Portland/Seattle and beyond: What will get our 8-year-old psyched to go?
Jul 28th, 2010, 10:35 AM
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Portland/Seattle and beyond: What will get our 8-year-old psyched to go?
My husband, 8-year-old, and I will be spending a couple of weeks in Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver (and a day or two in Missoula, MT also) in early September.
What's going to capture the 8-year-old's imagination and make him feel excited about the trip? What should we be sure to see, on his account? He's not at all against natural wonders/great scenery, and is happy to do some low-level hiking, but he's really a reader/science guy at heart, and to add to the challenge, he's in the middle of a phase of worrying about natural disasters. So Mt. St. Helens is out.
Things he loves: Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, dragons, Legos, baseball, soccer, geography/maps, art/cartooning (a pretty serious interest), ice cream, video games. Things he hates, besides volcanoes/wildfires/storms/earthquakes: Not much (not even girls). He's a pretty good traveler in general.
Looking forward to some wonderful suggestions. Thanks!
What's going to capture the 8-year-old's imagination and make him feel excited about the trip? What should we be sure to see, on his account? He's not at all against natural wonders/great scenery, and is happy to do some low-level hiking, but he's really a reader/science guy at heart, and to add to the challenge, he's in the middle of a phase of worrying about natural disasters. So Mt. St. Helens is out.
Things he loves: Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, dragons, Legos, baseball, soccer, geography/maps, art/cartooning (a pretty serious interest), ice cream, video games. Things he hates, besides volcanoes/wildfires/storms/earthquakes: Not much (not even girls). He's a pretty good traveler in general.
Looking forward to some wonderful suggestions. Thanks!
Jul 28th, 2010, 10:53 AM
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In Portland, I'd bet he'd love OMSI: http://www.omsi.edu/ . And maybe Powell's Books: http://www.powells.com/locations/powells-city-of-books/ .
If he's not been to a Gameworks, there's one in Seattle: http://www.gameworks.com/ . And I think Safeco Field is one of the best ballparks in the country, even though the Mariners pretty much suck.
Not on your list, I don't know a kid who doesn't enjoy a day at the beach, and there are few better than Cannon Beach (or Seaside, if you must for the video arcades).
If he's not been to a Gameworks, there's one in Seattle: http://www.gameworks.com/ . And I think Safeco Field is one of the best ballparks in the country, even though the Mariners pretty much suck.
Not on your list, I don't know a kid who doesn't enjoy a day at the beach, and there are few better than Cannon Beach (or Seaside, if you must for the video arcades).
Jul 28th, 2010, 11:12 AM
#3
I second the OMSI idea. Right now through January they are having an exhibit of a real T-Rex (it is supposed to have the most real bones of any that have ever been found) and they have a whole section of kids things that they can do for experiments, etc... Also riding the Ferry in Seattle is always lots of fun too. I will try to think of some more things 
Jul 28th, 2010, 11:18 AM
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I think Pike Place Market in Seattle might be fun for him. I think an 8 year old would love to watch the guys at the fish market throwing the fish around. Also, if you do venture toward the coast at all another awesome thing is the Oregon Coast Aquarium. We took our 7 year old there and a friend, they had a ball, it is a great place for young or old.
Jul 28th, 2010, 01:14 PM
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Uhhhhhhhhhhh, as I already pointed out to you... educate your son on the flooding 14,000 years ago caused by glacial Lake Missoula.
Unlike Mount St. Helens (30 years back), this so-called natural disaster needed an ice age to make it a current concern. Hopefully you can convince the kid that Al Gore assures that he need not worry in his lifetime about an ice age.
Begin at glaciallakemissoula.org and see if you can paint the BIG (overview) picture for him before causing junior to (want to) learn something beyond that.
It is quite unique that you will happen to go on a path that covers both ends of this evolution. I did most of the path last summer and while I didn't know at first what I was getting into, it really was RIGHT THERE in front of my eyes just what all of the water really did 13,000 to 15,000 years ago.
Of course I have no idea in advance whether your son will take interest, but if you use the net to prepare suitably then you can find a lot to see along the way (incl. Grand Coulee, Dry Falls, Columbia Gorge, etc.).
It was at that exact age (8) that I first saw a picture of a ship in Nova Scotia sitting on the ocean floor, while tied to a dock, and that inspired my own keen interest in the tides in the Bay of Fundy. At least look into glaciallakemissoula.org.
Unlike Mount St. Helens (30 years back), this so-called natural disaster needed an ice age to make it a current concern. Hopefully you can convince the kid that Al Gore assures that he need not worry in his lifetime about an ice age.
Begin at glaciallakemissoula.org and see if you can paint the BIG (overview) picture for him before causing junior to (want to) learn something beyond that.
It is quite unique that you will happen to go on a path that covers both ends of this evolution. I did most of the path last summer and while I didn't know at first what I was getting into, it really was RIGHT THERE in front of my eyes just what all of the water really did 13,000 to 15,000 years ago.
Of course I have no idea in advance whether your son will take interest, but if you use the net to prepare suitably then you can find a lot to see along the way (incl. Grand Coulee, Dry Falls, Columbia Gorge, etc.).
It was at that exact age (8) that I first saw a picture of a ship in Nova Scotia sitting on the ocean floor, while tied to a dock, and that inspired my own keen interest in the tides in the Bay of Fundy. At least look into glaciallakemissoula.org.
Jul 28th, 2010, 02:18 PM
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Missoula:
Big Dipper for ice cream
Watch the kayakers play in Brennan's Wave from the Higgins Street Bridge while you're walking to the Big Dipper for your ice cream.
He might like the Smokejumper's Museum in Missoula or the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
Big Dipper for ice cream
Watch the kayakers play in Brennan's Wave from the Higgins Street Bridge while you're walking to the Big Dipper for your ice cream.
He might like the Smokejumper's Museum in Missoula or the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
Jul 28th, 2010, 02:20 PM
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He might be a little too old, but the Carousel in Missoula is great. It's in Caras Park downtown near the kayaking wave, and it's wonderful carousel. All the horses are hand-carved, and it's fun to ride (even at age 34). 
Jul 28th, 2010, 03:03 PM
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I think there is a children's science museum in Seattle right by the space needle. We used to go there when we were kids and loved it, but that was a loooong time ago. You might google it and see if it is still there and worth a visit.
Jul 28th, 2010, 03:45 PM
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If you have the time and money, the ferry out to Friday Harbor is a lot of fun. YOu have to leave from Anacortes, which is about an hour north of Seattle. Once you are there you can rent scooters, with a side-car for your son.
The Chittenden Locks in Seattle would probably interest him if he is into science.
Are the Mariners in town when you are in Seattle?
We took the underground Seattle tour, which is a hoot, and would probably interest him. It starts in Pioneer Square, and has a lot of toilet humor.
The Chittenden Locks in Seattle would probably interest him if he is into science.
Are the Mariners in town when you are in Seattle?
We took the underground Seattle tour, which is a hoot, and would probably interest him. It starts in Pioneer Square, and has a lot of toilet humor.
Jul 28th, 2010, 08:50 PM
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Portland- I think here is a submarine you can tour close to Omsi - he might like the jet boat rides on the Willamette- or a trip up the Columbia River Gorge - waterfalls , especially Multanomah Falls where you can walk across a bridge with falls in the background.
Seattle- trip to Tillicum Village via Argosy Tours( this is a boat trip) - they do a tour of Elliott Bay which is very interesting , then to the island where you visit an Indian Village, have a great salmon dinner, watch some native American entertainment- you can stay out on the island as long as you want I believe - has some trails , nice views of the city.
Seattle- trip to Tillicum Village via Argosy Tours( this is a boat trip) - they do a tour of Elliott Bay which is very interesting , then to the island where you visit an Indian Village, have a great salmon dinner, watch some native American entertainment- you can stay out on the island as long as you want I believe - has some trails , nice views of the city.
Jul 29th, 2010, 08:27 AM
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Seattle - many kids like trains and he might look forward to riding the monorail. I second the fish vendors at Pike Market. Riding the ferry to one of the islands and back is also fun, even if you don't spend any time on the island.
Vancouver - the science center on Vancouver Bay is heavily child oriented. The little water taxis in the harbor are also fun and inexpensive.
In both areas, my kids enjoyed walks along the waterfront, seeing the boats, seaplanes, and marine birds and animals. Admittedly, that was a gazillion years ago but I doubt kids have changed that much over time.
Vancouver - the science center on Vancouver Bay is heavily child oriented. The little water taxis in the harbor are also fun and inexpensive.
In both areas, my kids enjoyed walks along the waterfront, seeing the boats, seaplanes, and marine birds and animals. Admittedly, that was a gazillion years ago but I doubt kids have changed that much over time.
Jul 29th, 2010, 10:20 AM
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The best ice-cream in the US I had in Seattle by the Space Needle, I wonder if the stall is still there, cherry ice-cream in a waffle cone
Get him maps, mark the hotels, and let him figure out how to get to the places he wants to visit - the list of attractions will be on each map. Tell him to use color crayons to mark the way.
Get him maps, mark the hotels, and let him figure out how to get to the places he wants to visit - the list of attractions will be on each map. Tell him to use color crayons to mark the way.
Jul 30th, 2010, 08:25 AM
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Thanks, everybody. These are *such* helpful suggestions. He's already much more excited about this trip. (And yes, NorthwestMale, he's interested and we will be following a good piece of your path/advice!)
Now I need help with how many days to allot to various parts of the trip. Three days in Portland? Three days in Seattle? How many days to make our way up and over the peninsula (Portland towards Seattle) in between? Where to stop/stay? Better to visit Victoria or Vancouver?
Does this make sense: Portland 3 days; 3-4 days to make our way up the coast, maybe including a Victoria or Vancouver stop; 2-3 days in Seattle? Or do you brilliant people have better suggestions?
It's looking as if we will need to leave (probably from Seattle) for Missoula mid-week and do that part in two days (stopping to study Big Rocks), to land in Missoula on Thursday and fly out Saturday. Where should we break the trip?
Now I need help with how many days to allot to various parts of the trip. Three days in Portland? Three days in Seattle? How many days to make our way up and over the peninsula (Portland towards Seattle) in between? Where to stop/stay? Better to visit Victoria or Vancouver?
Does this make sense: Portland 3 days; 3-4 days to make our way up the coast, maybe including a Victoria or Vancouver stop; 2-3 days in Seattle? Or do you brilliant people have better suggestions?
It's looking as if we will need to leave (probably from Seattle) for Missoula mid-week and do that part in two days (stopping to study Big Rocks), to land in Missoula on Thursday and fly out Saturday. Where should we break the trip?
Jul 30th, 2010, 11:04 AM
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are you looking at a map in planning your route? the route from portland to seattle isn't along the coast nor does it include a peninsula. where you thinking of going out west from portland to the oregon coast and then up and around the olympic peninsula as part of your trip? if so then you'll need at least 3/4 days to do that route without rushing, more if you also ferry over to victoria from port angeles on the olympic peninsula. vancouver wouldn't make sense on that route.
Jul 30th, 2010, 12:51 PM
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going out west from portland to the oregon coast and then up and around the olympic peninsula as part of your trip?
Jul 30th, 2010, 03:15 PM
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If your boy has any interest in space or airplanes, you will enjoy The Museum of Flight at Boing Field in Seattle. There is a retired Air Force 1 Presidental plane among others.
www.museumofflight.org
www.museumofflight.org
Jul 30th, 2010, 04:02 PM
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I second the recommendation for the Museum of Flight - easy to get to using public transportation. We also rented a car and went to the Boeing factory for a tour. It is just north of Seattle in Everett. About a half day outing.
Aug 2nd, 2010, 07:13 PM
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Me again, trying to stay on the topic of Glacial Lake Missoula (with my offerings):
From Portland, take a day drive to the Columbia Gorge, and have what evidence you can to show your son just how such a place was carved by the repeated floods 13,000 years ago. (stressing that said floods were all the result of an ice age, so he need not worry).
Later, when leaving from Seattle, here are some possibilities for that path toward Missoula specifically relating to the great floods:
(*** some of these qualify under: "take the time to stop and see them IF they are not too far out of the way of your general chosen path toward Missoula")
"Frenchman Coulee" (no, not for rock climbing, but just to show your son (and yourselves) what the floods did)
"Palouse Falls"
Entire drive from "Moses Lake, WA" to "Grand Coulee Dam" (on stretches of this path you drive past big boulders strewn everywhere even though you are miles from the nearest hill, and that isn't even worth mentioning when compared to the rest of the scenery on that path)
"Dry Falls" (during the floods it was much bigger than Niagara Falls, and now just a relatively small bit of water cascades over the edge)
http://www.associatedcontent.com/art...ashington.html
"Lake Pend Oreille" (near Sand Point, Idaho)
Then, when you GET to Missoula, make sure your son understands that each of the unique horizontal ridges in the surrounding hills were a former shoreline of Glacial Lake Missoula during these repeated instances of ice dam formation and then massive flooding.
I don't mean that you should waste scores of time on all of this, and I probably wouldn't even have mentioned it had you not spoke of needing to be in both Portland, Oregon and Missoula.
I just saw all of these things last year, and I sense it really might inspire an 8yo to be in awe of the big picture.
From Portland, take a day drive to the Columbia Gorge, and have what evidence you can to show your son just how such a place was carved by the repeated floods 13,000 years ago. (stressing that said floods were all the result of an ice age, so he need not worry).
Later, when leaving from Seattle, here are some possibilities for that path toward Missoula specifically relating to the great floods:
(*** some of these qualify under: "take the time to stop and see them IF they are not too far out of the way of your general chosen path toward Missoula")
"Frenchman Coulee" (no, not for rock climbing, but just to show your son (and yourselves) what the floods did)
"Palouse Falls"
Entire drive from "Moses Lake, WA" to "Grand Coulee Dam" (on stretches of this path you drive past big boulders strewn everywhere even though you are miles from the nearest hill, and that isn't even worth mentioning when compared to the rest of the scenery on that path)
"Dry Falls" (during the floods it was much bigger than Niagara Falls, and now just a relatively small bit of water cascades over the edge)
http://www.associatedcontent.com/art...ashington.html
"Lake Pend Oreille" (near Sand Point, Idaho)
Then, when you GET to Missoula, make sure your son understands that each of the unique horizontal ridges in the surrounding hills were a former shoreline of Glacial Lake Missoula during these repeated instances of ice dam formation and then massive flooding.
I don't mean that you should waste scores of time on all of this, and I probably wouldn't even have mentioned it had you not spoke of needing to be in both Portland, Oregon and Missoula.
I just saw all of these things last year, and I sense it really might inspire an 8yo to be in awe of the big picture.
Aug 2nd, 2010, 09:19 PM
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I would recomend following Lewis and Clark Trail ..they did alot of botany, flora and fauna research as well as being Explorers.
There is also a great Fort area, Fort Columbia, to explore (you can actually stay in one of the old military houses with deer in teh front yard) and a nearby Oceanspray cranberry bog farm, and the beaches at Long Beach are fabulous wide and sandy and you can drive on them or fly a kite.
http://www.parks.wa.gov/vacationhouses/ftcolumbia/
http://www.parks.wa.gov/
There is also a great Fort area, Fort Columbia, to explore (you can actually stay in one of the old military houses with deer in teh front yard) and a nearby Oceanspray cranberry bog farm, and the beaches at Long Beach are fabulous wide and sandy and you can drive on them or fly a kite.
http://www.parks.wa.gov/vacationhouses/ftcolumbia/
http://www.parks.wa.gov/
