Oregon
Amazing Animal Encounters in Oregon With Your Grandchild
Program No. 1728260MEADV-1116-60
Meet an array of animals at a zoo, aquarium, sanctuaries and working farm on an animal adventure with your grandkid.
Enroll with Confidence
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more
Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
800-454-5768
Age 8 - 11
ROOMING OPTION PRICING
The figures below indicate the rooming options available.
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DATES | ||||
Jun 22 - Jun 27, 2025
1,699 1,349 | ||||
Jun 22 - Jun 27, 2025
| 1,699 / Adult
1,349 / Child
| 1,699 / Adult
1,349 / Child
| 1,999 / Adult
1,349 / Child
| |
Jul 13 - Jul 18, 2025
1,699 1,349 | ||||
Jul 13 - Jul 18, 2025
| 1,699 / Adult
1,349 / Child
| 1,699 / Adult
1,349 / Child
| 1,999 / Adult
1,349 / Child
| |
Aug 3 - Aug 8, 2025
1,699 1,349 | ||||
Aug 3 - Aug 8, 2025
| 1,699 / Adult
1,349 / Child
| 1,699 / Adult
1,349 / Child
| 1,999 / Adult
1,349 / Child
| |
Aug 10 - Aug 15, 2025
1,699 1,349 | ||||
Aug 10 - Aug 15, 2025
| 1,699 / Adult
1,349 / Child
| 1,699 / Adult
1,349 / Child
| 1,999 / Adult
1,349 / Child
| |
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This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
6 days
5 nights
13 meals
5B 4L 4D
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner, Raptors
Portland, Oregon
2
Local Farm, Oregon Zoo
Portland, Oregon
3
Wildlife Center, Sea Life Cruise
Newport, OR
5
K-9 Presentation, Animal Tracking, Portland
Portland, Oregon
6
Program Concludes
Portland, Oregon
At a Glance
On this adventure, you and your grandchild will meet fantastic creatures, from engaging owls to lovable llamas! Get up close with some of these animals during live demonstrations at marine centers and sanctuaries. Learn about marine critters during a marine lab activity, and meet a working animal that assists police in their daily jobs. Go on an adventurous sea-life cruise to learn about local creatures such as crabs, sea lions, eagles and more.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Short but frequent daily walks; terrain varies from pavement to dirt roads.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Meet and learn about how some animals are trained to work alongside humans to help keep crops and people safe.
- At the Hatfield Marine Science Center, meet the resident octopus, and get hands-on with snails, barnacles and crabs.
- On a sea-life cruise with local experts, learn about crabs, sea lions, whales and marine birds.
General Notes
Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Terry Clifford
A native Oregonian, Terry is a veteran elementary school teacher. She enjoys learning through travel and nature, whether on a local outing, road tripping through the Pacific Northwest or visiting family in Australia. Terry has coauthored a textbook on local history. She has explored the ruts and swales of the Oregon Trail, helped with archaeological digs at Ft. Vancouver and studied the Lewis and Clark trail while cruising the Columbia and Snake Rivers. She looks forward to sharing her next Road Scholar adventure with you!
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Terry Clifford
View biography
A native Oregonian, Terry is a veteran elementary school teacher. She enjoys learning through travel and nature, whether on a local outing, road tripping through the Pacific Northwest or visiting family in Australia. Terry has coauthored a textbook on local history. She has explored the ruts and swales of the Oregon Trail, helped with archaeological digs at Ft. Vancouver and studied the Lewis and Clark trail while cruising the Columbia and Snake Rivers. She looks forward to sharing her next Road Scholar adventure with you!
Suggested Reading List
(5 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Amazing Animal Encounters in Oregon With Your Grandchild
Program Number: 17282
Rojo: The Perfectly Imperfect Llama
"Lllama Mama" Shannon Joy authors delightful children's books about her pair of therapy llamas and alpacas, Rojo and Napoleon. In this installment, Rojo learns to accept his own value - even if he's not "perfect" in the show ring! If you purchase the book through the following website, your book will include stamped llama kisses on the inside cover. Use discount code ROADSCHOLAR to receive free shipping. https://classy-camelids.myshopify.com/products/rojo-books
Curious Kids Nature Guide: Explore the Amazing Outdoors of the Pacific Northwest
Get acquainted with the animals of Oregon. This book has facts and illustrations of the flora and fauna that call the Pacific Northwest their home. Learn about local habitats, ecosystems, and diverse wildlife.
The Magnificent Book of Animals
This book features oversized pages with detailed full-color illustrations of 36 of the world's most majestic mammals. Brief facts highlight each animal's unique behaviors and abilities. Fact boxes allow readers to easily compare each animal's size, habitat, lifespan, and diet.
Rojo: Where is My Hair?!
"Lllama Mama" Shannon Joy authors delightful children's books about her pair of therapy llamas and alpacas, Rojo and Napoleon. In this adventure, Rojo and Napoleon discover what llama and alpaca hair is used for. If you purchase the book through the following website, your book will include stamped llama kisses on the inside cover. Use discount code ROADSCHOLAR to receive free shipping. https://classy-camelids.myshopify.com/products/rojo-books
Grant's Getaways: Oregon Adventures with the Kids
Local Oregon expert, Grant McOmie, shares some of his favorite spots to take the family. His adventures lead you all across the state to experience the many different characteristics of Oregon. This is a great book if you are looking for more adventures before or after your program.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Portland, Oregon
Program Concludes
Portland, Oregon
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
13
| 5B |
4L |
4D |
Activity Level
On this adventure, you and your grandchild will meet fantastic creatures, from engaging owls to lovable llamas! Get up close with some of these animals during live demonstrations at marine centers and sanctuaries. Learn about marine critters during a marine lab activity, and meet a working animal that assists police in their daily jobs. Go on an adventurous sea-life cruise to learn about local creatures such as crabs, sea lions, eagles and more.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Meet and learn about how some animals are trained to work alongside humans to help keep crops and people safe.
- At the Hatfield Marine Science Center, meet the resident octopus, and get hands-on with snails, barnacles and crabs.
- On a sea-life cruise with local experts, learn about crabs, sea lions, whales and marine birds.
General Notes
Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
Terry Clifford
A native Oregonian, Terry is a veteran elementary school teacher. She enjoys learning through travel and nature, whether on a local outing, road tripping through the Pacific Northwest or visiting family in Australia. Terry has coauthored a textbook on local history. She has explored the ruts and swales of the Oregon Trail, helped with archaeological digs at Ft. Vancouver and studied the Lewis and Clark trail while cruising the Columbia and Snake Rivers. She looks forward to sharing her next Road Scholar adventure with you!
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Short but frequent daily walks; terrain varies from pavement to dirt roads.
Small Group
(13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(5 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
13 meals | 5B | 4L | 4D |
1 expert-led lecture
8 expert-led field trips
1 hands-on experience
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner, Raptors
Location:
Portland, Oregon
Meals:
D
Stay:
DoubleTree by Hilton Portland
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m. Remember to bring your name tag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 4:30 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Orientation: 5:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This is a Road Scholar Grandparent program. Grandparents are responsible for their grandchildren. If/when separate age group activities are conducted concurrently, program staff will supervise. Minors are never to be left unsupervised. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
Following dinner, we will will be joined by a local expert for an educational presentation on raptors. We will learn about the various species of raptors and the role they play in the local environment. We will even have the chance to see one of these amazing birds up-close.
Day
2
Local Farm, Oregon Zoo
Location:
Portland, Oregon
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
DoubleTree by Hilton Portland
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 50 miles throughout the day, approximately 1.5 hours riding time. Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day; unpaved, uneven surfaces, variable terrain, trails that may be wet/muddy; paved paths, stairs, uneven terrain at zoo. Wear comfortable outdoor clothing, closed-toe shoes are required for the farm visit.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will hop aboard a motorcoach and ride to a local farm where we’ll learn about the importance of animals in Oregon. We’ll also interact with some of the animals that call the farm home.
Lunch:
At the farm, we will have boxed lunches.
Afternoon:
Back aboard the motorcoach, we will ride to the Oregon Zoo for a self-directed field trip and independent animal encounters. The 64-acre zoo lies amid the traditional homeland of the region’s fishing and gathering tribes who protected and provided stewardship for these resources over thousands of years. The collection of 2,585 individual animals includes representatives of 215 species or subspecies of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates including 15 endangered species.
Dinner:
We'll enjoy a pizza party at the hotel.
Evening:
Prepare for our 2-day field trip to the coast and transfer in the morning.
Day
3
Wildlife Center, Sea Life Cruise
Location:
Newport, OR
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Elizabeth Oceanfront Suites
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 170 miles, approximately 4 hours riding time with stops. Walking up to 1 mile throughout the day, standing for extended periods; limited seating; unpaved and uneven surfaces. Wear comfortable clothing for the outdoors and closed-toe shoes; possibly getting wet.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will check out of the hotel, board our motorcoach, and begin the ride to Newport, Oregon. On our way, we will stop at Chintimini Wildlife Center in Corvallis and a local park. The wildlife center cares for more than 1,000 injured and orphaned wildlife each year, from baby skunks to bald eagles. Their goal is to return these animals to their natural habitat. The center also conducts education programs to promote connections between people and wildlife. With expert Chintimini staff, we’ll engage in hands-on activities and learn about the fantastic diversity of creatures that live in this region.
Lunch:
At the Wildlife Center, we will have boxed lunches.
Afternoon:
Next, we will reboard our motorcoach and begin the ride to Newport, Oregon. After arriving in Newport, we will travel to a local dock where we will board the "Discovery," for an adventurous sea life cruise. We will be joined by local experts who will introduce us to a variety of local creatures such as crabs, sea lions, eagles and marine birds.
Dinner:
At a popular restaurant in Newport.
Evening:
We will check in to our hotel in Newport where we will spend two nights. The remainder of the evening is at leisure.
Day
4
Hatfield Marine Science Center, Oregon Coast Aquarium
Location:
Newport, OR
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Elizabeth Oceanfront Suites
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 5 miles, approximately 1/2 hour. Walking and standing at Marine Science Center, possibly getting wet; unpaved, uneven surfaces. Getting on/off a boat.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board our motorcoach and ride to the Hatfield Marine Science Center for a field trip to explore the rocky intertidal habitat, see some of the creatures that live there, and learn about environmental forces that make this ever-changing habitat a challenging place. We’ll have an opportunity to handle and observe critters that may be there such as snails, sea urchins, barnacles, crabs, and sea anemones. We’ll also learn about each animal’s habitat, anatomy, diet, and more from a marine science educator. From the Marine Science Center, we’ll ride to the Oregon Coast Aquarium.
Lunch:
At the aquarium, we’ll have boxed lunches.
Afternoon:
We will have time for independent exploration at the Oregon Coast Aquarium to learn more about marine life on the Oregon Coast. Returning to the hotel in Newport, the remainder of the afternoon is free.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure. You might like to take a swim in the pool, walk down to the tide pools, watch the sunset, or gather around a bonfire on the beach. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
5
K-9 Presentation, Animal Tracking, Portland
Location:
Portland, Oregon
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
DoubleTree by Hilton Portland
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 155 miles, approximately 3.5 hours riding time plus stops. Walking about 1 mile; unpaved, uneven surfaces.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After checking out of our hotel in Newport, we will board our motorcoach and begin our journey back to Portland. On the way, we will stop at a local community center where we will meet with an Oregon State Police officer to learn about K-9 working dogs.
Lunch:
We’ll enjoy boxed lunches outside at the Oregon Garden.
Afternoon:
On our way back to Portland we will stop for a field trip at the Oregon Garden, an 80-acre botanical garden highlighting the diverse ecological beauty of the PNW. We will experience a hands-on, experiential workshop about Oregon's forests and wildlife. We will explore animal tracking and signs of animals in the ecosystem through their Natural Resource Education Program. After an afternoon exploring the woods we will depart for the drive back to Portland. We will check into the hotel and then enjoy some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
We will meet a therapy llama and/or alpaca. Their “llama mama” trainer will tell us how they became certified therapy animals and how this animal therapy team uses their special bond to make a difference in the community. We’ll have lots of opportunity for contact with these furry friends. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
6
Program Concludes
Location:
Portland, Oregon
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out 12:00 Noon.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
13 Meals
5 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
4 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 15, 2025
- Jun 22, 2025 - Jun 27, 2025
- Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 18, 2025
- Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025
- Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 15, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 8 Reviews
Sort By:
We went out to sea and saw whales!
— Review left August 12, 2024
This program lives up to its name. We truly had AMAZING ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS and loved them all. Can't wait to take another trip with Road Scholar!
— Review left August 10, 2024
This was our fourth and last intergenerational program with our grandchildren and it was one of the best, simply because the topic allowed so much to be covered. I highly recommend it!
— Review left August 19, 2022
This trip was Amazing for me and my 8 year old grandson. We both love animals and marine life and we had a wonderful time with the field trips and learning more details about the animal kingdom. The size of the trip was a bonus as we only had 20 participants and all were friendly and interested in learning more and having good experiences. I recommend this tour.
— Review left June 19, 2022
We took our grandchildren 11 & 8 years old girls on this very interesting trip. They had a great time and had same age children join in on the program.
— Review left August 12, 2019
A wonderful trip with grandchildren!
— Review left August 5, 2019
I believe that Intergenerational program participants should receive materials which take into account that two family members often do not live at the same address or even in the same locale. I found the process confusing and excessively time-consuming. Some questions were not relevant to intergenerational programs. The whole process of preparing/communicating was disorganized and inadequate. Grandparents and their grandchildren have different needs than other trip participants.
— Review left July 14, 2019
An outstanding program and memorable way to spend time with your grandchild.
— Review left July 2, 2019