Hello my friends!

Parenting is hard. And one of the most powerful things we can do for ourselves—and our children—is to feel supported.

This week, I want to highlight some incredible free parent support resources happening right here in Eugene and Springfield. Whether you're navigating early parenthood with a newborn, managing the challenges of work-life balance as a dad, or seeking connection with other caregivers who truly understand—there's a space for you:

  • Fatherhood Unfiltered (2nd Wednesdays, virtual) - A judgment-free space for dads to pause, reflect, and connect

  • Family Connections (1st Tuesdays, virtual) - For parents/caregivers of children with emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges

  • Little Jellies Parent Support (Mondays, Pearl Buck Center) - For parents with infants and toddlers (birth-24 months)

  • Baby Connection (Wednesdays, Parenting Now) - Connect with other parents of babies 0-12 months

  • New Parent Support (Wednesdays, Parenting Now) - Share the joys and challenges of early parenthood

  • Eyes Up, Hearts Open (Monday 7:30pm, virtual) - Honest conversation about digital habits and staying present with our families

I believe that when parents feel supported, they can be more mindful. And mindful parents raise mindful children who will shape our future world. Sometimes the best investment we can make in society's future is to take care of ourselves first.

Other highlights this week:

🎵 Magical Moombah: Sail Away! musical adventure (April 9-11, $5)
🌱 Soil Scientists No School Day Adventure - Eugene schools closed Friday, April 10!
☀️ Willamalane Summer Registration opens April 15 at 8am - do your research & set your alarm!
Camp Putt Mini Golf is now open for the season!

Let's dive in!

Warmly,
Jess

MONDAY, APRIL 6

🪼 Little Jellies Parent Support and Play Group Mondays 10am–12pm • Birth-24 months • Free
📍Pearl Buck Center, 3690 W 1st Ave, Eugene
Connect with other parents navigating the joys and challenges of early parenthood, share experiences, ask questions, exchange helpful tips, and get support during your child's first years. Safe space for caregivers to make connections and build a support system while infants and toddlers play and explore in a developmentally appropriate, nurturing space. Open to all. For more information, contact 541-484-4666 ext. 5150. More info

📚 Toddler Storytime Mondays at 11am • Toddlers • Free
📍River Road Santa Clara Volunteer Library, 2530 Hilyard St, Eugene
Weekly toddler storytime with Gail! (Closed for federal holidays.) More info

🎨 Monday Sensory Activity 11:30am • Ages 2+ • $7
📍Adventure Children's Museum, 490 Valley River Center, Eugene
Sensory activity for young children at the museum (museum admission required). More info

💬 We Are AANHPI Families - A Family-to-Family Real Talk Series Monday, April 6, 12–1pm (PT) • All families • Free, virtual
Join a free four-episode conversation series centering Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander families' experiences. Three co-hosts from different AANHPI cultures share stories about love, food, language, and music. Episode 1 (April 6): "Love, Lost in Translation." Future episodes: April 27, May 18, June 22. Live Spanish translation and captioning available. Sign up for one or all! Register

🏊 Family Swim 1–2pm • All ages • Youth (3-17) $6, Adult $7
📍Sheldon Pool, 2443 Willakenzie Rd, Eugene
Open family swim time at Sheldon Pool. More info

🏊 Family Swim 2-3:30pm • All ages • Youth (3-17) $6, Adult $7
📍Echo Hollow Pool, 1655 Echo Hollow Rd, Eugene
Evening recreational swim at Echo Hollow Pool. More info

💦 Water Park Swim 4:30–6:30pm • All ages • Toddler (3 & under) $4-7, Youth (4-17) $7-9, Adult $8-11
📍Splash at Lively Park, 6100 Thurston Rd, Springfield
Water park swimming with slides and play features. In-district and out-of-district rates available. More info

🏓 Bounskee Game Night 6–9:30pm • All ages (until 9pm) • $5 per person or $10 for 3 people
📍PLAY, 232 W 5th Ave, Eugene
Try Bounskee, the new ping pong ball toss game with several variations that put a spin on classic games you know and love! Rules and scorecards provided. Unlimited play. All ages welcome until 9pm. Monthly on the first Tuesday. More info

🏊 Rec Swim 7–8:30pm • All ages • Youth (3-17) $6, Adult $7
📍Sheldon Pool, 2443 Willakenzie Rd, Eugene
Evening recreational swim at Sheldon Pool. More info

📱 Eyes Up, Hearts Open: Modeling Presence in a Digital World Monday, April 6, 7:30–8:30pm • Parents/families • Free, virtual
📍Online (Zoom)
Join an honest conversation about reclaiming the "in-between" moments by consciously putting our devices aside. Explore how staying present—even when kids aren't actively demanding our time—strengthens connection and models healthy digital habits for the whole family. Interpretation provided in Spanish. | Acompáñenos en una conversación honesta sobre cómo recuperar esos momentos «intermedios» al dejar conscientemente de lado nuestros dispositivos. Interpretación disponible en español. Register

TUESDAY, APRIL 7

📚 Baby Storytime 9:45am & 10:30am • Ages 0-12 months • Free
📍Downtown Eugene Library, 100 W 10th Ave, Eugene
Fun and learning for babies with their grown-ups. Two sessions available! More info

🦘 Toddler Time at Get Air 10am–12pm • Under 46" tall • Check pricing online
📍Get Air Trampoline Park, 4211 W 11th Ave, Eugene
Toddler-only jump time in a safe, age-appropriate environment. More info

📚 Willamalibrary Book Club 10:30–11:30am • Adults • Free
📍Springfield Public Library, Conference Room, 225 5th St, Springfield
Join a group of avid readers on the first Tuesday of every month! This month: "Mr. Churchill's Secretary: a Maggie Hope novel" by Susan MacNeil. Historical fiction about a secretary trained in math and code breaking who uses her position to unravel a plot to assassinate Churchill. More info

🏊 Baby Swim 11:30–12:30am • All ages • Youth (3-17) $6, Adult $7
📍Sheldon Pool, 2443 Willakenzie Rd, Eugene
Special swim time for babies and young children with caregivers. Warm water pool. More info

📚 Family Storytime | Cuentos para Familias 10:30am • All ages • Free
📍Springfield Public Library, 225 5th St, Springfield
Bilingual family storytime in English and Spanish! Located in the Kids & Tweens area More info

🤸 NAAG Preschool Open Gym 11am–12pm • Ages 6 & under • $8 per child
📍NAAG, 1205 Oak Patch Rd, Eugene
Open gym time for little ones to explore gymnastics equipment and burn off energy. Parent supervision required. More info

🤸 Bounce Preschool Open Gym 11:15am–12:30pm • Preschool age • $10 per child (or $50 for 6-visit pass)
📍Bounce Gymnastics and Circus Arts Center, 329 W 3rd Ave, Eugene
Preschoolers can explore gymnastics and circus arts equipment during open gym time. More info

🎨 Tuesday Storytime 11:30am • Ages 2+ • $7
📍Adventure Children's Museum, 490 Valley River Center, Eugene
Story time at the Adventure Children's Museum (museum admission required). More info

🏊 Family Swim 1–2pm • All ages • Youth (3-17) $6, Adult $7
📍Sheldon Pool, 2443 Willakenzie Rd, Eugene
Open family swim time at Sheldon Pool. More info

🏊 Family Swim 2-3:30pm • All ages • Youth (3-17) $6, Adult $7
📍Echo Hollow Pool, 1655 Echo Hollow Rd, Eugene
Evening recreational swim at Echo Hollow Pool. More info

📚 Tweens: Zine Workshop 4:30–5:30pm • Ages 9-12 • Free
📍Downtown Eugene Library, 100 W 10th Ave, Eugene
Create your own zine in good company! Hands-on creative workshop for tweens. More info

🤝 Teen Team Volunteering 4:30–5:30pm • Ages 13-19 • Free
📍Downtown Eugene Library, 100 W 10th Ave, Eugene
Sign up to volunteer at the Downtown Library this spring! Registration started March 1. More info

🎨 Teen Tuesdays: Congressional Art Contest and Shibori Dyeing Tuesday, April 7, 4:30–6pm • Ages 12+ • Free
📍Springfield Public Library, Library Meeting Room, 225 5th St, Springfield
Learn from congressional staffers about the Congressional Art Contest—win a free trip to DC! Use art supplies to start a submission, or try Shibori dyeing. More info

🤝 Family Connections First Tuesdays, 6–7pm • Parents/caregivers • Free, virtual
📍Online (Zoom)
Are you a parent or caregiver of a child experiencing emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges? Join a safe, welcoming space where families share, listen, and support one another. Honest conversations in a judgment-free environment with encouragement from others who truly understand. Gain access to helpful resources, tips for navigating services and systems, and a sense of hope, empowerment, and community. All caregivers welcome—parents, grandparents, foster parents, and more. More info

🎲 Noche de Lotería en español 6:15–7:15pm • Para todas las edades • Gratis
📍Bethel Branch Library, 1260 Willamette St, Eugene
¡Lotería en español en la Sucursal Bethel! For all ages. More info

🏊 Family Swim 7–8pm • All ages • Youth (3-17) $6, Adult $7
📍Sheldon Pool, 2443 Willakenzie Rd, Eugene
Open family swim time at Sheldon Pool. More info

🏊 Rec Swim 7-8:30pm • All ages • Youth (3-17) $6, Adult $7
📍Echo Hollow Pool, 1655 Echo Hollow Rd, Eugene
Evening recreational swim at Echo Hollow Pool. More info

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8

📚 Toddler Storytime 9:45am & 10:30am • Ages 12-36 months • Free
📍Downtown Eugene Library, 100 W 10th Ave, Eugene
Fun and learning for toddlers with their grown-ups. Two sessions available! More info

🤸 Gymnastics NW Preschool Open Gym 10am–12pm • Preschool age • $6 per child
📍Gymnastics Northwest-River Rd Parks and Rec, 30043 Leghorn Ave, Eugene
Open gym time for preschool-age children to explore gymnastics equipment. More info

📚 Family Storytime | Cuentos para Familias 10:30am • All ages • Free
📍Springfield Public Library, 225 5th St, Springfield
Bilingual family storytime in English and Spanish! More info

🤸 NAAG Preschool Open Gym 11am–12pm • Ages 6 & under • $8 per child
📍NAAG, 1205 Oak Patch Rd, Eugene
Open gym time for little ones to explore gymnastics equipment and burn off energy. Parent supervision required. More info

🤸 Bounce Preschool Open Gym 11:15am–12:30pm • Preschool age • $10 per child (or $50 for 6-visit pass)
📍Bounce Gymnastics and Circus Arts Center, 329 W 3rd Ave, Eugene
Preschoolers can explore gymnastics and circus arts equipment during open gym time. More info

👶 Baby Connection 11–12pm • Parents with babies 0-12 months • Free
📍Parenting Now, 86 Centennial Loop, Eugene
Connect with other parents of babies. Topics vary weekly. More info

👶 New Parent Support 12–1:30pm • Parents with babies 0-12 months • Free
📍Parenting Now, 86 Centennial Loop, Eugene
Connect with other new parents and share the joys and challenges of early parenthood. More info

👨‍👧‍👦 Fatherhood Unfiltered Second Wednesdays, 12–1:30pm • Fathers • Free, virtual
📍Online (Zoom)
Monthly virtual gathering for fathers who want a place to pause, reflect, and connect with other dads who understand the real-life ups and downs of parenting. Whether navigating new fatherhood, balancing work and family life, or needing a moment to check in, this is a welcoming, judgment-free space for honest conversation. Share experiences, talk through challenges, swap practical tips, and remember you don't have to figure this out alone. Hosted by Oregon Family Support Network. Register

🏊 Family Swim 1–2pm • All ages • Youth (3-17) $6, Adult $7
📍Sheldon Pool, 2443 Willakenzie Rd, Eugene
Open family swim time at Sheldon Pool. More info

🏊 Family Swim 2-3:30pm • All ages • Youth (3-17) $6, Adult $7
📍Echo Hollow Pool, 1655 Echo Hollow Rd, Eugene
Evening recreational swim at Echo Hollow Pool. More info

🌱 STEAM Stories: Botany 4:30–5:30pm • Ages 5-9 • Free
📍Downtown Eugene Library, 100 W 10th Ave, Eugene
Join us for stories and hands-on activities about botany (plants!). More info

📚 Teens: Create a Zine 4:30–5:30pm • Ages 13-19 • Free
📍Downtown Eugene Library, 100 W 10th Ave, Eugene
Learn the craft of making zines! Creative workshop for teens. More info

🎨 Art After School (Drop-In) 2–5pm • Ages 5+ • $10 per child
📍Pudding Art Studio, 911 River Rd, Eugene
Open-ended art session with several art invitations available. Kids can explore and work on their own creative ideas. Siblings welcome with parental supervision. Drop-in, no registration required. More info

💦 Water Park Swim 4:30–6:30pm • All ages • Toddler (3 & under) $4-7, Youth (4-17) $7-9, Adult $8-11
📍Splash at Lively Park, 6100 Thurston Rd, Springfield
Water park swimming with slides and play features. In-district and out-of-district rates available. More info

🏊 Rec Swim 7–8:30pm • All ages • Youth (3-17) $6, Adult $7
📍Sheldon Pool, 2443 Willakenzie Rd, Eugene
Evening recreational swim at Sheldon Pool. More info

THURSDAY, APRIL 9

📚 Family Storytime 10:15–10:45am • Young children • Free
📍Bethel Branch Library, 1260 Willamette St, Eugene
Fun and learning for young children with their grown-ups! More info

🦘 Toddler Time at Get Air 10am–12pm • Under 46" tall • Check pricing online
📍Get Air Trampoline Park, 4211 W 11th Ave, Eugene
Toddler-only jump time in a safe, age-appropriate environment. More info

🎵 Magical Moombah: Sail Away! Thu-Fri 10:15am, Sat 10am & 1pm • All ages • $5
📍The John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts, 868 High St, Eugene
Join the adventurous Moombahteers as they set sail on a splashy journey across the seven seas! Look out for pirates, mermaids, sea creatures, and gorgeous beaches. Sing-along favorites include "Sailing, Sailing," "Little Grass Shack," "Aloha 'Oe," "Anchors Aweigh," "The Wellerman," "My Bonny Lies Over the Ocean," and more! Music, contests, jokes, dancing, and plenty of surprises. Shows April 9-11. More info & tickets

🏊 Baby Swim 11:30–12:30am • All ages • Youth (3-17) $6, Adult $7
📍Sheldon Pool, 2443 Willakenzie Rd, Eugene
Special swim time for babies and young children with caregivers. Warm water pool. More info

🤸 NAAG Preschool Open Gym 11am–12pm • Ages 6 & under • $8 per child
📍NAAG, 1205 Oak Patch Rd, Eugene
Open gym time for little ones to explore gymnastics equipment and burn off energy. Parent supervision required. More info

🤸 Bounce Preschool Open Gym 11:15am–12:30pm • Preschool age • $10 per child (or $50 for 6-visit pass)
📍Bounce Gymnastics and Circus Arts Center, 329 W 3rd Ave, Eugene
Preschoolers can explore gymnastics and circus arts equipment during open gym time. More info

🎨 Thursday Slightly Messy Art 11:30am • Ages 2+ • $7
📍Adventure Children's Museum, 490 Valley River Center, Eugene
Get a little messy with art projects at the museum (museum admission required). More info

🏊 Family Swim 1–2pm • All ages • Youth (3-17) $6, Adult $7
📍Sheldon Pool, 2443 Willakenzie Rd, Eugene
Open family swim time at Sheldon Pool. More info

🏊 Family Swim 2-3:30pm • All ages • Youth (3-17) $6, Adult $7
📍Echo Hollow Pool, 1655 Echo Hollow Rd, Eugene
Evening recreational swim at Echo Hollow Pool. More info

🎨 Kids Art Club 4–5:30pm • Ages 5+ • $15 per child
📍Pudding Art Studio, 911 River Rd, Eugene
Directed art projects — exploring sculpture and 3D work throughout March! This week: finish and paint mini papier-mâche wall hangings. RSVP required: [email protected] More info

🌈 Sensory Storytime 4:30–5:15pm • Ages 3-8 • Free
📍Downtown Eugene Library, 100 W 10th Ave, Eugene
A storytime designed to provide a positive sensory environment for children ages 3-8. More info

🏊 Family Swim 7–8pm • All ages • Youth (3-17) $6, Adult $7
📍Sheldon Pool, 2443 Willakenzie Rd, Eugene
Open family swim time at Sheldon Pool. More info

🏊 Rec Swim 7-8:30pm • All ages • Youth (3-17) $6, Adult $7
📍Echo Hollow Pool, 1655 Echo Hollow Rd, Eugene
Evening recreational swim at Echo Hollow Pool. More info

📣 REGISTRATION ALERTS

🌱 Soil Scientists No School Day Adventure - April 10 8:30am–4:30pm • Ages 5-11 (K-5th) • $70 members/$80 non-members
📍Nearby Nature, Alton Baker Park & Learnscape, Eugene
Eugene schools are closed Friday, April 10! Dig deep and discover the amazing life of soil with Nearby Nature. Marvel at connections between geology, compost creation, and garden beds. Unearth microbe mysteries and create soil concoctions in the mud kitchen while learning about the world beneath our feet. Groups of 12 kids. Scholarship aid available (use code ECO at checkout). Register

🏡 Natural Cob Building Workshop Saturday, April 11, 10am–1pm (+ optional Sunday session) • All ages • Sliding scale $0-$15
📍Parker Learning Gardens, 39259 Delight Valley School Rd, Dexter
Get muddy and learn to build with cob—a natural building material made from clay, sand, and straw! Explore cob recipes and testing, hands-on wall or structure building, and natural building principles. Optional Day 2: Sunday 10am-1pm. Participants can attend one or both days. Register each adult separately and add children's names to registration form. Camping available on-site (reserve via Hip Camp). Register

☀️ Summer Registration Day - April 15th! Registration opens 8am • All ages
📍Online registration at Willamalane.org
Mark your calendars! Registration for Willamalane's summer programs opens at 8am. Sign up for summer camps, trips, classes, swim lessons, and more. Programs fill quickly, so set your alarm and be ready to register when the system opens! Register starting 8am

🎭 Bluey's Big Play - Tickets On Sale! • All ages
📍Hult Center, Silva Concert Hall, 1 Eugene Center, Eugene
Mark your calendars! Tickets for Bluey's Big Play are now on sale for shows September 29-30, 2026. When Dad feels like a little bit of time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! Join them as they pull out all of the games and cleverness at their disposal to get Dad off that bean bag. Get tickets

📚 Spring Into Reading Challenge April 1–May 9 • All ages • Free
📍Springfield Public Library, 225 5th St, Springfield
Join Springfield's favorite celebration of Spring! This Beanstack challenge offers a fun way to celebrate the new season, write poems for National Poetry Month, and get moving with Bike Month in May. Track your reading, complete activities, and enjoy springtime with the library! Sign up on Beanstack

🎵 Pavilanis School of Music Classes Various times, Tue-Sat • Ages 0-12 • Free, donations welcomed
📍Pavilanis School of Music, 388 E 3rd Ave, Eugene
Group music classes for all ages! Early Birds (ages 0-5): Hatchlings (birth-18 months), Nestlings (18 months-2.5 years), Fledglings (2.5-5 years) — explore instruments, music storybooks, musical games, painting, dancing, puppet songs. Youth Classes (ages 5-12): Beginner piano, guitar, violin, and bucket drumming. Enrichment classes: PS Music (ages 4-5), My Music Community (ages 5-9), Family Instrument Play (ages 0-5). Classes meet weekly on month-by-month basis. Sign up early — seats fill fast! More info & sign up

💡 DROP-IN ANYTIME

Camp Putt Adventure Golf Park Fri 4–7pm, Sat-Sun 12–7pm (starting March 30) • All ages • $6-$7
📍4006 Franklin Blvd, Eugene
All-ages seasonal outdoor mini-golf park featuring two 18-hole courses spread over two acres of lush greenery, tranquil water features, and scenic landscapes. Youth (11 & under) $6, Adults (12-49) $7, Seniors (50+) $6, Students & Military $6, Family of four $24. ALL-ACCESS Members get one free round daily! More info

🎨 MECCA Community Studio Drop-in during store hours • All ages • Pay-what-you-can ($3-5/hour suggested)
📍MECCA (Materials Exchange Center for Community Arts), Eugene
Need a place to create? MECCA's community studio is open to the public during store hours (Tue-Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 12-5pm). Studio fees include space, supplies, and anything from their pay-what-you-can section. Perfect for rainy days, early release Wednesdays, or anytime creativity strikes! Call ahead for groups: 541-302-1810. More info

PlaySpace Cafe Mon-Thu 9am-6pm, Fri-Sun 9am-7pm • All ages • Check pricing online
📍2420 W 11th Ave, Eugene
Custom designed indoor play areas, book nook, and Apollo Art Room perfect for little ones to be creative, exercise, and imagine! Enjoy hot coffee, fresh pastries, light lunch, and fast internet while your kids play. Comfortable seating options available. Private party room (The Voyager) available for rent. More info

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Every dollar helps me spend more time curating the best family events around Eugene & Springfield instead of worrying about costs.

Thank you for being part of this community! 💛

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Here's to the journey!

Jess
Creator, Eugene Family Scoop

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