crew has their own special baby story time on Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Special events like visits from illustrators happen very regularly, so check online–or be surprised!
1600 NE Alberta St.
Portland, Or
503-954-2354
Online: greenbeanbookspdx.com
Multnomah County Library
The library system across Portland has more than a dozen locations, and they all host fantastic story times. These are the best places for bi or trilingual babies, Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese and Spanish stories. You’ll also find story times for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, families, and story times for kids interested in STEAM, sensory play, or even pajamas. The events are all throughout the week and vary by location, so head to the the website for an overview of them all.
Online: multcolib.org/events/storytimes
photo: Made You Look
Made You Look
They’ve got toys. They’ve got a tunnel. They’ve got a coin operated flying airplane. And they even have story time! Made You Look has a well-curated selection of toys for all ages, from the littlest to the biggest kids. The handful of books they carry are carefully chosen and focus on friendship, community, diversity, and leadership–just like their story time. Meeting every other Thursday, each inspiring story comes with a craft to do with new friends. Follow their instagram or check their website to keep in touch with their latest events!
2418 E. Burnside St.
Portland, Or
503-719-7906
Online: madeyoulookpdx.com
Spanish Story Time with Portland Early Learning Project
A great Spanish-focused story time, the Portland Early Learning Project rotates locations around the city for their interactive events. They get the kiddos moving with music, dance moves, stories, and more in an encouraging Spanish environment—it’s a great introduction to a new language, or a perfect way to keep practicing! Check online for the latest time location–they offer them one to two times a month.
503-284-0610
Online: portlandearlylearning.com
photo: futurestreet via flickr
Powell’s Books
It’s the mothership of Portland’s bookstores, and it’s got one of the best selection of kid’s books around. It makes sense, then, that story time at the massive Powell’s City of Books is also fantastic! Head downtown at 11 a.m. on Saturday mornings and find a spot in the Rose Room’s children books for a new story every week.
1005 W. Burnside St.
Portland, Or
503-228-4651
Online: powells.com
Story Time with Olive and Dingo
Olive and Dingo know how to have fun. These two clowns (really, they’re clowns) put on hit shows for kids all throughout the year, most regularly at their story times. They’ve got a story showtime every Tuesday through Friday each week at various locations around the city– most are at 10:30 a.m., with a later show on Wednesdays at 4 p.m. Kids will enjoy the jokes, music, clowning around, stories, and even balloons! Each event is drop-in with a suggested donation of $5 to keep the fun going. Check up on their regular shows and special events on their website.
Online: oliveanddingo.com
—Katrina Emery
RELATED STORIES
List of Portland Mom Groups and Mothers Clubs
Parent-Baby Playdates in Portland
The Best Facebook Groups for Portland Parents
Best Playgrounds for Kids in Portland
Need some fresh ideas?
Related reads
