Join educators from the Water Resources Education Center to discover the amazing journeys of two of our river’s most remarkable fish. This drop-in program takes place indoors and is designed for children ages 5–12. Through hands-on activities, you’ll explore the fascinating life cycles of salmon and lamprey and discover how they depend on healthy waterways throughout their lives.

No registration is required. Drop-in anytime between 1 and 2 p.m. Youth must be accompanied by an adult. The Water Center is open the first and third Saturday of every month, from noon to 4 p.m.

Accessibility: The WREC has accessible parking, paved pathways and fully accessible facility. Restrooms are available on site, as well as drinking fountains.

Contact the Water Center at vanwrec@cityofvancouver.us or call 360-487-7111 if you have any questions.

Join the NW Trails Alliance for a fun filled day for kids!

NWTA’s annual Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day returns, this time at the fantastic EasyCLIMB trail system in Cascade Locks!

register here

Join us on Saturday, October 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Cascade Locks’ EasyCLIMB trail system to celebrate the annual Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day event.

This fun-filled day will include skills stations, activities for all levels of riders, bike games, and a raffle! Bring bikes, helmets, and water bottles. NWTA will have a limited number of youth mountain bikes to loan.

Designated in 2004 by the U.S. Congress, Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day is a family-friendly outdoor event focused on celebrating the magic of mountain biking and building confidence in young riders. Whether it’s their very first time riding dirt, or if they’re ready to challenge themselves and improve their skills, all young riders are welcome.

Thank you to partners and sponsors including Northwest Trail Alliance, the Port of Cascade Locks, Portland Design Works, and more.

For more information, please contact Ali Halpin at alih@nw-trail.org.

—

Acompáñenos el sábado 3 de octubre, de 10:00 a.m. a 2:00 p. m., en el sistema de senderos EasyCLIMB de Cascade Lock para celebrar Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day (el día de ciclismo de montaña para los jovenes, or TAKMBD por sus siglas en inglés).

¡Este día lleno de diversión incluirá estaciones de práctica, actividades para todos los niveles, juegos de ciclismo y una rifa! Traiga bicicletas, cascos y botellas de agua. NWTA tiene un número limitado de bicicletas de montaña para jóvenes disponibles para utilizar en el evento.

Designado en 2004, el día es un evento familiar al aire libre enfocado en celebrar la magia del ciclismo de montaña y fomentar la confianza en los jóvenes ciclistas. Ya sea su primera vez montando en tierra o si están listos para desafiarse y mejorar sus habilidades, todos los jóvenes ciclistas son bienvenidos.

Gracias a los socios y patrocinadores, incluyendo Northwest Trail Alliance, el Puerto de Cascade Locks, y Portland Design Works.

Para más información, conéctese con Ali Halpin, alih@nw-trail.org.

Join Mazamas with your little ones for a gentle wander around Mount Talbert! Babies, big kids, and partners welcome. We will meet at the south parking lot off of SE Mather Rd.

2.4 mile loop, 460 ft elevation gain (no summit).

Are you new to hiking with your little one?

Come join us, ask questions, and find a community that wants you to succeed. If your kiddo isn't able to hike yet, please bring an appropriate supportive carrier or backpack to carry them.

If you've got questions, reach out! I would love to help figure out options before we hit the trail so everyone can have a safe and successful adventure. 

FREE event, register HERE.

Join Vancouver Audubon Society’s Young Birders at Ridgefield NWR Visit Center, where Birdfest held by Ridgefield and Friends, celebrating the return of wintering birds to the refuge.

Young Birders will be manning spotting scopes at a station. If you are interested in Young Birders and what we do, please join us to find out more. If you are interested in volunteering manning scopes, please contact Ken Pitts (kenp@vancouveraudubon.org) or Isaac Lang (i.lang@vancouver.org) if you are interested.

Come join this family storytime and puppet show with Mr. Elliot at Fallen Leaf Lake Park! 

Rain or shine...the puppets show will go on! (There's a covered area) 

No registration needed.

Fallen Leaf Lake Park: 2911 NE Everett Street, Camas, WA 98607

Contact Info:

Name: Elliot Stapleton

Email: library@cityofcamas.us

Phone Number: (360) 834-4692

Join Water Resources Education Center staff on a Wednesday morning guided nature walk where we will explore the rich ecosystems along the Columbia River and adjacent wetland.

As we wander, we’ll discover native plants, search for wildlife, and learn how these vibrant waterways support life all around us. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned nature lover, there’s always something new to see and learn on the trail.

• This program is great for families with youth ages 6 and older as well as adults who want to get out and wander!

• Be prepared to walk 2 miles on paved pathways, unpaved wetland trails, and along sandy beaches.

• Registration is required.  Sign up today!

If the event becomes full, please contact the Water Center at vanwrec@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-7111 to add your name to the waitlist.

Cameraderie, Youth Program Instagram and Facebook

What Is Cameraderie? Cameraderie is a youth birding, wildlife, and nature photography program started by the Vancouver Audubon Society, founded by Shaunak Deshpande. The program connects youth ages 8-18 with experienced birders and photographers in the Vancouver and Portland area, creating a community where young people can develop real skills in both bird identification and nature photography. What started as conversations between talented teen photographers and Vancouver Audubon has grown into an active program with monthly walks, zooms, and workshops. Cameraderie believes that when young people understand the natural world around them, they become its most passionate advocates.

Monthly Bird Walks: Each month Cameraderie organizes bird walks at some of the best natural areas in the Pacific Northwest, including Steigerwald Lake NWR, Ridgefield NWR, Conboy Lake NWR, and Sams Walker along the Columbia River Gorge. Walks are led by experienced birder and photographer Ken Pitts alongside volunteer guides, giving youth the opportunity to learn bird identification, observe wildlife behavior, and practice photography in the field. Parents are always welcome and encouraged to join. Our walks typically run from early morning through midday to catch peak bird activity, and no prior experience is needed, just curiosity and a love of the outdoors.

This week’s walk is at Salmon Creek Greenway Trail (Saturday September 26th, 8:00am – 11:00pm)

Registration required HERE

Join educators from the City of Vancouver’s Water Resources Education Center to discover the incredible journeys animals make during late summer and early fall.

This FREE drop-in program takes place indoors and is designed for children ages 5–12 years old. Explore interactive activities that reveal how water connects the amazing migrations of birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and other wildlife.

• No registration is required.

• Drop-in anytime between 1 and 2 p.m. 

• All youth must be accompanied by an adult.

The Water Center is open the first and third Saturday of every month, from noon to 4 p.m.

Contact the Water Center at vanwrec@cityofvancouver.us or call 360-487-7111 if you have any questions.

Spring Creek National Fish Hatchery holds an annual Open House each September for the public to view adult salmon, watch spawning, see adults jumping up the fish ladder, and learn the important role hatcheries play. Educational activities such as Migration Golf, fish printing, and chalk art are available to kids of all ages.

Become a Nature Detective

Engineers are problem solvers! Curious kids in this class will work with their families to build, test, design, and improve across a variety of playful hands-on challenges.

About OMSI Curiosity Kids

At OMSI, we love experimenting, learning, and creating together!

Curiosity Kids programs at OMSI allow children ages 3-5 years old, along with their families, to explore early science and engineering concepts. These bilingual programs are designed to build STEAM skills and nurture the special connection between adults and children.
We hope you and your curious kids will join our stellar educators to experiment, ask questions, and build amazing structures!

Practice your new skills right after your workshop — your ticket includes same-day general Museum Admission!

Questions? For the basic details and FAQs about this event, please visit the Curiosity Kids webpage or email info@omsi.edu.

Chiquitines curiosos: Conviértete en detective de la naturaleza

Conviértete en detective de la naturaleza

¡Los naturalistas estudian las pistas que dejan atrás los animales! En esta clase, los niños curiosos trabajarán y jugarán con sus familias para observar, describir y recopilar pruebas que les permitan entender qué animales dejaron huellas, pelo, excrementos y mucho más.

Sobre Chiquitines curiosos

¡En OMSI, nos encanta experimentar, aprender y crear juntos!
Chiquitines curiosos es una serie de programas en OMSI que permiten que niños(as) de 3 a 5 años, y sus familias, exploren conceptos básicos de ciencia e ingeniería. Estos programas bilingües están diseñados para desarrollar sus habilidades STEAM y fortalecer el vínculo especial entre adultos y niños(as).
¡Esperamos que tú y tus pequeños curiosos se unan a nuestros excelentes educadores para experimentar, hacer preguntas y construir estructuras increíbles!

¡Practica tus nuevas habilidades después de terminar la clase, ya que tu boleto incluye la admisión general al museo para el mismo día!

¿Tiene preguntas? Para obtener más información sobre este evento, así como respuestas a preguntas frecuentes, visita el sitio web de Chiquitines curiosos o manda un correo electrónico a info@omsi.edu.

eocfwa

🌱 Join Educational Opportunities for Children & Families (EOCF) on Friday, to celebrate and tour EOCF's inaugural outdoor classroom and educational garden!

Located right next to our Battle Ground Early Learning Center, this new space will give our early learning scholars hands-on experience with nature, nutrition, and sustainability.

What to expect:
🍔 Free community BBQ
🏡 Tours of our new greenhouses
🌸 Interactive sensory play areas
🌱 Raised garden beds
📲 Please RSVP by September 9th HERE

We are thrilled to invite you to the grand opening of our primary garden at our Battle Ground Early Learning Center. We will be firing up the grill for a community BBQ to celebrate this exciting new outdoor learning initiative for children and families.

Explore the Garden Bring your family and friends to tour the grounds and see firsthand where our Head Start and ECEAP scholars will engage in hands-on learning that connects nature, nutrition, and early childhood education. The new space features:

• Vibrant Growing Spaces: 3 fully-functioning greenhouses, 17 raised fruit and vegetable garden beds, and a perennial flower bed.

• Outdoor Learning Facilities: Shaded gazebos, a sensory activity area, and dedicated spaces for physical and imaginative play.

• Pacific NW Native Landscapes: A beautiful walking trail winding through local trees and native foliage designed for environmental education.

EOCF Mission in Action At EOCF, our mission is to connect, empower, and transform the lives of children and families in Southwest Washington. This garden provides true seed-to-table experiences, allowing scholars to actively participate in the growing cycle by planting seeds, nurturing them, and harvesting fresh foods to incorporate into classroom meals and our ongoing nutrition curriculum.

The SW Washington Down Syndrome Community is so excited to launch a new monthly community connection series hosted by Anna Herbig and Rachel Cristaudo in partnership with SWWDSC.

Starting this summer, we invite families, self advocates, caregivers, siblings, friends, and supporters to join us for a relaxed and family friendly Walk About on the first Monday of each month at 10:00am.

This is about movement, connection, fresh air, conversation, inclusion, and simply being together in Our Community. All abilities are welcome.

☀️ Upcoming Walk About Locations ☀️

• June - Salmon Creek Greenway Trail (park near softball fields for free)

• July - Vancouver Lake Regional Park ($5 parking fee or annual pass)

• August - Lewisville Park ($5 parking fee or annual pass)

• September - Burnt Bridge Creek Trail (Stewart Glen Trailhead at Fruit Valley Road)

What to Bring:
💧 Water bottle
☀️ Sunscreen
👟 Supportive walking shoes or tennis shoes
😊 A smile and readiness to connect

Whether you stay for a short stroll or the full Walk About, we would love to have you join us as we continue building meaningful connection and belonging throughout Our Community.

Learn more at swwdsc

Registration Open Now!

This is an OBRA (Oregon Bike Racing Association) sanctioned event and an OBRA annual or single event membership is required.

Pricing: $70 Adult Pre-Reg; $35 Juniors Pre-Reg

Detailed Schedule:

6:30am Registration Opens
7:30am Racer Meeting
8:00am Racing Starts
12:00pm Racing Stops
12:15pm Podium Presentation

Course Description: Three timed downhill runs with lift service back up the mountain. Note: exact runs will be announced closer to the event.

Categories:

• Expert Men

• Expert Women

• Sport Men

• Sport Women

• Junior Men 13-17

• Junior Women 13-17

• Youth 12 & Under Boys

• Youth 12 & Under Girls

• Important Note: All age categories are based on “racing age”, i.e. your age on 12/31/2026.

Race Plates: All racers will receive a custom race plate.

Chip Timing: e8TIMING

Food: Timberline Lodge offers multiple food options.

Barista: On behalf of Nossa Familia Coffee we will be offering drip and various espresso drinks for free.

Camping: No camping at the venue.

Venue: Timberline Lodge, 27500 E Timberline Rd., Government Camp, OR 97028

GeoGirls: Annual camp empowers girls in the shadow of Mount St. Helens - Middle schoolers get volcanic experience at five-day camp:
"GeoGirls is a free, 5-day overnight geology and technology camp at Mount St. Helens for girls. Come see what these young women discovered and created—and celebrate a program that inspires the next generation of scientists.

Join the Camas Library staff at a different Camas Park each week for a family storytime outdoors!

Bring a blanket to sit on!

This week's location: Louis Bloch Park (160 NE Joy St.)

Program Type: Storytimes, Summer Reading Program

Age Group: All Ages

Accommodations: We strive to ensure our events are accessible to everyone. If you require special accommodations to join us, please call 360.834.4692 or email library@cityofcamas.us at least two weeks before the event.

Accompanying Adults: This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program.

Contact Info: Maria Martin & Elliot Stapleton, library@cityofcamas.us

Phone Number: (360) 834-4692

mazamas1894

Grab the kiddos and join us THIS Saturday, Aug. 29, for a gentle wander around Mount Tabor!

This one is for babies in carriers, big kids on their own two feet, parents, partners and anyone figuring out how hiking with little ones actually works. If you’re new to it, even better. Come ask questions, meet other families and find a community that wants to help you get outside together.

👶 Littlest adventurers should ride in a supportive carrier or backpack. We’ll meet at the Mount Tabor Visitor Center.
💚 No need to have the whole hiking-with-kids thing figured out. That’s part of why we’re here.

📅 Saturday, Aug. 29
📍 Mount Tabor
🔗 Find the hike on the Mazamas calendar at mazamas.org/calendar

FREE

Registration required HERE

Make family memories on the trails at Timberline Bike Park's Family Ride Days! Kids and teens ages 17 and under ride free with the purchase of an adult day ticket or season pass.

Whether you're introducing young riders to the sport or spending the day exploring the mountain together, there's fun for every skill level. Need equipment? Convenient bike and gear rentals are available on-site, making it easy to hit the trails.

It's the perfect family adventure on Mt. Hood.

Join the Camas Library staff at a different Camas Park each week for a family storytime outdoors!

Bring a blanket to sit on!

This week's location: Lacamas Park (3344 NE Everett St.)

Program Type: Storytimes, Summer Reading Program

Age Group: All Ages

Accommodations: We strive to ensure our events are accessible to everyone. If you require special accommodations to join us, please call 360.834.4692 or email library@cityofcamas.us at least two weeks before the event.

Accompanying Adults: This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program.

Contact Info: Maria Martin & Elliot Stapleton, library@cityofcamas.us

Phone Number: (360) 834-4692

fourthplainforward

Art & Nature in the Park is BACK for 2026! 🎨🌿

Fourth Plain Forward can't wait to bring free art and nature activities to Vancouver Flex Academy and Downs Neighborhood Park this summer. A huge thank you to our amazing partners Wellpoint, Molina, City of Vancouver NatureSpace, and all of our community partners for making these special moments possible. Come join us for a summer full of fun, creativity, and connection! 🌸☀️

👉🏽 Saturdays 11am–2pm | July & August
📅 July 11 at Flex Academy Park
📅 July 25 at Flex Academy Park
📅 August 8 at Downs Neighborhood Park
📅 August 22 at Downs Neighborhood Park

¡Arte y Naturaleza en el Parque está DE VUELTA en 2026! 🎨🌿 No podemos esperar para traer actividades gratuitas de arte y naturaleza a Vancouver Flex Academy y Downs Neighborhood Park este verano. Un enorme agradecimiento a nuestros increíbles socios Wellpoint, Molina, City of Vancouver NatureSpace, y todos nuestros socios comunitarios por hacer posibles estos momentos tan especiales. ¡Ven a disfrutar de un verano lleno de diversión, creatividad y conexión! 🌸☀️

👉🏽 Sábados 11am–2pm | Julio y Agosto
📅 11 de julio en Flex Academy Park
📅 25 de julio en Flex Academy Park
📅 8 de agosto en Downs Neighborhood Park
📅 22 de agosto en Downs Neighborhood Park

Join the City of Vancouver’s Volunteer Programs staff and volunteers from our Adopt-A-Park program for a morning of beautifying LeRoy Haagen Memorial Community Park’s natural area. We will be removing ivy and other non-native plants to support the health of the forest.

• Training, gloves, tools, water, and snacks will be provided.

• This opportunity is family-friendly and great for teens. Youth under 18 must bring a signed minor consent form.

• Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.

• Accessibility is important to us and we’ve taken it into account while planning this event. This location is wheelchair accessible, and work is primarily done in a quiet natural area with potential for some infrequent loud work sounds. For mulching projects, volunteers may be shoveling, twisting and turning, and pushing wheelbarrows. For invasive removal projects, volunteers may be kneeling, pulling, and twisting as well as possibly lifting plants overhead to load into a dumpster. There will be a space in the RSVP form for you to let us know if there are any accessibility needs you have so that we can do our best to find a volunteer role that will work for you.

• Advance registration is required. Leroy Haagen Park Volunteer RSVP.

Registration will close 24 hours prior to the event. If registration is closed and you are still interested in attending, please email cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us to let us know you will be a walk-up and you can sign in on-site.

• Contact: Volunteer Programs at cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-8344

topazfarm

Theme reveal coming later this week! 🐝🌻 Our gorgeous sunflower maze is FREE to visit, and this year all 14 acres are blooming at once. Come see it this weekend!

In past years, we succession planted our sunflowers, which gave us blooms over a longer stretch of the season. This year, all the acres are coming on at the same time, and it is STUNNING.

🌻 FREE entry to the sunflower maze: That also means: if you want to see the sunflowers this year, the next two weeks are the peak time to come.

Prefer golden hour? Wednesday’s After Hours event is your sunflower night. 🌻 We’ll have more flowers coming after the sunflowers, including a field of marigolds, but this is shaping up to be our sunflower moment. Come wander through them while they’re at their peak. 🌻

Celebrate Junior Ranger Day!

No matter what age you are, you are invited to explore, learn, and protect U.S. National Parks on National Junior Ranger Day. You can participate in the Junior Ranger program year-round and join this one-day celebration on August 22, 2026, that is part of the annual National Park Week.

Here are a couple of ways you can celebrate National Junior Ranger Day:

• Look to see if a park near you is hosting any Junior Ranger Day activities. View Junior Ranger events by state or event type in the calendar below. For SW WA, visit Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Mt. Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument or Crater Lake National Park (OR)

• Participate in an online Junior Ranger program such as Junior Paleontologist and Night Explorers (see links below). 

• Visit the NPS Kids Portal to plan a park experience, learn about free 4th Grader access, and groove out to Junior Ranger Radio.

Find a Junior Ranger Day Event

National Junior Ranger Day is August 22, 2026. Use the calendar below to view Junior Ranger Day programs at any of the more than 400 national parks around the country. Remember to check ahead for trip planning information and to recreate responsibly for a safe visit.

Some parks may host Junior Ranger Day celebrations on an alternate date from the official National Park Week schedule. Be sure to check the details for each park's programming.

Join the City of Vancouver’s Volunteer Programs for a work party at Homestead Park!

Activities will include weeding and mulching the Homestead Park Naturespace and cleaning up large sticks throughout the park.

• Training, gloves, tools, water, and snacks will be provided.

• This opportunity is family-friendly and great for teens – people of all ages and abilities are welcome! Youth under 18 must bring a signed minor consent form.

• Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.

• Please sign up using the Homestead Park volunteer work party RSVP form.

Registration will close 24 hours prior to the event. If registration is already closed and you still want to sign up, please email cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us to let us know and you may be able to sign in on-site.

• Contact: Volunteer Programs at cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-8344

Make family memories on the trails at Timberline Bike Park's Family Ride Days! Kids and teens ages 17 and under ride free with the purchase of an adult day ticket or season pass.

Whether you're introducing young riders to the sport or spending the day exploring the mountain together, there's fun for every skill level. Need equipment? Convenient bike and gear rentals are available on-site, making it easy to hit the trails.

It's the perfect family adventure on Mt. Hood.

Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge

Exciting news for families looking for summer fun at the Refuge's new Community Nature Center building!

On July 23, August 6, and August 20, the crew from the Ridgefield Community Library will be on the Carty Unit, hosting Storytime from 10:30-11 AM, and the center will be open from 10 AM - 12 PM, with refuge wandering open all day. No registration required; refuge daily entrance fee applies.

https://www.fws.gov/.../vis.../activities/education-programs
— at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge (Carty Unit).

You're invited! Join us for a Forest Walk at Columbia Springs.

Have you ever wondered what wildlife call Columbia Springs or what types of native plants you can find along the trails? Find the answers to these questions and more on a guided forest walk!

Come along with knowledgeable Columbia Springs staff, or expert volunteer, as they lead you on a walk on one of our trails to discover the magic of our site.

• Forest walks are great for all ages!

• Please note that our trails are not stroller friendly. 

• Let us know you’re coming in advance by registering at https://www.columbiasprings.org/events/guided-tours/

• We will meet at 3:30pm.

• Wear good walking shoes and dress for the weather!

Join the Camas Library staff at a different Camas Park each week for a family storytime outdoors!

Bring a blanket to sit on!

This week's location: Crown Park (120 NE 17th Ave.)

Program Type: Storytimes, Summer Reading Program

Age Group: All Ages

Accommodations: We strive to ensure our events are accessible to everyone. If you require special accommodations to join us, please call 360.834.4692 or email library@cityofcamas.us at least two weeks before the event.

Accompanying Adults: This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program.

Contact Info: Maria Martin & Elliot Stapleton, library@cityofcamas.us

Phone Number: (360) 834-4692

vancouverpublicworksus

Join us for drop-in programs on Saturdays at the Water Resources Education Center 🌞 ⁠
⁠
Amazing Aquifers 💧⁠ 1 to 2 p.m. on August 15⁠

• Drop in anytime during the program.

• All ages are welcome.

• No registration required.⁠

• FREE

The Water Center is open on the first and third Saturday of each month from noon to 4 p.m. Explore our air-conditioned exhibit hall and shaded outdoor garden spaces while you're here. On site restrooms available.

Get ready to walk, roll and bike to school at the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Summer Fair! Work with SRTS staff to plan your walk, roll, bike route to school; participate in the Bike Rodeo to practice your skills; get help learning how to ride a bike; and more.

Visit the program website and sign up for the email list for event updates: cityofvancouver.us/srts

What to bring

• Bicycle, tricycle or kick-scooter if you want to participate in the bike rodeo or ride in the bike garden.

• Helmets are required for anyone biking, scooting or skating. Visit the City of Vancouver booth if your child needs one.

• Water

• Sun protection

Using the bike garden

All users must follow posted safety rules and requirements for use per Vancouver Municipal Code 15.04.
Learn more about the Heights Bike Garden!

Getting here

Limited free parking is available on-site. Parking is located on Blandford Drive off Mill Plain Boulevard.
C-TRAN’s The Vine Red Line Devine Rd. stop also provides direct access to the garden.

• Contact: Safe Routes to School Vancouver at vancouvermoves@cityofvancouver.us