Portland Parents

Without the TV!

Here are ten quick and painless things to do with your kid, in these penny-strapped times. Of course, we don’t have lightning bugs here in Portland, but you can certainly take the kid to the library or to Forest Park.

The Bridge Pedal is just about upon us; presented by Providence, the Oregonian, Kink, fox 12, starbucks and oregonlive.com.

It’s an opportunity to bike across 10 bridges, eight bridges or six bridges, or to walk across two bridges. It’s a great chance for some outside time and exercise.

Saturday August 11, there’s a Wellness Expo at the DoubleTree Hotel at Lloyd Center.
Sunday’s really where the action is; from 7-8 AM the hardcore 10 bridge (36 mile) riders will be taking off, from 7-7:30 the 8 bridge (24 mile) bikers will be accelerating, and from 8:30-9:30 the stalwart 6 bridge, 10 mile riders will be flying out of Downtown. If you’re walking, you’re leaving at 8AM.

You can register at New Seasons Markets, REI stores, River City Bikes, and Weir’s Cyclery — and if you want to save a few bucks, there’s two ways I know of. First, teams of five or more riders can save $5 per adult rider (form your team at the Bridge Pedal site), or you can pick up a coaster at your trusty rusty neighborhood Starbucks for $3 off your ride with the purchase of a Shaken Blueberry White Iced Tea.

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The Peaches and Cream Festival celebrates the joy of fresh stone fruit with peach shortcake made from the areas finest peaches and topped off with whipped cream provided by Organic Valley Family of Farms. Mark your calendars for this juicy two-day event, set for Thursday, July 19, at the Ecotrust Market in the Pearl and Thursday, July 26, at the Eastbank Farmers Market. Area chefs will offer sweet inspiration with recipes highlighting the quintessential summertime fruit. Shortcake is best served with additional helpings of live music. Shoppers can enjoy the sounds of Colores de Alma at the Ecotrust Market and Vince Brown at the Eastbank Market.

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The clouds will burn off and this weekend highs are supposed to be in the mid-eighties. So it’s a perfect weekend to get out in the summer weather; not too hot, not rainy.

The…

1. The Oregon Country Fair
2. Portland International Beerfest
3. Timbers kickoff against the Victory at 7pm up at PGE Park.
4. Mississippi Avenue Street Festival ( Saturday )
5. Pearl’s 2007 Bastille Day Festival (Saturday )
6. Brazil vs. Argentina Copa América 2007 Final ( Sunday )
7. watch the Timbers vanquish (in all likelihood) the Victory ( Sunday )

… is this weekend!

You should be able to find something fun to do; and even if none of this appeals to you, take your kids to one of the fountains or other wet places in Portland, get some pictures of having fun, and post to our Flickr group.

Thanks to Dave Knows for inspiration and the list

Once again this summer, Regal Cinemas is providing free kid movies, 10AM on Tuesday and Wednesdays. You can get an up-to-date list at the link above. Enjoy the cool movies during this summer heat!