My daughter and I have a tradition of both of us painting a ceramic piece whenever we go on vacation. While in Portland we went to Clay Play. Great place, staff was super helpful ~it was a great afternoon~and we can't wait until we receive our pieces (we are having them sent as time is needed to fire them in the kiln. It's a great place for everyone...from young children to senior citizens!! Don't miss it!
Staff was very friendly and helpful. We had lots of fun painting a project with two young children. There were lots of design ideas and lots of projects to choose from.
...if you go during the summer. You will spend an hour or a little more making a creative keepsake for about $20. You pick your pottery, paint it using the 4 glaze colors you choose (plus unlimited use of the detail painters), and pick it up, finished and fired, in a few days. Studio fees are reasonable and they clean up after you. It will require a little planning if you are only visiting the area, as the kiln is not fired every day. I recommend bringing only older children (7 and up, perhaps?) as there is some concentrated effort involved with creating a nice piece. Grownups, I can't tell you enough how much fun this is for YOU, too, though! Not too many places you can bring your kids and have as much fun as they do.
I know, I don't nerd another coffee mug either...but they have MUCH more than mugs to paint! And their owner helps with creative ideas and choices. Kids love it (frankly, me too).