Visiting the iconic Portland Japanese Garden with your toddler can still be serene.
The first time I visited the Portland Japanese Garden, I wasn’t even living in Portland yet. It was a must-visit attraction for my husband and I while we were in town visiting family. Fast forward several years and we now call Portland home, and we have a 21-month-old son. Getting to experience this great, big world through his eyes is one of my favorite things about being a parent. And that includes revisiting beloved places like the Japanese garden — especially when they have new family-friendly offerings.
The gardens, tucked into the hills of Washington Park in Southwest Portland, are a true gem of the city, for locals and visitors alike. Designed in 1963, the 12.5-acre property — originally home to the Oregon Zoo! — comprises eight garden styles, including snaking streams, intimate walkways and, on a clear day, a spectacular view of Mt. Hood.
Our family arrived on a crisp Sunday morning; the time of year where the mornings are chilly and by the afternoon, you’re in shorts. We brought our stroller with us, but ended up leaving it in the designated stroller area, just inside of the Nezu Gate near the entrance to the garden. Pro tip: Leave the stroller at home, especially if you would like to explore more of the grounds beyond the courtyard; many paths aren’t conducive to strollers.
After my son examined some rocks near the gate, we veered right and meandered toward the bridge overlooking the koi pond. The colorful fish were a big hit with my toddler; it was his first time seeing them. We all stood there for a few minutes, mesmerized by their slow, undulating movements.
Next, we walked toward the sand and stone garden (pictured below). The terrain to reach the rock garden is narrower and filled with steps, but it was good stepping practice for my stair-loving son. Pro tip: The garden has benches dotted throughout, which is helpful for little legs that might need a break, and to stop and take in the beauty of your surroundings.
At our destination, we looked at the intricately raked circles of salt-and-pepper-colored stones (it’s one of my favorite places in the garden). My son excitedly pointed at the boulders in the middle; he also really wanted to pick up the raked rocks. After we walked back up the steps, we reached the Pavilion Gallery. Pro tip: On a clear day, the overlook outside of the gallery boasts stunning views of the city and Mt. Hood. Then my son lost it. Not wanting to disturb other viewers enjoying their moments of tranquility, we picked him up and headed back toward the courtyard. Thankfully, after a snack, all was well once again. Pro tip: The cozy Umami Cafe now offers its teas and baked goodies to go and they can be enjoyed as you stroll through the gardens.
Our final stop was inside Garden House, which during the weekends houses the newly created Family Studio. Long tables are topped with coloring sheets and crayons, plus origami folding instructions and brightly colored square sheets of paper to practice making koi or dog finger puppets. And in June, bonsai LEGO will be another fun activity in the studio. While my son was too young to do origami, I appreciated that this space exists.
These fun, family-friendly additions made our first trip to the gardens as a family more enjoyable. Another sign that this is a family-friendly place? A Mike Bennett-created photo stand made in his character style. My husband and I felt comfortable and welcome bringing our loud toddler to a place known for its serenity. It was a good reminder that families can and should experience our city’s places of natural beauty, including all the rocks.
If You Go
Address: 611 SW Kingston Ave.
Hours: Wednesdays–Mondays: 10 am-5:30 pm (closed Tuesdays)
Admission: $22.50 for adults; $16.50 for youth ages 5-17; $18.50 for students and free for kids 5 and under
Click here for more kid-friendly adventures!