PORTLAND, Ore. - Next week is spring break for most of the schools in our area. Here are some things to do that won't break the bank:

• A.C. Gilbert Discovery Village (Salem) www.acgilbert.org, Different workshop every day of spring break for different age groups (6 to 12 years old). Most workshops $15. Pre-registration required – as of March 18 all spring break workshops still open.
• Better Living Show – www.betterlivingshow.org, http://www.betterlivingshow.org/attendees/BetterLivingShowKidsActivities.asp, March 27-29, free. Green home, garden and lifestyle show with special kids’ activities in Planet Kids area.
• Bonneville Lock & Dam - www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/b/home.asp, free. Oregon side: open 9 p.m. to 5 p.m. – can call ahead to make an appointment for a tour of  power house and will be able to go into a historic power house. Washington side: during spring break – there will be story time at 10 a.m. on the Washington shore at Visitors Observation Center. 
• Ft. Vancouver Park - http://nps.gov/fova, $3 per individual or $5 per family.
• Indoor Kite Festival (Lincoln City) - http://www.oregoncoast.org/kite-festival/indoor-kite-2007.php March 27-29, $5 per family.
• Libraries - free. A lot of libraries have special events planned for spring break.  Here are Web sites so you can check out what’s going on at your local library. Clackamas County: www.co.clackamas.or.us/lib/; Multnomah County: http://www.multcolib.org/; Washington County: http://news.wccls.org/2009/03/320-29-free-spring-break-activities-at.html; Ft Vancouver Regional Library: http://www.fvrl.org/; Salem: http://www.cityofsalem.net/departments/library/Pages/home.aspx;
• North Clackamas Aquatic Center http://www.clackamas.us/ncprd/aquatic/, Aquatic center is adding Big Surf swims for Spring Break. From March 23 to March 28, you can swim from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. You can get a "buy one-get one free" swim admission in Metro Parent Magazine on page 39. Check the Web site for admission costs.
• Oaks Park -http://www.oakspark.com/upcoming3.html, For Spring Break, show your Safeway Card Monday through Friday and get a “buy one, get one free” ride bracelet or roller skating session.
• OMSI – Da Vinci: The Genius - www.omsi.edu, During Spring Break the exhibit is open Monday - Sunday. Check the Web site for admission costs. March 21 is "Teen Night," when teens between the ages of 13 and 18 can explore the exhibit for free as well as rock out to a DJ, play games and more.
• Oregon Coast Aquarium - www.aquarium.org, Check Web site for admission costs.
• Oregon Zoo - www.oregonzoo.org, The zoo’s "Gone Wild Spring Break Party" runs from March 23 to April 5 (includes OR & WA spring breaks). Special events are held each day. Check the Web site for more information.
• Portland  Parks & Rec Spring Break 2009 Activity Listing - http://www.co.multnomah.or.us/dcj/Youth_Activities_2009Draft.pdf
• Teen Scene for Portland Parks & Rec - http://portlandonline.com/parks/index.cfm?c=44322, This Web site connects you with Spring Break activities for teens at Portland Community Centers.
• Tualatin Hills Parks and Rec - www.thprd.org
• Vancouver Parks - http://www.ci.vancouver.wa.us/parks-recreation/
• Vanc-Clark Parks & Rec - http://www.cityofvancouver.us/parks-recreation
• Washington County Parks - http://www.visitwashingtoncountyoregon.com/Discover/Article.aspx?id=3318
• Portland Children’s Museum - www.portlandcm.org, $8 for people 54 and under.
• Portland Art Museum - www.pam.org, 17 and younger free
• Snow Tubing at Ski Bowl - http://skibowl.com/index.php?page=snow-tubing, Check the Web site for cost.
• Snow Tubing at Summit Ski Area - http://www.summitskiarea.com/Pricing, Check the Web site for cost.
• SOLV’s Great Oregon Spring Beach Clean-up - www.solv.org, free - March 28. Forty sites to choose from to help.
• Spring Whale Watch Week - www.whalespoken.org, Volunteers help you spot migrating gray whales at 26 locations on the Oregon Coast. Bring Binoculars and dress for the weather.
• Tulip Fest – www.woodenshoe.com, $5 per car load from Monday thru Friday and $10 per car load on weekends. Starts March 25 and runs through April 26. Over 40 acres of beautiful blossoms, children’s garden and farm equipment on display. On weekends enjoy pony rides, wood shoe making and entertainment.
• World Forestry Center Discovery Museum (Spring Break Around the World) - www.worldforestrycenter.org, $8 adults, $5 children between ages of 3-18 (group of 10 or more gets a group discount). Celebrate different cultures with crafts, entertainment and storytelling.
• Tryon Creek State Park (Nature Day camp) - http://www.tryonfriends.org/classes_and_camps/spring_camps.html, $50 per camp, $42 for members