About
Ladybug Nature Walks are a way for young children and their grownups to explore nature.
During a walk, children borrow a small backpack full of tools for exploring. A Nature Educator guides a small group of families through a series of activities. Children get the opportunity to learn about plants, animals, rocks, and soil in a social setting. We provide supplies and structure, but each child is encouraged to be creative and innovative in their play and exploration.
Grownups enjoy exploring new parks and connecting with other families. Adults will also learn the basics of early childhood “Nature Play,” and learn simple ways to integrate it into a child’s everyday life.
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 | February 2 | 10:00-11:00am | Pier Park (N) |
Fri | February 9 | 10:00-11:00am | Westmoreland Park (SE) |
Fri | February 16 | 10:00-11:00am | Lents Park (E) |
Fri | February 23 | 10:00-11:00am | Lower Macleay Park (NW) |
Fri | March 1 | 10:00-11:00am | Irving Park (NE) |
Fri | March 8 | 10:00-11:00am | Marshall Park (SW) |
Thursday | March 14 | 10:00-11:00am | Tadpole Pond (SE) |
Fri | March 22 | 10:00-11:00am | Whitaker Ponds (NE) |
Fri | March 29 | 10:00-11:00am | Lair Hill Park (SW) |
Fri | April 5 | 10:00-11:00am | Cathedral Park (N) |
Thursday | April 11 | 10:00-11:00am | Leach Botanical Garden (E) |
Fri | April 19 | 10:00-11:00am | Laurelhurst Park (SE) |
Thursday | April 25 | 10:00-11:00am | Maricara Natural Area (SW) |
Fri | May 3 | 10:00-11:00am | Fernhill Park Nature Patch (NE) |
Fri | May 10 | 10:00-11:00am | Powell Butte Nature Park (E) |
Fri | May 17 | 10:00-11:00am | Tadpole Pond - Oaks Bottom (SE) |
Wednesday | May 22 | 10:00-11:00am | Baltimore Woods (N) |
Thursday | May 30 | 10:00-11:00am | Duniway Park Lilac Garden (SW) |
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 private Ladybug 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 Pass to receive an ongoing discount of up to 90%. No proof of income is required.
What to expect
When families arrive on site they will be assigned to walk in a group of 5-10 children (and the adults attending with those children). Each group is led by one of our preschool nature educators. This will be your traveling group for the entire program.
Here are ways we hope you can support us as we guide the group:
- Plan to be engaged the whole time. (Put aside your phone and mental to-do list. Explore along with your child.)
- Dress for the weather! Plan for rain. Add a layer. Arrive with footwear that can walk through wet grass or along a muddy trail.
- Get curious along with your child. Slow down, get down on the ground, and look around.
- Slow your pace. What a gift to have this time to explore together. Take advantage of it.
- Let your kid lead! Pay attention to what interests your child. On a nature walk, curiosity and exploration are more important than facts.