2026

Looking for a school that’s the right fit? Take a look at these upcoming open houses to find the school that's right for you and your child!

As autumn settles across the country each year, with leaves turning orange and the air growing cool and crisp, thousands of Americans purposely venture into cornfields and get lost. Armed with maps, clues, flashlights — or occasionally nothing more than misplaced confidence — families and friends wander through towering rows of corn, searching for the elusive way out.

With the arrival of autumn, a familiar figure appears on front porches, in pumpkin patches, and at harvest festivals across North America — the scarecrow. Dressed in flannel shirts, stuffed with straw, and sporting cheerful smiles, they have become a defining symbol of the season.

Few things evoke autumn like apple cider. Whether served cold at an orchard, steaming hot with cinnamon and cloves, or poured from a bottle with a little alcoholic kick, cider seems the perfect accompaniment to crisp afternoons, colorful leaves, and warm cozy sweaters.

Long ago in a small Irish town, a drunkard named Stingy Jack earned his nickname after tricking the Devil himself. Jack was notorious in his little town, and Satan had heard of his mischievous deeds.

The seasons are changing, which means it’s time to visit the pumpkin patch! Luckily, the ultimate autumn wonderland is nestled right in the heart of Tualatin: Lee Farms

Flynn Creek Circus presents The Cricket & the Wren, an all-human circus featuring breathtaking acrobatics, athletic skill, storytelling and comedy. The 2026 production comes to Vancouver’s Clark College Oct. 8-12, Cathlamet’s Rivermile 38 Brewery Oct. 16-18, and Salem’s Riverfront Park Oct. 23-25.

This British classic with twist of southern carm is perfect for a tasty light treat for the kids.

The shift back to “school mode” can feel like an abrupt end to summer. With a little planning, though, families can make the transition easier on everybody and foster a healthier, less stressful start to the school year.

My 3-year-old has taken to feeding our dog dinner with the duty and honor of the Swiss Guard, albeit with the consistency of, well, a 3-year-old. Some kibble ends up on the floor rather than in the bowl, but the dog takes care of most of it. My 3-year-old has taken to feeding our dog dinner with the duty and honor of the Swiss Guard, albeit with the consistency of, well, a 3-year-old.

You’re cut off in traffic, and you’d really like to lean on the horn and yell a few choice words, but something stops you. You know how tricky that intersection can be, and escalating the situation into road rage won’t help anyone. The jolt of anger passes, and you move on with your day.

No complaints of “too spicy!” with these crowd-pleasing curry dinners.

No matter what grade your child is in, a fresh school year is a time filled with possibilities. Setting goals can help kids stay motivated, develop good habits and measure their progress as they grow and develop.

Maybe it was just me, but this summer seemed to fly by particularly fast. A brand new school year is right around the corner! The fall opens doors to new opportunities for learning, friendships, and growth. Speaking of growth, we’re revamping a few things over here at NW Kids! The September issue features our annual Birthday Guide. Be on the lookout for a different rendition of the guide in 2027. 🎉 We’ll see you back here in October for the first Open House Guide of the 2026

Parents today face a shifting landscape when it comes to technology in schools, so being aware of a school’s policies on technology use is essential.

Starting the day with thoughtful calories can put anyone, especially young people, on the right track for school, sports, activities and mood.

When the weather gets cold and the rains start, what’s better than the warmth of the oven, the rich aroma of fresh-baked treats, and the simple pleasures of being indoors. Find everything you need at the Co-op for these tasty muffins.

From trick-or-treating to candy canes, the holiday season is packed with sugary temptations. While these treats are a fun part of celebrating, aim for tooth-friendlier treats like these:

If you like traditional potatoes, try incorporating their tasty, tuber cousin into your cooking — sweet potatoes! These kid-pleasing dishes are rich in fiber, carbs and vitamins. A few easy ways to try them:

Getting kids out the door in the morning or to bed at night can feel like a daily battle. If you’re tired of reminding, rushing and repeating yourself, a routine chart can help.