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Portland Area Kid-Friendly Events: January 14-16

Lots of adventures ready for you this weekeend, my friends! Granted, if the snowstorm some are predicting actually hits our fine city, it might make for even more adventures trying to get to these events. Stay safe and enjoy what’s in store this weekend, whether that’s fun around town or sticking close to home and sledding in your neighborhood park! Lots in the way of music this weekend. Four Score is playing on Friday evening, the annual World Sounds event is happening at Porltand Children’s Museum, and we are lucky ducks to have The Alphabeticians playing twice this weekend! The fine folks at Play After Play have a new production debuting this weeeknd, there’s Family Day at The Oregon Historical Society, a snowman-magnet-making opportunity, and a tea party at the brand-new The Place To Be Café in Canby. Finally, if you’re itchin’ to get outside, head to Tryon Creek State Park for a exploration of the squirrels at the park or enjoy a nightime prowl for owls in Sherwood. Have fun out there!

Eastside

The Curing Fox
It’s a captivating play followed by playtime with the performers! When a young girl falls ill, the old old healer woman sends her father out in the snow to track a young fox. To save his daughter, he must save the fox, for the two are deeply connected. Most appropriate for ages 2 - 8 but all ages are welcome. Sat., 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Sun., 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., Portland, $7 adults and children, under 2 free. Event details

Family Friday Concert
Hear the sounds of Four Score, classically trained in vocals and instruments, this group of four offers thoughtful as well as irreverent programs of music. They draw on several centuries of style, from early chant and opera to barbershop and heavy metal bands. Fri., 7:15 p.m., Portland, suggested donation of $5 per person or $15 per family. Event details

The Alphabeticians
The Alphabeticians’ debut CD, “Rock,” is now available! You’ll have two chances this weekend to hear them play and to pick up a copy of “Rock!” The Alphabeticians play clever, upbeat, family-appropriate songs, including songs about numbers, size, dads, metaphors, extinct fish and multiple alphabet songs. What more could you ask for? Sat., 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Portland, suggested donation of $5. Event details. Sun., 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Portland, free. Event details

Westside

Family Day at The Oregon Historical Society
It’s a great time to visit OHS—there’s the new Perseverance: Black Pioneers in Early Oregon exhibit plus a great deal on admission prices! Enjoy a special showing of Oregon Experience: Local Color, and celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., by adding your dreams to their “I Have a Dream” Wall. Sat., 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Portland, $11 adults with up to 2 children (age 18 & under) free with each paid adult admission. Event details

World Sounds
Come to Portland Children’s Museum and be transported to Brazil for the day! Part of their annual World Sounds tour, each week during the month of January offers a different locale. This week, explore Latin beats with guitar player and singer/songwriter Ronnie Robins. Sun., 11:00 a.m., noon and 1:00 p.m., Portland, free with admission: $8 adults and children, under 1 free. Event details

Squirrel Survivors
Spend the morning exploring the amazing Tryon Creek State Park and learn about the squirrels that call Tryon Creek home. Examine the features of squirrels as well as their fascinating behaviors through fun, hands-on activities. Appropriate for children ages 4 to 7 accompanied by an adult; pre-registration required. Sun., 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Portland, $10 per child (non-member), $8.50 per child (member). Event details

Suburbs

Free Crafts for Kids
Feelin’ crafty? Drop in at Lakeshore Learning and make a festive 3-D snowman magnet! They’ll provide pipe stems, wiggly eyes, buttons and more. You simply come with your creativity cap on! Sat., 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Lake Oswego, free. Event details

Prowling for Owls
Whooooo goes there? Come to the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge to find out about the owls that make the refuge their home. During a night hike, learn about the mysterious lives of our nocturnal neighbors, discover their habitat, and learn about their amazing adaptations for life at night. Fri., 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Sherwood, free. Event details

Snowflake Tea Party
Head to the new The Place To Be Café and let your little one enjoy a tea party while you enjoy some free time in the café! These clever folks have designed a playtime for children to imagine and be creative. Parents are welcome to stay if they want to join in the tea party fun as well. Sat., 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Canby, starting at $7. Event details