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• BUILDING YOUR VILLAGE: Local Resources for New and Expecting Parents, p. 10 • The Best Places to DONATE, SELL OR RECYCLE BABY CLOTHES in Clark County, p. 16 • NW GETAWAY: Family Fun in Newport, Oregon, p. 20

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

RESPIRATORY ILLNESS PREVENTION: Keep Germs Away This Fall!

As cold, flu, and RSV season ramps up, a few simple habits can make a big difference in keeping kids healthy. Teach and remind kids to:

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

contents

September '26

FEATURE ARTICLES

Building Your Village: Local Resources for New and Expecting Parents Discover the local people, programs and resources helping new and expecting families find connection, confidence and support.

The Best Places to Donate, Sell or Recycle Baby Clothes in Clark County Find practical ways to put outgrown baby clothes back into the hands of families who can use them. NW Getaway: Family Fun in Newport, Oregon Planning an Oregon coast getaway? Read our family-friendly travel guide to Newport, Oregon.

IN EVERY ISSUE 6

Editor’s Notes

Couve Scoop

• Milky & Coco’s Kit-Tea Cafe Now Open in Vancouver • Nutter Family Foundation Celebrates 20 Years of Community Impact as Dozer Day® 2026 Returns to Clark County • Soroptimist International of Clark County Award Applications Open

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

Calendar of Events & Activities

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

Photo by Britney Woods Photography Makeup by The Gran Glam

EDITOR'S NOTES

It Takes a Village This month we’re celebrating one of life’s biggest adventures in our annual Baby Issue. Whether you’re preparing to welcome your first child, adding another little one to your family or simply reminiscing about those tiny newborn days, this issue is filled with local resources, practical advice and inspiration for every stage of your parenting journey. One of our features this month explores the importance of building your village on page 10. Parenthood was never meant to be navigated alone, and our story highlights the incredible local support available to new and expecting parents. Expect details on finding pediatricians, learning about how doulas can help your family and discovering more helpful tips on forming a support network for your growing family. As babies get bigger, so does the mountain of clothes they quickly outgrow – as parents know all too well. Our guide to donating, selling and recycling baby clothes in Clark County on page 16 offers practical ways to clear out those tiny outfits while helping other local families. Of course, every family may want to take time to step away from their everyday routines, too. Our Northwest Getaway feature takes us to Newport, Oregon. If you’re looking for a relaxing beach town that also has fun attractions like the Oregon Coast Aquarium and delicious local restaurants, check out our story on page 20. As always, thank you for letting us be part of your family’s journey. I hope this issue provides helpful resources, fresh ideas and encouragement to your family.

www.VancouverFamilyMagazine.com

Volume 25, Issue 9 Editor/Publisher

Catherine Stacks Catherine@vancouverfamilymagazine.com

Graphic Designer

I-Shüan Warr Ishuan@vancouverfamilymagazine.com

Contributing Writers

Jessica Becker, Rachael Rafanelli

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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.

Catherine Stacks, Editor/Owner catherine@vancouverfamilymagazine.com

On the Cover:

The Whalen family enjoys life in the Pacific Northwest, where Caleb and Lauren are raising their three children Weston (6), Walker (4), and Hallie Hope (2) and investing in the people and community around them. As a family they love spending time outside on their farm with their animals, being active, serving others and spending time with family and friends. Photo by Lion and Oak Photography 503-847-9650 lionandoakphotos.com @lionandoakphotography

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

Photos courtesy Milky & Coco’s Kit-Tea Cafe.

Notable News, Events & Efforts in Clark County

SEPTEMBER 2026

Milky & Coco’s Kit-Tea Cafe Now Open in Vancouver Cat lovers, rejoice! A new cat cafe has opened

in Vancouver. Milky & Coco’s Kit-Tea Cafe is located at 5000 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Suite E103. Milky & Coco’s Kit-Tea Cafe was created to provide a warm, welcoming space where the community can gather, relax, connect and enjoy high-quality beverages in a playful atmosphere inspired by beloved feline companions. Milky & Coco’s Kit-Tea Cafe has partnered with Furry Friends, a local nonprofit animal rescue organization dedicated to finding loving homes for cats in need. Through this partnership, the cafe will provide a comfortable space where adoptable cats can be fostered while they await their forever families. Guests can meet and interact with the resident cats during their visit. Anyone interested in adoption will complete the adoption process directly through Furry Friends. Reservations are recommended, and cat lounge visits are booked in 1-hour sessions on the hour. Walk-ins are subject to availability. Admission is $20 per person, per session, and all guests must sign a waiver prior to entering the

cat lounge. Children under 8 are not permitted in the cat lounge, and guests aged 8–13 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Each paying adult receives complimentary cat lounge admission for one child ages 8–13. The cat lounge is socks only, so be sure to bring your socks. Milky & Coco’s Kit-Tea Cafe’s menu features award-winning coffee through their partnership with Kafiex alongside a selection of specialty beverages and treats. “We’re thrilled to become part of the Vancouver community and can’t wait to welcome everyone through our doors,” said the owners of Milky & Coco’s Kit-Tea Cafe. “Our goal is to create a space where every guest feels at home while enjoying delicious drinks and a fun, inviting atmosphere.” Learn more about Milky & Coco’s Kit-Tea Cafe, including menu offerings, hours and upcoming events, by visiting milkyandcocoskitteacafe.com or following the cafe on social media.

Soroptimist International of Clark County

Award Applications Open Soroptimist International of Clark County helps local women and girls move closer

to their educational and career goals through the Live Your Dream Award and the Achieve Your Dream Award. These financial awards help cover tuition, books and other education-related expenses. They help recipients overcome financial barriers and build brighter futures. continued on next page

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

NUTTER FAMILY FOUNDATION

Celebrates 20 Years of Community Impact as Dozer Day ® 2026 Returns to Clark County Dozer Day is back and is celebrating 20 years in our community. On ®

October 3–4, 2026 from 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Clark County Event Center at the Fairgrounds will transform into an interactive construction playground. Children and adults can climb into the cab of real bulldozers, excavators, dump trucks and other heavy equipment while learning about the people and industries that build our communities. Guided by trained construction professionals, participants operate heavy equipment in a safe, hands-on environment. Young operators receive assistance from inside the cab, while older teens and adults operate equipment independently. Beyond the machinery, Dozer Day ® offers a full weekend of family fun, including fire engines, ambulances, scavenger hunts, the popular Les Schwab Tire Crawl, sponsor activities, giveaways and community partner exhibits. Through hands-on experiences and career exploration opportunities, attendees gain exposure to careers in the skilled trades, engineering, construction management and equipment operation. The event is part of a milestone year for the Nutter Family Foundation, which is celebrating 20 years of community impact. In addition to hosting Dozer Day ®, the Foundation launched the BuildHER Summit earlier this year, introducing young women to careers in construction and the skilled trades through mentorship and hands-on learning experiences. Since 2006, the Foundation has invested more than $2.5 million into children’s charities and community programs while helping inspire thousands of future builders throughout the region. “Celebrating 20 years makes this a special year for the Nutter Family Foundation,” said Renee Nutter, President of the Nutter Family

Photos courtesy Nutter Foundation.

Foundation. “From the launch of our BuildHER Summit to welcoming thousands of families back to Dozer Day ®, we’re proud to continue creating experiences that inspire future careers and strengthen the communities we live in.” Admission to Dozer Day ® is $15 online in advance and $20 at the gate. For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and event information, visit Vancouver.DozerDay.org.

continued from previous page Applications are now open for both awards. Live Your Dream Award applications are open from Aug. 1– Nov. 15. Achieve Your Dream Award applications are open from Aug. 1– Feb. 27. Eligible applicants can apply at ccsoroptimist.org. Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls through education, empowerment and opportunity. Locally, proceeds from their estate sales help fund financial award opportunities that support women and girls as they work toward

their career goals. Every donated item and every purchase directly support educational opportunities for women and girls in Clark County. Interested in helping? Community members can donate quality household items, furniture, antiques, collectibles and jewelry to support Soroptimist’s estate sales. Proceeds help fund educational awards for women and girls in Clark County. To learn more about estate sales, donating items or volunteering for Soroptimist International of Clark County, visit their website at ccsoroptimist.org.

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

Feature: Building Your Village: Local Resources for New and Expecting Parents

Building Your Village Local Resources for New

and Expecting Parents

By Rachael Rafanelli

hen Allyson Castaldi learned she was W

expecting twins, she envisioned a carefully planned version of motherhood. She would follow the schedules, keep up with the routines and have everything under control. Then her babies arrived. Today, Castaldi and her husband, Vince, are raising three young children in Ridgefield, twins Oliver and Olivia, followed by Owen just 18 months later. They are also preparing to welcome their fourth child, Orion, this summer. Looking back, she laughs at the expectations she once placed on herself.

Like many first-time parents, Castaldi quickly discovered that babies rarely follow a script. Days blurred together with feedings, diaper changes, sleepless nights and learning to trust her instincts. What ultimately helped her most was not finding the perfect parenting book or following every piece of advice online. It was learning to lean on the people around her. Even then, accepting help was difficult. “I felt like I should be able to do it all,” she said. “But if someone is reaching out to offer their help, they genuinely mean it. You’re never an inconvenience.”

Her experience reflects something child development experts, medical professionals and parents have long understood. Children thrive when families are supported, and parents were never meant to navigate ”I felt like I should be early parenthood alone.

“I thought I had to do everything alone,” she said. “Now I know that’s impossible.”

able to do it all...but if someone is reaching out to offer their help, they genuinely mean it.“

Whether that support comes from grandparents, –Allyson Castaldi neighbors, friends, medical providers or fellow parents, many families refer to that network as their “baby village.” It offers practical help, trusted guidance and reassurance during one of life’s biggest transitions. According to local experts, building that village often begins long before labor starts.

Building your village before baby arrives

The Castaldi family. Photo by Rachael Rafanelli.

For Stacey Marshall, coordinator of Legacy Health’s prenatal education and doula program, pregnancy is about much more than preparing a nursery or buying baby gear. It is the beginning of building relationships.

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

Marshall encourages expectant parents to think intentionally about who will support them once they bring their baby home. That support may come from family and friends, but it can also grow through childbirth education classes, breastfeeding support groups, doulas and other local parenting resources. “Building your village starts before your baby is born,” Marshall said. “Those relationships become invaluable once your baby arrives.” Prenatal classes offer much more than lessons about labor and newborn care. Marshall has watched friendships formed during those classes continue for years after babies are born. Parents who once compared due dates now celebrate birthdays together, exchange hand-me-downs, share resources and encourage one another through every stage of childhood. Some of the strongest support systems begin with a simple conversation between two expectant parents. Marshall also encourages families to be honest about what they need. “Being vulnerable can feel uncomfortable,” she said. “But people often want to help. Sometimes they just need to know how.” For one family, that might mean asking grandparents to stock the freezer with meals after delivery. For another, it could be asking a trusted neighbor to walk the dog, fold laundry or simply hold the baby while exhausted parents shower or nap. Those seemingly small gestures often become some of the most meaningful forms of support during the newborn months. continued on page 12

It’s Okay If You’re Not the One Who’s New A new baby changes everyone around it. The big sibling adjusting to a smaller share of attention. The new dad running on no sleep and all worry. The grandparent stepping back into a caregiving role they didn’t expect. Nobody handed them a book — but they’re adjusting too. At Kaleidoscope Rx, we support individuals of all ages through life’s biggest transitions — helping you find steadiness while everything else is changing.

Let’s find a plan together. 360.334.9942

info@kaleidoscope-rx.com Scan the QR code to request an appointment.

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

Feature: Building Your Village: Local Resources for New and Expecting Parents (cont'd) continued from page 10

While they do not replace physicians or nurses, Marshall says doulas provide emotional, physical and educational support throughout pregnancy, labor and the postpartum period. Their role often continues after birth as parents navigate recovery, feeding challenges and the countless questions that come with caring for a newborn. Marshall knows the value of community firsthand. More than 20 years after joining a breastfeeding support group as a new mother, many of those women remain close friends. “We’ve watched each other’s children grow up,” she said. “Those friendships became lifelong.” For Castaldi, building her own village did not happen overnight.

”When something doesn’t feel right, [parents] should always feel free to call their pediatrician’s office. That’s what we’re here for.“

Photo courtesy Child and Adolescent Clinic.

Doulas can also play an important role in a family’s village.

–Dr. Jennifer Chu-Smith

she met parents who understood experiences few others could relate to. They exchanged practical advice, shared children’s clothes and reminded one another that difficult seasons would not last forever.

Your pediatrician is part of the village For many new parents, one of the first phone calls after bringing a baby home is to the pediatrician’s office.

and guide families through everything from feeding and sleep to introducing solid foods, childhood illnesses and safety concerns.

Is my baby eating enough? Is this rash normal? Should they be sleeping this much?

“We’re routinely checking in with moms and families as they adjust to this big change of welcoming a new baby into the family,” ChuSmith said.

Like many parents, she initially believed asking for help meant she wasn’t doing enough. That perspective changed after the birth of her third child.

For Dr. Jennifer Chu-Smith, a board-certified pediatrician at Child and Adolescent Clinic in Salmon Creek, those questions are exactly why pediatricians become one of the most important members of a family’s support system.

“I couldn’t understand how I went from thriving with two newborns to struggling with one baby and two toddlers,” she said.

“A pediatrician partners with families in providing evidence-based guidance to help children achieve their full potential,” she said.

She eventually realized the challenge had nothing to do with her ability as a mother. It was simply the reality of meeting the needs of several young children while trying to care for herself.

While many people think of pediatricians as the doctors who administer vaccines and treat ear infections, Chu-Smith says their role begins much earlier and extends far beyond routine medical care.

One unexpected source of encouragement came through the Mother of Twins Club, where

During well-child visits, pediatricians monitor growth and development, celebrate milestones

Those frequent visits during a baby’s first year create something equally important: trust. “When something doesn’t feel right, they should always feel free to call their pediatrician’s office,” she said. “That’s what we’re here for.” Dr. Savannah Collier, a pediatrician at Evergreen Pediatrics, believes that relationship can begin even before a baby is born. She encourages expectant parents to research pediatric clinics during pregnancy, looking not only for a physician but also for a practice that matches their family’s communication style and values. “Every clinic has its own personality,” Collier said. “Finding the right fit matters.” Parents often spend weeks researching cribs, car seats and strollers. Collier believes choosing a pediatric practice deserves the same thoughtful consideration because it becomes one of the longest relationships families will have during their child’s early years. She also reminds parents that the decision is never permanent. “The goal is to have a good relationship,” she said. “No one is offended if families decide another physician is a better fit.” continued on page 14

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

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With 8 convenient branches in the SW Washington area Get started today. Visit onpointcu.com/onpoint-savers *Rates subject to change. Stated APY (Annual Percentage Yield) is for balances up to $500; balances over $500 earn posted Regular Savings Account rate. Account must be established for members age 17 or younger by parent or guardian with a minimum $25 deposit. Parent or legal guardian must be on the membership and present to open the OnPoint Savers Account. When primary member attains the age of 18, accounts will be converted to Regular Savings Account, earning that account’s published rate at that time. Fiduciary memberships, including UTTMA and Minor Settlement Accounts are not eligible for OnPoint Savers. One OnPoint Savers Account per member/TIN. One $55 bonus per tax ID for new members only. Bonus will be included on a 1099-INT for tax purposes. Cannot be combined with other offers for opening a new membership, such as new branch promotions or Refer a Friend. Federally insured by NCUA. 4/24 Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • September 2026

Feature: Building Your Village: Local Resources for New and Expecting Parents (cont’d) continued from page 12 first thing exhausted parents need to hear. “The parents who come to me are usually completely exhausted,” she said. “They’re doing everything they can, and they often feel like they’re failing.”

Finding clarity in a world full of opinions Today’s parents have access to more information than any generation before. Between parenting blogs, social media, podcasts and late-night internet searches, families are exposed to an endless stream of advice. For exhausted parents trying to do the right thing, it can be difficult to know which voices to trust.

evidence-based resources rather than becoming overwhelmed by the constant flow of online opinions.

She understands why families look online. The challenge, she says, is sorting through conflicting information.

HealthyChildren.org, published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, is one of the resources she recommends most Many parents begin appointments by Renée Therese, founder of The often. She also apologizing for something they read or Tired Mama Sleep Co.,teaches points families toward watched online. the Five Pillars of Sleep to make organizations such healthy sleep more achievable. as Help Me Grow “They’ll say, ‘I saw this on TikTok,’ almost like Washington, local they’re embarrassed to ask,” Collier said. “I library programs and always want families to know it’s a judgmentthe Dolly Parton Imagination Library, all of “When those foundations are in place, healthy free zone.” which help connect parents with resources sleep becomes much more achievable,” she beyond the doctor’s office. said. She also reminds parents that babies Rather than dismissing those questions, she develop at different rates. There is no universal welcomes them. Her goal is to help families At Child and Adolescent Clinic, care timeline for sleeping through the night, and understand the evidence behind different coordinators also help families access what works well for one family may not work recommendations so they can make informed community services, including housing for another. decisions that fit their own circumstances. assistance and food resources when needed. “A child’s health is affected by much more than “Families should choose an approach that “We’re not trying to raise their kids or make what happens during a doctor’s visit,” Chufeels right for them,” she said. decisions for them,” she said. “We’re trying to Smith said. help them make the best decision for their own Before beginning sleep coaching, she unique situation.” Perhaps the most reassuring advice both recommends discussing concerns with a pediatricians offer has little to do with pediatrician to rule out medical issues that Chu-Smith shares that philosophy. She medicine. It is about giving yourself grace. could be affecting a baby’s sleep. From there, encourages families to rely on trusted, families can build routines that support both “I love seeing parents the baby and the caregivers. gain confidence in ”We’re not trying to their own decisions,” Renée believes caring for parents is just as raise their kids or make Collier said. “Even if important as caring for children. decisions for them. they’re doing things We’re trying to help differently than one of Sleep deprivation affects far more than energy them make the best their friends.” levels. It can influence mental health, physical decision for their own health, relationships and confidence during an unique situation.“ When sleep becomes already demanding season of life. Photo courtesy Savannah Collier.

–Dr. Savannah Collier

the challenge

Once families begin settling into life with a newborn, another challenge often takes center stage. Sleep, or more accurately, the lack of it. For Renée Therese, founder of The Tired Mama Sleep Co., reassurance is often the

“Parents don’t have to white-knuckle it,” she said. “There is support available.”

A village that grows with your family The people who help during the newborn months often become lifelong friends, trusted mentors and familiar faces celebrating continued on next page

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

Photo courtesy The Tired Mama Sleep Co.

“When your baby’s not sleeping at 3 a.m., parents are understandably on Instagram or TikTok searching for answers,” Collier said.

Instead of searching for one perfect solution, Therese encourages families to focus on building healthy habits over time. She teaches what she calls the Five Pillars of Sleep: nutrition, routine, schedule, sleep environment and caregiver response.

continued from previous page birthdays, school performances and first soccer games. For Castaldi, that support has evolved over the years, but it has never disappeared. Looking back, she says the biggest lesson she learned was not how to master nap schedules or keep up with every parenting trend. It was realizing she never had to do everything herself.

As her confidence grew, she found herself becoming part of someone else’s village, offering reassurance to newer parents facing the same fears and uncertainties she once experienced. “You have to be willing to give to your village as well,” she said. “It’s a two-way street.”

Today, as she prepares to welcome her fourth child, her perspective is far different from the first-time mother who believed she needed to have every answer. She now knows that successful parenting is not about doing everything perfectly. It is about knowing where to turn when you need support. Looking back, there is one piece of advice she wishes every new parent could hear. “If someone is reaching out to offer their help, they genuinely mean it,” she said. A village is built because children, and the people raising them, thrive through connection. Long after babies sleep through the night and toddlers become school-aged children, those relationships continue to shape families. The village simply grows right alongside them. Rachael Rafanelli is a communications specialist, former TV news reporter, and artist—and above all, a proud mom of twin boys. A Ridgefield native with deep roots in the Pacific Northwest, she brings a storyteller’s heart to everything she does. Whether she’s creating content, drawing, or exploring the outdoors, Rachael leads with creativity. She is known for her enthusiasm, quick wit, and tendency to talk just a little too much (in the best way).

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

Feature: The Best Places to Donate, Sell or Recycle Baby Clothes in Clark County

The Best Places to Donate, Sell or Recycle Baby Clothes in Clark County By Jessica Becker

Babies grow quickly, don’t they? I remember

going through so many baby clothes when my daughter was little. I felt like she was a different size every week in those early months. I had many clothes that I couldn’t use anymore, and I always had to buy more. Thankfully, the Vancouver area has a lot of low-stress options for passing baby clothes along, whether it is through donation to a local nonprofit or community organization or recouping some cost through resale shops or events. In addition to getting too small or unused baby clothes out of the house, donating or reselling these clothes can be helpful to you and others. Specifically: • Buying baby clothes may not be affordable for new parents, so donating helps those families out. • Donating or reselling clothes out of landfills.

keeps

baby

• Reselling helps families afford new-tothem clothes for growing babies. Read on for ideas on where to sell or donate gently used baby clothing, as well as donate stained or torn baby clothes. I personally recommend saving a few baby items that really make you smile. As a mom whose kiddo is getting up in years, I promise you’ll be glad that you did!

clothing directly to families in need. Those organizations are described below. When donating baby clothing, it is good to remember that organizations are looking for items that are dry, clean and in good condition.

BABIES IN NEED

2206 NW 99th St., Vancouver, 98668 Babies in Need works with local social workers to provide clothing, bedding and car seats to local newborns in need. According to their website, Babies in Need has given over 3,700 car seats and 6,800 layette gift packs to newborns since 1999. You can find the organization’s most upto-date needs on their website: https:// babiesinneed.org/in-kind-donations. At the time of writing, the organization especially needs new or gently-used preemie and newborn items, but they also accept items up to size 3T. Specifically, their current clothing needs include gowns, pajamas, fleece sleep sacks, onesies, sweaters, hats and booties. There are three drop-off locations in Clark County, one of which is a 24-hour drop off. You can learn more about drop-off locations at https://babiesinneed. org/drop-off-locations.

Best Places to Donate Baby Clothes in Clark County There are many places to donate gently used baby clothing in Clark County, including Goodwill, Salvation Army and Retails. These organizations resell clothing at prices that are usually lower than new. There are also a few organizations in Clark County that give donated

NORTHWEST CHILDREN’S OUTREACH

6615 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver, WA 98661 Northwest Children’s Outreach is a local nonprofit that collects, sorts and distributes clothing and goods to kids in need. According to their website, nwchildrens.org, Northwest Children’s Outreach works with 550 care providing agencies to reach kids with donations. The organization accepts baby clothing and items, hygiene items, children/teen clothing and other miscellaneous kid’s items. The best information on accepted items and drop-off hours can be found at https://nwchildrens. org/donation-information. As a family, we have donated to and volunteered with this organization. Having seen the volume of items that come in and the work required to sort, I highly recommend ensuring your donations are in the requested new or “like new” condition. “Like new” clothing should be washed and have no stains, tears, missing buttons or zippers. Best Places to Resell in Clark County In addition to donation options, there are some excellent options for reselling baby clothing in Clark County. For your best chance at reselling or consigning baby clothing, items should be in like-new condition and free from stains or rips. Each store has different policies on what they accept, and how resellers or consignors are compensated. Many stores offer to donate unaccepted clothes to local nonprofits.

ONCE UPON A CHILD

11505 NE Fourth Plain Blvd., Unit D3, Vancouver, WA 98662 Once Upon a Child - Vancouver is a locally owned franchise of a national continued on next page

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

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brand that buys and sells gently used kids’ clothes, shoes, toys and baby gear. Families can bring in gently used kids’ items and get cash or store credit at the time of drop-off. When my child was little and outgrew clothing or gear, I frequently brought items Once Upon a Child for cash or store credit. I personally saved a lot of money by bringing clothes in for credit and then purchasing used baby clothing. There is no appointment necessary to sell your clothes. Because of this, I often had to drop items off and come back later to find out which clothing is accepted for resale due to a high volume of items dropped off. Learn more about their hours and item requirements on their website: https://onceuponachild. com/locations/vancouver-wa. In general, you can bring in as many items as you would like, and items can be from any season.

PIPSQUEAK RESALE BOUTIQUE

8700 NE Vancouver Mall Dr., Suite 230, Vancouver, WA 98662 Pipsqueak Resale Boutique is a locally owned resale store located upstairs at the Vancouver Mall. Pipsqueak consigns new and gently used clothing for all ages. The store is open the same hours as the Vancouver

Mall, and consignment hours are Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can find the best and most up-to-date information about Pipsqueak on their website: pipsqueakresale.com. Of the items that sell, Pipsqueak will give you 35% of the final sale price for a check payout or 45% of the final sale price for store credit (both after administrative fees). They also offer to purchase off-season items at 20% of the anticipated sale price. It is important to know that Pipsqueak has some specific guidelines for consignment, including brand limitations and drop-offs being limited to one 18-gallon tote per person per visit. For all the details on consignment guidelines, visit Pipsqueak’s website: pipsqueakresale.com/ pages/consignment- guidelinesand-policies.

DENIM AND FRILLS

628 NE 81st St., Suite A, Vancouver, WA 98665 Denim and Frills is a family owned and operated business that offers consignment and money on-the-spot for gently used continued on page 18 Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • September 2026

Feature: The Best Places to Donate, Sell or Recycle Baby Clothes in Clark County (cont'd) continued from page 17 brand-name clothing sizes newborn through adult. Through consignment, you can earn 40% of the sales price of your accepted items. Denim and Frills accepts two bags or one bin per person per day. There is no appointment necessary, but items are only accepted Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn more about their processes and accepted items on their website: https:// denimandfrills.com.

4EVER GROWING KIDS

440 NE 4th Ave., Camas, WA 98607 4Ever Growing Kids is a locally-owned business in Camas. They accept year-round clothing on consignment Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (except for certain days mentioned on their website). No appointment is necessary. One thing to note is that they may stop accepting consignments once they fill up for the day. It is recommended you arrive early with your items. You can bring in 30 clothing items per drop-off and they also accept baby/kid gear and toys. Learn more about their processes through informative checklists and a video on their website: https://4egk.com.

KIDS CLOZ

JUST BETWEEN FRIENDS SALE

Vancouver, WA If you are up for saving and storing items over time, the Just Between Friends Sale is back to running several kids’ consignment events per year in Vancouver after a hiatus. According to the organizer, Just Between Friends plans to run its sale in Vancouver twice a year. In July, they had a sale at Chinook Elementary School. The next sale is slated for December 2026. You can learn more about how to sell on their website: www.jbfsale.com/ vancouver. On their website, you can also join the email subscription to know when sales are coming to town. There are also several sales a year in the Hillsboro, Oregon area. What to Do With Stained or Torn Clothes A common requirement for re-selling or donating baby clothes is that items are free of stains. The very nature of babies can make this challenging. So, what do you do with stained or torn baby clothes? There are actually a few options that don’t involve throwing the clothes away.

Photo credit Jessica Becker.

604 E Main St., Battle Ground, WA 98604 Kidz Cloz is a locally-owned business in Battle Ground. They accept seasonal clothing on consignment, and consignors get 40% of the sale price of clothing. I consigned regularly with Kidz Cloz when my daughter was little, and

it was always a great experience. They allow consignors to drop off 20 of their best items once weekly, Tuesdays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can also call 360-6876997 to make an appointment outside those days and times. Learn more about consignment processes on their website: https://kidzclozstore.com.

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

H&M

8700 NE Vancouver Mall Dr., Suite 122, Vancouver, WA 98662 The clothing store H&M allows for drop-offs of clean textiles of any brand. This includes stained or ripped clothing, as H&M can repurpose or recycle these items. At the Vancouver Mall location, you can find the recycling box located next to the cashier’s desk. Once you donate, you can receive an H&M voucher. Learn more here: https://www2. hm.com/en_us/customer-service/ p r o d u c t - a n d - q u a l i t y/g a r m e nt collecting-reycling.html.

KOHL’S

Multiple locations in Vancouver Kohl’s stores also have drop-off bins for clean, used clothing. Simply drop off these clothes in continued on next page

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continued from previous page the bin located near the front doors and scan the QR code to receive your coupon. Kohl’s partners with organizations to sort the clothing and determine if they will be resold elsewhere or repurposed.

JUST PORCH IT

Online at justporchit.com According to the website, Just Porch It accepts clothing, shoes, backpacks, belts, hats, purses, sheets, towels, blankets and other small household items that can fit in a bag. The site also indicates that they are happy to accept items that have holes or stains, but items should not be wet or moldy. It is quite easy to schedule a pickup. I recently went to https://justporchit. com, filled out the pickup form with my contact information and received a text message the next day with a pickup day and time for a few days later. All I had to do was text back that the time and date worked for me, and they picked up my items.

families, reduce waste and make room for the next chapter. Every little item can make a big difference to someone else.

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.

As parents, we know how quickly babies grow and how many memories are tied to those tiny outfits. Whether you choose to donate, consign or recycle, passing along outgrown baby clothes is a simple way to support other

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

Feature: NW Getaway: Newport, OR

Y A W A T E NW G

Photo credit Adobe Stock.

Newport, OR

By Catherine Stacks All photos courtesy of the author unless otherwise noted.

Although I’ve visited the Oregon coast a handful of times, I’ve never

made my way to Newport, Oregon, so we decided to plan a trip this summer. It’s about a 2½-hour drive, making it an easy getaway for even just a weekend. We packed a lot into our two-day stay, although families could plan to stay for more time to fully experience this part of the Oregon coast. Read on for recommendations on planning your own trip to Newport, Oregon.

The Beach The beauty and calm of the beach is one of the biggest reasons people come to visit. However, the Oregon coast is famously cold compared with beaches closer to the equator. I remember visiting the Oregon coast in the summer when I was a child and being surprised to wear a

sweatshirt and long pants at the beach. Now, we know it’s part of the deal, and it can actually feel cozy and comfortable. Of course, don’t forget sunscreen, but kids are often more covered than they would be in swimsuits. The beach at Newport was just a short walk from our hotel, and it was easy to get to. Our hotel was ideally located for easy beach access. We were able to play in the sand and go for walks, and on the second day, the sun even peeked out for a little while and we got to put our feet in the ocean. Being at the ocean always feels like coming home. We found ourselves staying for hours, playing in the sand and enjoying the beautiful views. continued on page 22

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

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

Feature: NW Getaway: Newport, OR (cont'd) continued from page 20 Across from The Allred Hotel, where we stayed, there is a paved ramp that takes you right down to the beach, and that is where we enjoyed the beach most of the time. The ramp is pretty steep but not steep enough to be tough for kids to walk up and down, or to bring a wagon if you would like. It was an easy walk to and from the hotel. The Allred Hotel was a wonderful place to stay in Newport.

Indoors, we were able to see a huge variety of sea creatures. In the Passages of the Deep exhibit, we were able to experience underwater walkways through a reef, the halibut flats and finally, a shark tunnel. This section was a big hit, and everyone loved how close they could get to the sea creatures. In the Rocky Coast exhibit, we were able to visit the touch pool, see a giant octopus, sea stars and more. In other indoor galleries, we were able to see a coral reef tank, jellyfish and a new exhibit Amazon Basin, which is open May 2026–January 2028. Visiting the aquarium was a highlight of our trip to Newport. After visiting the aquarium, we popped right over to the historic bayfront, where we grabbed lunch and walked around for a little while. We didn’t visit the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse since it was pretty foggy on the day we had time to go, but plan to visit some other time. On our way home, we decided to stop at Depoe Bay and Lincoln City to see a bit more of the coast. Both of these cities are pretty close to Newport and were on our drive back, so we decided to check them out. In Depoe Bay, we stopped at the whale watching center, which has a continued on page 24 Depoe Bay has beautiful views.

What to Do Aside from, of course, the beach, which is reason enough to plan a trip, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is a major draw. We spent a morning at the aquarium and had a wonderful time. The aquarium has both indoor and outdoor sections, so be prepared for the weather. We enjoyed a few live keeper talks where they fed the otters and the turkey vulture and learned a lot about them. The seals were also very active, and we saw them dive multiple times. There were many volunteers around that could answer questions or provide interactive experiences. Right after we saw the otters feed, a volunteer came out to show an otter pelt so everyone could feel it. The outdoor exhibits included the sea otters, harbor seals and sea lions, the turkey vultures and a seabird aviary. They also have a playground for kids outdoors.

Left and above: We enjoyed our trip to the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

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

Feature: NW Getaway: Newport, OR (cont’d) continued from page 22 nice lookout. We didn’t see any whales but spotted some seals. We also walked around a bit here and checked out some souvenir shops. Viewing seals at Depoe Bay.

We loved staying here and would absolutely stay again. Each room has a balcony with ocean views. The on-site pool was a big hit with kids who love to swim. As we know, the ocean in Oregon can be too cold for little ones to swim in, so getting their “kicks” out in a hotel pool was the way to go. We spent time in the pool each day and loved it. They also have a hot tub and a sauna for adults. The pool is next to the classic rooms, so guests do need to walk outside to reach it. The sister hotel to the Allred is Hallmark Resort Newport, which we also walked around to check out. The Hallmark was also located right next to the beach and each room also had ocean views. I always like to check reviews of hotels before I stay there, and both of these places were among the top-reviewed in the area. When we went with family, some of us stayed at The Allred and loved it, while others in our extended family opted to get a Vrbo vacation rental further up Nye Beach. Nye Beach was very close to our hotel and there are many vacation rentals available in addition to hotels. Nye Beach is another place to explore in Newport.

Photo credit Sandy Stacks.

After that, we stopped in Lincoln City and ate at Pig ‘N Pancake, which also has a Newport location. Of course, we had to try the pancakes, which did not disappoint. They have a large menu suitable for many diets, and a kids menu as well.

Where to Stay We stayed at The Allred, which opened in 2025. The hotel and the room were beautiful and felt cozy, clean and upscale. There are two sections of the hotel. One section has classic rooms, which were recently updated and the entrance to each room is located outdoors. The boutique section of the hotel was newly built and the entrance to each room is located indoors and is attached to the lobby. The Allred also offers a few standalone vacation homes right across from the hotel for those who may want a larger space. Our room was a boutique room, so it was in the indoor area of the hotel and felt very new. It was comfortable and spacious with a large bathroom and a kitchenette area.

Where to Eat Georgie’s at the Hallmark Resort Newport was a wonderful family restaurant. The restaurant is popular for its beautiful ocean views and its diverse menu. They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner so you can go for any meal that aligns with your beach schedule. We ate here for dinner on our first night, and I ordered the fresh black cod. It was delicious. Other family members ordered the fish tacos, fish and chips, the kid’s sliders and kids grilled cheese. Everyone was happy with their meal. continued on page 26 Fish tacos from The Allred Bites + Bar.

Our gorgeous room at The Allred Hotel.

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

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Feature: NW Getaway: Newport, OR (cont’d) ie Vegg

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b r ea k f a

st bowl from The Allred B ites + Bar.

They also have an extensive kids menu, which is great for all of the picky eaters out there. They also offered a coloring and activity page for kids which was great to help everyone pass the time as we waited for our food. One other offering they have is a gluten-free menu for those who need it. I’ve attended many dinners with friends and family members who have celiac disease and sometimes it can be hard to choose a restaurant since not everyone can accommodate a gluten-free guest. Having a special menu that is gluten-free is very helpful for those who need it. The Allred Bites + Bar was in our hotel near the lobby, where they had a menu of curated plates and drinks. It had a beautiful view at The Allred’s lovely new lobby. We ate here for breakfast twice and dinner once. It also has a kids menu for both breakfast and lunch/dinner. For breakfast I had a veggie breakfast bowl, and I liked it so much I got it both mornings. They also offer sides of sausage, bacon, eggs or vegetables for those who may want a snack or a smaller breakfast. In addition to their menu, they have a coffee bar on-site where you can grab a warm beverage and a pastry.

For dinner, expect small- to medium-sized plates with offerings such as fish tacos, sliders, seafood ravioli, fries and more. The kids menu offers grilled cheese, kids burgers and other options for children. A large drink menu is also available. One nice feature of Bites + Bar is that it offers seating on both the first and second floors for lunch and dinner, giving guests a variety of views. Breakfast is only available on the first floor.

We enjoyed walking around the Newport Bayfront and explored shops and restaurants.

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o’s.

We also ate at Mo’s in the Newport Bayfront area and loved it. It’s a classic Newport restaurant with “world-famous” clam chowder. I can agree that their clam chowder was phenomenal. We also got shrimp skewers and fish tacos that were amazing. They also have a kids menu here. While we were at the Bayfront, we also took in some views, and as it is a working bay, we saw many workers transporting fresh seafood into trucks. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Newport and found it to be an easy and memorable Oregon coast getaway.

Catherine Stacks became the owner and editor of Vancouver Family Magazine in 2025. She earned her M.A. in Journalism from the University of Southern California and her B.A. in Communications from Washington State University. She has spent about half of her life here in the Pacific Northwest. Aside from reading and writing, she enjoys frequenting local restaurants and exploring what the area has to offer with her family.

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

REal Estate Minute

with Tracie

SEPTEMBER 2026

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

BUYING A NEW HOME & SELLING YOUR OLD ONE AT THE SAME TIME? YES! WELCOME TO THE CONTINGENT OFFER! I

know you are hearing a lot about the changing market. With the changing market, I am going to do a series of emails that (I hope) will help you with some clarification of things you are hearing, and how to navigate our real estate market. Some of what I say, people are going to be all on board with, and other things.. maybe not so much. So, disclaimer.... while I have been a licensed Realtor for over 20 years, and while I am in the top 10% of Realtors in our area... real estate is a constantly changing profession that requires consistent learning & education. What I share is through my experiences with my transactions (I average about 50 per year), my clients, and is based on my personal & professional opinions. In 20+ years I have seen quite a few different real estate markets, but not one is the same as another.....even if they share similarities. With this market, I (& many of my fellow experienced compadres) are trying to spend more time educating people, to help people understand our changing market. You might not like what we all have to say, but you know what they say about opinions.... On one of the Facebook pages I am part of, a woman was asking about what her family should do if they wanted to buy a new home but already had a home. She asked if it was a ‘thing’ to buy a home while you were trying to sell a home. She asked her Realtor about it, and he poo-pooed her question. Her Realtor told her that, “in our current market, contingent offers were not a thing, and people didn’t do or accept those’. In other words... most likely a newer Realtor who has never seen a different market in the past 5 years, and has no idea about contingent offers. Then I realized that most homeowners who have never sold/ purchased a home before were probably in the same boat and didn’t understand how this worked. So... let’s have a chat. Grab your coffee, or wine, or sweet tea... or whatever

floats your boat, or finds your lost remote... let’s talk about ‘Contingency’... Example.... I have clients who are buying a home in Battle Ground. They are purchasing this home ‘contingent’ on the sale of their current home. My clients have a home they currently own. They have to sell their current home to buy a new home (they can’t afford to pay 2 mortgages). They also don’t want to sell their current home and be homeless while they look for a new home to love. They have been looking for a while, and found a really great home that has everything they want/need, but only needs a little cosmetic love (paint & some flooring). We made an offer to the sellers that said, “Hey, We love your home and would love to buy it for $XXX,XXX, but we need to sell our home first. Will you accept our offer and give us X amount of time to sell our home first? In the meantime, we will do the inspections & appraisals and get everything else ready for the closing.” In the past 2 years, getting contingent offers accepted have been almost impossible, but with the changing market... we are getting them accepted again. Pros & Cons of each.... for the buyer & for the seller.... For the Buyer... Pros.... it gives the buyer a home to buy while they are selling their home.....without the fear of being homeless after their current home gets an offer/sells and they can’t find another home. Cons... a buyer only has a limited amount of time to get an offer accepted on their current home. If they buyer can not get an offer accepted on their current home prior to the contingency date, then the accepted offer dies/ expires, and the buyer loses their inspection & appraisal fees (as those are non-refundable).

The buyer can also be ‘Bumped’ at any time during the contingency period. So while there are some great pros for the buyer...there are some negatives as well. It’s Risky Business, but sometimes you got to “Risk it to get the Biscuit”. For the Seller... Pros... They have an accepted offer on their home who is moving forward on the purchase of their home. When a seller accepts a contingent offer, the home goes into ‘Bumped’ status....not pending. A ‘Bumped’ (BMP) status says that the seller accepted a contingent offer, but the home is still available on the market for sale to another non-contingent offer. It’s kind of a, “I’m in with you...unless a non-contingent offer comes along’. Cons... There really isn’t a ‘con’ for the seller, except that maybe some buyers won’t look at a ‘Bump’ offer. So, I have said ‘Bumped’ a few times, but I haven’t explained it yet, so let me do that.... When a buyer makes an offer on a home, they hope the seller accepts the offer. If the seller accepts the buyers offer, the home goes into a ‘pending’ status. Pending means the home is ‘off’ the market for other showings & offers. It’s like getting engaged. Yay... start to plan the wedding (closing!). This is what happens with ‘non-contingent’ offers. When a contingent buyer makes an offer on a home, they still hope the seller accepts the offer. If the seller accepts the contingent buyers offer, it goes into ‘Bump’ status. Bump status is like dating... Sometimes dating turns into 30 years of marriage, 3 kids, and 2 grandkids... and sometimes dating turns into some great (or not so great) memories. With a ‘Bump’ status, the home can still gets

showings, and can receive another offer. IF the seller receives a non-contingent offer during the contingency period, a Bump Status addendum needs to be sent to the bumpable buyer letting them know that the seller they are dating has received a non-contingent offer, and that they have X amount of days to ‘put up or shut up’. The Bump status days are in the contingency addendum. The addendum states that there is a ‘5 day bump’ period, but that can be changed. In this example, my clients have a 5 day bumpable period, meaning if the seller receives a non-contingent offer, my clients have 5 days to remove their contingency, or back out and let the seller date someone else. The bumpable buyer does get their earnest money back if this were to happen. I have a client selling their home who counteroffered with a 2 day Bump. So, if my seller receives a non-contingent offer, their bumpable buyer as only 2 days to ‘put up or shut up’ aka remove their contingency. If the bumpable buyer accepts an offer during the contingency period, then we send over the addendum removing the contingency, and voila... we aren’t dating the home anymore.. we are officially engaged! We are PENDING, baby!! So... Contingencies ARE a thing! ...and yes, my friends, with the changing market... it is DEFINITELY being done, and they are getting accepted. 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 homeselling adventure.

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

www.LearningToBuyAHome.com | www.FreeSellerClasses.com

CALENDAR OF EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Calendar

September '26

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

1 TUESDAY

Chipper’s Preschool Rides at Oaks Park, 7805 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland. Ride the kiddie rides and selected family rides, then visit Chipper the Squirrel during snack and story time in the Historic Dance Pavilion. A limited number of admissions are available per day, purchase online to guarantee a spot at oakspark.com. $13.50. Tuesday and Wednesday 10 am–12:30 p.m.

2 WEDNESDAY

Tween Bad Art at Cascade Park Community Library, 600 NE 136th Ave., Vancouver. Create a unique masterpiece with the random supplies provided. There are no rules or expectations. This is a space to experiment and embrace creativity at all levels. Free. 4–6 p.m.

3 THURSDAY

Family Bingo at Kalama Harbor Lodge, 215 N Hendrickson Drive, Kalama. Bring a dauber or use the ones provided - good times await either way. Bingo is the first Thursday of the month in Old 97. Fun prizes for bingos, or win the biggie, an overnight stay at the Kalama Harbor Lodge. Free. All ages welcome. 7 p.m. Line Dancing at Ashwood Taps & Trucks, 1535 E St., Washougal. Open to all ages and skill levels. $10 per person. Sept. 3 and 17, 7–9 p.m.

of events

activities

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.

4 FRIDAY

Friday Night Cruise In at Alderbrook Park, 24414 NE Westerholm Rd., Brush Prairie. Each Friday enjoy a vintage car cruise-in and all the park amenities including disc golf, train rides, beach volleyball, mini golf, bounce houses, play structures, the pool and more. Tickets are $10 ages 14+, $5 for children ages 4-13, veterans and seniors, children 3 and under are free. 4–8 p.m. First Friday Art Walk Downtown Vancouver. Downtown is home to a wide array of gallery spaces and art-centric businesses that are ready to welcome visitors. See vdausa.org/ first-friday for the list of businesses for the month. Free. 5–8 p.m. Celebrate Art First Friday Downtown Camas. Celebrating everything art is the passion behind this event. The experience features a combination of art installations, shows, demos and kids’ activities, alongside after-hours shopping, dining and other family-friendly, artful fun. Free. 5–8 p.m.

5 SATURDAY

Salmon Creek Trail Parkrun at Salmon Creek Trail, 800 NE 117th St., Vancouver. A free, fun and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it’s up to you. Saturdays at 9 a.m.

Ridgefield Multicultural Festival at Overlook Park, 113 S Main St., Ridgefield. Step into the heart of the community and uncover the captivating story of Ridgefield. Experience a vibrant celebration brought to life with live performances, engaging games, local flavors and a curated selection of vendors—all waiting to be discovered. Free. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Heritage Choir Fall Street Fair Heritage High School, 7825 NE 130th Ave., Vancouver. Attend a fun-filled festival dedicated to supporting the Heritage Choir program. Enjoy a vibrant day featuring live music performances throughout the event, a variety of food and drinks available for purchase and a familyfriendly atmosphere designed for all ages. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center 201 E Reserve St., Vancouver. The STEAM aviation program offers youth of all ages hands-on learning and exploration. Activities include a flight simulator lab with Kerbal Space Program and Microsoft Flight Simulator, a vertical wind table and displays of historic airplanes and collections. Admission is free. An adult must accompany children. Saturdays 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Sunflower Festival at Bi-Zi Farms, 9504 NE 119th St., Vancouver. Enjoy a day on the farm taking photos with beautiful flowers and adorable animals. Every paid entry includes one cut sunflower, a free hayride and beautiful photo opportunities. 12–8 p.m. Chinese Storytelling and Crafting at Cascade Park Community Library, 600 NE 136th Ave., Vancouver. Storyteller Kenny Chen presents a cultural journey designed for kids and families, featuring traditional Chinese stories brought to life followed by a collaborative craft session. Free. 2–3:30 p.m. continued on next page

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

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9 WEDNESDAY

Science on Tap – How to Think Like a Volcano at Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St., Vancouver. Volcanic eruptions are fueled by magma stored beneath the surface, so better preparation requires digging deep, literally. This talk explores how to think like a volcano by looking closely at the operations of magma factories. Visit kigginstheatre.com for tickets. 7 p.m.

11 FRIDAY

Rose City Comic Con at Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Portland. Don’t miss out on Portland’s premier pop culture convention event. Rose City Comic Con is a fun, family-friendly 3-day celebration of comics, gaming, sci-fi, cosplay, anime, fantasy and every fandom in between. Visit rosecitycomiccon.com for details. Sept. 11, 1–8 p.m. Sept. 12, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Sept. 13, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

12 SATURDAY

Vancouver Peace & Justice Fair at Esther Short Park, 605 Esther St., Vancouver. The Vancouver Peace and Justice Fair will showcase the hard work and creative spirit of individuals, social justice groups, peace

organizations, faith communities, performers, artists, businesses and environmental activists who are making the world a better place. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Summer Train Rides at Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Station, 207 N Railroad Road, Yacolt. The excursion departs from Yacolt and travels through the tunnel, across the East Fork of the Lewis River with a stop at Moulton Station to visit Yacolt Falls. See tickets.bycx. org for details. Sept. 12 & 13, 12:30 and 2:30 p.m.

16 WEDNESDAY

Hatchery Tours at Columbia Springs, 12208 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver. Ever wondered how old the fish are out in the round ponds, or how the hatchery works? What temperature is the spring water as it comes out of the ground? Find the answers to these questions and more on a tour of the unique historic hatchery. Free. Register at columbiasprings.org. 3–4 p.m.

Camas Car Show in Downtown Camas. Stroll the beautiful streets of historic Downtown Camas and enjoy the many classic and custom cars and trucks that fill the town. Enjoy old favorites and new discoveries in this 19th annual event (rescheduled from June). 2–7 p.m.

14 MONDAY

Tiny Toppings Storytime and Ice Cream at Copper Bell Bookstore and Eight Cow Creamery, Ridgefield. Enjoy a story at the bookstore followed by ice cream at Eight Cow Creamery. Each purchase of a scoop of ice cream will receive a kid scoop free. For pre-k littles every second and fourth Mondays. 11 a.m.

Kids & Tweens Shadow Puppet Craft at Ridgefield Community Library, 210 N Main Ave., Ridgefield. Bring imagination to life in the shadows. Attend a fun, hands-on crafting session to design, cut and assemble custom shadow puppets. Once characters are ready, practice bringing them to life. Ages 5–12. Free. 3:30–5 p.m. continued on page 30

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

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

17 THURSDAY

Constitution Day at O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson St., Vancouver. The Historic Trust and League of Women Voters of Clark County are partnering on a free, multi-generational public civic engagement event highlighting the history of the Constitution and how it impacts everyday life in the United States. Planned activities include a panel discussion, a constitution trivia game and a craft table supplied with items for writing a personal constitution, including quill pens to try out. Free. 4–7 p.m.

19 SATURDAY

Kids & Tweens Great Build Off at various libraries. Put creativity to the test in the Kids & Tweens Great Build Off. Use the materials provided to design, build and problemsolve through a surprise challenge. The Vancouver Mall Library will host on Sep 19 from 11 a.m.–12 p.m., and the Battle Ground Community Library will host on Sep 22 from 4:30–6:30 p.m. Americana 250 Fall Fest at Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens, 115 S Pekin Rd., Woodland. Enjoy a day of community festivities featuring a chili cook-off and apple pie contest. The event includes live music, games, face painting and various vendors for a fun, familyfriendly experience. Explore the historic Klager house with open tours or stroll through the museum and gardens. Free. 11 a.m.– 6 p.m.

Elktoberfest at Vancouver Elks Lodge, 11605 SE McGillvray Blvd., Vancouver. Traditional German fare and merry making in the BIG backyard. Enjoy beer, brats and bands as well as kids’ carnival games and a vendor marketplace. The event is a charity drive open to the public. $10. Sept. 18, 4–10 p.m. Sept. 19, 2–9 p.m. Kids & Teens Creative Crafts: DIY Squishies at Three Creeks Community Library, 800-C NE Tenney Rd., Vancouver. Attend a craft session to make DIY squishy toys using fun, simple materials. Squeeze, squish and take home a stress-busting creation. Ages 5-12. Free. 4:30–5:30 p.m. Family Bingo Night at Camas Public Library, 625 NE 4th Ave., Camas. Join in for Bingo at the library. Winners receive their choice of Reading Dragon prize. All ages welcome. Free. 5–6 p.m.

23 WEDNESDAY

Sonic Live in Concert at Keller Auditorium, 222 SW Clay St., Portland. This new concert experience brings together the most iconic music and incredible moments of the beloved Sonic video games. A live ensemble, rock musicians, electronics and vocalists will perform an array of songs from throughout the games as well as instrumental renditions of fan favorites. Tickets start at $54 at portland5. com. 7:30 p.m.

25 FRIDAY

Costume Swap at Kindred Vancouver, 2213 Main St., Vancouver. Trade spooky threads, ghoulish garb, and barely-worn costumes. Visit kindredvancouver.com for details. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

18 FRIDAY

Realms Unknown at Lewis River Golf Course, 3209 Old Lewis River Rd., Woodland. Step through the gates and leave the modern world behind. At Realms Unknown, you’ll discover a place where fantasy becomes reality, where knights clash in tournament combat, mystical creatures roam the grounds and every corner holds a new adventure waiting to unfold. Tickets start at $40 at realmsunknown. com. Sept. 18, 2–11 p.m., Sept. 19, 10 a.m.–11 p.m., Sept. 20, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

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

Wearable Art Artist Talk at Art at the Cave, 108 E Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. Hear from artists involved in the current Wearable Art Exhibit. Visitors can expect a range of artistic styles. 1–2 p.m. Community Clothing Swap at Battle Ground Community Library, 1207 SE 8th Way, Battle Ground. Participate in a community clothing swap at the Battle Ground Community Library to donate gently used items and discover new-to-life pieces. Please drop off clean, dry, scent-free, and damage-free donations from Sep 13-18 during regular library hours or bring them on the event day. Free for all ages. Bring shopping bags. 2–4 p.m. Family Movie at Ridgefield Community Library, 210 N Main Ave., Ridgefield. Seeking the perfect Saturday afternoon hangout? Bring family and friends to the library for a family-friendly movie and free popcorn. Free. 3–5 p.m.

21 MONDAY

Teen & Tween Hangout: Pizza & Games at Three Creeks Library, 800-C Tenney Rd., Vancouver. Hang out with friends, play games, craft, and chat about favorite things. Pizza and snacks are provided by Friends of Three Creeks Community Library. Free. 5–6 p.m.

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

English Country Dance at Fern Prairie Grange, 1814 NE 267th Ave., Camas. Old or young, new or experienced. Enjoy a fun-filled night and learn a new dance or two. Suggested donation is $5 per person or $10 per family. 6:30–11 p.m. 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-out-loud, 90-minute, gender-bending romp. Tickets are $28 at magenta.ludus.com. Sept. 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 27 at 2 p.m. Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift at The Old Church Concert Hall, 1422 SW 11th Ave., Portland. Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations. Get tickets at feverup. com to discover the music of Taylor Swift under the gentle glow of candlelight. $43-$66. 8:30 p.m. continued on next page

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26 SATURDAY

Bi-Zi Farms Pumpkin Patch at 9504 NE 119th St., Vancouver. The Pumpkin Patch & Harvest Festival celebrates the annual harvest and the farm’s rural heritage. Entry is $16 and must be purchased online. Enjoy many fall experiences including a wagon ride, free pumpkin, pumpkin launchers, a hot drink, corn maze and more. Visit bi-zifarms.com for details. Sept. 26, 27 and Oct. 1–31 (closed Mondays) CouveCon at Vancouver Mall, 8700 NE Vancouver Mall Drive, Vancouver. Don’t miss the 5th Annual CouveCon! This signature pop culture event is packed with local artist showcases, celebrity meet-and-greets, panel discussions and interactive activities for fans of all ages. Enjoy exclusive merchandise, cosplay contests, fandom panels,and more in a celebration of creativity and community. 11 a.m.– 7 p.m. Cornbread Day at Cedar Grist Mill, 43907 NE Cedar Grist Mill Rd., Woodland. Experience varieties of cornbread made with fruit jam, hot peppers, bacon, cheese and herbs, then vote for a favorite. 1 p.m. Eleventy-First Birthday Party at Vancouver Community Library, 901 C St., Vancouver.

Celebrate an ‘Eleventy-First’ birthday with festive snacks, crafts, trivia and a screening of The Fellowship of the Ring (2001). Fantasy attire is encouraged for a costume contest or attend in casual dress. A new world awaits. Free. 1–5 p.m.

27 SUNDAY

Paradise of Samoa Polynesian Dance Troupe at Battle Ground Community Library, 1207 SE 8th Way, Battle Ground. This 50-minute show features authentic music and costumes as well as captivating storytelling from Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa and New Zealand. Watch a talented troupe of performers bring these islands to life and get ready to jump in for some interactive dancing. It is a colorful, unforgettable celebration for every age. Free. 2–3 p.m. Wild Symphony at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway, Portland. Oregon Symphony’s Family Concerts are crafted to engage young audiences through interactive and educational experiences. The concerts will feature narrators, dancers, youth choirs and/or other engaging elements to captivate young listeners. Family Concerts are best suited for children ages 5-12. Tickets are $16$56 at orsymphony.org. 2–3 p.m.

29 TUESDAY

Water for Elephants at Keller Auditorium, 222 Clay St., Portland. Based on the beloved bestselling novel, this production tells a sweeping story of love and resilience set against the gritty, glittering backdrop of a traveling circus during the Great Depression. Tickets available at portland.broadway.com. Sept. 29–Oct. 4

30 WEDNESDAY

La Ratoncita Presumida/The Vain Little Mouse at Cascade Park Community Library, 600 NE 136th Ave., Vancouver. This puppet show is presented by Venezuelan Americans Melissa and Carlos Bertran. A truly bilingual (Spanish/English) story and experience. Free. 3–4 p.m. Teen Make Your Own Merch at Washougal Community Library, 1661 C St. Washougal. Design custom merch, create prints and buttons and learn how artists turn handmade items into a business. Ages 13-19. Free. 4–5 p.m.

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