Issuu

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T AN

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• ISSU E

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• BEHIND THE PLATE: Meet the People Shaping Vancouver’s Food Scene, p. 10 • VANCOUVER’S INDOOR KID’S BIRTHDAY PARTY PLAYBOOK, p. 16 • DISCOVER CLARK COUNTY’S MURALS: Family-Friendly Art Adventures, p. 20

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • October 2026

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • October 2026

contents FEATURE ARTICLES

Behind the Plate: Meet the People Shaping Vancouver’s Food Scene Meet the passionate people behind some of Vancouver’s favorite dining spots. Discover the stories, cultures and creativity that make Vancouver’s food scene so special.

Vancouver’s Indoor Kid’s Birthday Party Playbook Explore local indoor birthday party venues, plus tips for choosing the right celebration for your child.

Discover Clark County’s Murals: Family-Friendly Art Adventures Learn more about Clark County’s colorful mural scene with family-friendly walking and driving tours.

October '26

IN EVERY ISSUE 6

Editor’s Notes

Couve Scoop • Toasted S’mores Bar Opens in Vancouver • Dine the Couve Returns This October

• NW Furniture Bank Expands to Serve More Local Families

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • October 2026

Calendar of Events & Activities

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • October 2026

EDITOR'S NOTES

Welcome to our first-ever restaurant issue! Food is such a big part of family life. Here in Clark County, we have a lot to celebrate when it comes to our local food scene. In “Behind the Plate: Meet the People Shaping Vancouver’s Food Scene” on page 10, we are introduced to the people behind several local restaurants. Read about the stories, cultures and passion that go into the food they serve. Don’t miss “Discover Clark County’s Murals: Family-Friendly Art Adventures” on page 20. Grab the kids, pick a few murals to find and make an afternoon of it. With murals throughout Vancouver, Camas, Washougal and more, you may discover some amazing artwork in places you pass all the time. If you’re planning a birthday celebration, our “Vancouver’s Indoor Kid’s Birthday Party Playbook” on page 16 can help you find the right spot for your child. Whether they love gymnastics, swimming, climbing, creative activities or giant play structures, there are plenty of local places ready to make their birthday memorable. Even better, many of these venues take care of the details so parents can actually enjoy the celebration. Don’t forget to check out Couve Scoop on page 8 to read news on a new s’mores bar opening in Vancouver, details on this month’s Dine the Couve event and how NW Furniture Bank has completed their recent expansion. Thanks for reading!

Catherine Stacks, Editor/Owner catherine@vancouverfamilymagazine.com

www.VancouverFamilyMagazine.com

Volume 25, Issue 10 Editor/Publisher

Catherine Stacks Catherine@vancouverfamilymagazine.com

Graphic Designer

I-Shüan Warr Ishuan@vancouverfamilymagazine.com

Contributing Writers

Jessica Becker, Emily Corak, Kristen Flowers

Ad Sales

sales@vancouverfamilymagazine.com Vancouver Family Magazine is published monthly by Vancouver Kidz Magazine, LLC Address: PO Box 820264 Vancouver, WA 98682 Tel: 360-605-0168

@VancouverFamily

Copyright 2002-2026. All rights reserved. No portion of Vancouver Family Magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Vancouver Kidz Magazine, LLC and staff do not recommend or endorse any service, product, or content represented in this magazine or on our website. The sole purpose of this publication is to provide information on available services and/or products. It is the consumer’s responsibility to verify the accuracy of information given. Vancouver Kidz Magazine, LLC, and/or Catherine Stacks and staff do not assume and disclaim any liability to any party for any loss or damage caused by error or omission in this magazine or on our website. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.

On the Cover:

Deric, Savanna and Alanna are a local family who love walking in the woods, doing art and reading books. Alanna has a fall birthday and they started a tradition of getting pictures taken to mark her changes from year to year.

Photo by Michaela Drew Photography www.michaeladrewphotography.com @MichaelaDrewPhotography @michaeladrewphoto

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • October 2026

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • October 2026

Notable News, Events & Efforts in Clark County

OCTOBER 2026

Toasted S’mores Bar

Photo courtesy Catherine Stacks.

Opens in Vancouver Toasted S’mores Bar, the Portland dessert destination known for its handcrafted artisan s’mores and seasonal hot chocolate creations, is now open in downtown Vancouver, located at 1813 Main St.

“We’ve admired what has been happening in downtown Vancouver for a while now,” said CEO and co-founder Russell Sneddon. “It’s become a place where people gather, where small businesses thrive and where community matters. We’re excited to become part of that story by bringing Toasted to the community and creating a place where friends, families and visitors can gather over an unforgettable dessert experience.” Every s’more is handcrafted to order using artisan marshmallows, premium chocolate and cinnamon graham crackers made exclusively for Toasted by Portland’s Dos Hermanos Bakery. Signature flavors including Car Camping, Mom’s Caramel and Berry Patch are joined throughout the year by limited-time seasonal offerings, so there’s always something new to try. They currently have six seasonal creations including Green Thumb, which features a pistachio spread, and Secret Garden, which has sesame spread and strawberry drizzle.

Toasted S’mores Bar makes sure everyone can join in on the fun with vegan and gluten-free s’more options available. Beyond s’mores, Toasted offers different types of hot chocolate, with rotating seasonal drink menus that evolve throughout the year. This summer, the company introduced its new Frozen Hot Chocolates, available in both traditional and vegan varieties. If your family would rather do the roasting at home, s’mores kits are available to take with you. Grab the kids and bring your sweet tooth. Learn more about their hours and offerings at toastedsmoresbar.com.

NW Furniture Bank Expands Photo courtesy NW Furniture Bank.

to Serve More Local Families

NW Furniture Bank is now open in its new Vancouver facility at 14000 SE Sixth St., giving the

organization more space and capacity to help families throughout Clark County. NW Furniture Bank provides essential home furnishings to individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness and other life-disrupting circumstances. The new building significantly expands the organization’s warehouse space, allowing more furniture to be collected, processed and distributed to households in need. continued on next page

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • October 2026

Dine the Couve

Photo courtesy Visit Vancouver WA.

RE T URNS

October is a great time to get out and explore Vancouver’s local food

scene as Dine the Couve returns. Presented by Visit Vancouver WA, the annual dining month celebration invites locals to discover restaurants throughout the area with special three-for-$35 and/or three-for-$50 dining offers. Some of the restaurants participating this year are Creekside BBQ, Grains of Wrath, Grassa, Rally Pizza, Sri Thai Cuisine, Waterfront Taphouse and more. The monthlong event gives diners an opportunity to try something new or revisit a local favorite while enjoying a special menu created specifically for Dine the Couve. Participating restaurants can put their own spin on the offer, with options that may include a traditional threecourse meal featuring an appetizer, entrée and dessert, as well as combinations of small plates, craft beverages and shareable dishes. Their website dinethecouve.com has a helpful interactive map where diners can search for restaurants close to them and by price point. One of the easiest ways to keep track of the participating restaurants and their special menus is through the free, mobile-friendly Dine the

Couve pass. The pass puts participating restaurants and their offers in one place, making it easy to plan a month of dining adventures around Clark County. Diners can also use the pass to participate in a check-in challenge. There’s an incentive to make more than one stop, as well. Each restaurant’s check-in is worth 100 points, and diners can redeem 300 points for an entry into a prize drawing. Three winners will be selected to receive a $100 gift card to the participating restaurant of their choice. The 2026 participating restaurants and their Dine the Couve menus are listed on the official website, dinethecouve.com.

Sri Thai Cuisine

Grassa

Photo courtesy Visit Vancouver WA.

Photo courtesy Sri Thai Cuisine.

Rally Pizza

continued from previous page For families starting over, having access to essential furnishings can help turn an empty space into a safe and stable home. NW Furniture Bank says access to furniture is more than a matter of comfort, and it can support long-term housing stability and community wellness. “This new building represents a commitment to the long-term well-being of our community,” said Haley Haines, development director of NW Furniture Bank. “With increased capacity, we can reach more families, strengthen partnerships with local service organizations and ensure that no one has to rebuild their life without the basic comforts of home.”

Community members can support the organization by volunteering or making donations, both financial and through goods. Volunteers help with tasks such as sorting houseware, shopping with clients and supporting daily warehouse operations. Donations help NW Furniture Bank meet the growing need for essential furnishings. To learn more about NW Furniture Bank, volunteer opportunities or how to donate, visit nwfurniturebank. org. Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • October 2026

Feature: Behind the Plate: Meet the People Shaping Vancouver’s Food Scene

ehind the Plate: Meet the People Shaping Vancouver’s Food Scene by Emily Corak

When I moved to Vancouver 20 years

ago, I was advised to visit Olive Garden if I was craving Italian food. And while everyone loves a basket of breadsticks, I’ll take a local restaurant any day. Vancouver’s food scene has evolved immensely, and we have plenty to brag about when it comes to great bites. But food is never just a collection of ingredients – it’s a blend of creativity, vision, practice, passion, labor and love. A good dish is an extension of the chefs themselves, and a shared table and great meal bring people together when we need it most. The people behind these plates deliver more than just good food; they bring with them their stories.

Hawaiian Soul The food truck scene is finally gaining some traction on this side of the river, and now we have delicious, convenient food with plenty of places to choose from. More trucks are popping up, but Hawaiian Soul, a food truck serving the Minnehaha area, has had a steady stream of supporters since 2019. Louis Kilakila Stark is no stranger to working in local restaurants, and he even attended the Fort Vancouver High School Culinary program. Born on the island of Kauai, Stark grew up eating a meld of food from his Hawaiian and Jewish heritage, and he likes to incorporate

ian Hawai SOUL

fusion into his menus. “Local food in Hawaii is already influenced by lots of other cultures and cuisines, so fusion is really natural,” he says. When making the gravy for loco moco, Stark uses classic French technique to make the gravy correctly. “I see a lot of places trying to pump things out quickly, but I like to put the art in culinary arts,” he says. Fresh ingredients are a must, and classic dishes like the Huli huli chicken use fresh pineapple pureed daily. Every week features new, innovative specials that are worth coming back for. I recently tried a crispy pork belly with a microgreen salad and a passion fruit dressing. Pure perfection. After working in numerous restaurants, Stark had never cooked Hawaiian food in a professional setting but wanted a way to share his food with the community. While working at the restaurant Beaches, he got an opportunity to work front of the house in addition to cooking. “It made me realize I love feeding people and talking to them about the recipes,” he says. Ready to work for himself, he and his wife, Nichole, opened a food truck to introduce Hawaiian food beyond BBQ to the community. continued on page 12

Hawaiian Soul has had a steady stream of supporters since 2019. Photos courtesy Hawaiian Soul.

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • October 2026

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Feature: Behind the Plate: Meet the People Shaping Vancouver’s Food Scene (cont'd) continued from page 10 “Getting people to try new food can be hard sometimes,” says Stark. “My wife calls me a food pusher – if I see someone ordering the same thing time after time, I’m going to put a little something new in there for them to try.” On the very first day the truck opened, Stark was unsure of how it would go, and they even priced everything at half-off to try and entice customers. But the moment they opened, the line wrapped around the corner, and they ended up selling out of everything well before closing. “It’s been so much more responsibility having my own business,” he says, “but it’s been so much more fulfilling.” The Hawaiian Soul truck is open Tuesdays through Fridays during every season except winter, and they spend their weekends catering events. If you want some truly special Hawaiian food that embraces incredible cooking and creativity, this is it. “My favorite part of this is being a part of the community and watching kids grow up eating our food,” says Stark. “I love being a part of people’s core memories.”

Los Alambres If you peruse the internet asking for the best kept culinary secrets in Vancouver, Los Alambres will inevitably pop to the top of the list. Tucked away in a small shopping center off Mill Plain, this family-owned taqueria delivers every single time. Micaela Flores hails from Mexico City and strives to bring the authentic flavors of the capital city to Vancouver. Growing up with a love of cooking and inheriting recipes from her mother-in-law, Flores started a food truck of the same name in Portland where it was well-visited for eight years. “I love Oregon, but my heart has always been in Vancouver,”

“This has taken a lot of time and a lot of heart, but I love bringing this food to the community. It’s my purpose and it’s how I thrive.” – Micaela Flores, Los Alambres

she says. Once the idea for a restaurant developed, it became a whole family affair. “The whole family is involved in the kitchen,” she says. “We all love cooking.”

Kitchen. Gene and Gretchen Fritz are warm and enthusiastic, and they just celebrated the one-year anniversary of their business that grew out of the desire to bring people together.

When I asked about a favorite, she replied, “So many dishes here are special to me. My favorite might be the Alambre or the Torta Cubana.” If you want to try the Torta Cubana, come hungry, because this impressive sandwich-style meal features four different types of meat, cheese, and eggs.

A culinary instructor at Battle Ground High School with a rich history in restaurants, Gene began cooking up an idea during the pandemic. “Gene has always had an entrepreneurial hunger,” says Gretchen. Challenged from teaching on screens and seeing rampant technology use, he began researching forums for people to connect rather than isolate.

At Los Alambres, they don’t rush flavor. “We saw an opportunity to bring in a spinning broiler that cooks the marinated meat incredibly slowly,” says Flores. I became a believer after trying their birria tacos that come with a side of consommé. And if I wasn’t worried about people judging me, I would drink it like a milkshake. Committed to always learning and growing, Flores and her family are set on never letting their guard down: “We want to keep this place as a gift to people, so we want to keep on innovating and bringing people together,” she says. When the restaurant started, Flores says that it was about wanting to create something of her own and make the shift from employee to employer. The success of the restaurant has surpassed her wildest dreams. “This has become our legacy,” she says, and proudly speaks of their second business, CDMX Taqueria. Flores’s son opened Buenos Dias in the tradition of gifting Mexican cuisine to the community. Owning the restaurant has been an allconsuming endeavor, but Flores is incredibly proud of the work she and her staff do every day. “This has taken a lot of time and a lot of heart,” she says, “but I love bringing this food to the community. It’s my purpose and it’s how I thrive.”

The Social Kitchen If you love to eat but also want to know how to recreate your delicious meal, you need to head to Social

Gene and Gretchen Fritz, founders of Social Kitchen, bring people together through cooking and eating. Photo courtesy The Social Kitchen.

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • October 2026

“I really wanted to create an experience with a focus on social connection,” says Gene. “I wanted people to build memories together, so what better way than to get together and cook?” The Social Kitchen in downtown Vancouver offers a gorgeous teaching kitchen where participants gather around for a two-hour immersive experience. Everyone participates in cooking a multi-course meal while Gene instructs. “We always start with an amusebouche to ward off the ‘hangry,’” says Gene. After that, he provides insider chef secrets and tricks to cook a meal that everyone will eventually sit down together and eat. “There’s lots of interest around our international cuisine nights,” says Gene. Some of the most continued on page 14

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Feature: Behind the Plate: Meet the People Shaping Vancouver’s Food Scene (cont’d) continued from page 12 popular classes are paella, pasta from scratch, Mexican mole, Argentinian and French. I was gifted a night at The Social Kitchen for my birthday and went to the Steak House-themed evening. I learned how to make a perfect salt crust for my steak and a killer Caesar salad from scratch while laughing with new people. The environment is fun and laid back, and the great thing is, it’s customizable to exactly what you want. “We’re all about learning and value, but we’re not steadfast,” says Gene. “Some people really want to be around a stove learning, and others want to stand back and enjoy a glass of wine. There’s room for everything.” The most important part, they say, is the social aspect. “Lots of people worry that they can’t enjoy an experience like this because they can’t cook,” says Gretchen. “I tell them that they don’t have to! I make a mean bowl of cereal, and I am here to bring the social, whereas Gene brings the kitchen.”

While the business is new and growing, Gene and Gretchen are thrilled to integrate themselves into the community and partner with local businesses. King’s Way has proved a great partnership for middle school culinary programs, and the Social Kitchen is now working with restaurants like Smoke and Oak to prepare an all-night brisket smoke. “We just love it here,” says Gretchen. “It’s a delight to be a space for people to enjoy one another.”

Dediko The first time I tried Adjaruli Khachapuri, a boat-shaped bread filled with butter, cheese and egg, I knew that I would be coming back to Dediko repeatedly. This Georgian staple is a dish that Ella Bakh made for her children on Saturday mornings, and she is thrilled that people in Vancouver are embracing it. At 50 years old, Bakh said to herself, “I need to finish my dream.” Bakh had run a food cart in her home country of Georgia that was wildly successful and before moving to the US in 1996. “I wanted to open a restaurant when I moved here, but I didn’t have the language and it was too hard,” she says. She worked as a florist for 20 years when she got the urge to go back to culinary school.

“I was worried that I was too old,” says Bakh. “I thought maybe it was too late for me, but the culinary school encouraged me to do it!” She adds, “My children encouraged me, and all the students started calling me mom!” After finishing culinary school, she leased a restaurant space, and everything happened swiftly. “All my kids paused their lives to help,” says Bakh, who co-owns the restaurant with two of her children. “We really wanted to bring Georgian culture to Vancouver, but we didn’t know if it would be successful,” she says. It turns out they needn’t have worried – since the restaurant opened in 2019 it’s become a top culinary destination in Southwest Washington. The Georgian restaurant has an upscale, intimate vibe with a menu that features Khinkali (dumplings), Mtsvadi (marinated grilled meats) and plenty of fantastic shareable plates. Besides the Ardjaruli, I will never get tired of the salmon or the stuffed mushrooms. The name of the restaurant, Dediko, means “mommy” in Georgian, and is a tribute to a tall statue that Bakh could see from her balcony while living in Georgia. “The mother is holding wine, and it’s symbolic of all the hospitality in Georgia,” she says. “And that’s what this restaurant is all about.” continued on next page

Photos courtesy Catherine Stacks.

Dediko serves delicious Georgian dishes like Adjaruli Khachapuri (left) Mtsvadi (top) and so much more.

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • October 2026

Photo courtesy Catherine Stacks.

Photo courtesy Dediko.

Classes can be booked for large private groups with team building goals or individuals and small groups in public experiences who may leave with new friends. Gene and Gretchen say groups of about 15 to 20 are the sweet spot where the energy lives. “Our goal is to provide high-quality hospitality where

people can connect, build relationships and enjoy good food,” says Gene.

continued from previous page Gathering people together over a good meal is what matters most to this family. Bakh still comes in every day that the restaurant is open to prep ingredients, order products directly from Georgia and oversee the restaurant. “Everything I do, I do with my heart,” she says. “I love more than just food and business – we are here for the people and the families.”

Emily Corak has lived in the Pacific Northwest for the past three decades. A former educator with Vancouver School District, Emily is now a freelance writer, photographer and mom to two young kids with big personalities. She recently earned her MFA in creative writing and, if given the choice, she would spend all her spare cash on travel and books.

Our goal is to provide high-quality hospitality where people can connect, build relationships and enjoy good food, – Gene Fritz, Social Kitchen Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • October 2026

Feature: Vancouver’s Indoor Kid’s Birthday Party Playbook

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irthda B s ’ yP Kid

Ind Vanc o

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By: Kristen Flowers

Within minutes, guests will arrive holding presents wrapped in colorful paper, topped with over-the-top bows and a beautiful card wishing the birthday girl a happy 7th birthday. The chalk is laid out on the sidewalk, the tables and chairs are arranged in a circle in the yard, and a steaming pizza sits next to a stack of paper plates in the kitchen. But in Southwest Washington, a child’s birthday, expertly planned around a sparkling summer afternoon, can go sideways if a cloud decides it’s time to shed a little weight and release some rain. All the weeks of preparation for a home birthday party go out the window as the adults rush to grab soggy decorations, wet tables and chairs, and moist (not in the good way) cake. Parents in the Pacific Northwest have learned that throwing an indoor party at an expert party location is more than a backup plan; it’s a necessity. Kids need a place to run, climb, tumble, splash and imagine while parents can rest easy knowing everything will go according to plan.

The appeal of an indoor birthday party is easy to understand. At a local venue, parents know what they are getting in advance. Entertainment is built in, and staff may also handle setup, activities, food and cleanup. Never before have Vancouver families had so many choices for every child’s needs. There are places to go for the imaginative player, the nonstop climber, the gymnast, the swimmer and the kid who wants to disappear into a giant play structure with friends. These places aren’t just selling activity time; they are giving families a place for their children to be celebrated.

Staff at City Play for Kids can manage the schedule, cut cake, bus tables and clean while parents watch their child play. Silva says the best advice he could give parents is simple: “Get in the pictures!” He encourages parents to become party guests instead of working behind the scenes.

Parents also get a chance to breathe and enjoy the day.

Indoor party locations are a business, but they have learned that if they provide spectacular service and create lasting memories, families will keep coming back.

Greg Silva, owner of City Play for Kids, saw an opportunity to remove the work that keeps parents from enjoying the celebration. “We wanted to create a space where parents didn’t have to worry about prep and cleaning,

Greg Silva, owner of City Play for Kids, says the best advice he could give parents is simple: “Get in the pictures!” He encourages parents to become party guests instead of working behind the scenes.

having enough ‘things’ for kids to do during a party, a large enough space or having to clean toilets. We handle it all. Parents get to visit, be involved and enjoy their kiddos’ day while our staff handles timing, cake cutting, busing and cleaning. It’s truly full service,” he said.

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • October 2026

For 24 years, Heather Rau has worked at Naydenov Gymnastics, and for three of those years she’s worked as the birthday party coordinator. She is starting to see the children continued on next page

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2027-2028 SCHOOL YEAR GRADES 9-12 Find out more at

SETONHIGH.ORG continued from previous page who had their birthday parties at the past facility come back with their kids to start new traditions. Naydenov Gymnastics combines reserved gathering space with an open gym. Children can explore gymnastics equipment, trampolines, foam pits and a slide.

The Little Gym

“I feel this is a parent’s most important day in their lives - their child’s birthday - and we get to be a part of making that day special for them,” she said. Vickie Alexander, the Firstenburg Community Center Facility Rentals Specialist, has also seen this firsthand.

Photo courtesy The Little Gym.

“There was a family I worked with that had five children, and we did all of their birthday parties for several years until they got into their teens,” she said. “One of the children even had their school’s All Night Graduation Party here. Firstenburg also hosted one of their grandchild’s birthday parties. It’s really special to watch them grow up. In a sense, you become part of the family yourself. Whenever they come in to book the next party, we catch continued on page 18

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • October 2026

Feature: Vancouver’s Indoor Kid’s Birthday Party Playbook (cont'd) continued from page 17 Photo courtesy City Play for Kids.

each other up on our kids. It can be pretty wild to book a child’s third birthday party and then you blink, and you’re booking their 10th birthday.” What the child wants out of a fifth birthday looks very different on their 10th, and that’s where Firstenburg Community Center shines. They offer swimming, sports and rock wall climbing packages, plus room-only rentals that let families bring their own food and decorate the space. Christy Dunbar, owner of The Little Gym of Vancouver, knows customization is key when planning a child’s birthday. They learn the child’s interests so they can create an experience they will never forget. “We never want the celebration to feel routine,” Dunbar said. “We want them to know and feel that we’re excited to celebrate them, and that they are truly special.” Dunbar believes that while an organized party helps the flow, the most important thing is the memories made. “I hope they don’t just remember the gymnastics or the cake. I hope they remember how much fun they had, how excited they were and, most of all, how loved and celebrated they felt,” she said.

Photo courtesy Firstenburg Community Center.

While an indoor birthday party feels like a smart choice for a celebration, parents might feel intimidated by the amount of options

available, so the first decision to make is to decide what type of play would be best for your child. An imaginative child may prefer an indoor play town or castle. A gymnast may light up at The Little Gym or Naydenov. Swimmers, sports fans and climbers can choose an adventure at Firstenburg, while children who love enormous play structures may race toward the Jungle at Kids Club. Next, decide how much hosting you want. Fullservice and hosted parties can cost more, but they may also return something valuable: the chance to be present. More flexible packages let families bring food and decorate, which can be ideal for parents who enjoy personalizing a theme. Even though the day is about the birthday kid, consider guests’ enjoyment too. A room that delights a group of five-year-olds may not work the same way for older siblings, and a highly active space can feel overwhelming to some children. If your child needs a quiet area, ask the staff if that is possible. Also ask whether a venue can accommodate mobility, sensory or dietary needs. A quick tour before booking can answer questions photos can’t.

Firstenburg Community Center 18

City Play for Kids

Before paying a deposit, confirm the guest limit, age range, food policy, waivers and what the price includes. Ask whether siblings count as guests and whether play continues after the reserved time. Rates and schedules change, so verify details directly. Popular weekend slots can fill well in advance.

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • October 2026

Also build in breathing room and have your guests complete safety waivers early. Children may remember the slide, the climbing wall or the moment everyone shouted their name before the candles went out. What often lasts underneath those details is the feeling that, for one afternoon, a room full of people were genuinely delighted that this particular child was born. Here are some ideas for local indoor birthday parties for your kiddo:

City Play for Kids: City Play offers a 90-minute weekday mini party for up to 10 children for $299. Mini parties are Monday-Thursday. Its most popular option is the traditional two hours of party time, 30 minutes for decorating and setup, and two party hosts for $450 plus tax. Decor packages and other add-ons are available. The team can customize many details with advance notice.

Dizzy Castle: Its private party-room package starts at $250 and includes admission for up to 10 children, with additional children priced separately. Families can choose rooms such as Under the Sea, Treasure Island, Pirate Cove and the Castle Rooms. A host helps set up the included paper products, assists with food delivery and handles cleanup. Guests may continue playing after the reserved party time. continued on next page

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Firstenburg Community Center:

Naydenov Gymnastics:

Swim parties include an hour during a public swim session and a private party room for two and a half hours. Admission for 12 swimmers is included. Sports parties pair an hour in the gym with a party-room rental and games such as basketball, floor hockey, Nerf activities, dodgeball, parachute play and Human Hungry, Hungry Hippos.

A basic reservation is $75 plus tax for two hours and includes four tables in the mezzanine, with seating for up to 12 children. A VIP reservation is $250 plus tax and accommodates approximately 18 to 24 guests, depending on the selected area. Open-gym bracelets are purchased separately at $20 per child for a two-hour block. A bungee turn costs an additional $5 unless it is included with a VIP reservation.

Climbing parties include an hour on the wall with trained belayers and equipment, followed by party-room time. The package is for up to 12 climbers ages 4 to 18; closed-toe shoes and signed waivers are required. Swim and sports parties begin at $217 for Vancouver residents, while climbing parties begin at $244. Rates vary for nonresidents, and larger rooms are available. Swim parties are popular, so book early. The Marshall Community Center has also begun offering swim parties as well.

Families bring food and paper products for the basic party; paper products are included in VIP areas. Naydenov suits a child who wants maximum movement and a parent who likes control over food and decorations.

Kids Club Fun & Fitness The basic Jungle Party begins at $269 plus tax for 10 children and includes one hour of play followed by an hour in a party room. Guests may continue playing until closing, time permitting. The package includes a host,

paper goods and two pitchers of soda or juice. An $84 deluxe upgrade adds selected food, drink refills and a future play pass.

The Learning Garage: A weekday party (Monday through Thursday) will start at $349 for up to ten children. A weekend party will cost $425 for up to 15 children. The cost of the rental will include use of their private creative space for 2 hours, a custom art project matched to your unique theme, a photo wall for pictures, a paint-thewall activity, basic setup and tablecloth, and a play area for younger children.

Kristen Flowers has been a contributing writer at Vancouver Family Magazine since 2020. She lives in Vancouver with her husband and daughter, Lilly. Kristen is currently a marriage and family therapist at Real Life Counseling in Vancouver. When she is not working and writing, Kristen loves crafting, watching documentaries and going to escape rooms.

Firstenburg has a large community room that is a wonderful indoor venue for quinceañeras.

The Little Gym:

Naydenov Gymnastics

Photo courtesy Naydenov Gymnastics.

The 90-minute Awesome Birthday Bash is $450 for up to 15 children. The first hour takes place in the private gym, where staff lead gymnastics games using the large equipment. The final 30 minutes move into a multipurpose room for cake. Paper products and water are included, along with setup and cleanup. Parents bring the kids and the cake. A Deluxe Birthday Bash costs an additional $75 and adds a themed backdrop and supplies based on a current theme. Families can reserve through the Vancouver location’s website or call the gym directly.

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • October 2026

Feature: Discover Clark County’s Murals: Family-Friendly Art Adventures

Discover Clark County’s Murals: Family-Friendly Art Adventures By Jessica Becker (All mural photos courtesy of the author)

Have you ever stood next to an outdoor work of art that is two stories

tall? It’s a pretty cool thing to do, especially with kids, and you happen to live in a community with quite a few of those opportunities. Clark County is home to almost 100 murals. The more you walk or drive around the county, the more you’ll see. What is even more wonderful is that local families can access so many of them by walking, driving or even public transportation. I’ve worked with my daughter to pick out our family’s favorites. Read on to learn more about them!

WALKING TOURS

Before getting started, remember to use caution when walking around on sidewalks and bridges and when crossing streets. It can be easy to get lost in the art and not pay attention to traffic, especially with kids in tow.

Downtown Vancouver Murals Walking Tour

Next, we walked south on Main St., looking behind us as we crossed E. 11th St. Here, we saw the mural, “Bramble” by Jane Degenhardt. This mural vibrantly depicts ripe blackberries and their leaves. Pressing on, we continued south on Main St., turning left onto E. Evergreen Blvd. On Evergreen, we walked past the Fort Vancouver Downtown Library (worth a pitstop if you have time) to the I-5 overpass. Along the overpass is a 600-foot mural, “Evergreen Community Garden” painted in 2024 by Ana the

Did you know that there are over 40 murals in downtown and uptown Vancouver? Visit Vancouver WA has compiled a mural map showing where you can find most of the murals: www. visitvancouverwa.com/blog/post/walking-tour-murals. This past summer, my daughter and I met up with some friends at the corner of E. 12th and Main Streets to start a 1.25 mile walking tour of some of our favorite murals. We found paid street parking, while our friends bussed into town using C-Tran. Our first stop was the mural, “Visit Vancouver, WA” located on E. 12th St., just east of Main St. This mural was painted by Christian Barrios to tell the story of the city’s history. We love this mural because it is so big and perfect for selfies and posed photographs.

Artist. While very noisy, this overpass bridge has a mural on both sides of the road depicting native plants, dogs, cats and more. There is even a fun scavenger hunt you can do for this mural. Scan the QR code located on the bridge or print a paper copy of the hunt out at the library before stopping by. Please use extra caution on the overpass. After we explored the overpass mural, we headed back west on E. Evergreen Blvd. and turned left onto Main St. There are even more murals throughout this area. We kept walking, turning right onto E. 6th continued on next page

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • October 2026

continued from previous page St. and then taking another right onto Washington St. Just before we arrived at E. 7th St., we saw a giant wall of murals with boats, animals, mountains and more, painted high up on the walls of two-story buildings.

We were ready to head back to our meeting spot, so we walked north on Washington St., and turned left onto 12th St. On our way back, we did hit up the ice cream store, Treat, if you’re looking for an add-on. You could also detour to Esther Short Park on your way back.

Camas Murals Walking Tour If you’re looking for a mellower mural walk, there are at least 11 documented murals in Camas as seen on the Downtown Camas website: https://downtowncamas.com/downtowncamas-mural-tour. A short 0.3 mile loop walking tour takes visitors through historic Camas to see many of these. What I really love on this walk is the opportunity to see a whole block dedicated to displaying local high school students’ art. The Camas Culture Art Block currently displays 2026 submissions representing the “wide variety of cultures that call Camas home.”

To get started on your walk, find free street parking near NE 6th Ave. and NE Cedar St. in Camas. Head southeast on NE Cedar St., staying on the east side of the road. After a half block, look left down an alleyway to see

the “Livingston Mural” painted in 2025 by artist Molly Keen. This artwork is quite vibrant with lots of pretty flowers. Continue heading southeast on

NE Cedar St. to NE 5th St. Heading left (northeast) onto NE 5th St. takes you to a small mural. Check this out before heading right (southwest) onto NE 5th St. This is where the Camas Culture Art Block is located. Walk down this section of NE 5th, checking out the high schoolers’ artwork, and then turn left onto NE Birch St. On the left you will see a fun mural with lots of local Camas landmarks. This mural is called “Camas Icons” and was painted by local student Kayla Ramirez in 2022. For a fun challenge, see if you can spot Sasquatch in this mural.

continued on page 22

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • October 2026

Feature: Discover Clark County’s Murals: Family-Friendly Art Adventures (cont'd) continued from page 21 Next, turn left onto NE 4th Street, and walk to Cedar Street. From here, you can continue to check out a few more murals inside and outside of local businesses in this general area.

DRIVING TOURS Vancouver Murals Driving Tour The Clark County Mural Society, City of Vancouver and Fourth Plain Forward have collaborated with local businesses and community members to bring art to the E. Fourth Plain Blvd. corridor. This website documents eight of them: www.fourthplainforward.org/ murals, but there are even more than that. Many murals in this area are easily seen from a moving vehicle. The best way to see them is to ride the Vine-Green bus or drive east on E. Fourth Plain Blvd. toward Todd Rd., starting from Fort Vancouver Way. You will see a handful of great murals this way. Some murals can only be seen from the other directions, so try to head back west on the same route.

Washougal Driving Tour The Washougal area has over 20 murals, and you can learn more about them and other local artwork here: https://washougalarts. org/discover-washougal-art. My family has picked out our five favorite murals over the course of a five-mile one-way drive. Seeing some of the murals requires a short walk, as they are located in parks. “Animal House” 1507 A St., Washougal In 2024, local artist Travis London and his daughter, Maya, asked the Vancouver Housing Authority if they could place painted boards over the windows and doors of this historic 1910 house. The mural depicts different types of local native animals. London says that the inspiration for the collective mural came from a World Wildlife Federation statistic on animal habitat loss.

When heading east on this section, you can’t miss the mural painted on the six-story Fourth Plain Community Commons building at 3101 E. Fourth Plain Blvd. This large mural is called “Step Up” and was painted by Portland artist Christian Tellez. It has beautiful colors and fun depictions of different people. When heading west on the section between Fort Vancouver Way and Todd Rd., keep an eye out for a mural on the east wall of the building at 2826 E Fourth Plain Blvd. This beautiful unnamed mural of a diverse group of women was painted in 2017 by Chloe King & Joanna Lafayette McCarthy. Further east down E. Fourth Plain Blvd., you can also see a few murals on the east side of the Butcher Boys at 4710 E. Fourth Plain Blvd. and on the south side of the Grocery Outlet at 5800 NE Fourth Plain Blvd. The murals on the side of the Grocery Outlet are part of the “Youth Mural Project.” According to The Columbian, the mural project gave six young artists the chance to create a mural.

“Princess White Wing Mural” Washougal Community Library, 1661 C St., Washougal This mural, painted by renowned Native American artist Toma Villa in 2019, is located on the south side of the Washougal Community Library. The mural is dedicated to Betsy ‘White Wing’ Ough, a Cascades tribe princess and early founder of Washougal. “Cub-napped” 1807 Main St., Washougal This mural, painted by previously mentioned London in 2017, is located on the east side of the historic Blair Building, built in 1925. According to the Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance, this mural was “inspired by a Meriwether Lewis journal entry from April 5, 1806, when the Lewis and Clark expedition members were camped near present day Washougal.” “Hamllik Park Community Mural” Hamllik Park, 4285 Addy St., Washougal This community-created mural is installed on three of the outside walls of the park’s bathroom. The mural was created through a process in which neighborhood residents contributed design ideas, local artists

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • October 2026

continued on page 24

Homework & Learning Tools An FVRLibraries card provides access to tutoring, test prep, and other helpful education tools, including:

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library card

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • October 2026

Feature: Discover Clark County’s Murals: Family-Friendly Art Adventures (cont’d) continued from page 22 designed the mural and then the community painted the mural through public events. The mural depicts kids playing, wildlife and other nature scenes.

“Suzanne Grover Memorial Mural” Hartwood Park, 2211 49th St., Washougal This mural of a horse is located at Hartwood Park, where you will find a fun barnyard-themed playground, disc golf and walking trails. The mural was painted by local artist, Travis London, in honor of fellow artist, Suzanne Grover.

OTHER MURALS

If you’re still looking for more art, you can also find a handful of murals in Battle Ground, Ridgefield and La Center, as well as the new Salmon Creek Mural Project near Klineline Pond (1112 NE 117th St., Vancouver), and a mural at the Naturescaping Botanical Gardens (11000 NE 149th St., Brush Prairie). In addition to wall murals, you can find street murals in Vancouver (www.cityofvancouver. us/government /depar tment /public -works/ ne i ghb o r h o o d - t r af f i c - c alm in g - p r o gr am / street-mural-program) and Ridgefield (www. Vancouver Ridgefield ridgefieldwa.us/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/208).

Jessica Becker is the author of the “little feet hiking” series of kids hiking guides, as well as the new accessible trail guide Strolling and Wheeling Around Vancouver, WA. Her main reasons for writing these guides are to help families get outside in an easy, fun, and safe way, as well as learn about nature. Jessica has been leading family-focused hikes and teaching families about nature in the Clark County area for over 10 years. Jessica is also a homeschooling mom, incorporating local trails into her nature and science studies as much as possible. Jessica lives in the Clark County foothills with her husband, daughter and two dogs.

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • October 2026

Mural artists use a variety of methods to transfer their ideas from an idea to an actual piece of art on a building.

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www.evergreenpediatrics.com Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • October 2026

CALENDAR OF EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Calendar

S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

1 THURSDAY

Marshall House Tours at 1301 Officer’s Row, Vancouver. Named for General George C. Marshall, who lived there from 1936 to 1938, this Queen Anne-style home operates as a museum showcasing period furnishings and military history. Free guided tours last 40 to 60 minutes. See thehistorictrust.org/tours to schedule a tour. Free parking is available in the south lot. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. The MAiZE at the Pumpkin Patch Sauvie Island, 16511 NW Gillihan Rd., Portland. Explore the 2026 Portland MAiZE featuring nearly two miles of corn pathways, pick from over a million pounds of pumpkins and enjoy hayrides. The farm also features the historic Big Red Animal Barn, a free hay pyramid, the Farm Fresh Market, the Patio Cafe and the Pumpkin Cottage Gift Shop. Open daily. MAiZE tickets are $10 at portlandmaize.com. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Bi-Zi Farms Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze at 9504 NE 119th St., Vancouver. Celebrate the annual harvest and the farm’s rural heritage. Each paid entry to the pumpkin patch includes: a wagon ride to find a pumpkin, admission to the corn maze, two shots with the pumpkin launchers, one free hot drink, a visit to the farm animals, seven different children’s activities, live music and apple cider sampling. Visit bi-zifarms.com for full details. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. $14-$16. Open daily except Mondays. 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

of events

Have a community event that you want to share? Go to vancouverfamilymagazine.com/submit-event to submit your event. Deadline for print calendar submissions is the 1st of the month prior to the issue. Scan the QR code to check out our website for even more local events.

Events are subject to change. Please contact organization directly to confirm.

Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors at Magenta Theater, 1108 Main St., Vancouver. Ever wonder what happens when Bram Stoker’s legendary vampire tale goes into a blender with Mel Brooks, Monty Python and The 39 Steps? Experience a lightning-fast, laugh-outloud, gender-bending romp. Tickets are $28 at magenta.ludus.com. Oct. 1–11, days and times vary Water for Elephants at Keller Auditorium, 222 Clay St., Portland. Based on the bestselling novel, this Depression-era story follows a traveling circus through breathtaking acrobatics, innovative puppetry and a Broadway score. Tickets available at portland.broadway. com. Sept. 29–Oct. 4, days and times vary

every Friday and Saturday night in October with Clark County Historical Museum walking tours. Guides lead groups along Main Street to share eerie stories drawn from local research and the book Darkness Next Door. General admission tickets cost $20 and advance purchase is required for attendees over age six. Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight to uncover the darker side of the city. 7–8 p.m.

2 FRIDAY

First Friday Art Walk Downtown Vancouver. Downtown features a wide array of gallery spaces and art-centric businesses ready to welcome visitors. Visit vdausa.org/first-friday for an interactive map of businesses. Free. 5–8 p.m. Pumpkin Pageant & Harry Potter First Friday in Downtown Camas. Enjoy festive shopping, local art galleries, live music, themed games, photo ops and a business pumpkin-carving contest with prizes. Dress up for the Harry Potter costume contest at Fuel Medical, with sign-ups held in the lobby before the event. 5–8 p.m. Bi-Zi Farms Nighttime Corn Maze, 9504 NE 119th St., Vancouver. Step into the dark for the Nighttime Corn Maze every Friday and Saturday from Oct. 2–30 after the Pumpkin Patch closes. Grab tickets online at bi-zifarms. com/pumpkinpatch for the corn maze only, or a daytime admission which includes a nighttime maze entry. 6–10 p.m. Haunted History Walking Tours at the Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver. Explore local haunted history

activities

Photo courtesy Catherine Stacks.

October '26

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • October 2026

Guys and Dolls at Winningstad Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway, Portland. This classic Broadway hit features colorful characters, unforgettable tunes and a romance unfolding from Times Square to Havana. Tickets start at $48.25 at portland5.com. Oct. 2–25, days and times vary

3 SATURDAY

Curiosity Kids: Sasquatch Science Team at OMSI, 1945 SE Water Ave., Portland. Explore the world of the Sasquatch through the five senses during Curiosity Kids at OMSI. Designed for ages three to five alongside families, these bilingual STEAM workshops run on select mornings from August through November. General museum admission is included with workshop tickets. 9–10 a.m. Birdfest & Bluegrass at Downtown Ridgefield. Celebrate nature and community during BirdFest and Bluegrass in Ridgefield. Enjoy birding activities at the Wildlife Refuge alongside downtown events like the First Saturday continued on next page

REal Estate Minute

with Tracie

OCTOBER 2026

Tracie DeMars | eXp Realty | traciedemars@aol.com | 360.903.3504

PRICING A HOME FOR SALE IS A LOT LIKE RUSSIAN ROULETTE... BUT HOW SO? When a Realtor meets with a potential client

about assisting in the sale of their current home, one of the most important (to the homeowner) items that are discussed is, “How much is my home worth, do you think?” Most homeowners, before meeting with a Realtor, will have looked online at Zillow or one of the other marketing sites to see what those sites say their home is worth. They may have even driven around the neighborhood or other areas of town, looked at flyers, or stopped in to open houses to see what those homes are selling for, so they think they have a pretty good idea of what their home may be worth. Homeowners also think about what they have done to their home, how much it cost, and the items they would like to do that they think need to be done. The last thing that homeowners think about is the market of the past 5 years. All of this information formulates a ‘magic’ number in their mind. So, let’s enter the Realtor. As a Realtor, when I am meeting with a homeowner about potentially assisting them with the sale of their home, I put together a CMA (Comparable Market Analysis). The CMA looks at the Active homes, and how long they have been on the market, and any price drops they have had. This is important to see what is, essentially, the sellers’ home’s ‘competition’. I tell clients all the time that being overpriced only helps your neighbors to sell faster. If your home is for sale, a home buyer is going to be looking at those homes, and your home. Why should they buy your home over theirs? Next, we will look at the homes that are currently Pending sale. These homes are important to see at what price points the comparable homes are receiving offers at. Again, we will also be looking at how long the homes have been on the market, and any price drops that have been made to get to that ‘magic’ number, at which the home received an offer.

The CMA is going to have a range from the lowest market value to the highest market value. Most homes, though, fall somewhere in the middle. So what is a comparable home? A comparable home is going to be built within a similar period of time, with similar square footage, similar lot size, and within the same school district or neighborhood. Looking at comparable homes is a plus/minus system where your home gets added value for being better than the comparables and gets value removed for items that are less than the comparables. The suggested market value is going to be a shakedown of all of that. Many Realtors only use the computer market values, and while I do as well, I also do the CMA by hand as well... because I don’t trust the computer algorithms. Computers don’t take into account upgrades or work that a home needs, and can’t see the photos of the home. The thing is... numbers don’t lie.... but they can be twisted to make something look better than it may be. When a homeowner meets with a Realtor, they should be asking why these homes are comparable to their home, and expect the Realtor to be able to break it down, showing this. When did the sold homes sell? Are they recent? How did this Realtor come up with this range, and why do they think that XXXX number is your home’s market value? Do not be afraid to go online and look at the listing photos of these homes. If the homes are active, ask your Realtor to see a few... how do they compare to yours? Ask for an example of a settlement statement showing how much you will net after the excise tax, your loan payoff, the title fees, the recording fees, all the other taxes, the commission, etc..

Lastly, we are going to look at what homes have sold MOST RECENTLY. Yes, I capitalized that. Why? Because it honestly doesn’t matter what your neighbor (or friend) sold for 6 months ago, or a year ago. This, my friends, is a changing market, and yes, it’s a declining market. Look at all of the “price reduced”, “price improvement”, “new price”, and other creative terms used for saying, “yes, we listed too high to start with”.

Now, I know that you want to sell your home for as much as possible... of course, you do. Your home equity is what you are using for your next home. I get it. Your Realtor wants the same... remember that a Realtor is paid a compensation fee for their work, and it is based on the sale price of the home. However, a Realtor is only paid if keys and ownership get transferred, and most Realtors pay for things like professional photos, cleaning, signage, flyers, and sometimes even staging upfront. If your home doesn’t close, we don’t get paid. We really do want to help you sell your home.

Pending sales and the most recently sold homes are our best gauge of what the housing market is currently doing.

I once interviewed with a sweet couple to sell their home. We went over my CMA, how long the comparable homes have been on the

market, and my information and suggestions on their market value. Unfortunately for me, the homeowners chose to go with a larger real estate team that came in promising that they could sell their home faster and for more money. They have been on the market for almost 5 months and have had multiple price reductions. They are now listed for less than my suggested list price, and a home around the corner went pending at the price I suggested to them in 3 weeks. So, why haven’t they gone pending yet? Every home has pros & cons... no home is perfect. The longer the home is on the market, the more ‘suspicious’ it looks to buyers. This brings down the market value. As a Realtor, we would like to see 3 - 5 showings per week. The first 2-3 weeks on the market are the ‘hottest’ weeks for a home on the market. If the showings die down after that to 1 or none per week, then we are priced too high. Your home won’t sell if it doesn’t have buyers making appointments to see it. Buyers won’t come see your home if it is priced too high. Many sellers are concerned about pricing their home ‘too low’ as, of course, they want to get the most equity they can. The market will tell you, though. If your home is listed aggressively, then you may get multiple offers that can ‘push’ the home above the listed price. This can be an excellent option if the homeowner/seller is contingent on purchasing a new home. If your home is priced correctly, you should receive an offer within that ‘average’ time on the market window. If your home is priced too high, though? Well, remember what I said at the beginning? Being overpriced only helps your competition to sell faster. That is what happened with the listing I lost to the ‘big real estate’ team. Being overpriced only meant that their competition looked better and they sold faster. Often, usually, almost always, the homeowner will tell me that they don’t want to reduce their listing price because “a buyer can always make an offer, though”. They are not wrong. This has been difficult in the past years, but ... welcome to the new (well, actually ‘old’) market! I’ve been licensed for over 20 years, and making a lower offer on a home that has been on the market, or asking for closing costs to be included in the purchase price... that used to be quite common in the previous real estate market cycle... You know, before the last crazy market cycle that we just got out of. If you are thinking about selling your home, price your home correctly. If you choose to market

your home above your Realtor’s suggested list value, don’t wait too long before reducing your price. When you are at the right market-listed value, you will receive showings and offers. If we are priced aggressively, then you will receive multiple showings and maybe multiple offers. If you are priced ‘correctly’, then you will have 3-5 showings per week, and will receive an offer within the ‘average’ on the market window. If you are priced too high, then you may receive good showings in the first couple of weeks, and then they will die down. Make the price reduction sooner rather than later... the longer you wait to reduce your list price, the worse it looks, and the more time you lose on the market. Hey now... don’t shoot the messenger! If you want sugarcoating, then you came to the wrong bakery. You may not like what I say (all the time), but at least you know that I am honest. I will always give you the Pros & Cons, but as always, the choice is always yours. Your Realtor is a lot like GPS; we can advise, assist, and guide, but you are driving the bus... and sometimes we have to ... recalculate. If you are a Buyer, though.... thank you for reading to this part... and MAKE THE OFFER! If a home has been on the market for a few weeks, go see the home. If you love the home, then make the offer. Please, for the love of everything a Realtor holds dear, be reasonable in your offers. The higher the listed price of the home, the more the seller may come down, and/ or the more closing cost assistance a buyer may be able to offer and get accepted. When a buyer makes the offer, the seller can accept, decline, or counteroffer. If the seller accepts your offer... GREAT! We are now pending, and the process and timelines begin. If the seller chooses to reject or decline your offer... well, this just happened to one of my buyers this week. My clients chose to continue looking for a different home. If the seller chooses to decline/reject an offer, a buyer may also choose to make a new offer.

Continue reading blog post at FreeSellerClasses.com If you have any questions or comments, please get a hold of me anytime. You can call, text, email, or even Facebook me. Please remember that while I mean these emails/blogs to be helpful and educational, I still hope you will call or email me, as I would be honored to help you with your home-buying or home-selling adventure.

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • October 2026

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS & ACTIVITIES (cont'd) continued from page 27 Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at Vancouver Mall Center Court, 8700 NE Vancouver Mall Dr., Vancouver. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Vancouver Mall with an afternoon of cultural pride featuring music, dance and community connection. Experience a bilingual puppet show followed by vibrant traditional Mexican folkloric dances showcasing regional styles from Jalisco, Veracruz and beyond with colorful regalia and rhythmic footwork. 12 p.m.

Vendor Market, the Children’s Entrepreneur Market and craft stations. Listen to live bluegrass performances, join all day jamming sessions across town and experience local music and nature festivities. Free. 9 a.m.

Scan to check out our website for even more local events.

Teen Creative Crafts: Spooky Painting at Vancouver Community Library, 901 C St., Vancouver. Kick off the spooky season by brewing up a wicked masterpiece during a creative workshop designed for teenagers ages 13–19. Craft original art and celebrate Halloween with fellow young creators. 4–5:30 p.m.

6 TUESDAY Pumpkin Lane at Pomeroy Farm, 20902 NE Lucia Falls Rd., Yacolt. Celebrate fall on the farm during Pumpkin Lane every Saturday and Sunday in October. Take a hayride past whimsical pumpkin people scenes, explore historic farm grounds, meet farm animals and pick out the perfect pumpkin. Enjoy family activities, photo ops, coffee and food vendors while supporting the Pomeroy Living History Farm nonprofit. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 ages 3-11, 2 and under is free. 10 a.m.– 5 p.m.

River Superstars: Salmon and Lamprey at Water Resources Education Center, 4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver. Discover the amazing life cycles of salmon and lamprey during a drop-in program with Water Center educators. Children aged 5–12 explore how these remarkable fish depend on healthy waterways through engaging indoor hands-on activities. Oct. 3 and 17 from 1–2 p.m.

Dozer Day at Clark County Event Center, 17402 NE Delfel Rd., Ridgefield. Operate heavy equipment during Dozer Day. Children under 48 inches operate machines alongside expert drivers, while older kids and adults take the controls solo. Enjoy family activities like a tire crawl, kids dig and skill contests at the grandstand area. Visit vancouver.dozerday. org for details and ticketing. $15. Oct. 3–4 from 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Photo courtesy Nutter Foundation.

The Golem’s Gift by Northwest Children’s Theater at The Judy, 1000 SW Broadway #T100, Portland. Experience the world premiere musical. Inspired by Jewish folklore, this original fable features a clay man discovering how acts of kindness and small changes can help heal a divided world. Most enjoyed by ages 8 and up. Visit nwcts.org for tickets and times. Oct. 3–11

Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Fall Train Rides at 207 N Railroad Ave., Yacolt. Experience a scenic heritage train excursion departing from Yacolt, crossing the East Fork of the Lewis River, passing through a tunnel and stopping at Moulton Station for Yacolt Falls. The Fall Begins Run is Oct. 3 and 4, Fall Leaves Run Oct. 17 and 18, Headless Horseman Halloween Run Oct. 24 and 25 and the Patriot’s Weekend Run is Nov 14 and 15. Purchase tickets online, $16-$24. Times vary

4 SUNDAY

Healthy Kids Run at Pacific Community Park, 1515 NE 164th Ave., Vancouver. Encourage healthy habits and active fun during the Kids Dash Running Series Oct. 4 and 11. Children of all abilities from toddlers to high schoolers compete in age-appropriate dashes and distance races, building confidence while earning medals and trophies. 4–5 p.m.

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • October 2026

Playgroup at Firstenburg Community Center, 700 NE 126th Ave., Vancouver. Bring toddlers and young children for indoor playgroup fun designed for ages nine months to six years. Little ones run, jump, climb and explore safe toys while adults socialize and connect during this parent monitored morning activity. Tuesdays and Fridays, 10–11:30 a.m. Rainbow Reads at Camas Public Library, 625 NE 4th Ave., Camas. Experience Rainbow Reads, a library book club for LGBTQIA+ teens in grades 6–12 and their allies. Readers discuss contemporary young adult fiction, non-fiction and graphic novels featuring inclusive themes, with free book copies provided upon registration. 4:30–5:30 p.m. Disney’s Worlds Collide Concert Tour at the Moda Center, 1 N Center St., Portland. Experience the Worlds Collide Concert Tour featuring a high energy pop production that brings together hit songs from Descendants, Zombies and Camp Rock. Disney stars showcase next level choreography, fan favorite mashups, and electrifying special effects in this unforgettable arena spectacle. 7 p.m.

7 WEDNESDAY

All Ages Bingo at Firstenburg Community Center, 700 NE 136th Ave., Vancouver. Gather friends and family for an evening of friendly competition and lively entertainment featuring all ages bingo games, fantastic prizes and delicious snacks. Enjoy a safe and welcoming environment designed for everyone to share laughs and create memorable moments together. 6 p.m.

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8 THURSDAY

Teen Bad Art at Ridgefield Community Library, 210 N Main Ave, Ridgefield. Embrace imperfection during a hilarious art program for teenagers ages 13–19 where participants create intentionally bad masterpieces, discuss techniques and vote for the most impressively awful creation. 4–6 p.m. Let Books Be: “The Librarians” Screening at Vancouver Community Library, 901 C St., Vancouver. Celebrate Banned Books Week with a screening of the documentary “The Librarians,” followed by a guided discussion. Explore intellectual freedom, censorship and the dedicated professionals uniting with community members to protect access to literature across the nation. 6–7:45 p.m. Quiltfest NW at Clark County Event Center, 17402 NE Delfel Rd., Ridgefield. Celebrate quilting, creativity and craftsmanship at QuiltFest Northwest 2026, the Pacific Northwest’s largest indoor quilt show. Presented by the Clark County Quilters, this three-day judged quilt show features more than 500 spectacular quilts, special displays, a featured artist exhibit, live quilting demonstrations, a large vendor mall filled with fabric, sewing machines, gifts and more. Oct. 8–10, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

9 FRIDAY

Game & Puzzle Swap at Kindred, 2213 Main St. Vancouver. Refresh your puzzle and game collection for cozy screen-free winter nights by joining a community swap event. Trade

board games, card games and jigsaw puzzles, or browse new-to-you favorites while connecting with fellow enthusiasts. Oct. 9, 10, 11 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

baton of Maestro Salvador Brotons during this free public concert. 3–6 p.m.

10 SATURDAY

The Halloween Ball with Northwest Children’s Theater at The Judy, 1000 SW Broadway #T-100, Portland. Celebrate Halloween with a costumed holiday ball featuring a grand lobby parade, interactive live story time and a dance party. Enjoy enchanting sing-alongs and delicious scary treats during this festive celebration recommended for ages four and up. Find tickets for $16 at nwct.org. Oct. 10–25, Saturdays and Sundays, times vary Shine the Light Mental Health Awareness Summmit at Clark College, Gaiser Hall, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver. Join NAMI Southwest Washington and event partner NWCAVE for the Shine the Light Mental Health Awareness Summit. This FREE event will feature presentations from two of NAMI’s impactful educational programs, C.A.L.M. and Ending the Silence. Learn more about mental health in our community and find out what resources exist to help people. 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

12 MONDAY

Bluey’s Big Play – The Stage Show at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway, Portland. Experience Bluey’s Big Play For Real Life, an original theatrical adaptation featuring brilliantly crafted puppets and brand-new music. Join Bluey and Bingo as they hatch clever games to get Dad off the bean bag in this unforgettable family production. Find tickets at portland5.com starting at $38.70. 6 p.m.

13 TUESDAY

Puzzle Dash at Firstenburg Community Center, 700 NE 136th Ave., Vancouver. Race against the clock during a fast-paced group puzzle assembly challenge where teams of two to four people vie to complete a 500 puzzle first. Enjoy light refreshments and keep the puzzle as a prize. Teams need at least one adult participant. $34-$43. 6–8 p.m.

11 SUNDAY

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Young Artist Competition at First Presbyterian Church, 4300 Main St., Vancouver. Witness nine of the nation’s finest young musicians compete for cash prizes and the opportunity to perform alongside the VSO-USA under the

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • October 2026

CALENDAR OF EVENTS & ACTIVITIES (cont'd) continued from page 29

14 WEDNESDAY

Teen & Tween Hangout: Pizza & Games at Three Creeks Community Library, 800-C Tenney Rd., Vancouver. Hang out with friends during an afternoon hangout for youth ages 9–19 featuring games, crafts and conversation. Enjoy complimentary pizza and snacks provided by the Friends of Three Creeks Community Library. Free. 5–6 p.m. Howl-O-Ween: Pooch Parade at Battle Ground Event Center, 912 E Main St., Battle Ground. Celebrate the annual Battle Ground BARKS and Recreation dog costume contest. Bring the whole family to watch dressed up pups strut their stuff for prizes across categories like Best in Show, Best Duo and People’s Choice. Note that pre-registration is required for all participating contestants at cityofbg.org. Free to attend. 6 p.m.

Marigolds y Memorias at Milagro Theatre, 525 SE Stark St., Portland. Experience Marigolds y Memorias, an original theatrical production that blends humor, music and storytelling. Follow a vibrant journey of cultural inheritance and remembrance as an elder guides the younger generation through the meaning of building a Día de Muertos altar. Recommended for all ages. Tickets available at milagro.org for $24-$32. Oct. 14–Nov 8, days and times vary

bittersweet memories of childhood vacations, “Leaving Iowa” is a heartfelt comedy that explores reconciliation, family legacy and the universal experience of revisiting the past. Best suited for ages 10 and up. Oct. 16–25, days and times vary

Church, 4300 Main St., Vancouver. Dr. Michael C. Liu and friends present a program featuring celebrated piano masterworks as part of the Nien-Wei Hsiao Chamber Music Series. Tickets available for $15–$30 at vancouversymphony.org. 3–5 p.m.

17 SATURDAY

20 TUESDAY

Zombie Dash, 215 SE Leadbetter Rd., Camas. Test survival skills at the first-ever free Zombie Dash. Navigate a thrilling 1.25mile obstacle course while dodging zombies in this all-ages event. Whether participants cross the finish line as a survivor or “infected,” they will walk away with a certificate for their valiant effort. Visit cityofcamas.us for details. Free. 10 a.m.

Pumpkin Harvest Festival at Hathaway Park, 732 25th St., Washougal. Celebrate the season at the Pumpkin Harvest Festival. Families are invited to wear costumes, enjoy games, win prizes and pick out a free pumpkin while supplies last. Free. 12–3 p.m. Dia de Muertos at Esther Short Park, 605 Esther St., Vancouver. Celebrate Día de Muertos at a collaborative event featuring live dance performances, local food and artisan vendors. Bring chairs, photos of loved ones for the main community altar and wear Catrina or Catrin attire for the costume contest. 2–8 p.m.

15 THURSDAY

Disney on Ice Presents: Jump In at Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1 N Center Court, Portland. Experience the magic of Disney On Ice as characters glide into town for a spectacular celebration. This immersive journey features dazzling effects, breathtaking skating and beloved stories offering an unforgettable experience for all ages with a variety of seating options available. Oct. 15–18

16 FRIDAY

Leaving Iowa with Starbird Theatre at The Sherman Auditorium, 2289 E McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver. Follow Don Browning, a writer on a poignant road trip across Iowa as he attempts to honor his late father’s final request. Blending present-day adventure with

Family Movie at Ridgefield Community Library, 210 N Main St., Ridgefield. Enjoy the perfect Saturday afternoon hangout by bringing family and friends to the library for a movie and complimentary popcorn. Free. 3 p.m.

18 SUNDAY

Piano Extravaganza: Nien-Wei Hsiao Chamber Series at First Presbyterian

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • October 2026

Family Arts & Crafts Supply Swap at Battle Ground Community Library, 1207 SE 8th Way, Battle Ground. Refresh supplies by swapping extra fabric, beads and yarn for exciting, new-to-you treasures. Early donations are accepted at the library up to a week before the event or items may be brought directly to the swap. Donating is not required to participate; bags not provided. 5–7 p.m.

21 WEDNESDAY

Coco at Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St., Vancouver. Sepia Language Study presents a special screening of the Oscar-winning film “Coco” shown in Spanish with English subtitles. All concession sales support the Sepia Language Study scholarship fund. Tickets are $10 in advance at kigginstheatre.com or $12 at the door. 5:30 p.m.

23 FRIDAY

Kids Creative Crafts: Mason Jar Luminaries at Ridgefield Community Library, 210 N Main St., Ridgefield. Create Mason Jar Luminaires by combining art and science with simple materials. All supplies are provided or participants may bring a personal jar to decorate. This activity is designed for ages 5–9. Free. 3–5 p.m. Lenny Pearce – Toddler Rave World Tour at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway, Portland. Pioneer of “Toddler Techno” and “Baby Raves,” Lenny Pearce delivers high-energy family entertainment by remixing children’s favorites into modern hits. Following sold-out international tours and collaborations with major brands like Nickelodeon and The Wiggles, this global artist continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Tickets start at $49 at portland5.com. 6–7 p.m. continued on next page

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24 SATURDAY

25 SUNDAY

Monsters on the March at Three Creeks Community Library, 800-C Tenney Rd., Vancouver. Celebrate the harvest season in costume with family-friendly crafts, a library parade and games. Free. 3–4 p.m.

28 WEDNESDAY

Uncle Jumbo at The Reser for the Arts, 12625 SW Crescent St., Beaverton. Grammynominee Uncle Jumbo delivers uplifting concerts featuring hits from “Taste the Sky” and “Garden Groove.” Through upbeat songs and dance-alongs focusing on joy, connection and kindness, the music inspires young minds to dream big and chase their passions. Tickets are $15.50–$20.50 at thereser.org. 2–3 p.m.

Cinema of Horrors Drive-In: Beetlejuice at Clark County Event Center, 17402 NE Delfel Rd., Ridgefield. Experience Cinema of Horrors Drive-In featuring a family screening of “Beetlejuice.” Enjoy the movie from the safety of a vehicle with friends and family. Tickets are sold per vehicle. Advance purchase is recommended at ridgefieldcinemaofhorrors. com due to limited capacity. 7 p.m.

Boo Bash in Downtown Camas. Enjoy familyfriendly trick-or-treating at local Downtown Camas businesses. Dress in your costumes! Free. 3–5 p.m.

30 FRIDAY

Battle Ground Boo Bash at Battle Ground Event Center, 912 E Main St., Battle Ground. Boo Bash offers a family-friendly Halloween celebration featuring a Candy Carnival with games and prizes alongside a Trunk-or-Treat showcasing creative vehicle displays and candy handouts. Free. 3–6 p.m. Scary Run at Washougal City Hall, 1701 C St., Washougal. Experience the 11th Annual Scary Run featuring a single-loop 5K course inside Captain William Clark Park. Participants can run once for a 5K, twice for a 10K, or three times for a 15K, navigating the Spooky Forest and festive cheer zones on every lap. Costumes are encouraged for this Halloween tradition which concludes with celebratory food, drinks, music and seasonal surprises. 4 p.m.

for every attendee and children ages 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult. $12–$15. 6:30–8:30 p.m.

31 SATURDAY

Apple Cider Pressing at Cedar Creek Grist Mill, 43907 NE Grist Mill Rd., Woodland. Step back in history and have the kids help press the 10,000 pounds of apples into a mouthwatering seasonal drink. 9 a.m.

Teen Late Night: Fright Night at Cascade Park Community Library, 600 NE 136th Ave., Vancouver. Experience an after-hours evening of tricks and treats exclusively for teens aged 13–19 complete with snacks. Free. 6–8 p.m. Family Spooktacular Dance at Firstenburg Community Center, 700 NE 136th Ave., Vancouver. Celebrate Halloween with music from DJ Mikey, dancing, festive activities, snacks and drinks. Costumes are encouraged for this all-ages event. Pre-registration is required

Family Spooky Storytime at La Center Community Library, 1411 NE Lockwood Creek. La Center. Join in for an extra spooky Storytime filled with books, finger rhymes, songs and craft. Free. 2–3 p.m.

PUMPKIN PATCHES IN CLARK COUNTY BI-ZI FARMS 9504 NE 119th St. Vancouver, WA 98662

October 1–31 10 am–6 pm Closed every Monday

THE PATCH AT PUMPKIN LANE AT WHALEN OAKS FARM POMEROY FARM 636 Whalen Rd. Woodland, WA 98674

20902 NE Lucia Falls Rd. Yacolt, WA 98675

October 1–31 Tue-Fri 11 am–6 pm Sat 10 am–6 pm Sun 12–6 pm

October 1–31 Sat & Sun 10 am–5 pm

WALTON FARMS 1617 NE 267th AVE Camas, WA 98607

October 3–31 Thu–Fri. 3–5 pm Sat–Sun 10 am–5 pm

GET TO-GATHER FARM 1913 SE 303rd Ave Washougal, WA 98671

October 1–31 Wed–Sun 9 am–6 pm

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • October 2026