Pinecones offers kids ages seven to eleven a selection of trips introducing them to the many fun ways to interact with the natural world. Whether an indoor class, hiking, snowshoeing, caving, or heading out on an overnight backpacking trip, participants can choose events that fit their interests and abilities. We also have special events such as hunting for quartz crystals, fishing trips, and naturalist classes that are available for limited dates during the year!

We offer a discounted parent or guardian rate for overnight trips, snowshoeing trips, and caving trips. If you would like to accompany a Pinecones age child on any of the other adventures, please contact us.

Age: 7 through 11 (or elementary school age)

Timeline of adventures

Fall: Rocks and Minerals, Wilderness Skills, Caving

Winter: Snowshoeing, Rocks and Minerals

Spring: Rocks and Minerals, Wilderness Skills

Summer: Summer Day Camp, Backpacking

Wild Wednesdays

Free after school programs in our indoor Nature Classroom

Fishing Campout

Learn to fish at the Mineral Lake Fishing Derby!

Snowshoeing

Build snowmen, dig snow tunnels, play, and explore the winter forests of Tahoma on a guided snowshoeing hike.

Rocks and Minerals

Check out our indoor and outdoor activities discovering and identifying rocks, minerals, and gemstones.

Wilderness Skills

Learn wilderness skills like fire starting, shelter building, and bushcraft, including tracking and camouflage

Summer Day Camp

A week of daily activities at Point Defiance Park encouraging outside play and learning opportunities

Caving

Explore the lava tube caves near Mt. St. Helens and learn about the geology of this unique volcanic area

Backpacking

Join us to camp out in the woods along the trail on this introductory, parent and child backpacking trip.