10 Things to Do in Washington Park for $10 or Less
For a day of affordable fun in Portland, Washington Park is the perfect spot. With scenic gardens, cultural landmarks, and a wide range of activities, there’s something for everyone—without breaking the bank. This week, we’re highlighting eight ways to enjoy Washington Park for $8 or less, from playing at the Children’s Park and exploring art exhibits to enjoying a family picnic or embarking on a scavenger hunt. Discover everything our iconic Park has to offer, all while keeping your wallet happy.
Play at the Children’s Park
Monkey bars, twisty poles, ladders to climb, ramps to run up and down—it’s everything playground dreams are made of. Tucked into the trees near the International Rose Test Garden, the Rose Garden Children’s Park is one of Washington Park’s most beloved free family destinations. With slides, swings, climbing structures, and a popular sand play area, it’s the kind of place where kids can burn energy for hours while adults relax in the shade nearby. Pro tip: bring a picnic and make an afternoon of it—restrooms and picnic tables are just steps away.
Work on Your Stroke
Grab a partner and your racquet, and head to the six tennis courts located next to the Rose Garden for a match or two. Surrounded by greenery and just steps from some of the Park’s most iconic views, these courts offer one of the most scenic places in Portland to play. Whether you’re rallying casually or getting competitive, it’s an affordable way to spend an active afternoon outdoors.
See Art Exhibits
Don’t miss the rotating exhibits, documentary films, and unique experiences included with regular admission at the World Forestry Center’s Discovery Museum ($5-10). The museum blends hands-on learning with immersive storytelling, making it fun for both kids and adults. You never know what special exhibit or interactive experience you’ll stumble into, so every visit feels a little different.
Dine Al Fresco
The Park is full of picnic tables and shelters. From quiet forested corners to grassy lawns with skyline views, there’s no shortage of scenic lunch spots throughout Washington Park. Bring takeout from your favorite Portland restaurant or keep it simple with snacks and sandwiches—the atmosphere does the rest.
Stop and Smell the Roses
Stroll through the 4.5-acre International Rose Test Garden, then buy a memento from the Rose Garden Store. Everything in the store either looks, smells, or tastes like a rose, has a rose on it, holds a rose in it, or is made for growing roses. Peak bloom season usually arrives in late spring and early summer, but the garden is beautiful year-round. Don’t forget your camera—between the city views and thousands of roses, this is one of Portland’s most photographed spots for a reason.
Take a Break at Portland Coffee Roasters
Cascade Café serves premium local coffee, refreshing fruit smoothies, and other grab-and-go items at the entry plaza of the Oregon Zoo. It’s the perfect place to recharge between adventures, especially if you need a quick caffeine boost before tackling another trail. Grab a drink and enjoy a few minutes people-watching in one of the busiest corners of the Park. Bonus: you can view the mountain goats from the entry plaza, too.
Have a Family Scavenger Hunt
Pick up a Children’s Adventure Map from Hoyt Arboretum’s Visitor Center, and see if you can find all the leaves, cones, and flowers listed. It’s a fun way to turn a casual walk into an interactive adventure for curious kids. Along the way, you’ll explore peaceful forest trails and discover just how many different trees and plants call Washington Park home.
Walk Through History
Washington Park features a number of historic memorials, statues and fountains that are free to visit and offer a glimpse into Portland’s early civic history. Find the bronze statue of Sacajawea holding her son, Jean-Baptiste, near the main circle of the Park. Nearby, you’ll see the Lewis and Clark Memorial; President Theodore Roosevelt laid its foundation in 1903. Take your time wandering the surrounding paths—you’ll spot plenty of other hidden historic details nearby.
If you have a whole day, visit the free Oregon Holocaust Memorial and Vietnam Veterans of Oregon Memorial for a somber but meaningful opportunity to reflect and learn. Tucked into quiet, forested corners of the Park, these memorials invite visitors to slow down, read the stories and inscriptions, and honor the lives and histories they commemorate.
Experience Arts for All
Known as one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan, Portland Japanese Garden offers a peaceful escape filled with winding paths, koi ponds, stone lanterns, and beautifully designed landscapes. While regular admission is higher than $10, qualifying visitors can purchase discounted $5 tickets through the Garden’s participation in the Arts for All program, making this world-class cultural destination more accessible to more families. It’s an especially great option for a quiet afternoon of reflection, photography, or simply slowing down and soaking in the scenery.
Ride the Free Shuttle Loop
One of the best budget-friendly ways to explore Washington Park is via shuttle. Hop aboard the Free Shuttle Loop and ride between the Park’s major destinations, including the International Rose Test Garden, Hoyt Arboretum, Portland Japanese Garden, World Forestry Center, Oregon Zoo, Archery Range, Oregon Holocaust Memorial, and more. It’s a relaxing way to see more of the Park without worrying about parking, steep hills, or long walks between attractions.
You can hop on and off throughout the day to build your own adventure, whether that means grabbing coffee, exploring a trail, or stopping for a picnic along the way. During the busy summer season, the shuttle also helps you avoid packed parking lots and keeps your visit stress-free. Bonus: kids tend to love the ride just as much as the destinations themselves.