Services, Guides, and Information
24 services and resources found
Register for a class or activity
External Resource
View and register for Portland Parks & Recreation classes and activities through our online system.
Access Pass
Information
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.
An updated calendar of available dates for booking school field trips, Ladybug Nature Walks, guided walks for ages 6+, and custom nature programs. Please notice maximum group sizes listed for each available date.
City Nature Explorers Classes (Grades 1-5)
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Learn about nature in an outdoor classroom! Ecology-based classes led by nature educators meet in parks and natural areas. Lessons include observation, exploration, reflection, and play.
Browse the list below to find a good park or natural area to meet your needs. The page is divided up into parts of town. Use the shortcuts at the top of the page to visit each section.
Common Sites for Ladybug Nature Walks
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Browse the list and information below to find the perfect park or natural area for your Ladybug Walk.
Being a Youth Conservation Crew (YCC) Crew Leader is hard work - mentally, physically, and emotionally. Even so, most staff say it's the best job they've ever had! If you are thinking of applying for a Crew Leader job, we hope this information will help. Please reach out with questions!
True Nature is mostly a drop-off program. We understand that for many young children, this can be the first experience of being dropped off with new people.
Portland Parks & Recreation engages the next generation of environmental leaders through volunteer naturalist training, paid work programs, nature-based camps, field trips, guided walks, and stewardship. The following is a list of Environmental Education volunteer and employment opportunities.
Field Trip Options (alphabetically by topic)
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School field trips for students in grades K-5 are organized alphabetically by topic. Each field trip contains a welcome and orientation, preparation for our time together, hands-on nature content, and a time of reflection.
How to Schedule a Group Nature Program
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Schedule a school field trip, guided nature walk, custom nature program, or nature birthday party by following these steps.
Our Ladybug Nature Walks are easily customizable to offer your group of young children a chance to explore a nearby park on a day and time that works for you.
Ladybug Nature Walks take place in Portland's parks and natural areas. Babies, 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.
Nature Activities (At-Home Resources)
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Every season brings different opportunities to connect to nature right outside your door! We will be adding resources to this page as they are created. Please visit this site frequently for new information.
Nature Birthday Parties (ages 3-10)
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Celebrate your child's birthday with a nature-themed party or guided nature walk! Play, exploration, crafts, and games make our nature birthday parties unique. All programs are run 100% outdoors (rain or shine) and are customizable to meet your needs. We can make your child's day special!
Nature Day Camp - Summer Registration
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Find the dates, times, locations, and ages for all the Nature Day Camps for the upcoming summer.
Nature Day Camp | Junior Educators (ages 13-17)
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Teens ages 13 to 17 can apply to participate at camp - working side-by-side with staff and campers to gain experience in teaching, communication, and child development.
Nature Day Camp (ages 5–12)
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Nature Day Camps create ways for children to connect to nature through outdoor play and exploration. Camps take place every June, July, and August in various locations around the city. Nature-based camps offer ways for children to nurture their relationship to nature, peers, and trusted adults.
Nature Day Camp Paid Jobs (ages 16+)
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Spend your summer as a nature educator Nature Day Camp! We offer positions working with children in nature, mentoring teen volunteers, and leading small teams of paid staff. Positions are available for people with no experience, some experience, and a lot of experience.
Register for a class or activity
Service
Search through the Portland Parks & Recreation list of classes, create an account, and register for activities from the online registration system.
Outdoor nature education programs for students, classrooms, community organizations, or clubs. Programs last 1-3 hours and take place in neighborhood parks and natural areas. Learn in small groups through observation and hands-on activities.
Sign-up for The Raven Review Newsletter
External Resource
Enter your email address to receive The Raven Review newsletter. The newsletter contains information about upcoming nature classes, camps, and programs. Newsletters arrive about once each season.
Teen Nature Team (TNT) - (grades 6-8)
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Teen Nature Team (TNT) is a FREE nature program for middle school students. This program was formerly known as GRUNT.
Youth Conservation Crew (ages 14-18)
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The Youth Conservation Crew (YCC) provides employment opportunities for a diverse population of Portland-area youth. Crews protect, restore, and manage Portland's parks and natural areas while developing job skills and exploring environmental career paths.
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