PDX Parent https://pdxparent.com Portland, Oregon Parenting News, Tips & Things to Do with Kids Mon, 20 Oct 2025 01:41:11 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://pdxparent.com/wp-content/uploads/pdx_parent_fav.svg PDX Parent https://pdxparent.com 32 32 Teal is the New Orange: Making Halloween Safer and More Inclusive https://pdxparent.com/teal-is-the-new-orange-making-halloween-safer-and-more-inclusive/ Thu, 16 Oct 2025 22:28:00 +0000 https://pdxparent.com/teal-is-the-new-orange-making-halloween-safer-and-more-inclusive/ Halloween can be scary for all the wrong reasons when your child is one of the nearly 6 million kids in the US with a potentially life-threatening food allergy. That’s 1 in 13 children, or approximately 49,000 children in the Portland metro area.* 

Courtesy of the Teal Pumpkin Project

For them, what should be a carefree night of trick-or-treating with friends could end with a visit to the ER, or worse. And it’s not only Snickers and Peanut M&Ms that can mean trouble. Of the foods that cause 90% of allergic reactions (dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, egg, fish and shellfish) all but the last three are regularly found in Halloween candy.

Enter the Teal Pumpkin Project, a nationwide campaign that aims to make Halloween safer and more inclusive. It started in Tennessee when allergy mom Becky Basalone painted a pumpkin teal, the color for food allergy awareness, and put it on her porch. It was a sign to trick-or-treaters that non-food treats like googley eyes and spider rings were available if a child couldn’t eat the candy she was passing out. Thanks to social media, and later the efforts of Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), this idea has spread across the country, all the way to Portland. 

The Teal Pumpkin Project also benefits children with other medical conditions. Chrystal McMahon, Beaverton mother of a young child with type 1 diabetes, is thrilled whenever she sees a home with a teal pumpkin. “It means so much to my family to know that children like our son are thought of and can safely be included.”

How to Participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project:

  1. Display a teal pumpkin. You can buy teal craft pumpkins or paint a real one.
  2. Post a sign explaining what it means. Free printable signs are available at  www.tealpumpkinproject.org.
  3. Put inexpensive, non-food treats in a separate bowl to avoid cross contact with allergens that may be present on candy wrappers. 
  4. Add your home to FARE’s Teal Pumpkin Project map so trick-or-treaters searching for non-food treats know where to go. 
  5. Consider offering everyone a choice between candy and a non-food treat, so kids with special needs don’t have to speak up and stand out. 

*according to the Center for Disease Control and the US Census

]]> Where to Go Daytime Trick-or-Treating in Portland https://pdxparent.com/daytime-trick-or-treating/ Tue, 14 Oct 2025 15:36:15 +0000 https://pdxparent.com/daytime-trick-or-treating/
Topaz Farm, Credit Julia Varga

When you have little kids, there’s one big problem with Halloween — the trick-or-treating starts so late! Neighborhood businesses across Portland accommodate our little ghouls and goblins, opening their doors to trick or treaters well before the sun goes down. Whether it’s your pre-trick-or-treating routine or the whole shebang, here are some great options for Portland-area daytime trick-or-treating. Check back regularly, as we are adding new events all the time!

Events Search and Views Navigation

Event Views Navigation

Today

Halloween Party at Forest Grove Farmers Market

Forest Grove Farmers Market

👻🎃 Our spooktacular Halloween Party is BACK, but this time as a full-blown Halloween Farmers Market! ✨ What to Expect: 🛍 Spooky Artisan Vendors – find handmade goods, creepy crafts, […]

Free

Trick or Treat at Gresham Farmers Market

Gresham Farmers Market

Come out and celebrate the last day of the season with us on October 25th. We will have trick or treat for the little ones. We encourage pets to be […]

Free

Happy Valley Farmer’s Market Halloween Trick-Or-Treat

Happy Valley Farmers Market 13231 SE Sunnyside Rd, Clackamas, OR, United States

Come dressed up in your favorite costume and Trick-Or-Treat with our 130 vendors on the the final day of our 2025 Season Farmer's Market. Enjoy games, music, treats, balloons, face […]

Free

Halloween at the Rice Musem

Rice Museum of Rocks & MInerals

Bring the whole family for spooky science fun, hands-on activities, and tasty food. Costumes are encouraged, and you won’t want to miss the chance to discover the “spookier side” of […]

Included with general admission. Free for members.

Portland Saturday Market EEKstravaganza

Portland Saturday Market 2 SW Naito Parkway, Portland, Oregon

Join Portland Saturday Market, the Portland Pickles, and ReClaim It for an unforgettable creative kickoff to Halloweek! ReClaim It will be sponsoring our FREE Crafternoon… bring the whole family down […]

Free

Halloween Trick-or-Treat in St. Johns & Pet Parade

Historic Downtown St. Johns

District Halloween Trick or Treating 🦇 🎃 Get your costumes ready, goblins and ghouls! Saturday, October 26th the St. Johns Business District will be handing out treats from 11 AM […]

Free

Wood Village Pumpkin Fest

Donald L. Robertson City Park 24400 NE Halsey St., Wood Village, OR

Join us for a fall-tastic time at our annual Pumpkin Fest! Held the Saturday before Halloween, the event features free pumpkins, goodie bags, trunk-or-treat, petting zoo, pet costume contest, games […]

Free

Fall Festival at THRPD’s Cedar Hills Recreation Center

Cedar Hill Recreation Center

If you can't wait for Halloween, join us for our annual Fall Festival! Our fun-filled event is perfect for ghouls of all ages. It features wicked activities, including pumpkin painting, […]

$8
PORTLAND POKÉWEEN!

Portland POKÉWEEN!

Holiday Inn Portland Columbia Riverfront 909 N. Hayden Island Drive, Portland, Oregon

Pokéween & trick or treat is coming to the Portland area! October 25th & 26th!  FREE POKÉMON TRICK OR TREAT BUCKET EACH DAY WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! $5 Adult Admission! Kids […]

Free – $10

Trick or Treat on Main Street – Downtown Milwaukie

Downtown Milwaukie 10723 SE Main St, Milwaukie, OR, United States

Downtown businesses open their doors for little ghosts and goblins with candy and fun surprises. Drop by the Ledding Library for a Halloween Craft while you are downtown! Visit the […]

Free

Trunk or Treat in Milwaukie

4330 Southeast International Way Milwaukie, OR 97222

Welcome to this second annual Trunk or Treat event! Entry is free and all able to attend. There will both candy and candy alternative options.

Free

Trunk-or-Treat at Westside Church of Christ

Westside Church of Christ 5525 SW Menlo Dr., Beaverton, OR

Join for a fun celebration that includes trick-or-treating, games, and more! Those who wish to donate something are encouraged to bring new hygiene items for donation to Northwest Children's Outreach.

Boo Bash Carnival

Concord Community Center 3811 SE Concord Rd., Milwaukie, Oregon

Get ready for a spooktacular good time at NCPRD's Boo Bash Carnival! This family-friendly event is perfect for children of all ages. Enjoy safe and fun trick-or-treating at our many […]

Trunk-or-Treat Around Columbia Square in East Vancouver

Columbia Square Shopping Center 13411 SE Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver, Washington

The businesses in and around Columbia Square are coming together once again to bring our community a fun, safe, and family-friendly way to celebrate Halloween!  This is the 3rd Annual […]

Free

Hooridaz Trunk or Treat

Hooridaz Trunk or Treat 2025 7721 NE Vancouver Plaza Dr, Vancouver, WA, United States

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR!!!!   Bring the kids, bring the whole family!! As always, we will be passing out candy until we run out! Come through and fill your […]

Free

Wizard of Oz-themed Trick or Treat Maze at Topaz Farm

Topaz Farm 17100 NW Sauvie Island Rd, Portland, OR, United States

Step into the world of Oz! Included with farm admission, kids can trick-or-treat through a festive corn maze, meet adorable live characters handing out candy, and snap fun photos along […]

$12.50

Trick or Treat Montavilla

SE Stark Street and SE Glisan Street - see map on host website

Take your little ghosts, goblins, and ghouls trick-or-treating in Montavilla on October 26! Participating businesses are listed below. Please note: businesses are offering trick-or-treat at varying hours throughout the day. […]

Free

Trick or Treat Extravaganza at Molalla Train Park

The Molalla Train Park 31803 S Shady Dell Rd., Molalla, OR

The popular train park will be decorated for Halloween all October, but children can trick-or-treat the last Sunday in October, from 11 am-4 pm, as they explore Molalla Train Park. […]

PORTLAND POKÉWEEN!

Portland POKÉWEEN!

Holiday Inn Portland Columbia Riverfront 909 N. Hayden Island Drive, Portland, Oregon

Pokéween & trick or treat is coming to the Portland area! October 25th & 26th!  FREE POKÉMON TRICK OR TREAT BUCKET EACH DAY WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! $5 Adult Admission! Kids […]

Free – $10

6th Annual Halloween: “Cans (& Bottles) for Candy”

Brooklyn Park 3400 SE Milwaukie Ave, Portland, OR, United States

Come join Friends of Brooklyn Park for our 6th Annual Halloween “Cans for Candy” event on Oct 26th. Bring a bag or bucket of redeemable cans and bottles and get […]

BOOverton

Downtown Beaverton

Join us for Booverton 2025 on October 26th from 1 PM to 3 PM in Beaverton, OR!   This year, we’re turning up the excitement with multiple locations packed full […]

Free

2025 Roseway Parkway Halloween Costume Parade

Roseway Parkway NE 72nd & Sandy

ROSEWAY PARKWAY NEIGHBORS PRESENT: THE 2025 ROSEWAY PARKWAY HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARADE GATHER ON THE SOUTHERNMOST GREENSPACE OF THE ROSEWAY PARKWAY AT NE 72ND & SANDY AT 2PM, HEAD NORTH TO PRESCOTT […]

Free

Cedar Mill Boo Bash

Christ United Methodist Church in Cedar Mill 12755 NW Dogwood Street, Portland, Oregon

Get ready for a spook-tacular time of family fun! Kids can trick-or-treat from creatively decorated car trunks, then enjoy games, prizes, and festive fun at this Halloween Carnival.

The Spooktacular Trick or Treat Trail

The Streets of Tanasbourne 10050 NE Emma Way, Hillsboro, OR

Join us Sunday, October 26th for the Spooktacular Trick or Treat Trail from 2-5pm at the Streets of Tanasbourne! Fun for families, kids and Halloween lovers of all ages. Costume […]

Free

Boo Bash in Downtown Camas

Downtown Camas

Bring the whole family down for some Downtown Camas trick or treating, Wednesday, October 29th, 2025 from 3-5pm. Local businesses give out candy or neat Halloween prizes to all the […]

Free

Spooky Tots

Garden Home Recreation Center 7475 SW Oleson Rd

Come in your boo-tiful costumes for a morning of spooky crafts, cider, and trick-or-treating fun around the building at Garden Home Recreation Center! Note: the event is 9am-12pm. Cost: Drop […]

City of Gresham Fire Station Trunk or Treat

Fire Station 74 1520 NE 192nd Ave, Portland, Oregon

Kick off Halloween a day early with a Fire Station Open House Trunk or Treat! Thursday, Oct 30 4 – 6 pm Fire Station 74Stop by for a Halloween-themed open house, with face […]

Free

Trick-or-treat at Lloyd Center

Lloyd Center

Whatever your age, start your trick-or-treating early at Lloyd Center. It's warm and dry inside!  Costumes encouraged but not required!

Free

Wooodstock Spoooktacular

Woodstock Business District and Homestead Schoolhouse 4121 SE Woodstock Boulevard, Portland, OR

Join us for the Wooodstock Spoooktacular on Friday, October 31st. Trick-or-treat at Woodstock businesses from 3-5:30 pm, and check out the Trunk-or-Treat and Halloween fun at Homestead Schoolhouse from 4-5:30pm!

Free

]]> Featured School of the Week: Catlin Gabel https://pdxparent.com/featured-school-of-the-week-2/ Mon, 13 Oct 2025 22:31:15 +0000 https://pdxparent.com/featured-school-of-the-week-2/

From our friends at Catlin Gabel:

Catlin Gabel is Oregon’s top independent school, where curiosity is rewarded, courage is cultivated, and students take the lead. Whether you’re a scholar, athlete, artist, scientist, or all of the above, you’ll find a place in the Catlin Gabel community.

From preschool through 12th grade, and beyond, an excellent education matters. How high will you soar?

Discover Catlin Gabel

  • 787 students

  • Preschool – Grade 12

  • Mission: Catlin Gabel fosters compassionate and curious citizens of the world by inspiring in every student a love of learning and the courage to take responsible action.

  • Campus:
     o  67-acres
      o Located 5 miles west of downtown in SW Portland
      o Forests, gardens, orchard, athletic facilities, low-ropes Challenge Course, classrooms, labs, studios, and theater.

Register for an Open House event this October

Visit Catlin Gabel’s campus, check out classroom spaces, meet teachers, and hear directly from school leadership about academic programs and extracurricular offerings. Register online today at catlin.edu/openhouse.

  • Beginning & Lower School: October 23, 4:30-7 pm

  • Middle School: October 29, 4:30-7:30 pm

  • Upper School: October 26, 1-4 pm

Educational Excellence

Progressive education is an approach to learning that develops in students the confidence, compassion, and critical thinking to lead courageously.

  • Students learn by doing. Instead of just reading about science, history, or the arts, students conduct hands-on experiments, tackle real-world issues, and engage with the greater community.

  • Questions drive learning. Students ask big, meaningful questions, while exploring, researching, and experimenting.

  • Teachers inspire. They get to know each student in small classes. Curriculum is thoughtful, engaging, and innovative.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Catlin Gabel creates courageous, respectful citizens of the world through extraordinary experiences both in and beyond campus.

  • Education serves a purpose. Students collaborate on big issues, learn in outdoor spaces, and develop problem-solving skills for a changing world.

  • Co-curriculars enhance learning. Athletics, global travel, leadership opportunities, community service, arts, and engineering programs help students discover their passions and purpose.

Student Outcomes

Scholars, athletes, activists, artists, and scientists of all backgrounds find belonging in the Catlin Gabel community, and success after graduation.

  •  Eagles find a place to land. College counselors provide personalized support to help students navigate the college process. 99% of graduates attend 4-year colleges, and 97% are satisfied with their post-grad plans.

  • Catlin Gabel inspires lifelong learning. Alumni are athletes, professors, activists and politicians, artists and musicians, teachers, lawyers, doctors, and scientists.

Sign up for an informational event, Open House, or campus tour at catlin.edu/admission.

]]> This Weekend in PDX https://pdxparent.com/this-weekend-in-pdx/ Mon, 13 Oct 2025 22:17:19 +0000 https://pdxparent.com/this-weekend-in-pdx/ Looking for fun things to do in Portland, OR? Read on for five of our favorite Portland-area events from our family-friendly Kids Calendar.

It’s officially peak pumpkin season, Portland! Whether you’re cheering on costumed paddlers at the Giant Pumpkin Regatta, celebrating salmon homecoming, or squeezing in a little daytime trick-or-treating, there’s no shortage of fall fun this weekend. Grab a cozy sweater, a thermos of cider, and your little pumpkins — here’s what’s happening around town.

Be sure to double-check details on the event host websites, as they are subject to change.

🎃 West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta

This one-of-a-kind Portland tradition features costumed racers paddling giant pumpkins across Lake of the Commons — it’s as weird and wonderful as it sounds. There’s also live entertainment, food vendors, and plenty of fall photo ops.

📍 Lake of the Commons, Tualatin
🎟 Free
🕙 Sunday, October 19, 10 am-4 pm
👉 Details here

Can’t get enough pumpkin fun? Visit one of our favorite pumpkin patches or hunt for Mike Bennett pumpkins in Bridgeport Village.

Courtesy of West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta, credit Eric M. Hermann

Halloween Ball at Northwest Children’s Theater

Costume parade, live performances, sing-a-long, dance party, and MORE! This is Halloween fun you don’t want to miss.

📍 The Judy
🎟 $15
🕙 Saturdays and Sundays, at 10 am, 12:30 pm, and 3 pm, through October 26
👉 Details here

Lot more fabulous live performances happening this weekend:
Kids older? Check out OBT’s Dracula.
Want to see a Portland kindie icon? Red Yarn & Pivot Youth Dance Along.
Love music and Wonderwood Springs? Music with Mr. Ben.
Feeling splurgy? Disney on Ice: Let’s Dance.

Courtesy of NWCT

🍬 Daytime Trick or Treating

Daytime trick-or-treating season kicks off this weekend! Parents love it because costumes get extra mileage — and kids don’t have to stay up late! There are multiple events happening across the metro area, so you can pick your favorite neighborhood haunt.

📍 Various locations
🎟 Free
🕙 Saturday-Sunday
👉 Details here

Kids love treats but have outgrown trick-or-treating? Check out the Depressed Cake Shop Pop-Up Bakery supporting Baby Blues Connection at Sellwood Community House.

Courtesy of Hoffman Farms

🐟 Salmon Homecoming at Oxbow Regional Park

Celebrate the return of salmon to the Sandy River with guided walks, storytelling, drumming, and cultural demonstrations. It’s a beautiful, educational way to connect kids with the land, water, and Indigenous traditions that keep this region thriving.

📍 Oxbow Regional Park, Gresham
🎟 Free with $5 parking
🕙 Saturday, October 18, 11 am-4 pm
👉 Details here

Courtesy of Salmon Homecoming at Oxbow Regional Park

🌽 Wilsonville Harvest Festival

Kick off fall at Wilsonville’s community harvest celebration with carriage rides, games, live music, a costume parade, and more. Free pumpkins (courtesy of Nichols Family Agency) from Frog Pond farms!

📍 Stein-Boozier Barn in Murase Plaza
🎟 Free
🕙 Saturday, October 18, 10 am-1 pm
👉 Details here

Also happening this weekend: Fall Fest in the Forest in West Linn.

Courtesy of the City of Wilsonville

Looking for even more events?

And that’s just the start! It’s an especially festive weekend in the metro area — with the grand openings of both Oak Lodge Library and Concord Park & Community Center and Rassekh Park. Celebrate culture and community at Milagros’ 30th Anniversary Día de los Muertos Celebration, or climb aboard a Pirates & Pumpkins River Cruise for an unforgettable fall adventure. Halloween fans will love the Grimoire Exhibition Halloween Market, while movie buffs can enjoy a free outdoor screening of Hocus Pocus at Yesteryear Farms. Plus, don’t miss Bard Storytime at Wonderwood, or a special local author storytime featuring Grizelda the Green Hates Halloween.

Still planning your spooky season? Find even more family-friendly ideas in our Halloween Guide!

Courtesy of Yesteryear Farms

We hope you have the best weekend!

Want these fun events delivered straight to your inbox each week? Sign up for our newsletter. And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, where you’ll find daily posts and stories. We’re here to help you find your fun!

Wish your event was on this list? Submit it for FREE to our popular Kids Calendar!

Submit an Event
]]> Where to Celebrate Spooky Season in Vancouver https://pdxparent.com/fall-halloween-vancouver/ Mon, 13 Oct 2025 21:01:54 +0000 https://pdxparent.com/fall-halloween-vancouver/

It’s time to smell cinnamon and clove, paint the town orange, and to plan your fall holiday destinations across Clark County. There is so much to do this season that we couldn’t pack it all into one place — and for more Halloween events, check out our kids calendar regularly!

Pumpkin Lane at Pomeroy Farm

Courtesy of Pomeroy Farm

Nestled amid the forests of Yacolt, a visit to Pomeroy Farm is always a good time, but fall brings out something special. Take a hayride among “pumpkin people” and choose both your favorite pumpkin and favorite photo opp.

If you go: Open every Saturday and Sunday in October; the farm is open from 10 am to 5 pm (last admission is 4 pm). All ages welcome. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for kids ages 3-11 (ages 2 and under are free). Pro tip: Some vendors may only accept cash and there is no ATM onsite, so come prepared.

Halloween on Franklin

Courtesy of Holidays on Franklin

This free and seasonal display is a local favorite for most traditional holidays, and Halloween is not exception. Walk or drive by the block of impressively decorated homes. Fun fact: It takes neighbors three weeks to set up! Pro tip: For families with littles, visit during the daytime for a less spooky experience.

If you go: Displays are up the month of October and can be found on Franklin Street at the 46th block. Donations are appreciated.

The Gothic Market

Courtesy of Grimoire Academy

Your holiday marketplace for all things spooky, the Grimoire Exhibition is held at the Clark County Fairgrounds. Inspired by spooky classics like Sabrina the Teenage Witch and American Horror Story, last year, this marketplace featured over 120 vendors of all things witchy pop culture and handmade hocus pocus.

If you go: Marketplace runs from October 18-19, from 10 am to 4 pm. Early admission tickets are $5 each plus fees, however ticket prices are expected to increase closer to the event and there will be no sales at the door. Pro tip: This event is not for infants and babies, minors welcome with adults. Come dressed up — costumes are highly encouraged!

Cinema of Horrors

Courtesy of Cinema of Horrors

Bring your favorite scary movie to life with interactive drive-in theater all month long at the Cinema of Horrors at the Clark County Event Center Fairgrounds in Ridgefield. Real actors, with props, lights and more lurk nearby as horror flicks like The Blair Witch Project, It, Scream, and The Purge play on the big screen. This one’s on the spookier side, recommended for older kids, teens and adults. Pro tip: Visit on October 12, 18 or 26 for family nights, where the movies playing are the original versions of Ghostbusters, Halloweentown and Beetlejuice.

If you go: Admission is $69 per car. Gates open at 5 pm, and the movie begin at 7 pm.

Trunk or Treats

Courtesy of Mama Memes

Halloween might officially just be on October 31, but there are many area “Trunk or Treats” to experience leading into the season. (For those new to the concept, children go car to car “trunk” vs. door to door. A fantastic option for those with limited time or mobility. Here are our favorites:

Pumpkin Patches

Courtesy of Vancouver Pumpkin Patch

Halloween isn’t complete without the obligatory pumpkin patch picture. Grab your walking shoes, a cart or wagon and prepare for the traditional farm walk and apple cider donuts. Pro tip: Find even more pumpkin patch options here.

Harvest Festivals

Courtesy of Downtown Camas

Harvest festivals celebrate the season. Enjoy the abundance and these nearby locations.

]]> Top 5 Fall Color Hikes https://pdxparent.com/top-5-fall-color-hikes/ Fri, 10 Oct 2025 22:46:38 +0000 https://pdxparent.com/top-5-fall-color-hikes/ Fall is here, and Portland’s trails and gardens are lighting up with color—here are five spots you won’t want to miss this season.

Featured image courtesy Gordon Banks

Silver Falls State Park – Silverton

Head to Silver Falls State Park outside of Silverton to gaze at the red alder and vine maple. Bonus: the waterfalls are stunning, too.

Credit: @alifeonlocation, courtesy of Oregon.gov

Hoyt Arboretum – Portland

Right in town, fall color peaks at Hoyt Arboretum in mid-October. Perfect for an easy, colorful stroll without leaving the city.

Credit: Meg Asby

Salmon River Trail – Welches

In addition to beautiful changing leaves, the Salmon River Trail near Welches is prime time to watch the salmon spawn in droves. Nature show plus fall foliage!

Credit: Nancy Frantz-Geddes

Cape Horn Loop Trail – Washington Side of the Columbia River Gorge

The Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge boasts the gorgeous Cape Horn Loop Trail, where bigleaf maples put on a vibrant display.

Courtesy of Friends of the Columbia Gorge

Portland Japanese Garden – Washington Park

A little light on hiking, but the scenery can’t be beat. Bonus: a scavenger hunt for the littles makes it a family-friendly fall outing.

Courtesy of Portland Japanese Garden

Oregon has waaaaay more than five places for fall color — find even more kid-friendly fall hikes here.

]]> Your Guide to a Not-So-Scary Halloween https://pdxparent.com/not-so-scary-halloween/ Tue, 07 Oct 2025 20:10:12 +0000 https://pdxparent.com/not-so-scary-halloween/

Is spooky season sometimes a little too spooky for your kiddo? Check out these not-so-scary Halloween activities for fright-free fun!

For the Budding Artist

Courtesy of May Gunsel

The Northwest Children’s Theater is hosting two kid-friendly Halloween-themed performances throughout the month of October. Check out their Halloween Ball (ages 4+) for a costume party with sing-a-longs and dance performances.

Enjoy a Dia de Muertos celebration at your local library, favorite park, Milagro Theatre and more.

For the Pumpkin Obsessed

Courtesy of the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta

Of course, visiting one of the Portland area’s many awesome pumpkin patches is a great place to start.

We also recommend the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta, an annual event at Lake Tualatin.

Rain ruining your outdoor adventures? Stay cozy in the comfort of your own car and take in the sights of Portland neighbors who love to go all out with spooky decor during this Halloween lights home display driving route.

For Kids With an Early Bedtime

Courtesy of the Spirit of Halloweentown

Many local businesses and neighborhoods make it easy for younger kids to participate in trick-or-treating without staying out too late — we have a full compilation of those events here!

If you’re hankering for a day trip, we love visiting The Spirit of Halloweentown in St. Helens for their fun performances, yummy snacks and kid-friendly activities. Check out our reel here!

For Train Connoisseurs

Courtesy of Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad

What kid doesn’t love trains? Lucky for them, there is plenty of Halloween train fun to be had in the Portland area. Bushue’s Farm has a pig train, Flower Farmer has a pumpkin train, and the Molalla Train Park is hosting a Trick-or-Treat Extravaganza (and will also be open all month). If you’re not already all train-ed out — because we know your kiddo won’t be! — here’s a longer list of our favorite Halloween trains and where to find them.

For the Budget Conscious

Courtesy of Nordic Northwest

Between costumes, decorations, and candy, the cost of Halloween can be scarier than the holiday itself — b don’t fear! There are plenty of free activities to celebrate spooky season. If you want to enjoy the great outdoors, go on a hunt for the trolls and other magical creatures that call Portland home, or enjoy a kid-friendly fall hike.

Many of our local pumpkin patches offer free admission – pack a picnic lunch and get going!

Need more ideas? Here’s a list of 20 free things to do in October.

]]> Top 5 Consignment Boutiques for Kids’ Halloween Costumes https://pdxparent.com/top-5-consignment-boutiques-for-kids-halloween-costumes/ Tue, 07 Oct 2025 18:40:02 +0000 https://pdxparent.com/top-5-consignment-boutiques-for-kids-halloween-costumes/ Find stellar — and sustainable! — options to transform your kiddos into superheroes, fuzzy animals, magic fairies and more at these local resale stores.

Photo courtesy Beanstalk Children’s Resale Clothing, credit Amy Close

If your kiddo still needs a Halloween costume (or now wants to be something totally different!) you’ll find plenty of lower-cost options at one of these kids’ consignment stores.

Beanstalk Children’s Resale

The Fremont and Montavilla locations of Beanstalk Children’s Resale have been bursting with costumes since September. (You can even order online.) You’ll find cozy fleece onesies for baby and twirly princess dresses; spooky witches, dinosaurs and firefighters for the older ones. Six months to youth size 12; from $8.95 on up.

Hoot-n-Annie Resale Boutique

Tina Donnaloia, the owner of Hoot-n-Annie Resale Boutique knows how much kids love to play dress up. That’s why this year, the children’s resale shop in Hillsdale sells costumes not only for Halloween, but items that can be worn year-round, so parents can get the biggest bang for their buck. Newborn to youth size 16; from $6.75 on up.

Pinwheels Resale

If each of your kids has a particular idea for their Halloween costume, then head to Pinwheels Resale. This Southeast consignment boutique stockpiles its costumes all year, so come October, it’s ready! Newborn to youth size 10; from $1 on up.

Pipsqueak Resale Boutique

If you’re in Vancouver, Pipsqueak Resale Boutique in the Vancouver Mall is the place to go for top consignment costumes (or shop online!). The shop carries kid-approved favorites, from iconic costumes to the latest TV and movie characters. Newborn to youth size 16; from $2.99 on up.

Goodwill

While not strictly a kid’s consignment shop, all Portland area locations have a sizable selection of costumes for kids, plus their grown ups! And don’t sleep on the spooky decor deals, too.

    For more consignment boutiques, check our our comprehensive list of consignment shops in and around Portland!

    ]]>         Do You Like New Playgrounds? Then Vote! https://pdxparent.com/parks-ballot-issue/ Tue, 07 Oct 2025 18:10:46 +0000 https://pdxparent.com/?p=243197
    Courtesy of Portland Parks & Recreation

    Do you like Portland Parks & Recreation’s newly renovated playgrounds, Free Lunch + Play, and summer movies in the park? We do, too! But. These family favorites could be drastically cut back if a new 5-year levy to support parks and rec operations is not approved by voters in the city of Portland. 

    If Portland residents approve Ballot Measure 26-260, the levy will go toward things like park maintenance, repairing or renovating things like playgrounds, community centers and pools; planting and maintaining trees; continuing discounted recreation programs for families experiencing poverty; and preserving access to classes, camps, community center hours, parks and pools. This new bond would mean around an $11-a-month increase in property taxes.

    Here’s the real kicker: If a new levy is not approved, the PP&R operating budget would be reduced by approximately half, resulting in fewer programs and services for families. That’s a big decrease.

    So if maintaining park programming is important to your family — please make sure you vote to approve the measure next month!

    And for families in the Lake Oswego School District

    There’s another special election ballot issue for families residing in the Lake Oswego School District, which consistently ranks as one of the top school districts in the state, asking voters to approve a $245 million bond. If Ballot Measure 3-628 is approved, the bond would be used to increase school safety through seismic updates, hardened glass and secure classroom doors; update aging schools including replacing the two oldest schools Forest Hills and Lake Grove Elementary Schools that cannot be seismically updated; and to upgrade technology for students. The new bond is expected to maintain the current bond tax rate and not increase taxes for property owners.

    Voter Information

    The special election will be held on November 4. Here is handy info on the current measures, voter information and more. And while this election is only for residents in the city of Portland — and those in the Lake Oswego School District — we feel that it’s important to share with all of our readers. The services PP&R provides to our great community is invaluable. Make your vote count!

    ]]>         Featured School of the Week: German International School of Portland https://pdxparent.com/featured-school-of-the-week/ Mon, 06 Oct 2025 22:03:15 +0000 https://pdxparent.com/featured-school-of-the-week-2-2/

    From our friends at German International School of Portland:

    Come visit your new school, the German International School of Portland, with small class sizes, a global IB Curriculum intertwined with a place-based education to raise curious, inquiring minds, rooted here and ready for anywhere. Language Immersion Program in German and Mandarin Chinese for two year olds through 8th grade.

    ]]>