Follow Frugal Living NW on Pinterest! Fantastic range of boards from best recipes and tips for frugal living to gardening and budgeting help. Summer Reading Programs 2018 Summer vacation is here and it’s a great time to start planning different activities for your kids. Summer reading programs hosted by local public libraries and businesses are a fantastic way to encourage your children to read (or be read to) and earn prizes for doing it! In this post, I have listed national summer reading programs as well as local programs in Western Oregon and SW Washington. Find summer reading programs in the Puget Sound (Seattle) area over at Thrifty Keep Reading

Frenchman's Bar Regional Park (Vancouver, Washington) “Frenchman’s Bar, really? They let kids in?” No, not that kind of bar.  More like a “sand bar," a great strip of beach located along the north bank of the Columbia River in Vancouver, Washington. Nestled between Vancouver Lake and the Columbia, north of Hayden Island where the river takes the big turn northward, lies the family-friendly Frenchman’s Bar Regional Park. The wide, sandy beaches are a fun substitute for the coast when your family craves sandcastles but not the two or three hour drive to the Pacific. A 15-20 minute drive from I-5 just across the bridge in Vancouver will take you Keep Reading

Magness Memorial Tree Farm (Sherwood) Summer is here and sometimes as a family all we need is just some time away from home but close by. My son and I love going to Magness Tree Farm, located in Sherwood, Oregon. We can choose between loads of trails to take depending on our fancy. My son usually chooses the straight up the mountain path while I go for the lazy walk. We have had many "discussions" and he usually wins out since I can't talk myself out of not getting healthy. Paved trail heading to the small bridge. So beautiful even in the rain. This place is really nice. Many trails are handicapped accessible. There are cabins to Keep Reading

A Day in the Pearl District (Portland) Portland’s Pearl District is a fun place for a day trip with your family. Some “must do” stops include Jamison Square, Tanner Springs, and The Fields Park -- all for free! There are also tons of shops & restaurants to keep you busy for an entire day! GET THERE I think your best option is to take the Portland Streetcar to the Pearl District and then travel by foot. (You can get to the Streetcar easily from Tri-Met's MAX Train if you're traveling from the suburbs or your hotel.) Everything is walkable once you arrive in the area. Parking is available, but it’s limited and it’s metered. Like Keep Reading

Portland Staycation Ideas Updated for 2018 Looking for ways to enjoy Portland without breaking the bank? The following is a list of fun and frugal activities, events, and attractions to get your imagination started! This list can be enjoyed by vacationers, newly transplanted Portlanders, and those who have lived in Portlandia for decades. Each listing includes a general pricing guide: FREE -- won't cost you penny! $ -- Under $5 per person $$ -- Under $10 per person $$$ -- Over $10 per person SWIM Portland Parks & Rec Swimming Pools (Portland, $): Enjoy a dip in a public indoor or outdoor pool! Be sure to also check out the Keep Reading