{"id":38563,"date":"2026-05-27T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-27T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/japanesegarden.org\/?p=38563"},"modified":"2026-05-27T12:41:07","modified_gmt":"2026-05-27T19:41:07","slug":"kids-at-the-garden","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/japanesegarden.org\/2026\/05\/27\/kids-at-the-garden\/","title":{"rendered":"Portland Japanese Garden: The Perfect Summer Break Destination for Families"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"a
Folks taking a moment to smile for the camera in the Garden’s kaohame, photo stand-in, designed by Mike Bennett. Photo by Portland Japanese Garden<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As reported in The New York Times, <\/em>Portland Japanese Garden is a great outing for families<\/a>. With a series of rotating cultural demonstrations and performances<\/a>, art exhibitions<\/a>, a Gift Shop filled with unique and fun wares<\/a>, wagashi<\/em> (Japanese sweets) and teas at the Umami Caf\u00e9<\/a>, and the everlasting beauty of our landscape, the Garden has something for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The appeal of Portland Japanese Garden for kids isn\u2019t just something that we have witnessed, it\u2019s something many of our staff know firsthand! We chatted with some of the moms and dads on our team to learn some tips they have for bringing kids to the Garden, and why they enjoy family time here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Plan Your Visit<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Tips For Parents Bringing Children to Portland Japanese Garden<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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A mother and daughter in Portland Japanese Garden. Photo by Jonathan Ley.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We asked parents on our staff what tips they might be able to share about other moms, dads, and guardians might benefit from knowing ahead of their visit, such as the convenient stroller parking we have on-site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“We have collaborated with a beloved local illustrator, Mike Bennett<\/a>, for our Children’s Discovery Map<\/a><\/strong>,” shares Megumi Kato, Senior Director of Brand and Innovation. “You can find these at our Fukuta Concierge Desk, and make sure to let them know when you find all the items for a fun sticker prize!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A family outing at Portland Japanese Garden. Photo by Julie Gursha.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSince food is not allowed here, I recommend that you plan your outing around their meal and snack times<\/strong>,\u201d Mayuko Sasanuma, Director of Cultural Programming, shares. \u201cPro tip: Your kiddos might enjoy a small picnic at the [adjacent] International Rose Test Garden<\/a> before or after the trip to Portland Japanese Garden.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou could also <\/a>end your visit at the Umami Caf\u00e9<\/a><\/strong>,\u201d Japanese Garden Training Center Manager Yuki Wallen adds. \u201cYou will have something you look forward to while strolling. You can also tell your hungry kids that something yummy is waiting for them, which seems to help calm them down. It is a great way to finish your experience at the Garden.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A young member chews over the details at the Annual Member Meeting in 2023. Photo by Nina Johnson.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019d suggest taking our free shuttle up<\/strong> unless your kids are used to hiking,\u201d Cultural Programs Manager Kelsey Cleveland adds, noting the winding switchback trail through our Entry Garden<\/a> that takes guests into the Cultural Village<\/a>. She also offered a way to keep the kids engaged throughout the experience.  \u201cIf your child is old enough, let them serve as the photographer of your visit to capture the visit from their perspective.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, there are several events held at Portland Japanese Garden that are specifically tailored for younger audiences. \u201cSign up for our weekly newsletter<\/a> and check out about our festivals,\u201d Sasanuma concludes. \u201cMost of our festivals are kid and family-friendly and for some, we offer child-centered activities<\/strong>, like ikebana<\/em> and origami workshops.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Place to Rejoice (And See Koi!)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Parents and kids gather to look at koi on the Zig-Zag Bridge. Photo by Julie Gursha.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Why bring the kids to the Garden? Sadafumi Uchiyama, Curator Emeritus of Portland Japanese Garden, once described our grounds as a \u201cdepository of all kinds of emotions.\u201d<\/a> While many seek its comfort in moments of distress, it is equally a fitting place to rejoice life\u2019s happy moments. So, while some may seek a quiet corner in the Natural Garden for self-reflection, there are plenty of elements that match the vibrancy and joy children bring with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy child loves doing the Children’s Discovery Map<\/a>!\u201d Kathy Parmenter, Executive Assistant and Director of Board Relations, shares, referring to the same free map previously mentioned, one that guides guests on a scavenger-style search throughout the Garden, available at the Mayho and Calvin Tanabe Welcome Center or Concierge office in the Cultural Village. \u201cIt keeps them engaged throughout the Garden. We also like to have a sweet treat in the Umami Caf\u00e9<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A mom and daughter take part in Portland Japanese Garden’s treasure hunt. Photo by Julie Gursha.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy 6-year-old son likes the koi and the deer chaser,\u201d Sasanuma adds. \u201cHe also likes to come for the traditional Japanese music performances<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Introducing a Different Culture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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A young guest holds up some origami. Photo by Portland Japanese Garden.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As some of the earliest correspondence between its founding Board of Directors and our original designer, Professor Takuma Tono of Tokyo Agricultural University, demonstrates, Portland Japanese Garden was built with the mindset of cultural diplomacy<\/a>, a term that has many definitions but generally be taken as a means of establishing peace and friendship through the mutual exchange of the arts, values, beliefs, customs, and more. Furthermore, it is done so in a way that it can engage with multiple audiences at once, regardless of age or personal knowledge of Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is a great place for a multi-generational outing with kids, parents, and grandparents,\u201d Cleveland, shares. \u201cIt\u2019s also a great place to expose kids to another culture without having to travel a long distance to do so. My teenage son has been visiting the Garden since he first learned to walk. In elementary school, he came with a pencil and sketchbook and enjoyed drawing both the koi and the Sand and Stone Garden<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A young participant in the Garden’s Bon-Odori celebration. Photo by Portland Japanese Garden.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy child and I love the free cultural performances and demonstrations,\u201d Parmenter adds. \u201cWe make a point to see all the various exhibitions within the Pavilion<\/a>. It\u2019s the perfect way to introduce various art forms in a low stress way.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reconnecting with Heritage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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A young Garden guest takes in a musical performance during Hina Matsuri. Photo by Portland Japanese Garden. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For some, the Garden\u2019s authentic presentation of Japanese culture is especially meaningful because of their personal background. \u201cI am Japanese and my kids grew up in Japan till they were five, 10 and 13,\u201d Wallen shares. \u201cIt is important for me that they do not forget where they come from. Portland Japanese Garden being an immersive experience is essential because they feel the sense of Japan while strolling the gardens\u2014they do not have to be \u2018told\u2019 or \u2018taught.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I want to give my daughter an opportunity to feel, understand and educate herself through the five senses,” Japan Liaison Manager Natsuko Takahashi shares. “She is now a young adult, so her view of the Garden has shifted from loving the koi, the Kodomo no Hi<\/em> (Children’s Day)<\/a> activities, and shopping at the Gift Shop<\/a> to sitting at my desk pretending to work on the Bring Your Child to work day, volunteering for the Garden, and discovering and learning about her Japanese heritage and culture. She became more aware of the greatness of being multi-cultural and cross cultural through looking at herself through the Garden as a Japanese American.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAs a Japanese American mother in Portland, I feel fortunate, inspired, and reassured knowing that a place like Portland Japanese Garden exists, where I can bring my children to connect to our heritage in a setting they love – nature!\u201d notes Kato.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Time in Nature<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Photo by Portland Japanese Garden.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

With eight different garden styles ensconced in the towering Douglas firs and cedars of Washington Park, Portland Japanese Garden is a terrific outing for parents eager to get their little ones out in nature. Regardless of the season or the weather of the day, the Garden always provides a place to stroll outdoors and away from glowing screens. Furthermore, on its perch overlooking the city, it is a way to get away from the quickened pace of the urban environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is beautiful,\u201d Wallen says. \u201cThe care provided by the gardeners is superb. And the location being a little bit away from the city’s bustle makes it special. Do not rush and take time to immerse yourself and your kiddos in the Garden. Immersion is the key to understanding Japanese gardens.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reinforcing Life\u2019s Lessons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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A mother guides her child during an ikebana workshop. Photo by Portland Japanese Garden.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

No garden is ever just a garden\u2014they\u2019re reminders of what is achievable through care for the land, gifts created for unmet future generations, and avenues through which we confirm our place within the natural world. Portland Japanese Garden, the former site of a brownfield, fostered by successive groups of caring individuals, and intentionally designed to bring nature to a more humanlike scale, exemplifies these traits. As such, some parents enjoy how the Garden reinforces life lessons they wish to impart on their children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Garden teaches my six-year-old son the sense of seasons as we visit often, as well as both the resilience and vulnerability of nature,\u201d Sasanuma shares. \u201cHe now knows that if you step on the moss, it can take years for it to grow back.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe architecture is beautiful\u2014the buildings and the gardens complement each other very well,\u201d adds Wallen. \u201cThe harmony between nature and the human hand is very well done here. That’s how I want to live and how I want my kids to live.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Portland Japanese Garden looks forward to welcoming you here! We suggest buying a household membership, which includes unlimited free admission for two adults and eight accompanying children, under 18 years of age<\/a>. Household-level memberships are also customizable and include the option to add up to three additional members or guests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Storytime in the Family Studio!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Storytime in the Family Studio. Photo by Portland Japanese Garden<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Join us in the Family Studio for a joyful community storytime celebrating Japanese culture and the power of nature to spark curiosity and wonder.<\/a> Perfect for families and young readers, this monthly event features a selection of stories especially chosen for children aged 3 to 8, but all ages are welcome to enjoy the fun! One Saturday each month, come share in the joy of storytelling through a new theme inspired by Portland Japanese Garden\u2019s cultural festivals and community programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Learn More<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The appeal of Portland Japanese Garden for kids isn\u2019t just something that we have witnessed, it\u2019s something many of our staff know firsthand! 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