[DET62]

This is off topic, but my church choir is taking a trip to Portland OR, Seattle Washington, and Vancouver Canada next June. I can take my kids [ages 16 and 11]. I have never been to that part of the USA and I think it would be a great learning opportunity for all of us. Anyone from up there, or who has traveled there, who can tell me what there is for kids in those cities?

Also, what's the weather like up there in June?

Thanks!
Dee

[caaron]

We live south of Portland in Central Oregon and travel there often to visit family.
In June it can be pretty nice but as always you need to be ready for rain. Portland has a pretty good zoo and there's always OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science & Industry). You might also go online to the Chamber of Commerce and see what else there is. We can't gat away from family enough to see what else is around.
Seattle is about the same for weather. They have a great music museum, Experience Music Project, down by the Space Needle and a Sci Fi museum (I'm told. Haven't been there myself.). They also have the tram that you ride downtown and walk to Pike's Market. Lots of little vendors etc. Watch out for flying fish!
We spent the weekend there a few years ago. I loved it! We didn't have a tennager or pre-teen with us though. I would think they'd enjoy the music museum. I would check the Chamber of Commerce there too.
Hope you have fun!!

[HappyTwinsMom]

I live about mid-way between Seattle and Vancouver, so...here's my two cents...

Caaron gave you good info about Seattle - make sure you take a ferry ride while you're there! The one from downtown to Bainbridge Island is pretty and not too long. My niece worked for Argosy Cruises this summer as a tour guide on their harbor cruises. Lots of fun there, too, and you get history and little factoids about Seattle (only about an hour long, so not too much for the younger ones).

Vancouver is lots of fun, too. The aquarium at Stanley Park is AWESOME!!! My kids would live there if I'd let 'em. Killer whale shows, dolphins, all kinds of other sea creatures. And Stanley Park is just beautiful with lots of open space, horse-drawn carriage rides, etc.

June is generally a pretty good time around here for weather. Can be cool and sometimes a bit rainy. Our best weather is usually in August and September. Plan on putting at least a light windbreaker type jacket in your backpack as you head out each day - just in case.

Have a wonderful trip!!!!!!!!!

[happy-g]

I live in Seattle and I think it is great that you get to visit our wonderful city! There is so much to do. Downtown has so much to offer. Take a ride up the Space Needle to get a fabulous view of the city, mountains and Puget Sound. The Music Experience Project and Seattle Center Amusement Park are worth checking out. The MEP just lowered their prices. The Seattle Center Amusement Park is pretty low key compared to Six Flags type parks but it is still fun. The Pacific Science Center is also right by the Space Needle as well as the IMAX theater. You can also catch a ride on "The Ducks" WWII amphibius vehicals for a overground tour of the city, lots of fun and they take you for a ride on Lake Union. Down at Pioneer Square you can take a underground tour of old SEattle that burned to the ground in the early 1900. Of course Pike Place Market and the Water Front are a must see. The newly upgraded Aquarium is down on the Water Front and there is a trolly you can hop a ride on as well.
The Monorail (if it is running) can take you from the big shopping area of Pacific Place, Nordstroms, Macys and to the Seattle Center.
We also have a Fabulous zoo, Woodland Park.
You should try to fit in a Ferry Ride, you can catch one downtown, just check out the Washington State Ferry Schedual on line for running times and destinations. The ride from Edmonds, just North of Seattle, to Kingston only takes 20 minutes and there is a great ice cream shop on the other side.
If you have time for a day trip I would suggest the Olympic Penninsula, Leavenworth, Snoqulamie Fall, Woodinville (There is a GREAT Garden Store, Molbaks) and several wineries as well as Redhook Brewery to tour), Taking the Ferry from Mukilteo (20 minutes North of the city and home of Woody's the BEST ice cream in the state!) to Whidbey Island and walk around Langely.
Also, don't forget to get a good coffee drink at Starbuks! I've been to Starbuks in other states and the coffee always tastes different! I can tell you that the Baristas in Seattle are the best!
And don't forget to go to Ivars Fish Bar on the Waterfront...yummy!
Have Fun, Bring your rain gear and enjoy this great city!

[lakimnafite]

June is our Portland Rose Festival. Not sure of your travel dates or the dates of Rose Festival next year, but don't miss it if you can. People come from all over - Navy ships and other military ships harbor here and you'll see sailors form all over the world. Carnival, rides, games, music. There are tons of events at Waterfront Park during the summer months, so you can be sure to catch something.