Rose Garden Children’s Park
Know Before You Go
- 1700 SW Sherwood Blvd, Portland, OR 97205
- Hours: Open [[park_hours]]
- Cost: Always free
- portland.gov/parks ↗
- 503-823-7529 (503-823-PLAY)
Visit the Construction & Closures Page for updates or closures related to events or maintenance.
Rose Garden Children’s Park is one of Washington Park’s most beloved family destinations—a large, free playground tucked into the forest near the International Rose Test Garden and Elephant House picnic shelter. Designed as a destination play space, it offers a wide variety of equipment, room to roam, and plenty of shade, making it easy to pair with a longer day in the Park. The playground is managed by Portland Parks & Recreation and is open daily during Park hours.
The Rose Garden Children’s Park is accessible via the MAC Trail from the Int’l Rose Test Garden and Portland Japanese Garden stop.
Plan Your Visit
You’ll find a mix of classic and imaginative play features here, including slides, swings, climbing structures, bridges, ramps, and a popular sand area. Picnic tables and restrooms are located nearby, which makes it a comfortable spot to settle in for a while. Because the park is large and connected to other major attractions, many families plan this as one stop within a bigger Washington Park visit rather than a quick play break.
The playground can get busy, especially during spring and summer weekends and peak rose bloom season. Late mornings and early afternoons tend to see the highest use, even on weekdays.
The adjacent Elephant House can be reserved for picnics or small events through Portland Parks & Recreation, making it a popular option for birthday parties and group gatherings. Day-to-day playground use does not require a reservation.
Fun Fact
In 2024, Portland Parks & Recreation gave the playground a refresh with new play features like updated slides, spring toys, and interactive panels, helping keep this longtime favorite play space safe, fun, and ready for the next generation of visitors.
Getting Here
Skip the parking stress and take transit. Parking fills fast on busy days and during events, and payment is required at all lots. The Washington Park Free Shuttle Loop stops at all major attractions throughout the Park, making it easy to get around without a car.
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Take the Red Line or Blue Line to Washington Park Station. Take the elevator to the station plaza. From here, board the Washington Park Free Shuttle and ride 6 stops to the Int’l Rose Test Garden/Portland Japanese Garden stop. From here, it’s a short 0.2 mile walk to the playground.
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Take TriMet Bus 63 to the SW Rose Garden Way & Sherwood stop, where it’s a short 0.2-mile walk to the playground.
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Take TriMet Bus 20 to the W Burnside & NW 24th Pl stop. From here, use the Stearns Canyon Trail to enter the Park. This paved, car-free trail gradually climbs approximately 0.3 miles through a shady canyon towards the Oregon Holocaust Memorial, where you can board the Washington Park Free Shuttle and ride 1 stop to the Rose Garden stop. When you exit the shuttle, it’s a short 0.2-mile walk to the playground.
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Take TriMet Bus 15 to the W Burnside & NW 23rd stop. From here, cross Burnside and walk approximately 0.2 miles, where you can use the Stearns Canyon Trail to enter the Park. This paved, car-free trail gradually climbs approximately 0.3 miles through a shady canyon towards the Oregon Holocaust Memorial, where you can board the Washington Park Free Shuttle and ride 1 stop to the Rose Garden stop. When you exit the shuttle, it’s a short 0.2-mile walk to the playground.
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From the Free Shuttle or Bus 63 stop in the Gardens area, follow SW Rose Garden Way approximately 0.2 miles to reach the playground. The MAC Trail connects directly to the playground from other areas of the Park. Expect some elevation change depending on your starting point.
Learn more about getting here on foot or see a digital map of the park.
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From downtown or Goose Hollow: Pedal up SW Park Pl into the Park’s internal road network. From here, ride approximately 0.6 miles along SW Sacajawea Blvd and SW Rose Garden Way until you reach the Rose Garden. The Children’s Park is just 0.2 miles down the hill from the Garden, off SW Sherwood Blvd.
From Northwest Portland: Enter at W Burnside & NW 24th Pl and follow the car-free Stearns Canyon Trail uphill until it meets the main Park roads. Once inside the Park, access the Rose Garden Children’s Park via SW Sherwood Blvd.
From Arlington Heights: Enter the Park on SW Kingston Avenue. Follow the shared road for just a minute or two until you reach the Children’s Park, located 0.2 miles down the hill from the Rose Garden.
From Sylvan-Highlands: Enter on SW Fairview Blvd. Ride approximately 1.8 miles on SW Fairview Blvd and SW Kingston Ave until you reach the Rose Garden Children’s Park. As you approach, Kingston turns into SW Sherwood Blvd.
Bike racks are available nearby.
Learn more about getting here by bike or see a digital map of the park.
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Paid street parking is available along SW Sherwood Blvd. Note your license plate when paying, and lock your car before exploring. The closest designated rideshare zone is located approximately 0.2 miles uphill in the same location as the Int’l Rose Test Garden/Portland Japanese Garden Washington Park Free Shuttle stop.
Transit Tip
TriMet Bus Line 63 and the Washington Park Free Shuttle both stop at the International Rose Test Garden, just a 0.2-mile walk from the playground.
Getting Around
Pair your visit with another nearby attraction using the Washington Park Free Shuttle for a car-free day in the Park.
The Free Shuttle Loop connects every major attraction on a continuous free loop. Hop on and hop off using this free service to explore multiple destinations, including the Rose Garden Children’s Park, in one visit—without the hassle of parking or navigation.
Accessibility
Rose Garden Children’s Park was designed with inclusive play in mind. The playground includes wide pathways, ramps, and connected play structures that allow many children to explore the space together. Seated play elements and accessible routes make it easier for children and caregivers with mobility needs to navigate the playground. Because the space is large and multi-level, experiences may vary depending on individual needs, but many families appreciate the flexibility and openness of the design.
Trip Tips
