Southeast
Whether your taste leans toward the bohemian or the modern, this network of neighborhoods has plenty to offer, all within walking distance. Find peace, love, and understanding (plus the Bagdad Theater, where you can sip ale or cider during weekend kids' screenings) along SE Hawthorne Boulevard, the city's cause-conscious strip; shop for new- and old-world goods (everything from antiques to Fenton glassware) in the historic district of Sellwood; and stroll or bike down the Eastbank Esplanade for views of the Willamette River and the downtown skyline. The newly built commercial space along the river is filled with up-and-coming designers of all trades, so browse the shops, then take the kids to Mt. Tabor Park—and watch their faces when they learn they're on top of a dormant volcano.
Restaurants
Cup & Saucer Café
No-fork foods like breakfast sandwiches for kids, plus tofu scrambles and blueberry pancakes served all day long.
3566 SE Hawthorne Blvd., (503) 236-6001
Order the compact but filling Pok Pok Special for $11 from this Thai restaurant's to-go shack and head to the riverfront esplanade for a picnic. Or sit in the dining room and get the kai yaang (game hen stuffed with lemongrass).
3226 SE Division St., (503) 232-1387
Sit outside and order the margherita pizza with prosciutto. They accept reservations for parties of all sizes.
1401 SE Morrison St., (503) 234-2427
Shops
Spielwerk Toystore
Go for the city's best selection of wooden toys.
7956 SE 13th Ave., (503) 736-3000
This mom-owned shop sells eco-friendly newborn and kid items, such as Under the Nile organic baby clothing and a nice selection of cloth diapers.
2627 SE Clinton St., (503) 230-7077
Kids can play with the stuffed reptiles in the "croc pit" while you browse the kids' and adults' designer shoes.
6802 SE Milwaukee Ave., (503) 234-0849
Activities
Zenana Spa
Babies are welcome to stay with Mom while she gets a manicure, pedicure, or massage. And for just $3 an hour, your older kid can play in the child-care space.
2024 SE Clinton St., (503) 238-6262; Sundays by appointment only
At this huge science museum, kids can go inside the earthquake-simulator pod, catch a laser show, and play with toy boats at the indoor fountain.
1945 SE Water Ave., (503) 797-4000
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