We love your wee ones and we work hard to make sure they are getting all the right stimulation they need to grow and learn each day they are with us at In a Child’s Path. We sing songs, read books, dance, play games, paint, play outside, and much, much more. So when the weekend rolls around you may wonder as parents what it is you can do to make the most of your free time with the family and also keep your baby/toddler stimulated and happy.
Not to worry. There are so many kid-friendly places in Portland and the city itself is one of the best cities in America to raise children. Hands down. There are loads of parks, easy access to nature and events and businesses galore that can be fun for the whole family. Here are a few of our favorite places to bring babes in P-town:
MUSIC
Portland’s “kindie” music scene is one of the best in the country. Most performers have weekly or bi-weekly shows. Catch one of the regular performances by The Alpabeticians, Mo Phillips, Mr. Ben, Tyleena Fairy Funkmother, and Johnny Keener. Most of the shows have a suggested donation of 3-5 dollars. Lots of these musical events are on the PDX Kid’s Calendar HERE.
ART
Baby Hour at the Portland Art Museum. The first Tuesday of every month at 10 AM, the Portland Art Museum welcomes caregivers with children under the age of 1 to take a slow guided walk around the museum. Registration is required for this, and the cost is $5 for members, $15 for non-members. Details here.
Messy Fun Art – For slightly older babies – usually starting at around age 1 – there are plenty of options to get creative. Many of Portland’s community centers have weekly “Messy Arts” or “Art Parks,” encouraging little ones to put pen to paper (or hands to playdough, or glue to feathers…). There’s one at theMontavilla Community Center on Thursdays at 10 for ages 5 and under ($2), and at the Peninsula Park Community Center on Mondays and Thursdays at 10:30 for ages 1-5 ($1.50). The 100th Monkey Studio also hosts a weekly Messy Art on Fridays from 10-12 for ages 1-5 for $8.
Physical Activities
Most of the community centers also host regular indoor gym times. The center usually brings out balls, push cars, hula hoops, and other fun and active toys they have on hand. These are generally for ages 5 and under, although some community centers have special Baby Gyms (Montavilla Community CenterandPeninsula Park Community Center are two) that are geared towards babies under 18 months. (Check out our full indoor pool and gym guide here.)
STORY TIME
Book Babies at your local library. Little babies and toddlers can chime in on sing alongs, rhymes, books and play at libraries throughout Portland. Schedule to these happenings are available HERE.
Green Bean Books and A Children’s Place bookstores also have storytime events. These are usually for kiddos that are a bit older (3-7), but everyone is welcome. Green Bean Books has storytime on Tuesdays at 11am and A Children’s Place storytime takes place on Thursdays at 10:30am.
Here are some other resources for Portland activities you may want to check out:
50 things to do with kids before they grow up
So whether you choose to stay home and cuddle, play in the garden, or head to one of the many fine places mentioned above, have fun, it’s the most important stimulus in the world. 🙂