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Ladybug Nature Walks invite young children and their caregivers to enjoy and learn about nature in every season. We explore parks that highlight what’s happening outdoors right now. Private walks for preschools and other programs are also available.
About
Ladybug Nature Walks are SLOW nature hikes for young children and their caregivers. Kids explore plants, animals, and rocks while building social and motor skills.
Each child borrows a backpack of exploration tools, and Nature Educators lead small groups through engaging nature play activities—like observing plants, digging for worms, catching bugs, using magnifying glasses, collecting leaves, and sensory play. We provide the supplies and guidance, while children follow their curiosity and creativity.
Learn more about how nature benefits children.
Learn more about "Nature Play."
Sign up for a walk!
If you would like to receive an email notification when new walks are added, sign up here.
| Day | Date | Time | Park - click on park name to sign up |
|---|---|---|---|
Most walks are fully guided in small groups. An asterisk (*) indicates that the walk will be a STATIONS style program. We will have a mixture of guided activities and stations for you and your child to explore at your own pace. | |||
| Fri | August 21 | 10:00-11:30am | *South Waterfront Park (SW) - Dragonflies! |
| Fri | August 28 | 10:00-11:00am | Johnson Creek Park (SE) - Creek Play! |
| Fri | Sept 4 | 10:00-11:00am | Leach Botanical Garden (E) - Flowers! |
| Fri | Sept 11 | 10:00-11:00am | Willamette Park (SW) - Flocks of Birds! |
| Fri | Sept 18 | 10:00-11:30am | *Native Gathering Garden (NE) - Seeds! |
| Fri | Sept 25 | 10:00-11:00am | Irving Park (NE) - Squirrels & Acorns |
| Fri | Oct 2 | 10:00-11:00am | *Westmoreland Park (SE) - Salmon! |
| Fri | Oct 16 | 10:00-11:00am | Riverview Natural Area (SW) - Creepy Crawlies! |
| Fri | Oct 23 | 10:00-11:00am | Laurelhurst Park (SE) - Autumn Adventure! |
| Fri | Oct 30 | 10:00-11:00am | Cathedral Park (N) - Autumn Adventure |
| Fri | Nov 6 | 10:00-11:00am | *Forest Park (NW) - Creepy Crawlies! |
| Fri | Dec 4 | 10:00-11:00am | Hancock Park (NE) |
| Fri | Dec 11 | 10:00-11:00am | *Errol Heights Park (SE) - Beavers! |
We'd love your feedback!
After attending a Ladybug Walk, please let us know what you thought.
Ladybug Nature Walk Feedback Form
Cost
Walks are $8/child.
Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) believes recreation is for everyone. We know that the price of programs and activities prevents some community members from being able to participate. Sign up for an Access Discount to receive an ongoing discount of up to 90%. No proof of income is required.
What to expect
- Sign in! When you arrive, you will be greeted by a PP&R staff person with a clip board. Give your name to sign in.
- Casual warm up! There will be a simple warm up activity while we wait for everyone to arrive.
- Divide into smaller groups. At about 10:10, we will ask everyone to divide into smaller groups for exploring; each group will be led by a Nature Educator.
- Opening circle. The Nature Educator will lead an opening circle with some housekeeping information and instructions. Then, we will ask everyone to share their name, and something they hope to see today.
- Borrow your ladybug backpack! The backpack contains 7 tools for exploring.
- Nature walk with lots of stops. We will guide each group through a few nature activities using simple tools that you can try at home. We will move slowly and follow the interests and observations of the children. Slow down and get curious along with your child.
- Story time. We usually read a picture book at the end of each walk. Feel free to bring out the snacks.
- Return your backpack and say goodbye! Each child receives a sticker.
How to prepare
- Dress for the weather. Plan for rain. Bring warm layers and hats. Wear rain boots or shoes that can get dirty. We recommend rain bibs, rain suits, or raincoats. Kids grow fast, so these are usually available from secondhand stores, and will make outdoor spring and winter play so much more fun!
- Go to the bathroom before the walk. Some parks have bathrooms, and some don't.
- Bring a snack to enjoy during story time.
- No worries! Walks last about an hour, but it is okay if you need to leave early. Just hand us the backpack and you are free to go. We understand that little ones have immediate needs, and that all children have hard days. Many children simply want to watch and observe for the first few walks. Others want to wander and explore on their own. This is okay by us!