Frosty and Friends at the Hillsboro Elks Lodge

It's over for this year, but we made it.

The Hillsboro Elks Lodge had drive-through winter lights on weekend nights for three weeks this December.

It is not a lengthy route, but there were fun and interesting lights on display.

Not only was there no charge, but they gave away popcorn balls. 

Everyone has their own preferences, but that was a fun alternative to candy canes.

We had go last year, but it didn't work out.

This year we are glad we made it.

COVID: You stay in your vehicles. We only had a brief exchange when we were receiving popcorn balls, and you can also submit donations at that point.

Accessibility: Again, you stay in your vehicle. This may be one of the safest and easiest options, comparable to Lightopia, though a little smaller. 

https://frostyandfriends.org/

Mike Bennett's Snow Day Village and Gilly Scavenger Hunt

There is another Mike Bennett scavenger hunt, and this one starts in his Snow Day Village and ends at the Portland Aquarium.

One of the hard things about seasonal attractions is that by the time I am able to post a review they may be close to over. 

Actually, comparing the Snow Day Village from our first visit on a Saturday to my other visit on a Friday, a lot has already changed. The fire pits and chairs are configured differently (under cover) and the grove of trees is mainly gone.

Some of that may be that we are getting closer to Christmas itself, but I can't help but feel like the atmospheric river going on has also had an influence. 

Some aspects of the Snow Day Village will already be more limited, so make sure to check the schedules.

For example, the timed snowfalls end after Christmas Eve. 

I was sure glad that I made it though.

It is suds, not really snow, coming out of machines (partially hidden by snowmen), but it was magical.

People were having a good time sitting around and talking. The art makes for a fun environment.

But once that snow started...

Yes, the children went out first, but then there were teens and young adults and even serious mature people were grinning.

Remember, Mike Bennett's purpose is to spread joy; he is very gifted at that.

Some of that may come from s'mores and goats and letters to Santa.

There are lots of smiles to be had from finding cute little fish with overbites in the windows of various local businesses.

The total area for the hunt is a four block by four block square looking for seven festive fishies. 

You can pick up a form at the Snow Day Village gift shop, then turn it in at the Portland Aquarium once completed.

There are lots of fun photo opportunities along the way.

And there is a lot of joy in (even fake) snow.

COVID: This is mostly outdoors, though it can be crowded. There are some indoor elements like the gift shop, as well as some closer elements, like writing letters to Santa at tables under an awning.

Accessibility: This is pretty good. There are some steps in Director Park, but there are alternatives to them.

I will give two caveats. One is that the chairs around the fire pits are pretty low, and may not be great for getting in and out.

In addition, there is a fair amount of electricity in use. The cords are all covered and can be rolled over, but it can be easy to trip over them.

Be alert! 

 And snow!

https://mikebennettstudios.com/pages/snow-day-village-2025

https://pdxparent.com/event-single/mike-bennett-studios-gilly-scavenger-hunt/2026-01-03/

Boardman Wetlands Nature Park

We heard about a new boardwalk at Boardman Wetlands.

Well, "new" is a bit of a stretch, as the loop has been there since 2020. It was still new to us and we wanted to check it out.

This is a nice nature walk. 

"Hike" would be another stretch. 

The full distance is .4 miles and there is a figure eight where you could easily take a shorter route.

There is only a ten feet elevation gain, making the walk rated easy.

There are even some resting spots.

That being said it is still a nice walk, where you can see local plants and some wildlife without treading on their territory.

There were lots of mallards.

Do NOT feed or approach the animals.

Situated between Milwaukie and Gladstone, there is parking and a playground.

It is really just a nice neighborhood park and green space, but those are good things.

COVID: While it does seem to get regular neighborhood traffic, it is outside and social distancing should be easy.

Accessbility: This should also be pretty good, with mostly smooth walkways and no steep grades. 

Where there are steps, there is always an alternative.

The playground may be the least accessible part, though there are probably other options nearby. 

 This park is set up more for the trail and wetlands. 

https://ncprd.org/parks-and-trails/boardman

https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Boardman_Wetlands_Loop_Hike