Banks-Vernonia State Trail In 2014, Bicycling Magazine names Portland as one of the top bike-friendly cities in America. Portlandian parents are raising their children as fellow bikers, but young ones riding on busy streets is dangerous and biking around the cul-de-sac only stays entertaining for so long. Lucky for us parents, the Banks-Vernonia State Trail offers miles of paved, motor vehicle free bike paths. In the early 90’s, Oregon State Parks turned 21 miles of an old railroad line into a biking, hiking, and equestrian trail.  Serious bikers can spend a day biking the 42 mile round trip ride. For a family half-day adventure, Keep Reading

Ready to discover (or re-discover) Portland? From the coast to the Gorge, from Clark County to Salem, The Ultimate Guide to Portland Family Fun will allow you to experience the awesomeness this area has to offer, all from Frugal Living NW readers! Go here for links to all posts! A Day in Stevenson, Washington  Stevenson, Washington is a charming little town 45 minutes east of Portland and provides a quick getaway when our family needs a break from the daily routine. The Columbia River to the north and the Gorge waterfalls to the south are in constant view on the drive from Portland into Stevenson on I-84. Arriving in Cascade Locks (Exit Keep Reading

Pacific Northwest Fall Family Fun Guide Are you ready for some fall family fun? Thrifty Northwest Mom and I have teamed up to bring you the most comprehensive list of Fall Family Fun the Pacific Northwest for 2018. In this post, I have listed fall festivals, fairs, and pumpkin patches in Western Oregon and SW Washington. Head to Thrifty Northwest Mom for a list of Puget Sound events. PORTLAND METRO Bella Organic Portland Pumpkin Farm, August 31 - October 31, Sauvie Island (corn maze open now!) Bushue's Family Farm, September 29 - October 31, Boring Fazio Farms, NE Portland The Flower Farmer, September 29 - October 31, Canby Keep Reading

Oaks Park Preschool Skate (SE Portland) While Oaks Park amusement park is only open in the summer, the roller rink is open year round. The rink hosts various skating sessions, but the session that best fits our lifestyle these days is the Preschool Skate on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings during the school year. The session is geared for folks 6 and under (and accompanying adults). It currently costs $7.50 a child. This includes skate rental and a snack and adult admission is free. It does also say that older siblings (aged 6+) can attend with a younger sibling, although admission price will apply. Adults can choose to wear shoes or skates Keep Reading

A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village (Salem) A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village, located on Salem's riverfront, is one of the best children's museums around. My kids and I have played here several times, and each time it was a unique experience. The museum consists of a couple of old, beautiful historic houses converted into rooms for children (and their parents) to explore. Each room is themed differently and allows you to never get bored.  The hardest part is keeping up with your kids who are always anxious to check out what's next. One minute you will find yourself in China, the next in a boat out to sea. Move to a room nearby and Keep Reading