Updates! Updates!

Zebras at Wild Life Safari in Bandon, Oregon. 
A great place to visit during Spring Break!

I've added lots of new events to the calendar for February and March!  Check them out!

Time to think about Camping?

Are you ready to think about camping?  It's definitely not that time of year yet, but camping is so popular that you really need to be planning ahead now.  Reservations for camp grounds fill up all over the Northwest very quickly.

If you don't have high confidence in your camping skills, or you've never been camping, there is a great program for you!

Let's Go Camping is a a program run by Oregon Parks & Recreation.  The cost is $20 for the weekend.  Every weekend June 16- August, there are 1 or two events at different camp grounds and sometimes at the beach. They provide tent, sleeping bags, mattress pads and even use of camp stoves if needed.  There are ranger led activities and volunteers around the clock.  Possible activities for each event are tide pooling, nature hikes, kayaking, and plenty of s'mores for everyone.  Rangers also teach classes like "Leave No Trace", "10 Essentials of Hiking", "Fire Building & Saftey", and "Dutch Oven Cooking".  What a fun idea to try out camping without purchasing all of the equipment.

21 State Parks are First-come, first-served camping.  These camp grounds do take reservations for cabins and yurts ahead of time.

www.reserveamerica.com handles reservations for all Oregon state parks as well as many other private campgrounds.  Oregon has over 30 State Parks with camping facilities ranging from bring in your own water to rent a furnished and electrified cabin.  There are several hundred private campgrounds all across Oregon.  Reserve America lists 271!

Summer seems so so far away, but it will be here before we know it.  Don't get caught without a reservation this year!

Let's all go to the movies!

When it's cold an dreary outside and you feel like you have been cooped up in the house for days and days, why not go to the movies! 

I've created a listing of many of the local movie theaters.  28 Actually!  In doing my research I read an article, in the Oregonian, that said Portland has more movie theaters per capita than any other US City.  That's a whole lot of movies.  We have so many great small, historic, and independent theaters.  You can always watch the newest blockbuster, but you can also watch yesterday's blockbuster for less than half the price.  Many theaters also show classic movies.

 Laurelhurst Theater  usually shows a classic every week, but they are typically shown late, so they are 21 & Over, because this theater sells Beer & Wine.  Some fun classic movies I've watched at Laurelhurst are Office Space, Soilent Green, Muppets Take Manhattan, Stand By Me and lots more.

Need a date night?  The Academy Theater offers babysitting during some of it's movies and has a kids play loft. $4 for adults $3 for kids and seniors.  Babysitting is a seperate price.

Regal Cinemas is a first run, and fairly expensive theater chain.  However, all regular movies are $5 on Tuesdays and club members get $2 popcorn.  If you are a member of the Regal club you can earn free soda, popcorn and movie tickets.  And you do actually get those.  They give you a coupon for a free small popcorn, but you can pay the extra to upgrade to a large, usually $2.  Free to join the club.

Oak Grove Cinemas is a theater in Milwaukie on 99E.  They are first run, with comfortable seats, inexpensive popcorn, and $5 movies everyday before 6pm.  After 6pm it's $7 for adults and still $5 for kids.  Everyday!  They don't have 3D, but otherwise they play all of the biggest hits for great prices.  Their regular price is cheaper than economy hour at most theaters.  Bring cash, they don't take cards but they do have an ATM. 

Here's the list, and you can find it anytime on .

Drive In Theaters-Yes, we still have 2 in the area!	99W Drive-In - The nearest local Drive In is in Newberg on 99W! This is a great family activity. Bring your lawn chairs and sit out in front of the car. Bring snacks, the kids in PJs and have a blast.
	Dallas Motorvu.com - 315 SE Fir Villa, Dallas, OR $18 for the car load.
First Run Theaters	Cinemark - Mega theaters with pretty high ticket prices. Cheaper before 6pm.
	CINETOPIA - Two locations in Beaverton and Vancouver.  These theaters have restaurants, and special theaters with BIG comfy chairs and pillow piles so it feels like you are watching a movie in your own living room.  Nice, but pricey!  They even serve drinks and food in some theaters.
	Columbia Theatre - St. Helens historic theater built in 1928 but fully restored with top of the line digital and 3D technology.
	Lake Twin Cinema - 106 N. State Street, Lake Oswego OR 97034 First run, usually not the block busters.   Only two screens.
	Living Room® Theaters   - Art Films and General Release films.  Environmental and sustainable.  Smaller theaters with cushy chairs.
	Oak Grove Cinemas - First run movies at cheaper prices!!!  $5 before 6pm and $7 after for adults.  Kids always $5.  The regular price is cheaper than the matinee price at Regal or Cinemark.  Nice theater and the popcorn is cheaper too and tastes better!
	Regal Cinemas - These are all over town, general prices run from $6-$9. All shows that begin before 6 are at a reduced price. Sign up for the regal card and earn points towards free popcorn, soda, and movie tickets.  Tuesdays are $5.
I-Max Theaters	Evergreen IMAX® Theater - Located at the Evergreen Aviation Museum
	OMSI Imax Theater - With a five-story domed screen and 30-degree, stadium seating, the OMNIMAX® Dome Theater is a cinematic experience unlike any other. .Located at OMSI.
Independent Films	5th Avenue Cinema - Portland State University student run theater.  Open weekends only.  Free for PSU students.  $2 for other students and seniors. $3 everyone else. They show classics, independents and art films.
	The Academy Theater - No Minors after 8pm. $3 Adults $2 Kids. Second Run and Art/Independent Films. Babysitting available on some nights.
	Cinema 21 - Special Events, classics, and indies.
	Clinton Street Theater- Rocky Horror every Sat at Midnight
	Hollywood Theater - Art/Independent films, special features, festivals, and more in a very ornanate theater.
	nwFilmCenter  - Local Filmschool.  Plays local filmakers, festival movies, independents and more.
	Laurelhurst Theater - $3 for all movies, vintage, second run and art films. Pizza and beer too! 21 or over after 3pm.
	Living Room Theaters - Art and Independent Films with fine dining. Mondays & Tuesdays $5, otherwise $9.
Second Run Discount Theaters Second Run are movies that are not in current runs at big theaters, or classic movies that haven't been shown in years.	5th Avenue Cinema - Portland State University student run theater.  Open weekends only.  Free for PSU students.  $2 for other students and seniors. $3 everyone else. They show classics, independents and art films. FREE POPCORN!!!
	The Academy Theater - No Minors after 8pm. $3 Adults $2 Kids. Second Run and Art/Independent Films This is a fatastically restored theater that opened re opened recently after 35 years.
	Laurelhurst Theater - $3 for all movies, vintage, second run and art films. Pizza and beer too! 21 or over after 3pm.
	Cine Magic Theater - Small theater that shows second run films. Real melted butter!
	McMenamin's Theaters - These theaters are second run films in McMenamin's restaurants and pubs.  Pizza and beer during your movie.
	Moreland Theater - Neighborhood theater from 1926. Single Screen. 6712 SE Milwaukie Avenue, Portland, OR 97202
	Mt. Hood Theatre - DOUBLE FEATURE theater for $4.  Pick your own double feature of the 4 movies they play.
	Portlander Cinema - $3, located at Jubitz Truck Stop.  Actually a nice new theater with stadium seating and comfortable seats.
	Valley Theater - Second Run for around $3 9360 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy. Telephone is 503-296-6843.
	Wunderland Cinemas - The Avalon Theater, Gresham Theater and Milwaukie Cinemas are super cheap second run movies. $2-$3. Along with the Nickel Arcade!

Have a great time at the movies!

Happy New Year! Happy New Blog!

If you have clicked through to www.PortlandFamilyFun.com you probably notice that it looks different!  I am trying out this new blog format to make it easier for me to add content.  The rest of the site looks pretty much the same now, but I will be working on that in the weeks to come to make it look a little more slick as well.  Below I have added old posts, in case you want to look them over again.

Just click on a tab to get you to all of the pages of the site!

Cheers!!!

Half Price Deal Sites. Should You or Shouldn't You?

     These days there are so many different sites that offer 50% off deals.  Some of the deals are an even larger percentage.  But are these deals really worth it?  
     In today's economy we are less likely to try a new restaurant, or even go out to dinner at all.  These deal sites offer big discounts on food and fun activities.  Now you even find deals on medical treatments, resorts, family photos and pretty much any service that you can buy.

     The trick to getting REAL deals through these sites is to do your homework first.  

Read all of the directions and restrictions.

     Some sites, like Restaurant.com offer you great deals, such as a $25 gift certificate for $3.  Sounds fantastic, but if you don't read the small print you may be surprised once you get there.  Their certificates always require a minimum purchase that is usually $35 to $50 before the discount, 18% gratuity is required, certain items may be unavailable, and certain days and times can be blocked out.  Those are all typical restrictions for this site.  While you are still saving money, it isn't as much as it seems.

Research ratings for a new restaurant or service that you haven't tried yet.

     If you are trying a new restaurant and it's just terrible, no amount of savings is worth it.  I have a personal smell test for a restaurant.  If I can smell Pine Sol I am out of there.  I figure that they would only use such a strong smelling cleaner if they were trying to cover up another smell.  But  you can't do the Pine Sol test on-line so you have to rely on the assistance of some Internet junkies help you out.  Sites like www.Yelp.com have high traffic and you should be able to find at least a few reviews.  Just keep in mind that some places do fake reviews.  If it's 5 stars and the review sounds more like an ad then something a customer would say, it's suspect.  I usually toss out the best and worst review and actually look at the rest.  

    I've actually gone to a sub shop based on a bad review, but it was hilarious and so it piqued my interest.  

Are you going to use it?

     $7 Billion of gift cards and certificates go unused every year.  That's a lot of money being thrown away!  Don't buy a certificate on a whim, especially if you are doing it to try and save money.  I see deals for places I actually go or tickets I want to buy all of the time.  Have a plan for when you are going to use it and put it in a safe place so you won't lose it but you will remember you have it. Holiday events and concerts seem to be getting more popular on these sites.  The tickets usually go on sale closer to the event. 

     DOUBLE check the expiration date as well.  You don't save any money if it isn't usable anymore.  But never throw out an actual gift card, because those never expire in Oregon, and they can't reduce the amount after any amount of time.  Most half price certificates lose the special value after a certain period of time.  However, they are still good for the price you paid for them.

What to do about bad service?

     You do have some recourse.  Many of the sites, like www.PortlandPerks.com, offer money back if you didn't get what you paid for.  They don't want their reputation being ruined and so they will go after the business for their money, if they have to give back yours.

Some sites to check out

• www.Restaurant.com More restrictions and fine print than most.
• www.PortlandPerks.com Some great deals.  Get on their mailing list and they will send you almost daily emails about new deals. 
• www.LivingSocial.com They often have deals on higher end restaurants, spa treatments and resorts.  Some good lower priced ones as well.
• www.Groupon.com Enough people have to buy the deal, and they sometimes go fast.
• Lots of the TV and Radio stations have their own deals as well, but most sites end up with similar deals, especially on events.

September 2011 Hat In the Hat

You Can Meet the Cat in the Hat
at the Clackamas Town Center Barnes & Noble store.

           I love Dr. Seuss!  What a great author and story teller. Who knew you could be so entertained on just
a few nonsense words repeated over and over?

          Dr. Seuss has these great books that everyone loves to pieces, like "How the Grinch Stole Christmas", "Green Eggs and Ham", and "The Cat in the Hat".  But he has lots of other fun books to choose from, books with great messages such as "The Sneetches".  "The Sneetches" teaches kids to look beyond differences and accept everyone.  "Oh The Places You'll Go" teaches kids to dream big, and "The Lorax" teaches about the environment.  

          You could go to the bookstore and buy all of these books, but this website is about FREE and Cheap options, right!  So go to the Thrift shop, or better yet, stop by your local library, check out a bunch of Dr. Seuss and pick your favorites to purchase later when you can find them at a steal.

           In the mean time, go to the Barnes & Noble at the Clackamas Town Center on October 14 to meet The Cat in The Hat.  I've met him, he's a great guy, even though he seems like a major jerk in the movie!

Check the         for more details.

Halloween 2011 Boredom Busters

10 Halloween-Themed Boredom Busters

Provided by Sarah Morris on behalf of Primrose Schools- choose the best in preschools!

 

The air outside has turned crisp and the tableau of fall colors is coming alive in the trees. The new season brings so many things to be enjoyed as a family- like Halloween. In lieu of going straight to TV and video games when the weather gets chilly, get their attention with themed activities and banish the Ghost of Halloween Boredom before he makes an appearance. Try a few of the following activities to keep your young ones entertained, and have fun together!

1.) Pumpkin Carving

In the fall, pumpkin carving is a time honored tradition for many families. If your kids are old enough to safely use a cutting tool, it can be great fun for them. Don't go for the same old grinning face you've seen on a thousand other pumpkins. Do a quick online search for "pumpkin carving templates", and find a unique one that your kids can easily follow. Supervise them as they complete the task, and voila, you have a beautiful outdoor decoration that's perfectly in season. As a bonus, you can salt and roast the seeds for a healthy, kid friendly snack.

2.)"Flying" Bats

This quick, easy craft will make a great addition to your Halloween decor. First, find a template of a bat online( BHG.com and kid's educational sites are a good place to start your search). You're looking for a silhouette, not a full color photo. Once you've got the template, you and your kids can cut out several bats from black card stock. Once that's done, punch a small hole in each bat. Using fishing line or filament, hang the bats from the ceiling. The nearly invisible strings will make it look as if a flock of bats have descended on your home. It's a creepy good look!

3.)Pasta Skeleton

This is a good craft for the younger children, who aren't quite as adept as you'd like with scissors. All you'll need is black construction paper, white glue, a white crayon, and a cup or so of pasta in a variety of shapes. Using these supplies, help your child build a skeleton, and glue it to the paper. For example, macaroni is good for the ribs, and a wagon wheel makes a perfect head. When it dries, your child can sign it with the crayon, and you can proudly display it. (It's also a good opportunity to help your child learn about the skeletal system.) This idea came from the good folks at enchantedlearning.com.


4.) "Scary" Baking

Most folks love sweets, so you can't go wrong with this. Make a basic sugar cookie dough, and gather several colors of food coloring, an assortment of candies, and let your kids do the decorating. Or bake a few cupcakes and let your kids turn them into frightening creatures. You should be in charge of the baking part, of course, but they'll love making a mess and expressing their creativity. A clever hint from Better Homes and Gardens: to make an edible, three dimensional witches' hat, flatten 1/2 of a regular Tootsie Roll into a small circle, and top it with a Hershey's Kiss.

5.)Costume Making

If you've recently seen the price of a flimsy store bought costume, then you'll immediately appreciate the value of this craft. In most cases, you can use things you already have around the house to make the costume your kid wants. With a dose of creativity, and the addition of a few purchased supplies like face paint, you can whip up the perfect costume at a fraction of the cost. Let you child participate in making it, and they'll also get the satisfaction that comes with making something "cool".

6.)Dirt and Worms

As gross as this may sound, kids find it both fun and tasty. Help your child a small paper cup about halfway with chocolate pudding. On top of that, add a layer of crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, to resemble "dirt". Last, take a few gummy worms and insert them through the top layer, into the pudding core below. Leave a bit of each worm visible. After that, let your kids feast on their sweet, yet slimy creation.

7.)Visit a Local Pumpkin Patch

The orange gourds are in season this time of year, and depending on where you live, you may be able to take your kids to a pumpkin patch for a visit. In most cases, the cost of admission is low, or free, and some patches will let kids take a small pumpkin home as a souvenir. A quick internet search can help you discover if there are any pumpkin patches in your neck of the woods.

8.)Take a Nighttime Nature Walk

Your kids may not think this is scary enough at first, but if you take them out after dusk they may quickly change their minds. Explore your neighborhood, taking note of all the nocturnal critters scurrying around. Who knows what lurks in your neighbor's bushes after dark? After this walk, you will!

9.)Rent a Scary Movie

You can judge which movies are appropriate for your kids, based on their ages and personalities. Once you've agreed on a movie, zap some popcorn, turn down the lights, and enjoy a frighteningly good time. If you chose your film wisely, you won't have to worry about being on nightmare patrol later.

10.) Raking Leaves

Not everything surrounding Halloween has to be exciting, right? If you've got a yard full of fallen leaves, and a house full of kids whining about having nothing to do, this could be the perfect solution. Let them use up some of that boundless energy to rake up the leaves while you supervise. It's probably best to go into this expecting the kids to make a big pile of leaves and jump in in, though.

               
                   Visit the page for more fun ideas!
Thank you Sarah for your great ideas!