Explore Washington Park

ZooLights
2025-12-13 16:30 - 22:30, 2025-12-14 16:30 - 22:00, 2025-12-15 16:30 - 22:00, 2025-12-16 16:30 - 22:00, 2025-12-17 16:30 - 22:00, 2025-12-18 16:30 - 22:00, 2025-12-19 16:30 - 22:30, 2025-12-20 16:30 - 22:30 (America/Los_Angeles) and 6 more dates | Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR, 97221, United States
Add some sparkle to your holiday season! The region’s most impressive light display returns with ZooLights, November 21 through January 4. Every year, ZooLights dazzles visitors of all ages with wildlife-inspired light displays and a whole lot of seasonal fun. It’s the ideal place to gather friends and family, snap photos and make lasting memories. Looking for the perfect holiday date night? Bring that special person in your life to ZooLights. See the zoo in a whole new light! Check out the magical meadow light show, along with a variety of interactive displays. Hop on the zoo train and see dozens of life-size animal lanterns along the route. Walk through vibrant tunnels of glittering lights and take in the glowing festive atmosphere.

Member Only Mindfulness Tour
2025-12-14 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-12-28 09:00 - 10:00 | Portland Japanese Garden, 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR, 97205, United States
This intimate tour focuses not on meditation, but instead on learning to bring mindful awareness to oneself, and the world around us, through intentional observation and connections. An experienced guide will provide a foundation for the art of contemplative exploration throughout various Garden spaces, and gently guide awareness away from the busyness of everyday life, back toward the connection to nature and experience of peace.

Family Studio
2025-12-14 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-12-14 10:00 - 17:30, 2025-12-20 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-12-20 10:00 - 17:30, 2025-12-21 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-12-21 10:00 - 17:30, 2025-12-27 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-12-27 10:00 - 17:30 | Portland Japanese Garden, 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR, 97205, United States
Perfect for visitors of all ages, this dedicated space invites families to sit down, pick an activity, and linger during their visit to the Garden. Whether you’re folding intricate origami creations or coloring vibrant pages inspired by the beauty of the Garden, there’s something to spark creativity and joy. This interactive space offers a welcoming environment for all to explore their artistic side, providing a relaxing and engaging experience for both children and adults alike. Take a moment to unwind, create, and connect with nature through these hands-on activities. Included with garden admission.

Tree Time! Preschool Walk
2025-12-15 10:00 - 11:15, 2025-12-20 10:00 - 11:15 | Hoyt Arboretum, 4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR, 97221, United States
Tree Time! preschool walks are a safe and fun way to get outside with your little one. Come join us for a story and guided walk on the trails at Hoyt Arboretum. We will use all of our senses to explore the natural surroundings and maybe even get our hands dirty! Staff and trained Arboretum volunteers will introduce you and your family to the plants, trees, insects, mushrooms, and more found at Hoyt Arboretum. This event is coordinated by Hoyt Arboretum, and registration is required through their website.

Artist Talk with Photographer Stu Levy
2025-12-17 14:00 - 15:00 | Portland Japanese Garden, 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR, 97205, United States
Join us for an artist talk featuring Portland photographer Stu Levy, whose meditative, black and white images of Portland Japanese Garden are featured in our current exhibition Designing Nature: Elements of Harmony. Levy will share insights from his practice and experience, including his training with renowned artist Ansel Adams, through a presentation and conversation with Aki Nakanishi, Director of Japan Institute and the Arlene Schnitzer Curator of Culture, Art, and Education. Levy, a neighbor of the Garden for more than 50 years, has captured its timeless beauty through his monochrome scenes that echo across the years. From flowing water to mist in the trees, these images evoke meditative moments through a unique perspective. Included with garden admission.

Cultural Performance: Koto by Mitsuki Dazai
2025-12-19 13:15 - 14:30 | Portland Japanese Garden, 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR, 97205, United States
Enjoy a free koto performance by Mitsuki Dazai at 1:15pm at the Cathy Rudd Cultural Corner in the Jordan Schnitzer Japanese Arts Learning Center. Included with garden admission.

Pop-Up Nature! Crafty Natureland
2025-12-20 10:00 - 13:00 | Hoyt Arboretum, 4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR, 97221, United States
Get inspired by the forest treasures found at Hoyt Arboretum to create your own personal crafts! Join our Nature Educators to create simple, nature crafts using leaves, cones, acorns, sticks, lichens, and more! All materials will be provided with crafting suggestions and instructions available. Crafts are great for ages 5+, but all are welcome!

Cultural Demonstration: Bonsai by Andrew Robson
2025-12-20 13:15 - 14:30 | Portland Japanese Garden, 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR, 97205, United States
Join us for a bonsai presentation by Andrew Robson at the Cathy Rudd Cultural Corner in the Jordan Schnitzer Japanese Arts Learning Center from 1:15 – 2:15pm. Bonsai, literal translation tree-in-a-tray, is the art and science of miniature trees. Included with garden admission.
