Youth Education

Hoyt Arboretum Friends offers a variety of field trips and nature programs to get youth outside and to nurture the next generation of environmental stewards.

Youth Program Overviews:

Pop-Up Nature! is a free program held in the Visitor Center classroom and courtyard when public schools are out for fall, winter, spring, and summer breaks. Nature Educators share fun nature facts and activities with a seasonal focus for all ages.

Family Forest Days are summer celebrations in the Stevens Pavilion with informational tables, activities, music, and more surrounding a central tree theme in the Arboretum. Fun for all ages!

Tree Time! Preschool Walks are scheduled on Mondays and Saturdays at 10am year-round.  Young children and their adults listen to a nature-themed story and then go on a guided exploration of trees, plants, bugs, and more. Recommended for children ages 2 to 6 years old.

School Field Trips can be scheduled for groups of 10 to 60 students. Trips are led by  Arboretum staff and volunteers and introduce students to the life cycles, adaptations, and biodiversity of trees.

Forest Field Day: A Homeschool Program sessions are held every second Thursday and Friday. Students can explore the trails and tree collections of Hoyt Arboretum with a Nature Educator and other students from homeschool families. Each month focuses on a different nature theme to impart the importance of place and engaging with nature on a seasonal basis

Scout Programs: We welcome all scout groups to the trails for guided experiences that support various badge and adventure requirements. Request a weekend visit.

Discovery Packs are backpacks supplied with field guides, magnifying lenses, and self-led activities for children in K-5th grades. They are perfect for families or small student groups that are looking for self-guided exploration at Hoyt Arboretum.

 

Self Guided Activities:

Explore Hoyt Arboretum with our Children’s Adventure Map!

Pick one up at the Visitor Center (available in English and Spanish)

OR

Download the Children’s Adventure Map!

Descarga el Mapa de Aventuras Infantiles: ¡Ahora en español!

Look for the special trees and spaces as you explore the Arboretum’s trails

 

You can also grab a seasonal nature search from the Visitor Center (open daily 10am-4pm) and earn a special Hoyt Arboretum sticker!

 

Take Public Transit to Hoyt Arboretum

Take TriMet MAX Red/Blue to the Washington Park Transit Station and hop on the Washington Park Free Shuttle to reach the Hoyt Arboretum Visitor Center.

Forest & Washington Park Express

The Forest & Washington Park Express Shuttle is a free transit service operated by Portland Parks & Recreation. During summer 2026, Express Shuttle buses will make regular stops in neighborhoods in East, North, and Northeast Portland to provide people a free way to reach Forest Park and Washington Park. Learn more about the Shuttle.

 

Upcoming Youth & Family Programs