Experience the excitement of hands-on animal care with exotic bugs at Portland Insectarium’s summer camp. Learn husbandry skills and even start your own pet bug collection!
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as the activity involves mostly seated or standing tasks with light movement.
Wildlife
History
Portland has a long tradition of fostering educational programs about Northern Pacific native species and insects, enhancing community knowledge and engagement.
Conservation
The Portland Insectarium emphasizes sustainable care practices and encourages participants to promote insect conservation in their own backyards.
Portland Insectarium
Experience the excitement of hands-on animal care with exotic bugs at Portland Insectarium’s summer camp. Learn husbandry skills and even start your own pet bug collection!
Portland Insectarium is a hands-on entomology center that introduces visitors to live and preserved arthropods through interactive exhibits, classes, and guided field experiences. The Insectarium offers general admission access to displays and activities, specialty workshops like tarantula handling and macro photography, and focused classes such as insect pinning and identification. Seasonal summer camps for ages 10–18 cover animal care and husbandry, specimen pinning and preservation, field identification, and an option to purchase a full-series package with a completion certificate. Sessions combine classroom instruction, guided walks, and hands-on practice; many sessions include take-home kits, care sheets, pinned specimens, or shadowboxes.
Programs emphasize safety, ethical handling, and respect for living creatures. Sessions are led by trained educators with entomology knowledge and experience working with mantises, jumping spiders, tarantulas, and other arthropods. Small group sizes and supervised interactions ensure safe, educational experiences for beginners and enthusiasts alike. Registration is required for workshops and camps due to limited space; some programs include zoo admission or are offered as add-ons to a general visit. The Insectarium is a resource for families, educators, and hobbyists seeking practical skills—such as specimen preparation, field collecting techniques, and basic husbandry—and fosters curiosity with accessible materials and community events. Whether attending a one-hour tarantula handling session, a two-hour pinning workshop, or a weeklong camp, visitors leave with tangible skills, take-home materials, and an informed appreciation of insects.
The Insectarium also partners with schools and community groups to provide curriculum-aligned workshops, outreach events, and volunteer opportunities for learners of all ages.
Ages Served
10–18 (camps)
Programs for young learners and teens.
Experiences
10+ sessions
Workshops, walks, and camps available.
Take‑home Items
Included
Kits, care sheets, pinned specimens, shadowboxes.
Booking
Limited space
Registration required for workshops and camps.
Secure spots for camps and workshops — limited capacity ensures personalized, supervised learning.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Choose breathable clothes that you don’t mind getting a bit messy or dusty.
Come Prepared to Handle Live Animals
Be gentle and attentive as you interact with mantises and spiders to ensure their safety and yours.
Hydrate and Snack Before the Workshop
The session covers detailed hands-on work, so come well-fueled and hydrated for full participation.
Arrive On Time
Workshops start promptly on Wednesdays, so punctuality ensures you won’t miss any key lessons.
Closed-toe shoes
Protect your feet during hands-on activities and when moving around the facility.
Lightweight long sleeves
Helpful during cooler spring days and for added protection while handling animals.
spring
Notebook and pen
Take notes on husbandry techniques and care instructions provided in the workshop.
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated throughout the session, especially in warmer months.
summer