I am going to Portland (NE 16th section) for three weeks this October with my two year old and five month old. Any ideas for stuff for us to do? I would especially like to go to a mommy and me aerobics class-- I go to one regularly at home and love it.
Check out Cascadiakids.com. It is a blog/website written by a Ballard mom and local freelance writer. She has a big section on Portland. You probably could even ask her questions. Have fun!
We absolutely love Pump it Up Jr in Beaverton, OMSI (has a special section for the under 6 group) and the Portland Zoo. If you have a car and can drive Kids Club in Vancouver is amazing. There is a great indoor aquatic center in Clackmas. Have fun... we sure miss the Portland area having just moved to a small town.
The Albina branch library has free book readings for families and kids that age. Also the Dishman pool has very generous parent/pre-school swim times (inexpensive) and also has classes, an indoor gym. You can check our the Portland Parks and rec website.
My two-year-old and I had a great time at the zoo. Very stroller-friendly. My little guy really liked riding the trains around town too. Have fun!
The Children's Museum is fun for little ones and is by the zoo. There is a Forestry Center with fun things to do for little ones. All of the libraries have story times. Many parks and playgrounds for kids to run. Check a Lila guide for Portland- book at the library or bookstore. Many of the bookstores do storytimes during the mornings. Go online and check for schedules. Lots of swimming places through Portland Parks and Rec. I often took my daughter in the kiddie pool area and my son was either in a stroller or car seat snoozing away. It was a nice way to spend some time with the oldest. I often put my little one in a wrap and carried him while at the parks, OMSI, storytimes, etc. Children's Museum has a small area for the little ones. Both of your kids will be able to play in that area.
Hope you have a great visit. Oh, don't forget the beach only about 1.5 hours away if you have a car. Even renting one for the day would be fun.
Definitely check out Papa Haydn - best bakery you have ever seen hundreds of cakes/desserts - there is usually a mass crowd hovering there to eat there - the restaurant is great too - I used to live out there - and this is a site in itself....
Here is their website:
