Field Notes

Need a Snowy Change of Scene? Head Up to Bennett Pass

A high-elevation sno-park offers an early-season escape from the city.

11/28/2020 By Julia Silverman

Holidays

Where the Holiday Lights Are Shining in Portland, and Where They’re Not

Some marquee events are canceled, but plenty of Christmas lights are aglow this year.

11/24/2020 By Margaret Seiler

Cool for the Summer

A Volunteer-Built ‘Summer Park’ Sprouts in St. Johns

Hay bales, a movie screen, and a silent disco transform a gravel patch while it waits in construction limbo.

08/15/2020 By Margaret Seiler

How We’re Coping

Masks. Distancing. How Does a Facepainter Meet a Pandemic?

With outdoor events canceled and birthday parties feeling too risky, Mystique’s Fancy Faces owner Celese Williams is sharing her craft online.

07/31/2020 By Margaret Seiler

Hit the Bricks

The Northwest’s Biggest Lego Convention Is Coming to Portland

The ninth annual Bricks Cascade features a giant replica of Multnomah Falls and two unlikely local reality stars.

02/24/2020 By Daniel Bromfield

Tacos & Top Guns

San Diego Boasts Harbor Seals, Beachfront Roller Coasters, and All the Tacos

Add sun (there’s always sun), and you have an easy family getaway.

01/21/2020 By Kelly Clarke

Happiest Place on Earth?

A SoCal Family Theme Park Survival Guide

A few tips from actual parents for that trip that might cost as much as a semester of college

01/21/2020 By Portland Monthly Staff

PDX → CA

Three Tried-and-True Ways to Explore LA

For a city this size, narrow your scope.

01/21/2020 By Margaret Seiler

5 Fun Family-Friendly Activities in Lincoln City

Adventures for treasure hunters, hikers, and every family in between.

01/15/2020

Summer Adventures: Rafting

Explore Oregon’s White-Water-Blessed Wilderness in 5 Classic Guided Trips

Get out on the water, stat.

05/28/2019 By Tim Gibbins

News

Someone’s Building a Year-Round Renaissance Faire Near the Columbia River

Some neighbors are... displeased.

04/23/2019 By Ramona DeNies

Spring Road Trips: The South Coast

Head to Oregon's South Coast for Craggy Beaches and Painted Dinosaurs

This is the kid-approved adventure you need (don't worry, grown-ups—we've got beer and soaking tubs for you).

02/26/2019 By Margaret Seiler and Ramona DeNies

Travel

Get a Sneak Peek at Coos Bay’s ‘Luxury’ RV Park

Bay Point Landing mixes high design with the usual gravel sites and hookups—plus Airstream trailers for rent if you lack your own rolling palace.

01/08/2019 By Margaret Seiler

Holiday Hits

13 Reasons to Leave the House This Turkey Day Weekend

Need to keep the clan happy and active during the long weekend? These Thanksgiving plans are fully baked.

11/13/2018 By James Stevens

Look Who's Cooking Now

The Easy Bake Oven Era Is Over

A new Portland-based cooking program aims to teach the next generation of gourmets.

10/17/2018 By Natasha Tandler

Trophy Case

5 Must-Pack Items for Your Next Oregon Coast Adventure

Beach, please. Here's how to outfit yourself for maximum relaxation.

07/17/2018 By Kelly Clarke

Eat This Now

I Am Going to Live at Lao Beer Bar Cully Central This Summer

Bring the kids. Brings the dogs. We’re having Lao crispy rice salad and tater tots for dinner.

06/27/2018 By Kelly Clarke

Cow Palace

The New Tillamook Creamery Is a Dairy Lover's Dream Come True

Two floors and 42,000 square feet of ice cream, grilled cheese, movies, interactive milking exhibits, and—of course—heaps of free cheddar samples.

06/13/2018 By Alena Willbur

Lab Life

This Portlander Creates Super-Fun Science Videos for Kids

Lindsey Murphy—aka “Crazy Aunt Lindsey”—makes DIY experiments fabulous.

05/22/2018 By Rebecca Jacobson

Book Release

This Pacific Northwest Guidebook Is Tailored to Tiny Hikers

From toddlers to tweens, a new hiking manual aims to inspire the next generation of trailblazers.

03/20/2018 By Natasha Tandler