What We Do Just Right Over the Bridge, Vancouver, WA
- Jasmine Luna
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 3 hours ago
When we chose to move to Portland, OR I had absolutely no intention of ever exploring any portion of Vancouver, WA. Ever. The appeal just wasn’t there, plus I had a long time ex-boyfriend who had lived in Vancouver while we dated so there is still a sour taste in my mouth about the whole place lol. Maybe it’s time to move on huh?
Luckily for me, one of my long-time, beautiful friends lives in Vancouver and has taken the time and effort to share some of the gems about her town with us. Turns out that Vancouver is actually pretty wonderful and very kid forward, like Dubois Park pictured above.
Why we LOVE it:
A small neighborhood park basically out of a suburban movie like Now and Then or something. You just pull up and park directly on the street next to the park, we have never had an issue with parking though we have only gone in the Fall months, I am sure summer is much busier.
The playground itself is easily accessible for both kids, 3 and almost 2, and there are bigger structures that Angus can do on his own and Marigold can do with help.
Easy visibility so both kids can wonder without issue or mom anxiety.
A small roughly .25 mile path perfect for the kids to run and or bike around without any big drop offs or issues of running off. Again since this park is in a neighborhood setting the entire space is surrounded by houses. Nice ones at that.
There is one port-a-pot but I don’t think it is part of the park, I think it is someone's who is doing work on their house but we have been able to use it so far.
There is also a basketball court with balls, though mostly deflated lol, but they are still there.
Overall we rate this park a 9/10 mostly due to the lack of restrooms. Otherwise, parking is easy, the playground is fun for both kids, I appreciate the bike path, lack of traffic, and basketball court. The only real con for us is that often there are not any kids around, I am sure this changes in the summer months but this can be a plus too if you're not up for much interaction or the kids are sick.
Why we LOVE it:
So easy! I think that is the thing about Vancouver, it's so easy to park and go. This is located right next to River Maiden coffee shop, never been but have been told that it is amazing, everything is homemade all the bread and such.
The parking lot has never been full when we have gone, again this may be since we have never gone in summer but so far it is so easy.
I think there is a port-a-pot but I honestly cannot recall. Also, I would imagine River Maiden would be doable in a bind.
The bike garden itself is so simple, just a parking lot space painted with a path and some beautifully decorated wooden structures throughout.
All you need is your bike and a helmet.
Not really regulated one way or another just show up, bike, run or scooter and snack on the provided picnic tables.
Never too busy.
Overall we rate the Bike Garden a 9/10 mostly because it is a bit lack-luster so the kids have to be ready to do something a little more independent or meet a friend. We have always met our friend and her daughter there so we have not had any issue with independent play. We also took our remote control monster truck once which worked out well. Always a fun and easy go-to when over the bridge. We often pair the Bike Garden with Dubois Park because they are literally moments away from each other.
Why we LOVE it:
For one! It opens at 9:00 AM Tuesday - Thursday! I cannot express what a gift this is for us! This allows us to get there, get out and get home all in time for naps. Plus if we want to stop at the Bike Garden or Dubois park we have plenty of time to do so. I think both are roughly 8 minutes away from the library.
They offer 2 hours of free parking in the lot behind the library.
Umm…The library itself is ahhhmazing! The play area is beautiful and full of interactive areas, Magnatiles, coloring, playing with kitchen and cookware. The list goes on. We also recently discovered a few boxes of other activities for older kids behind the desk when you walk in.
Multiple bathrooms nearby for family and individuals.
A beautiful enclosed roof top area for the kids to run-a-muck and enjoy snacks before leaving.
Membership is so easy to sign up and we were able to get a membership even living in North Portland.
Overall we rate the Vancouver Library an easy 10/10! Parking, bathrooms, activities, multiple spaces for kids to run free. Easy sign up and no expectations for the kids. You are not supposed to eat in the library, I think, but the roof top makes for the perfect end to the visit. We always try to be respectful and not take advantage of the space and freedoms meaning that we do let the kids run around but not obnoxiously and we always pick up after ourselves. We are so grateful for the Vancouver Community Library! A note, I am pretty sure you are not supposed to snack in the library play area itself so we always end with snacks on the roof. We always see humming birds and enjoy the view. They also offer story time throughout the week around 10:30AM. It was a little too young for Angus and too interactive for Marigold to stay focused. Seems fun with one kid.
Why we LOVE it:
The small conchas are $0.89! And so good!
Brand new store, everything is so colorful and pretty. Parking is super easy and the staff is super friendly!
They have so much to offer that we didn't even scratch the surface about, ready to eat hot food, tons of pastries and so much more.
This isn't really a rating situation but for consistency sake, we rate it an obvious 10/10! Such a beautiful space with piñatas covering the entire ceiling and so much ready-to-eat and fresh made food! Parking was so easy, staff was so friendly and the conchas were fresh and delicious and aggressively affordable. Go there! Thank you so much Noey Thomas @howimetvancouver for the rec.
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