EXPLORE THE PARK

Washington Park Discounts & Free Resources

Washington Park is committed to reducing barriers so all visitors can enjoy the Park’s experiences, attractions, and green spaces. Below you’ll find a roundup of reduced-cost programs, free resources, and community-focused discounts offered through our partners. These programs are managed by the organizations listed, and links are provided for the most current details.

Children enjoying ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo, next to information about Park discounts and free resources.

Reduced Cost & Free Transportation Resources

  • Free Transit to Washington Park

    On Fridays and Saturdays in summer 2026, free shuttle buses will run from neighborhoods in East Portland, North Portland, and Northeast Portland to Washington Park and Forest Park. This free transit service is operated by Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) and funded by a grant from Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).

    Express Shuttle Info

  • TriMet Reduced Transit Fares

    TriMet offers reduced transit fares for eligible riders, including seniors, youth, people with disabilities, veterans, active-duty military, and others who qualify based on income.

    TriMet Reduced Fare Info

  • PBOT Transportation Wallet: Access for All

    The Transportation Wallet program from PBOT provides free transportation resources for qualifying Portlanders living on a low income. Depending on the program year, the Wallet may include credits for transit, bike-share, e-scooters, ride-share, taxis, and more.

    Transportation Wallet Info

  • Free TriMet Ride with ZooLights Ticket

    Through January 2028, you can ride TriMet to the Oregon Zoo for free with a ticket to ZooLights, thanks to a partnership with TriMet and the Oregon Zoo, made possible with support from Metro’s Regional Travel Options program, the Federal Transit Administration and Explore Washington Park.

    Travel Options Program Info

  • TriMet Access Transit Fare Relief Program

    Nonprofit organizations may be able to apply for transit fare assistance on behalf of the communities they serve through TriMet’s Access Transit program.

    Fare Relief Program Info

Attraction Discounts

In addition to the programs below, there are a number of resources available for veterans and members of the military. Explore military resources.

    • Hoyt Arboretum Friends offers program discounts when fees are a hardship. Email hello@hoytarboretum.org for a 50% off discount code. No questions asked.

    • Oregon Zoo offers discounted admission for eligible Oregon and Washington residents who participate in select public assistance programs.

    • Portland Japanese Garden participates in the region-wide Arts for All program, offering $5 admission for Oregon and Washington residents who receive SNAP benefits.

    • Portland Japanese Garden also offers $20 annual memberships for families in Oregon and Southwest Washington receiving public assistance, including but not limited to WIC, SNAP, CHIP, TANF.

    • World Forestry Center participates in the nationwide Museums for All program, offering free admission to the Discovery Museum for anyone receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits).

    • World Forestry Center’s Discovery Museum offers free admission for all visitors on select days throughout the year.

    • Oregon Zoo offers special discount days in the fall and winter, during which guests can typically save up to 50% on admission.

    • Hoyt Arboretum offers free, drop-in nature programs for families, with hands-on exploration, seasonal activities, crafts, and science experiences. While some adult classes have fees, many youth and family programs are free thanks to Hoyt Arboretum Friends and partners.

  • Museums and attractions in the Portland metro area and beyond—including the Oregon Zoo and World Forestry Center—have teamed up to offer a reciprocal membership program. Use your memberships to access admission tickets at participating attractions during their promotional months.

  • At Hoyt Arboretum, Title I schools qualify for field trip scholarships, which cover the field trip cost and transportation.

A child explores an exhibit at the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum, next to information about attraction discounts at Washington Park.