Pre-Trip Fun for Portland, Oregon

"Mr. Holland's Opus" -- The uplifting family drama was filmed at Grant High School in Portland. (Pre-Teens and Up)

"The Lathe of Heaven" -- Primo for sci-fi fans, this PBS film based on Ursula LeGuin's novel features a futuristic Portland apartment complex. (Pre-Teens and Up)

Chinese Tea Party -- Kids can practice their pouring skills for the Chinese Gardens teahouse.

Raw Vegetable Salad -- Much of the nation's fresh produce comes from Oregon and California.

Oregon Salmon Patties -- Shape the region's nutrient-rich signature fish into kid-friendly burgers.

"Roughing It on the Oregon Trail" byTricia Brown -- Time-traveling twins discover what Oregon life was like in the 1800s. (Ages 4 to 8)

"Apples to Oregon" by Deborah Hopkinson and Nancy Carpenter -- If you're taking a road trip, bring this folksy journey from Iowa to Oregon with you. (Ages 4 to 8)

"B Is for Beaver: An Oregon Alphabet" by Marie Smith and Roland Smith -- Introduce kids to the Beaver State's lush forests, canyons, and seascapes. (Ages 4 to 8)

"Ramona Quimby, Age 8" by Beverly Cleary -- So famous is the adventurous Ramona and her creator they have their own sculpture garden in Portland. (Ages 8 to 12)

"Kids' Guide to the National Parks of California and Oregon, Written by Kids for Kids" by Jenna M. Sullivan and Laura C. Sullivan -- Who better to say what's cool for kids than other kids? (Ages 9 to 12)

"Fantastic Facts About the Oregon Trail" by Michael J. Trinklein -- Without this fun guide, you might find yourself in Antarctica. (Ages 9 to 12

"Daily Life in a Covered Wagon" by Paul Erickson -- This pioneer family's Oregon trek will make yours seem like a piece of cake. (Ages 9 to 12)

"The Portland Beavers" by Kip Carlson and Paul Andresen -- The rise, fall, and rise again of the PCL's first baseball team is a hit for sports fans. (Ages 13 and Up)

"The Lathe of Heaven" by Ursula LeGuin -- Haven't we all wondered, "What if dreams came true?" They do in this layered sci-fi classic. (Ages 13 and Up)

Rainy Day Umbrella -- If you're heading to Portland any time but in the summer, you'll need them.

Flower Dyeing or Hershey's Kiss Roses -- Portland's nickname is the Rose City; Even if it's not the season for the International Rose Gardens, kids can design their own bouquets.