family friendly

Journey into the forest to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature at night.  There are creatures that only come out at night so it is a perfect opportunity to see and hear them. Spend the first part of the program indoors learning about our nocturnal residents then head out into the park for a guided night hike.  Advanced registration required; call 503/629-6350. $17 Fee is a family rate - covers one adult and up to two additional family members (children or adult). An assessment fee will be charged to out-of-district patrons.

Coyotes:  Get up close to a coytoe pelt and skull and listen to the sounds of these creatures of the night.  We will learn about their tracks and the clues that you can look for in the day that will show you where they have been at night.

Journey into the forest to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature at night.  There are creatures that only come out at night so it is a perfect opportunity to see and hear them. Spend the first part of the program indoors learning about our nocturnal residents then head out into the park for a guided night hike.  Advanced registration required; call 503/629-6350. $17 Fee is a family rate - covers one adult and up to two additional family members (children or adult). An assessment fee will be charged to out-of-district patrons.

Bugs:  Join us to search the park for nighttime bugs.  We will try a variety of techniques: light traps, beat sheets, log rolling and more.

This event is going to be a fun opportunity for residents to help increase accessibility to the Willamette River. From 9am to 2pm volunteers will be moving rocks onto the bank at Tom McCall Waterfront Park just south of the Hawthorne Bridge.

Since the 1980's rocks have collected onto the shore and made the area unswimmable and difficult to enjoy even walking to the water's edge. All ages are invited as there are different sizes of rocks to move. Drinks and snacks will be provided. Bring your friends, neighbors and families to enjoy the making of this beach!

As the seasons change, so does life in the Nature Park.  Learn about wildlife in this series of classes.  Hear stories, meet other parents and kids, and see natural treasures up close.  Each class includes a simple craft or coloring project.  Weather permitting, we’ll take a short hike into the forest.  Parent participation required.  Suitable for ages 3-5 years. Advanced registration required; call 503/629-6350.  $8 per session, in-district.  An assessment fee will be charged for out-of-district patrons.

October 9: Animals in Autumn

October 16: Raccoons Ramble

October 23: Animal Senses

October 30: Halloween Critters

Join us on these nature adventures as we explore the wildlife in our local parks.  We’ll search for clues that animals have left behind and get up close looks at treasures from our naturalist’s backpack that may include skulls, pelts, pellets or even scat!  Each Knee High Naturalist Hike meets at a different site.  It’s a great way to get outside with your preschool child, meet other families, and learn about the natural world.  Only one registration per family is necessary.  Suitable for ages 2-5 years. Advanced registration required; call 503/629-6350.  $8 per session, in-district.  An assessment fee will be charged for out-of-district patrons.

Willow Creek

Long boardwalks and giant trees will have us looking up and down for things going on all around us.  Meet at the park entrance on SW Waterhouse Avenue, just west of 158th Avenue.