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Four Family Hikes Near Downtown Portland
Spectacular scenery is a fabulous reason to visit Portland, Oregon with kids. Portland is located just west of both the stunning Mt. Hood and the waterfall-rich Columbia River Gorge. Even if you’re in town for just a few days, squeeze in a quick family hike. Where should you go for your hike? To find out, I e-interviewed Paul Gerald, the Portland-based hiking expert and author of 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Portland: Including the Coast, Mount Hood, St. Helens, and the Santiam River. Q: If a family was visiting Portland and had a half-day for a hike, where would you send them? What’s a must-see, if you can only experience one hike?…
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Whistler’s Peak 2 Peak with Kids
I thank Debbie of DeliciousBaby for hosting Photo Friday this week — and every week. Visit her site to check out fantastic travel memories, tips and photos! MORE —- To ride the Peak 2 Peak, I paid for the “sightseeing day pass” for myself and my family. Washington State and Canadian residents can benefit from the EDGE card.
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Farm Stays with Kids in Washington, Oregon and British Columbia
Reader Question: Where can I vacation in a family-friendly bed and breakfast — on a working farm — in Washington State, Oregon or British Columbia? – Juliana, mom of two kids (5 and 1), Seattle, Wash. ———————————————- Thanks for the great question! Here’s a quick rundown of what I found online. Unlike larger hotels, most bed and breakfasts do not allow children to stay free, but you’ll get a cool experience in exchange. Because few are listed on sites like Tripadvisor.com, I might call to speak with the owners, and ask for a reference if you’d like to hear from someone who enjoyed their visit. British Columbia family-friendly farm stay:…
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Dine Around Seattle Sets the Table for Families
During the month of March, Sundays through Thursdays, many travelers and locals take advantage of “Dine Around Seattle.” Frugal foodies can choose from an appetizer, dinner and dessert at some of Seattle’s best restaurants – all for $30. Some restaurants also offer lunch, and the price drops to a sweet ‘n’ cheap $15. I’d (foolishly) assumed that many of these refined restaurants wouldn’t welcome families. So I called the participating restaurants and asked whether they could put out high chairs and children’s menus. All offered the former — although Chez Shea needs to borrow the high chair — and many also provided the latter. This is a good sign. When…
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The Whale Museum in Friday Harbor, Washington State
Recent news of whale shows gone horribly wrong may lead some families to avoid live sea shows. San Juan Island’s The Whale Museum, a respectful facility focused on mammal life in the Puget Sound, offers a solid alternative for inquisitive kids. Located on Washington State’s Friday Harbor, the 1,200-square-foot Whale Museum offers car-sized whale skeletons suspended in mid-air, seemingly just to wow little ones. Jarred whale brains and a nauseatingly long intestinal worm (jarred!) garner an ew yuck awesome reaction from bigger kids. Children can listen in on distinctive whistles and blurts in a “whale telephone booth,” and look for orcas in a mock research lab. The children’s room encourages kids…
