Vancouver, WA

Okay. So you’d think by “A Boys’ Day Out,” we’d be talking Dad and the boys. But Dad’s working, Mom’s available, and the boys are home and itchin’ to do something. So, I’ve got it all worked out. The weather’s nice…I’ll take them (ages 9 and 11) to a skatepark! But there’s one caveat: It has to be family-friendly with a play area to entertain their 2-year-old sister.

With our Beatles CD playing, snacks packed, and boards and helmets in the back of the van, we’re off to Tualatin Community Park, just a couple minutes off I-5, and about 15 minutes south of Portland.

Of course, I’m planning on driving straight there, but the boys have other ideas, namely a detour to a relatively new skateshop in Tigard called Lab 33. If you want to follow our lead, just take the Hwy. 217 exit off of southbound I-5, head west and then take the Hwy. 99 exit. Turn left at the light, and then left again at Main Street. Follow the street for a couple of blocks and watch for Lab 33 on your left. This is an eclectic, older section of Tigard, and you can even stop for lunch there at Max’s Brew Pub (it has a small play area for kids), located just two or three blocks farther down the street.

Lab 33 Skateshop is owned by the Wanderscheid brothers, and has been there on the corner of Main and Burnham St. since September 2007. Unlike busier skateshop chains, this one feels personal and friendly. We were there for a while, while Sean Wanderscheid put together a new custom board for my oldest. He even sold my 9-year-old a box of $30 wheel bearings for just the $27 he had in his pocket, and threw in a pack of Skittles candy to boot! Needless to say, my boys are back to saving their money for a repeat visit.

When you finish at Lab 33, backtrack to I-5 south via 217, and continue on to the Tualatin-Sherwood exit. Take a right and head past Fred Meyer, which is great for last-minute snacks or sports gear, until you get to Boones Ferry Road and turn right again. Keep going until you see the park on your right.

Tualatin Community Park covers more than 27 acres, and features a 9800-square-foot, award-winning skatepark that’s challenging enough for experienced skaters but has enough gentler areas for newbies. My youngest son also frequented the smooth surface of the adjacent basketball court when it wasn’t in use. A wide viewing wall circles the perimeter of the skating area and is a great place to sit and watch the kids practice their moves.

The park also boasts a playground, tennis courts and three sports fields, so bring your bats and balls, or even a Frisbee. There was also a net for volleyball or badminton. All the features, from the skatepark to the sport courts to the playground, are within steps of one another.

In the playground you’ll find a sandpit, swings, and a variety of climbing equipment.

My daughter and I spent most of our time digging (I carry a spare bucket and shovel around for times like these) and the boys skated the entire time. When you’re ready for a break, there are plenty of picnic tables and shelters around.

We were fortunate that while our school was off that day, local schools were still in session. We were told the skatepark itself can get pretty busy on the weekends. In any case, we had a great time. The only change we’d make is giving ourselves more time there by getting an earlier start and planning a day of it. Next time we’ll bring a picnic lunch… and Dad too. On a nice day, we could easily spend a good two or three hours just hanging out and playing together.