Did you know Portland’s tree-lined streets and parks are more than just beautiful scenery? By using urban forests as classrooms and teaching kids about trees, you can turn every adventure outdoors into a hands-on learning experience for your family. Spark your child’s curiosity about the natural world right outside your door and turn your local park into a hands-on science lab.
Become a Tree Detective
Turn your next outdoor stroll into a fun scavenger hunt. Before you head out, create a simple checklist of things for your kids to find. This can include different leaf shapes, types of bark, or even seeds like “helicopter” maple seeds or acorns.
As you explore, encourage your children to use their senses. Ask them what the bark feels like or what the leaves smell like after a light rain. These simple observations build a connection to nature and teach them to notice the small details all around them.
Lessons in Resilience
The trees in our city are incredibly tough, and they offer a powerful lesson in resilience. They grow in tight spaces, navigate around sidewalks, and find ways to get sunlight even when surrounded by tall buildings. Their ability to thrive shows an amazing strength that’s inspiring for all ages.
You can point out these features as a real-world example of persistence. Explaining to your kids how mature trees adapt to urban environments provides a great opportunity to talk about overcoming challenges. It shows them that with a little creativity and grit, it’s possible to flourish even when things are tough.
Art From the Outdoors
Let the forest floor be your art supply store. Collect fallen leaves, twigs, and seed pods to bring home for a nature-inspired craft session. Your kids can create leaf rubbings with crayons, build miniature forts with twigs, or make a colorful collage.
This activity channels their creativity and reinforces what they learned on their walk. It’s a wonderful way to combine outdoor exploration with hands-on fun, creating lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the trees that make our city special.
Let the Adventure Begin!
Teach your kids about trees and start with a challenge like finding three different tree types in your neighborhood, or make it a family tradition to visit new parks and snap photos of your leafy discoveries. Or get the whole family involved with different nature groups and activities in Portland. With each adventure, you’ll nurture a love for nature and create memories that your family will treasure for the rest of their lives.
Sam Hopes is a 37-year-old mom of two living in Portland, Oregon. She works as a freelance graphic designer and part-time yoga instructor, juggling creative projects with playdates and PTA emails. Known for her warm personality and dry humor, Sam loves hiking in Forest Park, thrifting on Mississippi Avenue, and weekend visits to OMSI with her kids, Ella and Milo. She’s the kind of parent who forgets sunscreen but always remembers snacks—and a good laugh.