Discover the fascinating world of tarantulas with a unique hands-on session in Portland, Oregon. Safely interact with Pris, a gentle Chilean rose hair tarantula, and learn about these intriguing creatures up close.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
No special physical fitness required; suitable for all ages and abilities.
Wildlife
History
Portland Insectarium has been educating visitors about invertebrate species since its founding in 2008.
Conservation
The Insectarium promotes environmental awareness by highlighting the importance of arachnids in ecosystem balance and encourages sustainable interaction practices.
Portland Insectarium
Discover the fascinating world of tarantulas with a unique hands-on session in Portland, Oregon. Safely interact with Pris, a gentle Chilean rose hair tarantula, and learn about these intriguing creatures up close.
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.
Stay calm around the tarantula
Gentle movements and relaxed behavior help keep Pris calm during handling.
Wear closed-toe shoes
Protect your feet in the Insectarium’s indoor setting for safety and comfort.
Arrive 10 minutes early
Arriving early ensures you won’t miss the introduction and safety briefing.
Avoid scents and lotions
Strong scents can stress the tarantula, so come scent-free to the session.
Comfortable closed-toe shoes
Protect your feet during the indoor experience and walking around the facility.
Light jacket or sweater
Indoor temperatures can be cool, especially in autumn visits.
fall
Scent-free lotion or bare skin
Avoid scents that might stress the tarantula during handling.
Notebook or smartphone
For jotting down interesting facts or snapping photos (where allowed).