Liz Picks: Fun Family Events in Portland, January 22 - February 4
Well, hello there! Let me introduce myself…. I’m Liz, and I’ll be your new NW Kids cruise director in these uncharted waters that we call the Internet. I’ve been covering all the family-friendly fun around Portland for the past six years, first at PDX Magazine, then on LivePDX.com, and, most recently, as a contributor to Neighborhood Notes. Let’s just say I know the city gosh darn well!
And I spend all day behind my laptop so you don’t have to — reading blogs, following Twitter, scouring Facebook for insider tips and links that I can share with you on the our NW Kids blog, in our newsletter (sign up so you don’t miss a thing!), and on Facebook (become a fan!) and Twitter (follow us!).
Now, I’ve got to be honest — I don’t have any kiddos of my own just yet. But frankly, I’m still very much a kid at heart — heck, I’m still cuddling every night with the cat I’ve had since I was seven and I’m pushing 30! And with a 14-year-old half-sister and a 9-year-old half-brother (that's him lookin' handsome up there), I’ve straddled the line between being their peer and being another parent figure to them. It’s a balance I hope to bring to NW Kids — an intuition about what the young’uns are all about as well as an understanding of all that goes into caring for them. I’ll share my favorite family-friendly spots around town, innovative resources to make your life easier, stylish products to make it more fun, and every other week, my Liz Planner, highlighting events on the local calendar. So without further ado, let’s see what’s on the agenda for the next two weeks….
Oh, but first, I would love to hear from you! What would you like to see more of on NWKids.com? What are your favorite activities with the little ones? What funny thing did your tot say today? (I can’t get enough of kids saying the darnedest things!) Or just say hi — I can’t wait to get to know you! Send me an email any time at liz@nwkids.com.
Now, back to business….
• Friday, January 22
Family Clay Night at Multnomah Arts Center
This easily would have been the highlight of my week as a kid. Sculpting clay is basically an artistic version of playing in the mud, and who doesn’t love that? Encourage your imaginative children to craft their own version of a Wild Thing.
Bonus: Happens every Friday night (double-check in case of cancellations).
Details: 6pm-8:30pm, $10 an hour for each adult/child pair, $4 for each additional child (includes glazing, firing, and 5 lbs. of clay)
• Saturday, January 23
Society for Haitian Arts & Culture Haiti Emergency Relief Fundraiser
As we wrote in last week’s newsletter, the tragedy in Haiti is heartwrenching, and yet, it’s an opportunity to show children what it means to help others. Take in the “Haiti: Before and After” photo exhibit hosted by the SHAC to bring the faraway place closer and contribute directly to the SHAC team that will be traveling to Haiti to deliver medical supplies, temporary shelters, food, and clothing. This is one of those moments in our life that we’ll remember forever — make it one that your kids will build on to make a difference in the future.
Details: 10am-5pm, Central Northeast Neighborhood building at 4415 NE 87th Ave. Call Judith Gelin at 503-257-1014 for more info on donations.
• Thursday, January 28
Eco-School Network Introductory Meeting
Talk about grassroots! Spearheaded by the local Center for Earth Leadership, which empowers citizens to work together toward a sustainable future, the Eco-School Network is a group of teachers and parents who want to make eco-friendly practices the default in schools. Attend this info meeting to find out how to get involved — your great-great grandkids will thank you.
Details: 7pm-8:30pm, free (contact Emily Klavins at emily@earthleaders.org for location)
• Saturday, January 31
You Who! Variety Show with Explode Into Colors at McMenamins Kennedy School
I’m a firm believer that one of the most important roles of parents is to expose their progeny to good music — start ‘em young! Founded by former Wonder Ballroom booker Seann McKeel and Decemberists guitarist Chris Funk (parents to daughter Scout), these monthly shows, including comedy, sing-a-longs, puppets, and parades, are obviously the hot ticket for the single-digit set. This month, Willamette Week’s Best New Band of 2009, Explode Into Colors, headlines, with the trio of ladies translating their dance-pop for younger ears.
Details: 1pm, $10 for an adult w/ child, $5 for each additional child ages 2-12
• Tuesday, February 2
Hedgehog Day at the Oregon Zoo
Good ole Punxsutawney Phil may do the trick on the East Coast, but out here, we’re getting back to the original European tradition of using the hedgehog to predict the arrival of spring. The kiddos can meet Chriki, Portland’s own African Pygmy Hedgehog, make pop-up hedgehogs, and hear stories. Just be prepared for pleas to get their own pet hedgehog for at least a week after. Too cute!
Details: 10:30am, free with zoo admission
Have fun out there and enjoy our awesome city!
