Luckily, while there's nothing to be done about plane fare, the hotel rates look to be darned cheap compared to last year, and the hotel's in the middle of the city so getting to it from an outlying hotel (which may be cheaper still) shouldn't be a problem. At least lodging, then, will be inexpensive. Well, inexpensiveish, at least.

Portland has a first-rate zoo, your kids will love it. There's also OMSI, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. Don't think it's a typical dusty museum, it's full of hands-on demonstrations of scientific principles and very kid-freindly. Growing up in Oregon, my family went almost every year. Even in my cynical punk rock days, I still enjoyed a trip to OMSI.

Your kids will love it.

-Logan
"What do I want? I'm an American. I want more."

No need to sell me on Portland's child charms--I lived down-valley from it for quite a few years. This'll be a good chance for a vacation to see how things have changed recently.

I think I'll nudge Nat some, to get both a family and non-family portland sightseeing itinerary. It's been a while since OSCON's been someplace where there's actually stuff to see within a reasonable distance.