Young children walking through the forest
CURRENT NEWSLETTER

Children's Programs

hike 1.jpgFor preschoolers and parents. Explore nature in Portland parks with trained naturalists!

Nighttime Hoots & Howls-5

Meet a naturalist for an "after hours" walk!  Hear the chirps of birds settling in for the night, the hoots of owls as they search for prey, and other night time activity.  This twilight stroll is suitable for families.  Rain or shine - PLEASE dress for the weather.  No umbrellas or strollers.  Nature walk is appropriate for the whole family, however an adult must accompany all children. 

Cost: $2/individual or $5/family.  Space is limited; call 503.823.2525 to register (refer to course # 357751)

Saturday, October 15th 6:30 - 8:30pm

 

Ladybug Nature Walks for ages 2-5

Walk through the Arboretum with your youngster and a nature guide.  Touch slimy slugs, smell tree bark, feel crinkly and soft leaves, hear musical bird songs and experience the many thanges of the seasons!

  • Check back soon for 2012 dates

Walks begin at 10:00 AM.  $3 per preschooler, no charge for adults. All walks occur regardless of weather conditions.  No registration is necessary.

 

Lil' Nature Kids: Nature Play, Projects & Stories

Experienced teacherstake small groups of children into a park for two hours to learn through stories, songs, exploration and imaginary play.  The primary goal is to give children positive outdoor experiences, rain or shine, with highly qualified teachers who direct the learning based on the children’s interests.  Ratio of students to teachers is 4:1 or better.

Mixed Age Classes

  • Spring Session 1: Apr 6, 13, 20, 27
  • Spring Session 2: May 4, 11, 18, 25
  • 9:30-11:30am (Ages 3-5)
  • Fee $56

All classes will meet at the Stevens Pavillion located just accross the street from the Hoyt Arboretum Visitors Center at 4000 SW Fariview Blvd.  For more information or to register, please visit www.PortlandParks.org or call 503-823-2525.

Summer Nature Camps

Youngsters under the age of 13 disappear into the woods and wetlands of Portland as they explore nature under the guidance of experienced staff. Curiosity develops as they crawl at nose-level with bugs, investigate animal homes, and explore the breeze through their imagined wings. Themes for each session are only a catalyst as this child-directed camp has few limits.

Teen camps provide opportunities to develop outdoor skills and interests. While gaining new perspectives about themselves, teens learn about interacting respectfully with each other and the landscape. These week-long adventures will challenge teens to take on responsibility.

Please Check Back Soon for 2012 dates!

  • Rockin’ Robins (ages 4-5)
  • Coyote Pups (ages 5-6)
  • Talisman Tales (ages 7-8)
  • Wilderness Survivor (ages 9-12)

oct_22-nov_9_094.jpg

  • Rockin’ Robins (ages 4-5)                                       
  • Forest Fantasy (ages 5-6)
  • Crafty Critters (ages 7-8)
  • Eco Zoom (ages 9-12) 
  • Habitat Hop (ages 5-6)
  • Super Scouts (ages 7-8)
  • Wizard Quest (ages 9-12)
  • Teen Adventure (13-15 yr girls)
  • Rockin’ Robins (ages 4-5)
  • Forest Fantasy (ages 5-6)
  • Talisman Tales (ages 7-8)
  • Eco Zoom (ages 9-12)
  • Teen Adventure (ages 16-18)
  • Rockin’ Robins (ages 4-5)
  • Antennae Antics (ages 5-6)
  • Bird Brains (ages 7-8)
  • Animal Trackers (ages 9-12)
  • Raven Tribe (ages 10-13)

Camps begin at 8am and end at 3pm.  All camps will meet at the Stevens Pavillion, located just across the street from the Visitors Center at 4000 SW Fairview Blvd.  Extended care opportunities are available for parents until 6pm. 

For more information or to register, please visit the Portland Parks & Recreation Environmental Education website or call Sue Thomas at 503-823-3601.

Information for families

Hoyt Arboretum is a wonderful place for families to explore together and discover a world of trees and plants just 2 miles west of downtown Portland.

Easily accessible by car, bus or light rail from anywhere in the Portland Metro area, Hoyt Arboretum offers parents a 185-acre "living classroom" in which to teach their children about trees, plants and the natural world.

Hoyt Arboretum is home to a collection of more than 8,000 trees representing over 1,000 species from around the world. A Visitor Center in the heart of the Arboretum offers visitor services, a research library, educational brochures, trail maps, a children's activity map and a small gift shop.

Portland Parks and Recreation offers Nature Day Camps, Ladybug Walks, tours for school groups and other programs for children at the Arboretum throughout the year.

Children's Activity Map