Things To Do this Winter for Portland Parents and Babies During a Pandemic

Everybody who lives in the Portland metro area knows that when the sun comes out, so do allll the people. But when Winter comes along, it’s a different story. Parents and babies alike feel trapped inside and stir crazy as rain or snow is pouring down around them. It seems too cold and wet outside, but you have to do something besides sit around your living room playing with the same toys every day. So what is there to do and how do you keep your baby comfortable while you do it?

Luckily, Portland, Oregon is a great place to be in this situation, because there are so many activity options and plenty of great companies making winter clothing to go along with them! Here are our favorite picks.

1. Explore the Great Outdoors!

   Rain and snow doesn’t necessarily mean you have to stay indoors– you just have to be prepared! Whether exploring snowy Mt. Hood, visiting the trails of Forest Park or walking around the various neighborhoods… there is so much to do and see around Portland. Babies’ bodies are not good at temperature regulation though, so you’ll want to pack everything you need to keep them safe and warm.

   What To Wear:

   For a truly snowy day, here is a great snow suit from the Back Country line of a local outdoor gear favorite: Columbia.

   For some flexible options that work in various weather conditions, we like these mittens from Goumikids, a crocheted hat from Portland local, GayCrochetCo, or this fuzzy Furry Friends Hat from the Patagonia Bend Store.

    

2. Music Together of Portland Classes

   When the weather outside is just too frightful, try a fun new indoor activity instead! Music Together of Portland puts on some awesome music classes for kids aged 0-8, including mixed age classes for parents with multiple children. Right now they are offering Winter classes online only, but you can choose from a live weekly stream or on-demand to fit it into your schedule. They even have it set up so that your baby is facing you instead of the screen… it’s like they’ve thought of everything! Take a look at their offerings HERE.

   What To Wear:

   Anything you want! 

   For indoors, we love this light pullover sweater from the Cat and Jack line at Target. And if your baby’s little toesies get cold in the house, these adorable booties from Zutano are so much easier to keep on than socks.

3. Oregon Zoo 

   On those rare sunny Winter days, it’s a great idea to get out and go to the Oregon Zoo! If you and your baby are tired of staring at the same animal toys and books, why not go see all those animals in person?! Your baby will love watching them move around as they make connections between what they’ve read about and what they look like in person. You will enjoy the fresh air, built in exercise, and change of environment. And no doubt you will both enjoy a fun adventure together!

   Whether you have an annual membership or not, there are tickets available for all families to claim. Due to covid-19, reservations are spaced out and all attendants age 5 and up must wear a mask during their visit. As of January 2021, they are open Friday through Monday for those with reserved tickets only. 

What To Wear:

Even when it’s sunny out, it can get cold! Be sure to bundle up and bring extra layers just in case. Top some cute layered outfits from Target with this sweet bunting from the Patagonia Bend Store, and your baby is ready to enjoy a crisp, cold January (or February) day.

4. Stay the night at McMenamins Kennedy School

When you’re just dying to get away but can’t go far, book yourself a staycation! McMenamins Kennedy School is a great place to take your whole family on vacation without even leaving the city. Right in the heart of NE Portland, you will find this historic elementary school turned hotel and it has so much to offer. There are restaurants and bars, a soaking pool, music events, and even a movie theater! While some of these activities are closed due to covid-19, there are still plenty of options available; just make sure to check ahead of time to see what is currently being offered.

What To Wear:

Be sure to bring a swimsuit for the soaking pool. We like this one for baby from Swimzip

And make yourselves feel fancy with cozy robes from Pottery Barn for YOU and Pottery Barn Kids for your baby!

5. Patio Dining at Hopworks Urban Brewery (HUB)

Portland is home to so many breweries and many of them are family friendly! Whether drinkers or sober, residents of the PNW love the brewery scene and HUB is a great one if you have kids. Their flagship location on Powell Blvd. just got a huge patio upgrade complete with heaters, so it’s a great time to get out of the house and go check them out.

What To Wear:

Sitting still can make babies colder than normal, so be sure to dress your baby in layers that will keep them the right temperature whether you have them in a carrier, a stroller (our favorite is made by Mockingbird), or a highchair. Tip– If they won’t keep hats on, try a hooded sweater or jacket (like this Columbia Steens Mountain Hooded Jacket) instead!

6. Roste Chocolate House

Who doesn’t love chocolate?! If you need a quick getaway for the afternoon, we highly suggest a trip to Roste Chocolate House. They have a rotating selection of hot cocoas along with a multitude of chocolates and pastries for the perfect cold-weather snack. YUM. Bonus– they also serve Coava coffee, a local favorite. 

What To Wear: 

When making a quicker trip, you want to make sure you consider what your little one will be wearing in the car. It isn’t safe to put them in puffy sweaters or jackets underneath their car seat buckles. We think The Buckle Me Baby Coat or this Car Seat Safety Road Coat make great alternatives! We recommend checking with your local Car Seat Safety Technician (our favorite Portland area CPST is Amy Rainbow of Adjoyn).

And once your Winter adventures are over, check out Kyte Baby’s buttery soft bamboo sleep bags. They come in three different togs (aka. weights) for a good night’s rest regardless of whether you keep your house warm or cool.

It can be hard to get motivated to leave the house when the weather is cold and grey, but we hope these ideas will help you feel more prepared.

Have fun on your next adventure, come visit us on social media, and let us know where you’ve been!

 

Find all of the linked items in one place (WITH PICTURES) on our Pinterest Board:

Our Favorite Winter Gear for Babies

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