Ladybug Nature Walks for Kids 6 and Under

Posted on by Sue Stringer
Little Ladybug Nature Walks explorers. Photo courtesy Chrissy Larson,
Portland Parks & Recreation

Need a winter or spring activity for you and your toddlers and preschoolers? Ladybug Nature Walks are perfect for those who want to explore nature with their kids led by a trained educator. These walks are geared to the children with an adult who assists in guiding them along as they explore.

Currently, on winter hiatus, the walks will resume the first week of February 2021. As soon as they know their winter and spring schedule, they will update this page, https://bit.ly/ladybugnaturewalks, with information about dates, times, and locations for the upcoming walks. 

According to their website, “Ladybug Nature Walks are a way for children ages 0-6 (and an adult) to explore a local Portland park. Nature educators guide families to notice plants and animals. Walks are child-directed and open-ended. Nature educators walk with the children in small groups. Children learn through questions, observation, and play. Groups move slowly through the park, stopping often. In this way, children have time to notice the plants and animals around them. If we have extra time we might also read a story, sing a song, or use puppets for imaginative play. Walks last one hour. Content is geared for children ages 1-6. (Infants under 1 year are welcome if they are carried in a sling or ergo-style pack. Please keep older siblings at home.)”

Families participating in the Ladybug Nature Walks. Photo courtesy Chrissy Larson, Portland Parks & Recreation

Children who attend the walks can borrow a small Ladybug backpack containing a few items that are easy to clean:

  • Magnifying lens
  • Small plastic tub with a lid
  • Metal Spoon
  • Laminated color wheel for matching
  • Plastic Bug box
  • Plastic paintbrush
  • Small toy insect for imaginative play

Ladybug Walks are listed as $9 per child but are based on a “pay what you can” basis. When registering you can use the available $3 discount per child (ages 1-6).

Infants under the age of one are invited to attend for free but must be worn on an adult body during the duration of the walk.

For more information, contact Chrissy Larson, Children and Family Programs Coordinator. Email enviroed@portlandoregon.gov or call 503-823-1149.