Kids may be more aware of environmental issues than most adults realize. Some studies have shown that children worry about the state of the environment more than their homework!

Family activities are a good way to introduce children and young adults to a new subject and teach them about good earth stewardship. Check out the Environmental Kids Club with interactive storybooks such as Recycle City, or go to Earth911.org. But the best way is to get outside and have fun!

Outings & Classes
Family friendly hikes with inspiring names like Fairy Falls and Coyote Wall can be found on the Portland Hikers Field Guide, which lists distance, elevation gain, and good lunch spots. Children in the 3rd to 8th grades can join the free Portland Junior Audubon Club to receive an activity every month and participate in several outings per year.

Sign up early for the summer Rock and Roll Camp for Girls, a wildly successful program that features lessons with local female music stars. We love Peanut Butter & Ellie’s Café (4405 SW Vermont St) for family dinner theatre, jammies concerts and a play area. A good calendar of monthly events, including a parent survival night, can be found at NW Kids.

In Eugene, parents with babies and children 7-15 can move and shake at Sparkplug Dance, which has classes to encourage brain and muscle development. In Portland parents and kids can dance at the Crystal Ballroom for Baby Loves Disco, which has several sold-out events for everyone to dance themselves tired.