The Short List: Jan 13-15
Holy snow, Batman! If you’re feeling a little cabin fever by the end of the week, we have some great, (mostly) indoor activities to keep you all warm and having fun this weekend!
All Weekend
Studio Ghibli Retrospective
For those of us familiar with the films that come out of Studio Ghibli, we know that the magic and whismy of these movies is perfect for children. So it makes sense that OMSI is presenting a Studio Ghibli Retrospective, featuring 14 films from Studio Ghibli co-founder and animation mastermind, Hayao Miyazaki. Enjoy going on a perfectly magical, colorful, animated adventure with your littles! $10-12, $2 off for members, japanesegarden.com
All Weekend
Portland Boat Show
I know we just got hit hard with snow, but it doesn’t hurt to start thinking about spring a little early. This weekend is the much beloved Portland Boat Show, in its 57th year! Located inside the Portland Expo Center, the event will be all-weather. So get in and check out some of the newest and coolest models of sailboats, sport boats, luxury yachts, off-shore vessels and more! And if you’re thinking about buying, remember there will be both new and used models available for sale. Kids 12 and under free. $10, otshows.com
Jan 14
Portland Metro Reptile Expo
We all know at least one little guy or gal who’s just crazy about anything creepy, crawly, slimy or scaly. This weekend is their chance to go totally ga-ga at the Reptile Expo at the Columbia Conference Center. There will be over 155 tables to check out with hands-on, educational activities about reptiles, amphibians, arachnids, hedgehogs, rodents and more. And over half these tables will be breeders selling their animals for you to take home as your new family member! Oh, and don’t miss the 7-foot American Alligator! Kids 5 and under free. $5-10, nwreptileexpos.com
Jan 14
African Story Telling
What do we always hope to find at the library? Well, a good story, of course! This weekend, join story teller Habiba Addo in the Troutdale Meeting Room for an exciting storytelling event. Habiba is from the country of Ghana, and she’s here to teach you and the little ones all about African history! Habiba’s performances are exciting and interactive, alive with music, dance and authentic West African dress. Gather together for a storytelling adventure! Free, first come first served, multcolib.org
Jan 14
Roll on Columbia!
Start the year with a tribute to your local watershed and join The Water Resources Education Center in celebrating the mighty Columbia River! Watersheds add so much life and beauty to their surrounding landscapes, so let’s show our love by learning all about the plants and animals that call the watershed home and all the ways we humans depend on the watershed in our daily lives. Enjoy a day full of fun, exploration and crafts! Free, cityofvancouver.us