Adventure Brief
Join Portland Insectarium’s Tuesday Summer Camp introduction to entomology. Enjoy a hands-on session plus guided tour, perfect for curious minds eager to explore insects!
2–3 hours
easy
Family Friendly
No Experience Required
Join Portland Insectarium’s Tuesday Summer Camp introduction to entomology. Enjoy a hands-on session plus guided tour, perfect for curious minds eager to explore insects!
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; requires light walking and standing for short periods.
Wildlife
History
Portland Insectarium has been educating visitors on insect science since its founding in 2008, focusing on conservation and awareness.
Conservation
The Insectarium promotes sustainable practices by educating about pollinator importance and encourages habitat preservation in urban settings.
Portland Insectarium
Join Portland Insectarium’s Tuesday Summer Camp introduction to entomology. Enjoy a hands-on session plus guided tour, perfect for curious minds eager to explore insects!
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 footwear
The tour of the Insectarium and surrounding outdoor areas requires walking; sturdy shoes ensure comfort.
Bring a notebook
Taking notes during the session helps retain information and complements the take-home materials provided.
Stay hydrated
Portland summers can be warm; bring a water bottle to stay refreshed during the experience.
Arrive early
Arriving 10 minutes before start time allows a smooth check-in and preparation for the session.
Comfortable walking shoes
Ensures comfort during the indoor session and outdoor tour.
Water bottle
Keeps you hydrated during warm weather activities.
summer
Light jacket
Provides warmth during cooler mornings and evenings.
spring
Notebook and pen
Helps capture key information during the informative session.