Review by Tabitha – April 2012
Spring in Portland is one of my favorite times of the year. OK – who am I kidding – I really do love all seasons here, but Spring is especially amazing! Everything is in bloom and the world goes from grey and cold to colorful and warm! What’s not to love?
For the last three years we have taken the time to drive down to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Woodburn. It’s a bit of a haul (around an hour to get there), but we think it’s worth the drive. We have only gone during the weekdays, since I’m not a huge fan of crowds. Last Monday when we went, it was gorgeous out and there were many people there but it’s wasn’t too crowded.
The farm prides itself on fields and fields of gorgeous tulips, in many beautiful and vibrant colors – reds, oranges, yellows, pinks, purples – and all kinds of combinations and mixtures. There are the traditional tulips, and more ornate ones with multiple or feathered petals. The flowers are amazing and it’s hard not to dream of a field of tulips in my own yard! Marshall has been so into planting things this year, that I decided to purchase some. After much hemming and hawing over color choices, we decided to just get a mix and embrace the random beauty!
We also like that going there is not just about looking at flowers – which as fun as that is for us grownups can be a bit boring after a bit for the kiddos. The organizers have done a wonderful job of making the fest a really fun destination for the family – with activities for a range of ages. When we went a couple years ago, the kids were content to just run the long paths in the fields. As they’ve grown they enjoy the slide and other activities, which this year included two big bounce houses – complete with blow up pillars and slides – pony rides, trampolines where kids get harnessed in and fly high, a hay bale tunnel and climbing area, play structures, slide, swings and a cow-train barrel ride. The cost for the activities ranges from free to $5 (there’s an ATM on site but carries a fee). And if you’re hungry you can bring your own food or purchase food from the cafe or vendors there. Fare includes sandwiches, sausages, burgers, elephant ears, kettle corn & espresso drinks.
Entry into the festival is based on your vehicle and day you go – $5 for cars during the week, $10 on the weekends. Bikes and motorcycles are less expensive, and buses are more. This year’s Festival goes through May 6th. For more information visit the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm website here.
PDX Kids Calendar was in no way compensated for this review and paid their own admission to the event.
