Another birthday party coming up… and when it’s pouring rain and you have a handful of excited and playful young children – do you really want to do this at home? Hmmn... And so, my annual search for the perfect venue and activity for my child’s birthday party in Portland begins.
First thing to consider of course is the constraints. A delicate balance between what the child wants vs. budget, time, and the number of guests. Winter time narrows down our choices by default. (No outdoor parks or backyard parties.) So most likely a favorite restaurant with a kid play area or play zone would be the safest bet.
Some of the venues I am exploring are the following:
PumpItUp - play area full of bounce house and other inflatables with party room
ChuckECheese (not really a big fan personally - it's like a Las Vegas strip for kids)
McDonalds or BurgerKing restaurants (those with play areas)
Bowling party - Sunset Lanes and Tigard Lanes are good ones with link-up to pizza in-house or next-door.
Safari Sam's
Another idea I am considering is to have a Swimming Party at an indoor pool in the neighborhood.
The only thing that is kind of bothering me with all these places is that the only food available is Pizza mostly. Nothing against it, just wish I had other choices when it comes to food.
So, just wondering are there any other places out there? let's search some more...
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Friday, January 8, 2010
Rainy Day Escapes in Portland part 2
Rain, freezing rain, freezing fog – some of the local terminology you hear the weather man mention a lot during the winter months in Oregon. It can get old pretty quickly if you're staying home with young children.
Aside from OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry), another option is the Portland Children's Museum. Both venues are family-friendly and provide a positive environment for exploration, learning and play. I also plan on checking out the Portland Art Museum pretty soon.
The local library is also a great resource that provides me lots of options for books, movies and CDs for my family for free. Most libraries also sponsor book babies and story times catered for children and parents. I also remember discovering my first playgroup while leafing through their pamphlets and brochures. And believe me, Playgroups have been a rainy day saver for me too!
During the winter break, we took our family swimming. Indoor pools about Portland and the Metro area and are a great escapes for family fun. They provide a good venue for exercising and burning off excess energy for kids! Options in the Portland Metro area are: Portland Parks and Rec indoor pools (Buckman, Columbia, Mt. Scott, Southwest), Tualatin Hills Park and Rec pools (Aquatic Center, Aloha, Beaverton, Conestoga, Sunset), Hillsboro's Shute Aquatic and Rec Center and North Clackamas Aquatic Center in Milwaukee. For those, who would like to spend a couple of days or a weekend away from home - the Great Wolf Lodge is a great option. Located in Washington, it's an indoor water theme park designed for family fun.
Aside from OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry), another option is the Portland Children's Museum. Both venues are family-friendly and provide a positive environment for exploration, learning and play. I also plan on checking out the Portland Art Museum pretty soon.
The local library is also a great resource that provides me lots of options for books, movies and CDs for my family for free. Most libraries also sponsor book babies and story times catered for children and parents. I also remember discovering my first playgroup while leafing through their pamphlets and brochures. And believe me, Playgroups have been a rainy day saver for me too!
During the winter break, we took our family swimming. Indoor pools about Portland and the Metro area and are a great escapes for family fun. They provide a good venue for exercising and burning off excess energy for kids! Options in the Portland Metro area are: Portland Parks and Rec indoor pools (Buckman, Columbia, Mt. Scott, Southwest), Tualatin Hills Park and Rec pools (Aquatic Center, Aloha, Beaverton, Conestoga, Sunset), Hillsboro's Shute Aquatic and Rec Center and North Clackamas Aquatic Center in Milwaukee. For those, who would like to spend a couple of days or a weekend away from home - the Great Wolf Lodge is a great option. Located in Washington, it's an indoor water theme park designed for family fun.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Rainy Day Escapes in Portland
When you live in the Pacific Northwest, rain is a fact of life especially during the months of November to April. Hence, the never-ending search for things to do indoors.
Last year, I discovered the Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation Department's activities and facilities very helpful for me and my toddler. I plan to re-discover them again and try out their new winter and spring classes available for registration starting January 9, 2010. Playgroups and playdates are also great ways to find new friends and discover other places to visit as well.
Also, have renewed our family membership with OMSI - always a fun place to visit! (even for me, you find out that you learn something new everyday!)
Last year, I discovered the Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation Department's activities and facilities very helpful for me and my toddler. I plan to re-discover them again and try out their new winter and spring classes available for registration starting January 9, 2010. Playgroups and playdates are also great ways to find new friends and discover other places to visit as well.
Also, have renewed our family membership with OMSI - always a fun place to visit! (even for me, you find out that you learn something new everyday!)
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