Explore the (indoor) forests of the Pacific Northwest

Nestled in Portland’s Washington Park, the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum focuses on the role that forests play in providing benefits such as habitats, water, recreation, and wood. The museum features many interactive exhibits where you can learn how to plant a tree or practice being a smokejumper or a logger. Highlights include the whitewater rapids simulator and the Take Me to the Top canopy lift which takes you 60 feet into the treetops (extra cost & height requirement). While much of the museum centers on the Pacific Northwest, there is also a virtual tour of other forest types - boreal, temperate, sub-tropical, and tropical – and how the people and animals of the world depend on them. And if you’re craving a trip into the great outdoors afterwards, there are miles of trails for exploring just outside the museum.

Admission:
Adults - $7
Seniors - $6
Children (3-18) - $5
Children (2 & under) – free

Hours:
10am-5pm daily
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve & Day

http://www.worldforestrycenter.org/museum/dm_discover.php

Exploring life in the desert

Spring is a great time of year to visit The Living Desert in Palm Springs, CA. Not easily categorized, it’s described on their website as a zoo and endangered species conservation center – botanical garden – natural history museum – wilderness park – nature preserve – education center. Here you can explore the desert animals of Africa (like camels, gazelles, and the endangered oryx) as well as ones native to North America. It’s best to get an early start to your visit since most of the animals are at their peak activity in the cool morning hours. (This is also convenient if you have jet-lagged kids who are awake much earlier than you’d like.) As the temperature starts to rise, head inside to the Wildlife Hospital to see how they take care of all the animals. With so much to do and see here, your kids will probably have lots of questions. Fortunately, the helpful staff in the Discovery Room is there to help answer anything you want to know about desert life. So grab your comfortable walking shoes and plenty of water and get ready for an unforgettable visit!

Admission:
(Season/Summer)
General - $11.95/$8.75
Children (3-12yrs) - $7.50/$4.75
Children (under 3) - Free

Hours:
Season - 9/1 – 6/15
9am-5pm daily
(closed Christmas Day)

Summer - 6/16 – 8/31
8am-1:30pm daily

http://www.livingdesert.org/default.asp

Food and a high-flying show

This week I was inspired by an article I read in the Sunday Source section of the Washington Post. So instead of reviewing a particular place, I’d like to focus on a type of restaurant that most likely gets overlooked when looking for somewhere fun to take your family for a bite to eat.

Many small local airports have inexpensive cafes that allow for some great entertainment. Not many kids (or adults) can resist being enthralled by the sight of planes racing down the runway. Some airport cafes also have outdoor seating for an upclose view of the action. With the warmer months upon us, nothing beats a free show and cheap food. You and your kids might even get to chat with a pilot or two.