Organized Activites for Toddler and Preschooler

Hi there... I have a website that I started a while back and have been slacking on but will be updating in the next day or two....

http://thingsandplacesforkids.blogspot.com/

There are a few places on there.. I sure hope to add more soon... I've been in the dumps and haven't had much of a response on it so hence the slacking.

The beaverton fountains by the beaverton library is one that is free and super fun! Go on a weekday though!!! :)

Good luck darling!!! :)

The ongoing dilemna of what to do with the kids! :) Here are some other ideas some of which I am sure are in your repetoire already. One thing is that you may need to wander away from Beaverton a bit for a change of pace and different experiences.

Near/In Bvtn:
1. Library + Picnic: We like to go to the library (Bvtn or Cedar Mill), pick up (or pack) a picnic lunch, and go for a picnic. Then home for nap. The Cedar Mill Rec Center park is nicely contained and has picnic tables and a shade canopy in summer. The other park we really like in Commonwealth Park. It's great for a walk around the park,or bike/trike ride on the path, looking at ducks, running on grass, etc. Kids can picnic and play at the playground which is under a large shade tree.
2. Berry picking in the summer at WEST UNION Gardens. You can also pack a lunch and picnic after picking under the trees (they have picnic tables). They have many thornless varieties of raspberries and blackberry bushes.
3. Indoor play if it is too hot or rainy:
- Out Of This World in Hillsboro is good for multiple ages. Food is so-so, primarily pizza and salads.
- Me Too Cafe
- Pump it Up Jr's open play times
4. Public/Rec Center pools that have kiddie pools (e.g. Sunset rec center, etc)
5. Check out My Masterpiece Art Studio - great open studio and art program for the little ones. Your older can take a class while your younger is in open studio. www.mymasterpieceartstudio.com Classes are first come first served (you can sign up in advance to hold a spot), and you only pay for the ones you attend. The passes are $36 for 5 classes, so reasonable especially for what you get there. Open studio is great too- you can buy a paint or clay package for $8 to $10 and keep both kids busy with that one package for hours at a time.
Outside of Bvtn area:
6. OMSI's upstairs play and discovery area for the younger ones. Great on really hot days since it has A/C and water tables, etc.
7. For your kids' ages, Portland Children's Museum is perfect and you can plan timing to see the puppet/music programs and participate in storytimes.

The libraries often have family story time that will accomodate both ages. Go online to www.wccls.org.

Try the recreation center nearest you for classes or camps. It is tough to find a class for the little ones age anywhere close to the times of the older one. I'm struggling with that, but while the older one is in class, maybe you could take the tot to the playground. Many rec. centers offer indoor play park. Check the Tualatin Hills Recreation Center site for these offerings at your local rec. center.

Go online to MeetUp and see if they have any play groups available for your needs.

You might set up a scavenger hunt for your kids the next time you go to the park or hike one of the many trails. There is something called letterboxing, a treasure hunt of sorts with boxes hidden in and around Portland and many other locales (if on vacation). Search for letterboxing with kids for more info.

Blow bubbles outside on your porch or watch/help them ride their bikes.

Good luck on finding some happy times.
D.

I once had a book that was awesome from Whole Foods. I can't remember the exact title, something like, "Things To Do With Kids in Portland". Really cool book! Good start since I am new to Portland. I don't have the book now because I moved away for 3 three months but am back and wanting to meet mamas! Email me if you find some really cool stuff to do. I have a light work schedule right now and a car so if you want to meet up and need a ride, just contact me. We can meet up to meet each other. My daughter is 3.5 years and she is my only one.

Sincerely,
Tes
Amma's Mahma
###-###-####
____@____.com

In the summer, the park near the Beaverton Library is great. They have fountains for the kids to run through, and big play structure, and Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings. When the weather's not so nice, the library is always a great place to go, and totally FREE!

2 GREAT groups we love that our near your home: http://www.meetup.com/foreverfun/ and also MOMS through Sunset Presbyterian Church: http://www.sunsetmoms.org/moms/Home.html