July 19, 2007: Hot Spots to Take Your Tots

July 19, 2007: Hot Spots to Take Your Tots

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Story Published: Jul 19, 2007 at 8:00 AM PST

Story Updated: Jul 19, 2007 at 9:50 AM PST

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Portland’s Hot Spots to Take Your Tots

  • Lilaguide.com is the city directory of where to go, where to shop, where to play and what to buy for your baby
  • Lilaguide.com is full of practical parenting advice by parents, and for parents
  • The website has more than 100,000 reviews and gives you the inside scoop on the best baby stores, baby products, playgrounds and more from real local moms
  • Right now, we’re having a promotion where if you submit 10 reviews on Lilaguide.com, you can get a free Lilaguide book 

    Outings

    Oregon Zoo

4001 SW Canyon Rd
Portland,  OR 97221
[ at SW Zoo Parking Rd ]


Parking: parking available

Phone: (503) 220-2789

 

 

 

 

"If you've never been and have kids, then you need to stop what you're doing and go now... if you have small children you may want to view just the first part since the whole zoo is pretty big... it's worth having a membership so you can go frequently and not worry about how long you're staying... my boys love riding the train here... seasonal exhibits keep things interesting... $9.50 for adults; under 2 free"

  • The second Tuesday of every month, the Oregon Zoo has "Two-Buck Tuesdays." It’s just $2 admission and it’s free for any kids ages two years old and younger.
  • The Oregon Zoo also has great educational presentations where the zookeepers come out and answer visitor questions about the zoo.
  • This zoo has everything – my daughter is a big fan of the elephants.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kid-Friendly Restaurant

Peanut Butter & Ellie's 

4405 SW Vermont St
Portland,  OR 97219
[ at 45th Ave ]

Phone: (503) 282-1783

 

 

 

 

"The kids menu is the main menu!.. features big and little sizes on all menu items... all you can eat popcorn, a spilled milk eating counter, and, chalkboard and non-chalkboard seating... kids will enjoy big and little kid toys and activities as well as a apple orchard play area... some of the special events include tea parties and Peanut butter & jammies story nights... parents will enjoy stroller parking, a nursing nook and espresso drinks"

  • Peanut Butter & Ellie’s is the original kid restaurant in Portland and has every variation of peanut butter and jelly you can imagine.
  • Actually, the kids’ menu is the main menu. There’s still an adult menu – they even offer beer and wine now, so parents can socialize while their kids enjoy the food and atmosphere.
  • It’s great for the kids because they can play around and make a mess and the restaurant doesn’t mind.

 

 

 

 

 

Kid’s Classes

The PLAY Boutique

332 First Street
Lake Oswego,  Oregon 97034

Phone: (503) 962-0350

"The Play Boutique is sooo cool. I took both my boys today (4 & 10 mos.) and both had a blast. They had a variety of activities to choose from, while really friendly staff, took my coffee order and brought it to me! While my boys were playing, I even had a quick chance to check my email, with the lap tops they have there for use!"

  • The PLAY Boutique has "Out and About" classes and "Stay and Play" classes. So you can run errands while your little one’s having a good time or you can stick around in the Parent Lounge and watch while your child plays with others. Overall, it’s more affordable than having a babysitter.
  • They have PLAY Specialists that are completely trained to handle all situations and have a ton of experience with kids. So as a parent, you feel really at-ease knowing that your child’s in good hands and having a great time.
  • As a parent, we all know how frustrating it can be whenever you forget a diaper bag or your kid’s favorite snack. Here, you don’t have to worry about forgetting anything since they have a fully stocked changing area and complimentary snacks with every class.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Toy Store

Finnegan's Toy Store

922 SW Yamhill St
Portland,  OR 97205
[ at SW 9th Ave ]
Parking: parking lot

Phone: (503) 221-0306

 

 

 

 

 

"Just about the coolest toy store I've ever been to... I'd come here even if I didn't have kids... check out the little Finnegans (around the corner) for the kitschier items like Sanrio, wrapping paper, sticker photo booth, and old school metal wind-up toys... their toys are imaginative and made to last... creative and unique-modern and collectibles... I love taking my daughter - we spend hours just browsing... prices are very competitive... puzzles, games, trains, and more... I think it may be impossible to leave without making a purchase"

  • Finnegan’s Toy Store is a Lilaguide.com local pick and is one of the oldest toy stores in Portland. The staff is really knowledgeable and will always be able to help you find the perfect toy for any occasion.
  • This store has variety – you can find toys for your tot at Finnegan’s that you might not be able to find elsewhere.
  • Even if you don’t have kids, it’s a great place for adults to relive your childhood. It’s just a fun place for everyone of all ages!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parks

 

 

 

 

Gabriel Park

SW 45th Ave
Portland,  OR 97219
[ at SW Vermont St ]

"Always a welcoming park with friendly parents and a great place to have social get together... a great neighborhood park with ample, but not elaborate play equipment... ball fields, picnic areas, and lots of space"

  • Right by Peanut Butter & Ellie’s – worked up an appetite.
  • Gabriel Park is a huge park with everything from ball fields, dog parks, playgrounds and more. So even if you have children of different ages, there is something for everyone in the family to do!
  • I personally bring my daughter Eva here about once a week. It’s really a great place to socialize with other moms and for kids to burn off some energy before nap time.

 

 

 

 

 

Kid’s Haircuts

Kid's Castle Cuts

10120 SW Hall Blvd
#104
Tigard,  OR 97223
[ at Locust ]

Phone: (503) 244-0360

 

 

 

 

 

 "A truly great place to take your child for a haircut... staff is amazing with kids and the price is unbeatable... kids sit in a car and watch a movie during the cut... fun environment for playing... fantastic stylists... a great place to entertain kids before, during and after their haircut... cuts may vary with stylist"

  • Your kids won’t get antsy while getting a haircut at Kid’s Castle Cuts! While your child is getting a haircut, instead of sitting in a regular chair, they can ride in style in a car with moving wheels.
  • Plus, the kids get to watch movies on TV at the same time!
  • These hairstylists know how to cut too and prices are reasonable. For example, my daughter has really curly hair so it can be a tricky thing to cut it. But every time they’ve cut Eva’s hair, it’s been amazing.

For more information about where to take your little tykes this summer click here!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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