The Storytelling Guild presents Annual Children’s Festival every July at the beautiful Britt Gardens in Jacksonville, Oregon. For many years, the festival has provided fun-filled summer days of affordable entertainment for the entire family!
The first Children’s Festival was in 1967 and began as a small storytelling program, billed as: “A Child’s Fun ‘N Fantasy Afternoon” and was held under the trees at Britt Gardens in Jacksonville. The turnout for this one-day event was so tremendous, 200 children, that it was repeated the next day for another 300 children!
It was apparent that this was an important program and plans were readied for a true Festival in 1968. The Storytelling Guild and the Jackson County Library began planning by recruiting volunteers from the mothers who attended the first Festival. Sixteen volunteers and the local chapter of the American Association of University Women planned for that second year.
The second festival drew 2,000 children. The third, 4000 and by 1981, the Children’s Festival was attracting 15,000 visitors!
At the festival, children and adults will enjoy a variety of booths with hands-on arts, crafts, science projects and feeding of the litter eating dragons. All activities are included with the price of admission! Older children will enjoy activities such as: candle making, pottery and wood working, while younger children will have a chance to make their own puppet, sand and easel art, and have their faces painted. In addition to fun hands-on projects, you can sit back and enjoy storytelling, child focused entertainment and stage performances.
Admission is $3 per person per day (adults and children). Food is available for purchase inside the festival at the yummy Dragon Deli. The goal has always been to offer an amazing day of entertainment and education for a reasonable cost.
The mission of The Story Telling Guild and Children’s Festival is to expose children of all ages to the magic of imagination and to instill a love of books and the joy of reading.
The 8th annual Kids Dash is June 8th, 2019 at the Grants Pass High School track. Gate opens st 8AM. Entry fee is $10/child.
The Kids Dash was founded by Dr. Nate Tanner. It has been a KidZone Community Foundation event since 2014.
The Kids Dash includes runs for children ages two through middle school as well as relay races for the whole family, a 1600 meter run for middle school and advanced runners, a foam dart javelin throw, standing long jump, a giant slingshot game and the Hue-man race, our version of events like The Color Run(TM).
The Kids Dash will also have a full carnival which is free to all and is sponsored by Asante Physician Partners.
New this year will be an opportunity to participate in games with student-athletes from the University of Oregon presented by the Oregon Athlete Foundation.
The event also feature a Wellness Midway with presentations by many local fitness and health-related organizations.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace began in Twin Falls, Idaho in 2012 when a group of people built a bunk bed as a service project. After building a second bunk bed with the leftover lumber, they offered it for free on Facebook with an overwhelming response. They soon realized that the need is out there for beds for children – the roots of Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) were planted!
In February of 2018, Mike Rowe’s Returning the Favor Facebook video blog spot-lighted SHP and the rush was on. Since that time, as of early 2019, 12 chapters have grown to nearly 150 chapters throughout the country. There are chapters in both Josephine and Jackson counties that build and provide beds to children who have none. The process is simple and involves the entire community.
SHP receives money from local donors and receives no government assistance. We build beds during either Public or Private/Sponsored Build Days using volunteers from our counties.
Families whose children have no beds may apply for them through our national website, SHPbeds.org, or you may refer a family you know is in need. Our organizations deliver beds to their homes, free of charge, complete with a bed frame, mattress, pillow, sheet set, and a blanket or quilt for warmth –
ready to sleep on.
It is estimated that 3,000- 6,000 children in Southern Oregon are sleeping on the floor, on couches, with other children, or with their parents because families are unable to afford beds for them. After paying for a mortgage or rent, food, and clothing, many times there is little money left for what many of us consider a necessity, beds. Sleep in Heavenly Peace’s mission is NO KID SLEEPS ON THE FLOOR IN OUR TOWN!
How can you help? Please contact either Southern Oregon chapter for more information. We gratefully accept donations or sponsorship, small or large. We are always in need of new, twin size bedding. We welcome volunteers for our public build days and to help with chapter events. Watch our respective
Facebook pages for news!
Please arrive to Egg Hunts early, they happen quickly.
The Rabbits Are Coming to the Northwest Nature Shop. Saturday, April 13th from 11am-2pm. 4-H members gladly share their knowledge of raising and caring for rabbits. Bring the kids, learn about rabbits and hold a bunny.
Free! 154 Oak Street, Ashland (MAP)
Easter Bunny at Harry & David Country Store. April 13 & 14, 19 & 20 from 11am-4pm, hoping through the store for photo opportunities and with candy. Free. 1314 Center Dr. Medford. (MAP)
Rogue Valley Mall Eggstravanza! Saturday, April 20th, 2019. Noon-4pm. Bounce House, games, hands on activities, candy, prizes and more! Free. 1600 N. Riverside Ave. Medford. (MAP)
The Palms Cafe Easter Event. 10am-2pm. Saturday, April 20th, 2019. The Easter Bunny will be outside the cafe doors for your little ones to get a FREE picture! There will also be gift basket raffles. 501 S. Front St. Central Point. (MAP)
The Village at Medford Center Easter Find. Saturday, April 20th, 2019 at 1pm for kids 12 and under. Parents must sign kids up at the booth by the security office for them to participate. Eggs will have candy and prizes (some prizes mom & dad will totally want) Live music from Frankie Hernandez from 1-3pm. Free community event. 711 Medford Ctr. Medford. (MAP)
Central Point Eggstravaganza! 10am-2pm on Saturday April 20th, 2019. Bring your basket for Egg Hunt at 11am sharp. Free games and activities. Visit the Easter Bunny. Family fun day at Twin Creek Park, Central Point. (MAP)
Medford Kiwanas Easter Egg Hunt. 10am on Saturday, April 20th, 2019 for ages 0-9. The Easter Bunny is never late. Pear Blossom Park in Medford.(MAP)
Eagle Point Easter Egg Hunt. 11am on Saturday April 20th, 2019. Shasta & Main Streets. Eagle Point.(MAP)
Rogue River Easter Egg Hunt. 10am on Saturday April 20th, 2019. Beck Field ( W. Main & Berglund) in Rogue River. For children ages 10 and under with a special area for children 5 and under. Come and enjoy a fun and colorful Easter Egg Hunt with special prize eggs too. Coffee, hot chocolate and donuts available. (MAP)
Easter Egg Hunt at Community Bible Church. Saturday, April 20th, 2019 at 5pm. Easter Egg Hunt with Hot Dogs served after. Service at 6pm. 500 N. 10th St. Central Point. (MAP)
Easter Egg Hunt in White City Saturday, April 20th, 2019 with Breakfast pizza from 8:30am-10:30am. Egg Hunt at 11am. Easter Bunny visits. Table Rock Elementary School, White City. (MAP)
ROC Food Pantry Easter Egg Hunt. Saturday, April 20th, 2019 from 1-2:30pm. Games, prizes, candy rain or shine at Reinhart Volunteer Park (All Sports Park) in Grants Pass. (MAP)
Free Helicopter Easter Candy Drop. Saturday, April 20th, 2019 at 11am (weather permitting). Ages 0-12 years. New Hope Christian School, 5961 New Hope Rd. Grants Pass. (MAP)
River Valley Church Egg Hunt. Saturday, April 20th, 2019. 10am. Ages to 6th grade at Lawnridge Park in Grants Pass.(MAP) … also at 10am at 2193 Midway Ave in Grants Pass. (MAP)
Wolf Creek Easter Parade and Easter Egg Hunt. Saturday, April 20th, 2019. Breakfast starts at 8am, parade at noon to the Wolf Creek Park where Easter Egg Hunt begins.(MAP)
Mckee Bridge Easter Egg Hunt. 1pm Saturday, April 20th, 2019. Ages 0-12 rain or shine. Free food, drinks, games, prizes, photo booth, Fire Dept. demo (MAP)
Rotary Club of Ashland Easter Egg Hunt. 1pm sharp on Sunday, April 21st, 2019 for ages up to 10 years. Easter Bunny at noon near the tennis courts in Lithia Park, Ashland (MAP)
Easter Celebration at Troon Vineyard. 11 -4pm on Sunday, April 21st, 2019. Egg hunts, egg decorating, live music, bounce houses, Easter Bunny visits & more. (MAP)
Children’s Easter Egg Hunt in the beautiful Voorhies Mansion formal gardens at EdenVale Winery in Medford on Sunday, April 21st, 2019. 11:30-2:30pm. Family activities, games, prizes, Easter Bunny. Ages 1-5 years $10 hunt at 12:15, Ages 6-12 years $15 – hunt at 12:50pm. check in at 11:30am. Dress attire preferred. For more details 541-512-2955 x2. (MAP)
Easter Egg Hunt in Grants Pass at Riverside Park. Saturday, April 20th, 2019 at 10am. (MAP)
Easter Egg Hunt in Merlin. April 20th, 2019 at 10am. Merlin Community Park. (MAP)
Easter Egg Hunt in Cave Junction Sunday, April 21, 2019 at noon the Easter Bunny comes, Easter Egg Hunt at 1pm sharp at Jubilee Park, Cave Junction,541-659-1074 . (MAP)
In an average winter, Crater Lake National Park receives 43 feet of snow! Ranger-led snowshoe hikes are a fun way to explore this winter wonderland while learning how plants, animals, and people survive the harsh conditions.
Every Saturday and Sunday (and some holidays) Crater Lake National Park offers free guided snowshoe walks. Ranger-led snowshoe walks are a fun way to explore this winter wonderland and learn how plants and animals survive the snowy months. Walks are offered to visitors ages 8+ on weekends December through April, with additional weekday hikes in late December and early January.
The two-hour walks start at 1:00 p.m. and cover one mile of moderately strenuous terrain. Walks are off-trail explorations through the forests and meadows at the rim of Crater Lake. No previous snowshoeing experience is necessary. Snowshoes are provided free of charge, but advance registration is required. Space is limited on walks. For more information and to sign up, call the park’s visitor center at 541-594-3100 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants should be at least 8 years old and come prepared with warm clothing and water-resistant footwear.
The weather that gives us spectacular winter recreation also presents people with challenging road conditions. Throughout the fall, winter, and spring, visitors should come prepared for snowy, icy roads, and limited visibility. Before you leave home, ensure that your vehicle is equipped for winter conditions and that you are comfortable driving on snowy roads. Visitors must have traction tires on their vehicles or carry chains, and know how to use them. Drive for the conditions; the posted speed limit is not always a safe speed. Visitors may encounter heavy snow removal equipment on park roads. Please drive slowly and give plows and other heavy equipment plenty of space.
Crater Lake National Park is open 365 days a year. The Steel Visitor Center is open every day except December 25, and food and gifts are available in the Rim Café and Gift Shop year-round except on Thanksgiving Day and December 25. For independent explorations, snowshoes are available for rent at the Rim Café and Gift Shop. Lodging and gasoline are not available in the park from mid-October to late-May.
For more information on winter conditions, services, and programs in Crater Lake National Park, visit our website atwww.nps.gov/crla.
Every year in Medford, Oregon the Rogue Valley Celebrates with the Annual Pear Blossom Festival.
Beginning at the end of March with Pageants, followed by Golf Tournament, Fun Runs, Bike Rides, Food Events and more!
The Parade and Street Fair are held in downtown Medford.
There is fun for all ages! A must do event if you are visiting the Rogue Valley.
4-H is delivered by Cooperative Extension—a community of more than 100 public universities across the nation that provides experiences where young people learn by doing.
Kids complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and citizenship, in a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles.
Kids experience 4-H in every county and parish in the country—through in school and after-school programs, school and community clubs and 4-H camps.
These 4-H experiences grow young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities, two times more likely to make healthy decisions and two times more likely to pursue STEM opportunities outside of school. 4-H empowers young people to be true leaders. True leaders are young people who have confidence; know how to work well with others; can endure through challenges; and will stick to a job until it gets done. 4-H’ers have risen to high points of achievement and leadership in virtually every industry and sector. Including such “true leaders” as Grammy Award-winning singer and actress Jennifer Nettles; Facebook executive and “News Feed” inventor Andrew Bosworth; former U.S. vice president Al Gore; tech guru and founder of Aspera Software Michelle Munson; business leader and CEO of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Javier Palomarez; Retired NBA player and
business entrepreneur Earvin “Magic” Johnson; and former NASA Chief Astronaut Peggy Whitson, to name a few.
In 4-H, we believe true leaders aren’t born— they are grown. The 4-H experience is proven to grow true leaders with life skills such as confidence, independence, resilience and compassion. While the educational experience of 4-H is designed for youth, adult involvement is key to a young person’s skill
development. Sharing activities with siblings, parents, grandparents and friends builds strong family relationships. With so many projects to choose from, there is sure to be one that will spark interest in your family.
To learn how you can grow the next generation of leaders, please contact a local 4-H Educator today!
On Thursday, September 27th, Chabad Jewish Center of Southern Oregon will be hosting its first ever Sukkot Discovery Lab just for kids, part of their newly launched Ckids STEAM (Science, technology, engineering, art, math) programming. Blending hands-on, STEM-based experiments and creations with the how’s and why’s of the ancient Jewish hut in the desert, the Sukkot Discovery Lab will launch a new year of CKids Club workshops right here in the heart of Southern Oregon. One of the first biblical holidays, Sukkot commemorates the divine protection the Jewish people experienced during their 40-year sojourn in the desert. Thousands of years later, Jews across the world continue to relive this event within the walls of a hand built sukkah. Today, children will gain a new insight into the mysterious qualities of Sukkot through the lens of science. Children will get hands-on as they make cloud slime, STEM sukkah-building and a pop art flag! The Discovery Lab is the first of monthly workshops run by Chabad which inspires children to create meaningful impact in their communities through fun, educational programs that explore the richness of Judaism. This year’s workshops include Hanukkah Chocolate coin making, Goodness grows, Tie dye Hamentashen, the art of giving, Passover Matzah Chef and more. Designed for ages 2-13, the events will be held at the Chabad Jewish Center at 1474 Siskiyou Blvd in Ashland. The Sukkot Discovery lab will be held on September 27 at 5pm and includes delicious pizza in the “hut”. To unleash your child’s inner mad scientist and register, please visit www.chabadofashland.orgor call Faigy at 541-482-2778.
Britt Festival has always made a commitment to include a family-friendly orchestra performance in programming choices, nevertheless, it has been a while since any programs were offered specifically for the musical cultivation of young children. When Kay Hilton was appointed to direct Britt’s education and engagement programs in 2015, she decided to commission two free performances for children in Britt’s Performance Garden. In that first year, audience attendance at the mid-morning concerts completely filled the garden venue, confirming that local families were interested in concerts for young children.
Since then, with the support of Southern Oregon Subaru’s exclusive sponsorship, Britt
Education has commissioned eight original BrittKids Koncerts for children ages 0 to 10, created the free BrittKids Klub, and increased the number of free performances each year.
Last summer, over 2,500 people attended the series. This year, local and regional performers, including musicians from the Britt Orchestra, were invited to submit program ideas to further diversify the programming. As part of our new partnership with Medford Parks & Recreation, we will present our first BrittKids Koncert at Bear Creek Park on Aug. 18. Britt Education will offer other free events throughout the summer in Ashland in partnership with the OSF Green Show and Ashland Parks & Recreation.
We hope to continue to offer these free events for years to come and look forward to seeing everyone at this year’s BrittKids Koncert series, this July and August!
Jul 17 | “Traditional Folk Dances of Mexico” by Ballet Folklorico Ritmo Alegre
Jul 23 | “Corps of Discovery” by The Meriwethers
Jul 29 | “Iggy’s String Theory” by Ignace Jang & Mark Bergman
Jul 30 | “Flora and the Search for the Groove” by Gabriel Globus-Hoenich & Members of the Britt
Orchestra
Aug 5 | “Got Melody?” by 16 Strings
Aug 6 | “Kid’s Drums Unlimited” by Gabriel Globus-Hoenich & Friends
Aug 7 | “Flora and the Search for the Groove” by Gabriel Globus-Hoenich & Members of the Britt
Orchestra
Aug 18 | “Corps of Discovery” by The Meriwethers at BEAR CREEK PARK, MEDFORD PARKS
Aug 20 | “Traditional Folk Dances of Mexico” by Ballet Folklorico Ritmo Alegre
Aug 25 | “Don’t Laugh at Me” by Steve Seskin
City of Medford Railroad Park Opens for the Season
Opening day for Medford Railroad Park is Sunday, April 8th, 2018! Dozens of volunteers have been working hard to bring you an even more special park! Ride diesel trains and a motor car, view unique model railroad layouts and the Hogwarts Express, ride Thomas and Percy, tour historical railroad equipment and more. Bring the whole family, pack a lunch or eat at the Park. It’s fun for all ages.
Medford Garden Railroaders. See a G-scale logging railroad, trolley barn and lines, and seaport areas, including five water features! A separate Thomas and Friends garden railway will especially please the youngest railroad lovers, and the Hogwarts layout, added for Harry Potter fans, is designed so that tweens can run the Hogwarts Express train by remote control. New this year “Butterfly Garden” with over 150 plants designed to attract butterflies, bats & Osprey.
Rogue Valley Model Railroad Club. Ten HO scale trains, engines whining and horns blaring, operate across hundreds of scale miles of track, through working signals and crossing gates at the Highway 99 railroad crossing, between Medford and Klamath Falls, on the Pacific and Eastern Railroad, including the heavily forested climb out of Keno along the Klamath River. Children can help operate trains on a special HO layout.
The Southern Oregon Live Steamers. 2018 is their 37th year of offering free train rides to the public. Pulled by a variety of locomotives on almost two miles of track, each exciting train ride takes about nine minutes to go over and through all the tunnels, bridges and hills. The park favorite for the very young is the Thomas and Friends loop encircling the large Garden Railroad layout, with Thomas and Percy leading special trains built for small kids only.
The Southern Oregon Railway Historical Society. Tour restored 1910 and 1942 cabooses and a 1959 flanger (a type of snowplow), and view restoration work under way on Medco 4 ─ a local 1925 steam locomotive. Ride the motor car, visit the Museum, and the “Learning Caboose.”
The Railroad Park is open to the public from 11:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the second and fourth Sundays of each month from April through October. The park is operated by volunteers, and admission and parking are free. No tax monies are used in the operation of this park. All four clubs rely on the generosity of the public for donations to help offset the various costs involved in maintaining and expanding this one-of-a-kind Northwest attraction. This popular attraction is a unique collaboration between the City of Medford Parks and Recreation Department, the Medford Fire Department, and the four volunteer-based clubs.
The Railroad Park is located adjacent to Fire Station No. 4 at the intersection of Table Rock Road and Berrydale Avenue in Medford, just a few blocks north of the Rogue Valley Mall.
Note: Parking is limited. We encourage visitors to carpool or use public transport when possible.
The Storytelling Guild presents Annual Children’s Festival every July at the beautiful Britt Gardens in Jacksonville, Oregon. For many years, the festival has provided fun-filled summer days of affordable entertainment for the entire family!
It has been a KidZone Community Foundation event since 2014.
This year Easter Sunday falls on April 21, 2019.
The Rabbits Are Coming to the Northwest Nature Shop. Saturday, April 13th from 11am-2pm. 4-H members gladly share their knowledge of raising and caring for rabbits. Bring the kids, learn about rabbits and hold a bunny.
Easter Bunny at Harry & David Country Store. April 13 & 14, 19 & 20 from 11am-4pm, hoping through the store for photo opportunities and with candy. Free. 1314 Center Dr. Medford. 
Rogue Valley Mall Eggstravanza! Saturday, April 20th, 2019. Noon-4pm. Bounce House, games, hands on activities, candy, prizes and more! Free. 1600 N. Riverside Ave. Medford. 
The Palms Cafe Easter Event. 10am-2pm. Saturday, April 20th, 2019. The Easter Bunny will be outside the cafe doors for your little ones to get a FREE picture! There will also be gift basket raffles. 501 S. Front St. Central Point. 
The Village at Medford Center Easter Find. Saturday, April 20th, 2019 at 1pm for kids 12 and under. Parents must sign kids up at the booth by the security office for them to participate. Eggs will have candy and prizes (some prizes mom & dad will totally want) Live music from Frankie Hernandez from 1-3pm. Free community event. 711 Medford Ctr. Medford. 
Rogue River Easter Egg Hunt. 10am on Saturday April 20th, 2019. Beck Field ( W. Main & Berglund) in Rogue River. For children ages 10 and under with a special area for children 5 and under. Come and enjoy a fun and colorful Easter Egg Hunt with special prize eggs too. Coffee, hot chocolate and donuts available. 
Easter Egg Hunt at Community Bible Church. Saturday, April 20th, 2019 at 5pm. Easter Egg Hunt with Hot Dogs served after. Service at 6pm. 500 N. 10th St. Central Point. 
ROC Food Pantry Easter Egg Hunt. Saturday, April 20th, 2019 from 1-2:30pm. Games, prizes, candy rain or shine at Reinhart Volunteer Park (All Sports Park) in Grants Pass. 
Free Helicopter Easter Candy Drop. Saturday, April 20th, 2019 at 11am (weather permitting). Ages 0-12 years. New Hope Christian School, 5961 New Hope Rd. Grants Pass. 
River Valley Church Egg Hunt. Saturday, April 20th, 2019. 10am. Ages to 6th grade at Lawnridge Park in Grants Pass.
Wolf Creek Easter Parade and Easter Egg Hunt. Saturday, April 20th, 2019. Breakfast starts at 8am, parade at noon to the Wolf Creek Park where Easter Egg Hunt begins.
Mckee Bridge Easter Egg Hunt. 1pm Saturday, April 20th, 2019. Ages 0-12 rain or shine. Free food, drinks, games, prizes, photo booth, Fire Dept. demo 
Easter Celebration at Troon Vineyard. 11 -4pm on Sunday, April 21st, 2019. Egg hunts, egg decorating, live music, bounce houses, Easter Bunny visits & more. 
Children’s Easter Egg Hunt in the beautiful Voorhies Mansion formal gardens at EdenVale Winery in Medford on Sunday, April 21st, 2019. 11:30-2:30pm. Family activities, games, prizes, Easter Bunny. Ages 1-5 years $10 hunt at 12:15, Ages 6-12 years $15 – hunt at 12:50pm. check in at 11:30am. Dress attire preferred. For more details 541-512-2955 x2. 
Easter Egg Hunt in Grants Pass at Riverside Park. Saturday, April 20th, 2019 at 10am. 
Easter Egg Hunt in Merlin. April 20th, 2019 at 10am. Merlin Community Park. 
Golf Tournament, Fun Runs, Bike Rides, Food Events and more!
commitment to include a family-friendly orchestra performance in programming choices, nevertheless, it has been a while since any programs were offered specifically for the musical cultivation of young children. When Kay Hilton was appointed to direct Britt’s education and engagement programs in 2015, she decided to commission two free performances for children in Britt’s Performance Garden. In that first year, audience attendance at the mid-morning concerts completely filled the garden venue, confirming that local families were interested in concerts for young children.
engines whining and horns blaring, operate across hundreds of scale miles of track, through working signals and crossing gates at the Highway 99 railroad crossing, between Medford and Klamath Falls, on the Pacific and Eastern Railroad, including the heavily forested climb out of Keno along the Klamath River. Children can help operate trains on a special HO layout.