With the Oregon weather shifting from the summer heat to the cozy dampness of fall, staying inside and binge-watching shows on Netflix can be tempting. But we live in a vibrant state with year-round activities, and just because the weather is turning does not mean we need to hibernate. Up until recently, the best outings were usually found in Portland. If you want to try a new, trendy restaurant or take your kids to a unique, memorable event, it must most likely be done in the city. While Portland is still the dominant option, the suburbs are starting to catch on. One of these areas that has experienced a great deal of growth is downtown Beaverton. I am a Portland-area native, so even mentioning downtown Beaverton as a popular destination still seems strange. However, the truth is that there are a ton of family activities to be had there, even with the Oregon rain making its grand return. 

The Beaverton Farmers Market runs close to year-round, only being closed for December and January. On Saturdays, this family-friendly space offers a wide range of food, from fresh and organically grown vegetables to sustainably raised meat to local and natural honey. Even in the colder months, there are enough vendors to keep you and the kids entertained. More importantly, it is not an overwhelming or stressful market. It is also a great opportunity for your kids to be involved in essential family necessities like grocery shopping at the market. Let them bring their own bag and take part in picking out some of the items. Children want to help and participate, and the Beaverton Farmers Market provides them with this opportunity. From April to November, the market is open from 8:30am to 1:30pm, and in February and March, it is open from 10:00am to 1:30pm. Just ensure to get there early as parking tends to fill up quickly.   

There is plenty more to do in downtown Beaverton than just the farmer’s market. Right next door is the Beaverton Library, which is open 7 days a week. This library regularly hosts many events for your family to take part in. Their annual Kids Costume Dance Party takes place on October 28th at 10:45am. They also have their Teen Scary Short Story Contest, which accepts submissions up until October 31st. There are many other upcoming events that happen regularly. Next to the farmer’s market and the library is Ava Roasteria coffee shop. This classic, Beaverton-based destination offers a variety of drinks and eats. A seasonal drink currently being offered is their Hot Cinna-Mummy Roll. Not to mention, they make their hot chocolate with authentic, blended chocolate pieces. 

A short block from Ava Roasteria is Crystal Heart Books, a fun shop selling incense, crystals, and charms. This eclectic shop has been around since 1991 and has many unique items for sale. For lunch, there are many worthwhile options that are all a short walk from one another. A couple of great options for lunch are Top Burmese Bistro Royale and Whole Bowl. Another fun spot is Breakside Brewery, which is hosting a Monster Mash Beer Bash Halloween event on October 26th at noon. Even though they are a brewery, they are a family-friendly establishment, and their Halloween event is for all ages. With so many delicious restaurants in the area, it should be said that it is worth it to spend time roaming around the area and deciding at the moment. 

A must-visit in the area is Pip’s Original Doughnuts and Chai. For years, if you wanted to experience the greatness of a Pip’s doughnut, you would need to venture out to Fremont Street in Portland. But now they have opened a second shop right in the heart of downtown Beaverton. The friendly owners, Nate and Jamie, were keen on the renaissance that was occurring in downtown Beaverton and wanted to be a part of it. In fact, they are so committed to the area that they designed their store to reflect the Beaverton-Sunset Corridor. Pip’s offers fresh, made-to-order warm doughnuts with toppings such as cinnamon sugar, Nutella, and honey. They also make their flavorful chai from scratch. My personal favorite chai on their menu is the King and I, made from cardamon, ginger, anise, and other exceptional flavors. Pip’s business model is Community, not Competition, and you can see this not only from the excellent quality of their food but also from the neighborly atmosphere they have cultivated.  

I could go on and on about the many other cool places in downtown Beaverton, such as Kinder Home, a trendy home décor shop. Or I could talk about BOOverton! A Spooktacular Halloween Adventure, happening on October 27th at 1:00pm. Or I could continue down the list of the many other wonderful family-friendly restaurants and shops in the area. But I think the best thing to say is to make a day out of it with your family. Downtown Beaverton is a relatively small area that is easily walkable for parents and their children. Each of the places mentioned is also a short walk from one another, so you don’t need to worry about getting everyone in and out of the car either. Don’t let the cooler temperature and rain bring your family outings to a halt. Splash in some rain puddles, get a doughnut and chai from Pip’s, and make some beautiful memories.