Information
Ladybug Nature Walks take place in Portland's parks and natural areas. Toddlers and preschoolers explore nature with an adult and join a group led by a nature educator. Children borrow a small backpack of tools for the walk. Private walks for preschools and other programs available.
On this page
About
Ladybug Nature Walks are SLOW nature hikes for young children and their grownups. Children explore plants, animals, and rocks while practicing social and motor skills.
During a walk, each child borrows a backpack full of tools for exploring. Nature Educators guide children in small groups through a series of "Nature Play" activities. Classic activities include observing plants, digging for worms, catching bugs, investigating natural items with magnifying glasses, collecting leaves, and painting with water. We provide supplies and structure, but each child is encouraged to be creative in their play and exploration.
In addition to classic Ladybug Nature Walk activities, we introduce a theme at each walk. Themes reflect what is special about the season and/or park. We explore each theme through observation, play, and story time.
Learn more about how nature benefits children.
Learn more about "Nature Play."
Sign up for a walk!
| Day | Date | Time | Park - click on park name to sign up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri | Apr 18 | 10:00-11:00am | Laurelhurst Park (SE) - Flowers + Ducks! |
| Fri | May 9 | 10:00-11:00am | Powell Butte Nature Park (E) - Rocks & Flowers! |
| Fri | June 6 | 10:00-11:00am | Overlook Park (N) |
| Fri | June 13 | 10:00-11:00am | Gabriel Park (SW) |
| Tues | July 1 | 10:00-11:00am | Luuwit View Community Garden (E) - Pollinators! |
| Tues | July 8 | 10:00-11:00am | South Waterfront Park (SW) - Dragonflies! |
| Fri | July 11 | 10:00-11:00am | Creston Park (SE) |
| Tues | July 15 | 10:00-11:00am | Lents Park (E) |
| Fri | July 18 | 10:00-11:00am | Mt. Scott Park (SE) |
| Tues | July 22 | 10:00-11:00am | Irving Park (NE) |
| Fri | July 25 | 10:00-11:00am | Gabriel Park Pollinator Garden (SW) |
| Tues | July 29 | 10:00-11:00am | Lincoln Park (E) |
| Fri | Aug 1 | 10:00-11:00am | Peninsula Park (NE) |
| Tues | Aug 5 | 10:00-11:00am | Essex Park (SE) |
| Fri | Aug 8 | 10:00-11:00am | Pier Park (N) |
| Tues | Aug 12 | 10:00-11:00am | Alberta Park (NE) |
| Fri | Aug 15 | 10:00-11:00am | Ventura Park (E) |
| Tues | Aug 19 | 10:00-11:00am | Marshall Park (SW) |
| Fri | Aug 22 | 10:00-11:00am | Johnson Creek Park (SE) |
Private group programs
Want to plan a special walk for your preschool, daycare, or homeschool group? If you have at least six children, please schedule a special walk for your group.
We schedule programs Tuesday through Friday, between 9:00am and 3:00 pm.
Fill out this form to request a walk for your preschool, daycare, or group.
Cost
Walks are $5/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
- When you arrive, you will be greeted by a PP&R staff person with a clip board. Give your name to sign in!
- You will be assigned to a small group led by a Nature Educator. If you are waiting for a friend, make sure to tell the sign in person. We will wait to assign you to a group until your entire party is there.
- Each child will get to borrow a “Ladybug Backpack” full of tools; we will trade the backpack for a sticker or a temporary tattoo at the end of the walk.
- We will guide each group through a few “Nature Play” activities using simple tools that you can try at home! We will move slowly and follow the interests and observations of the children. Plan to be engaged the entire time! Slow down and get curious along with your child.
- Walk lasts about an hour. If you need to leave early that’s totally okay! Just hand us the backpack and you are free to go. We understand that little ones have immediate needs.
How to prepare
- Dress for the weather. Plan for rain. Bring warm layers and hats. Wear rain boots or shoes that can get dirty.
- Go to the bathroom before the walk. Some parks have bathrooms, and some don't.
- Bring a snack for after the walk. You might even want to stay and play at a nearby playground with new friends.
- No worries! All children have hard days! Many children are shy or simply want to observe for the first few walks. They may not want to talk to the Nature Educators until they are comfortable. This is okay! We will accept and care for your child however they show up to a walk. It is also okay to pivot and leave early if things are not working that day.
