POPULAR BOOKS/AUDIOBOOKS
NO DANCING GIRLS
This crime-drama follows a detective as she hunts for the murderer of two women, and fights time to catch him before time runs out on the next victim.
HEART OF FLAMES
Three characters work together to stop the advancing empire from destroying the Phoenix Riders.
SCAVENGE THE STARS
When a mysterious stranger is saved, Amaya fears her actions may lead to a longer sentence on the debtor ship she’s held captive on.
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POPULAR ON NETFLIX/HULU/PRIME
PALM SPRINGS
Comedian Andy Samberg gets stuck in a timeloop the night of his friend’s wedding, forcing him and a plus one to get trapped in California.
EUROVISION: SONG CONTEST
The hilariously funny Will Farrell and Rachel McAdams are given the opportunity to represent their country at the world’s biggest song competition.
CRAZY DELICIOUS
Insane flavor profiles, insta-worthy culinary illusions and the wackiest inventors compete to win.
FEEL THE BEAT
When a misstep ruins her Broadway career, a dancer takes a chance at redemption by helping a local dance team.
KNIVES OUT
After the death of a patriarch of an eccentric, combative family, a detective unfolds the truth of who killed him, and why.
CELEBRATING THE 4TH
MACY’S 4TH OF JULY FIREWORK SHOW
Unfortunately due to the current state of events, most if not all local firework displays are canceled. Tune in at home with loved ones and watch a colorful display of fireworks on tv, hosted on NBC at 10PM. The Grand Finale will take place on top of the Empire State Building, paying tribute to first responders and health care workers.
PATRIOTIC RECIPES
Create sweet and savory meals to celebrate the 4th like the pepperoni flag pizza, red, white, and blue deviled eggs, or a no-bake flag cheesecake. Check out delicious recipes here.
ROCK THE VOTE
Play a patriotic game, like “cast your ballots.” This game is fun for the whole family and you can make it at home with a few household items! Cut a rectangle sized opening in a cardboard box, so it resembles a ballot box. Adults and kids alike can then enjoy tossing frisbees and try to make them into the “ballot box” for a high score. See more here.
LADY LIBERTY CRAFT
Make a Lady Liberty crown using craft paper or foam. Follow the easy steps here, a great craft for kids.
GAMES/ACTIVITIES
STATE PARKS
As the state slowly opens, keep track of local state parks opening back up in Oregon and Washington. Home is still the safest place to be, make sure to bring your mask and hand sanitizer with you. State officials ask people not to travel and recreate with those outside their household and for those in urban areas to stay within a 50-mile radius.
SUPPORT LOCAL
Think about what attracts people to your community and support local. For example, visit a winery, vineyard tasting room, food carts, or the farmer’s market this weekend.
CAMPING
Schedule your summer campout ahead of time, select campsites are expected to open back up June 9th for Oregonians, stay tuned for Governor Inslee’s word on when Washington State camping will open up during phase 2.
BOARD GAMES
Check out popular board games online, or try your hand at making your own game!
HIKING IN OREGON
SILVERFALLS STATE PARK
Just east of Salem, walk trails through the forest and along with a number of waterfalls and enjoy views of Silver Creek.
MILO MCIVER STATE PARK
This park offers trails for humans, dogs, and horses alike. Bring a picnic and find a shady spot along the river to enjoy the hike.
L.L. STUB STEWART STATE PARK
Open 7am-7pm, this park offers a hilltop day-use area, off-leash dog area, horse staging area, a disc golf course, mountain biking trails, and more!
AINSWORTH STATE PARK
This popular campsite is nestled in-between Gorge destinations like Multnomah Falls, and Crown Point.
ERRATIC ROCK NATURAL SITE
Visit the site of this 90-ton rock, in its resting place after traveling over 500 miles (typically found in the Northern Rocky Mountains) in an iceberg about 12,000 years ago. Head out to see the largest glacial erratic found in the Willamette Valley.
HIKING IN WASHINGTON
BIRCH BAY STATE PARK
Follow the trail and enjoy over 1.5 miles of saltwater shoreline to explore, the marsh loop, and spot large birds.
PARADISE POINT
Bring your kayak or paddle board to enjoy the Lewis River, or hike along the shoreline, find the apple orchard or explore the wooded areas.
MYSTERY BAY
Head to Mystery Bay on a hot summer day to enjoy the eighteen-acre marine state park on the harbor.
TWIN FALLS
Look for walls of maidenhair ferns, climb a steep slope to get to the upper falls, and two cascades upstream.
CHILDREN’S PLAYTIME
SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS
Science Fun has fun experiments for at home project ideas, create a lava lamp, a storm in a glass, snow fluff, milk art, and more!
LIVESTREAM ZOO
The Cincinnati Zoo offers a live stream video series featuring Fiona the hippo. Explore.org offers livestreaming on their website featuring elephants, bald eagles, lions, monkeys, and more! The Smithsonian Zoo, Houston Zoo, San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium also offer live streaming as well.
A DISNEYLAND ADVENTURE
You can watch footage of Disneyland rides online, spreading joy and making your home the happiest place on earth.. Or close to it. Use an empty laundry basket in front of the TV, for your little one to climb aboard and enjoy a ride on their favorite Disney adventure without lines.
DIY HAND SANITIZER
You may have noticed hand sanitizer is hard to find on the shelves. Make your own at home as a fun family activity! You’ll need 99% isopropyl alcohol, 3% hydrogen peroxide, and 98% glycerin along with distilled water. Follow the steps here.
THINGS TO DO:
Explore bucket-list attractions like Machu Picchu and the Taj Mahal without leaving home.
Billboard offers live a live stream of virtual concerts.
Calling all seamstresses! Contact your local Jo-Ann fabric store for a mask-making kit! They’ll give you pieces of fabric and you can create masks, drop them back off at Jo-Ann’s and they’ll take them to the local hospital for our heroic medical teams.
Connect on Nextdoor to see what’s going on in your community and check-in with your neighbors. Make sure to practice safe social distancing with neighbors but be sure to check-in with your elderly neighbors. A quick phone call to boost their morale or an offer to walk their dog will go a long way.
