Surviving Winter Break: Escape to Oregon’s Washington County
December 9th, 2011 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan
Let’s face it, by the time winter rolls around, we’re ready for a break, and if you have kids-especially teenagers–you know they are chomping at the bit to get out of the house. Why wait until summer for a weekend or week-long getaway? Winter is a fabulous time to venture to Oregon’s Washington County. The following is quick look at what’s going on this season:
Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals
FOR ARTS & CULTURE BUFFS: ‘Tis the season for arts and culture to take the spotlight, from performing arts to art exhibitions.
- Local professional theatre companies Bag&Baggage and Broadway Rose offer a year-round slate of productions, including special holiday-themed performances.
- The Glenn and Viola Walters Cultural Arts Center has a strong performing arts calendar featuring a diverse array of musical performances, spoken word and poetry readings.
- Through April 12, 2012, the Washington County Museum is home to its latest exhibit, Snapshot!, an impressive and extensive collection of photography equipment, objects depicting home and farm life and numerous historic images.
- Print Arts Northwest has a calendar of several different art exhibitions with varying themes, featuring established and up-and-coming artists from the Pacific Northwest.
See the complete list of performing arts companies and venues, art galleries and museums and historical sites in Washington County.
FOR TEEN SPORTS FANS: See the brightest high school athletes compete in the annual basketball tournament and slam dunk contest.
Watch the college and NBA stars of tomorrow duke it out on the basketball courts when the annual Les Schwab Invitational hits the court December 26-30. This year’s tournament features the top basketball teams in Oregon and welcomes nationally ranked teams Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, VA), Yates High School (Houston, TX) and Riverside Academy (New Orleans, LA).
Great Blue Heron (Photo: Ed Bustya)
FOR WILDLIFE ENTHUSIASTS: Catch a glimpse, or take a photo of wildlife and birds as they “winter” in Oregon.
Not all birds fly south for the winter. Various species prefer to stay in the peaceful nature preserves of Washington County. Heron, geese, eagles, hawks, pheasants, quail, chickadees, wrens, and the occasional seagull, along with beavers, otters, coyote and deer, can be spotted in various locations throughout the area. Best places to view wildlife are the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge (TRNWR), Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve and Tualatin Hills Nature Park, to name a few. See what common, uncommon and rare species of birds and more can be found with the TRWNR’s handy Watchable Wildlife guide (PDF).
FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY: The family that plays together will find a host of winter-fun activities in Oregon’s Washington County.
It may be a challenge to find activities that will entertain teens, while inspiring adults. Try these family-friendly ideas on for size:
- Play a friendly game of laser tag at Laserport.
- Spend time bowling or playing arcade games at Big Al’s.
- Rev up the engines at the indoor go-kart experience, Sykart Indoor Racing Center.
- Jump “sky high” at the indoor trampoline center, Sky High Sports.
- Boulder around Stoneworks Climbing Gym.
Countless hours of activities and a multitude of attractions are waiting to be explored in Oregon’s Washington County. The question isn’t what can you do in Washington County? It’s when can you get here?
Related Articles:
- “What’s a Teen to Do?” (August 31, 2011)
- “Rainy-Day Activities for Kids”
- “Rainy-Day Activities for Adults”
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