Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival 2025: Tips for Families

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Tulips are most often associated with European destinations, but you don’t have to go to the Netherlands to enjoy huge fields of tulips each spring! Here’s all the information you need to plan your visit to the tulip festival in Oregon: the best time to go, what to wear, activities and our recommendations for a great day.

Jenn and 5 kids on a red truck at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm
April 16 2024

Where is Oregon’s largest tulip festival?

Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival

33814 S Meridian Rd, Woodburn, OR 97071

The Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm is located just outside of Woodburn, Oregon. It’s about 45 minutes’ drive from the Portland Metro area, and about 35 minutes from Salem.

@dinkumtribe I’ve visited the TulipFest multiple times with an infant, and with young children. These are my best suggestions for a fun and memorable day with neurodivergent kids. It’s important to know ahead of time that you aren’t allowed to pick your own tulips (to protect the bulbs for future years). Also, you’re not supposed to run through the rows, or even walk through the rows. Burning off the excess energy before going to the fields was really helpful for my boys so that they could comply with the rules. We had a fantastic visit! #tulipfest2024 #tiptoethroughthetulips #oregontulipfestival #oregontulips #oregontulips #woodenshoetulipfestival #neurodivergentkids #parenthack #autismmom @Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm @DinkumTribe ADHD family travel @DinkumTribe ADHD family travel @DinkumTribe ADHD family travel ♬ original sound – DinkumTribe ADHD family travel

Best time to go for peak bloom

Rows of pink tulip blossoms and buds at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm.
Pink tulips early in the season (March 25) – you can see the buds still waiting to bloom.

The best overlap of color is in mid to late April most years. The website has a Bloom Status page that provides a weekly field report from late February until tulip season is over.

Dates for 2025 Tulip Festival: March 21-April 27, 2025. All tickets for 2025 must be purchased in advance online. No tickets are available onsite.

Our son points to a row of red and white striped tulip blossoms in the field.
Gotta love the multicolored tulips!

The dates for the Tulip Fest typically run from late March to the end of April. The last 3 years, the weather and blooms allowed an extra week in early May.

Peak bloom time will be different each year, based on weather conditions and the crop rotation of the flower fields. If you have some flexibility for your visit dates, the Farm’s Facebook page is regularly updated with the exact dates for best blooms.

acres of pink, red, purple and yellow tulips in bloom at Oregon's TulipFEST

If you can’t make it during the perfect time, let me assure you that you will still enjoy acres of tulips anytime during the season! I’ve visited three times in late March or early April, and it was still incredibly beautiful.

Best Time of Day

For epic photos, you’ll want to get out during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset. Each year, Wooden Shoe Farm offers special sunrise photography passes so that shutterbugs can access the farm with fewer people and great light in the early morning. 

Rows of tulips with a windmill in the distant background.

On a clear day, you can see Mount Hood in the distance behind the tulip fields.

You’ll want to plan ahead if there are specific photos you hope to get. If you want the perfect shot of hot air balloons over the tulips, you’ll need to visit on a day with no rain and very little wind. 

On clear days Mt. Hood is clearly visible from the tulip fields.
Mt. Hood in the background

NEW FOR 2025! We highly recommend the sunset pass for families working with a professional photographer, or for families with special needs. The end of the day is a great time for beautiful lighting, plus hardly anyone is still at the farm.

Jenn taking photos of pink tulips at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm around sunset.
Beautiful lighting and no crowds make sunset a great time for photo opportunities.

Admission

The Tulip Festival sells admission individually as well as by carloads. The weekday or weekend family car passes are an excellent value for families with children over the age of 12. 

Jenn and son stand behind giant wooden letters that say "I heart Tulips" with tulip fields in the background.

For families with children 12 and under, the individual passes are best for general admission. There are also senior discounted passes, as well as individual season passes for those who want to come more than once in the season. 

For current ticket pricing and availability, check the Wooden Shoe Farm website. Free parking is included with any admission.

Daily activities during festival season

Each year there’s lots to do at this working farm, so you can easily spend a day here with the whole family.

Rows upon rows of colorful tulips make TulipFest a favorite spring activity in Oregon.

Daily Activities (access included with general admission)

Tulip Field access: walk amongst the 40 acres of tulip fields, enjoying the beautiful colors and different varieties. 

Photo Ops in the fields: numerous wooden cutouts, large wooden shoes, and an elevated platform for beautiful views of tulip fields.

@dinkumtribe Three boys, one wagon = nonstop motion and energy expenditure! #tulipfest2024 #tiptoethroughthetulips #oregontulipfestival #oregontulips #woodenshoetulipfestival #neurodivergentkids #parenthack @Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm @DinkumTribe ADHD family travel @DinkumTribe ADHD family travel @DinkumTribe ADHD family travel ♬ original sound – DinkumTribe ADHD family travel

Tulip Display beds: The Wooden Shoe Bulb Company offers tulip bulbs for home delivery. Go to the display beds with the catalog to find the perfect tulips to order for growing in your home garden.

The shuttle out to the fields.
Shuttle to the tulip fields

Free shuttle out to the tulip field and back to the main building. There are also cow wagons to pull children around the field.

Our son in a cow wagon with the tulip fields in the background.
Our boys took turns pulling each other around the fields in the cow wagon

Children’s play area with playground equipment, duck races (race rubber duckies by pumping water) and a hay bale tent.

Two of our boys race rubber ducks in trenches by hand pumping water into the trenches to send the ducks down the trench.
Duck races!

Wooden Shoe Garden area with picnic tables for enjoying a quieter lunch.

Daily activities that may require additional costs

Boy on pink tractor in tulip field
A pink tractor!

Food carts: check the website for which vendors will be present on the day of your visit.

Tulip Tour Train (additional cost): slower tour around the tulip fields with stops for photos.

Red tulips in a field with blue sky behind.

Tulip Market: here’s where you can buy fresh cut flowers, order bulbs, and other merchandise. Located in the main building.

Field Greenhouse tent: also purchase cut flowers, potted tulips and order tulips here. It’s out by the wooden windmill in the field.

Red Barn Hemp: Wooden Shoe’s family farm also grows hemp and creates hemp oil products. You can learn all about it in this barn.

tulip fields with lots of visitors. Tulip Festival Oregon best time to go.
Even a midweek visit can still have big crowds as shown here.

Wooden Shoe Vineyards Tasting room: Take a break from the fields to enjoy wine tasting as well as local beer and ciders.

@dinkumtribe Enjoy wine tasting after a long walk in the tulip fields. @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe #woodenshoetulipfestival #tulipfest #tulipfarm #familytravelcreator #oregonfamily #pnwfamily #familytravelvlog #winetastetest #winetastingvenue ♬ smiles & sunsets – ultmt.

Special events and weekend activities during the TulipFest

Partially carved wooden shoes.
Partially carved wooden shoes

The following activities vary by weekend, and may be weather dependent. Check the website calendar before your visit for the most up-to-date information.

Wooden shoemaking demonstrations and steam tractor demonstrations: You can also sign up for a wooden shoe making class for an additional fee.

Antique steam tractors. Tulip festival Oregon best time to go.
Steam tractors

Craft Marketplace and live music: check the website for vendor listing and performers closer to the tulip festival dates.

For the kids: Balloon artist (near the kids play area), inflatables and carnival rides (jump tents, bounce houses, etc.)

Jenn and son behind painted cutouts of a Dutch boy and girl, tulip fields and windmill in the background.
Another photo op!

Farm wine tours: This is only for ages 21+ and requires a reservation at least 48 hours in advance.

Hot air balloon ride: This is offered through private companies such as Portland Rose Balloons. They offer private and group sunrise balloon flights, as well as tethered balloon experiences.

Our son smells some pink tulips.

Local kite flyers: on days when the hot air balloons are grounded, local kite flyers sometimes come to fly giant kites in vibrant colors and designs during the festival season.

Four giant colorful kites in the sky. The kites are a rainbow octopus, a yellow dragon, a black and blue stingray and a purple whale shark.
Some of the giant kites you may see at TulipFEST

Tulip Festival Oregon: Know Before You Go

Pets Policy

Dogs and other pets on leashes can visit the tulips as long as the owners clean up after them. Also, if your pet doesn’t do well with other pets or people, it might be best to leave them at home.

What to wear

Girl standing in two giant wooden shoes in front of tulip field. Tulip Festival Oregon best time to go.
Another photo op – giant wooden shoes! (March 26)

Spring in the Pacific Northwest means frequent rain, and the fields do have a lot of dirt and mud. Plan to wear shoes and clothing that can get muddy.

We also suggest bringing a blanket or towels to clean off kids and pets before they get back into the vehicle. You may even want an extra outfit, in case someone takes a tumble. 

If you want photos sitting in the field, a blanket for the ground is also a good idea.

Girl running through the tulips with muddy boots. Tulip Festival Oregon best time to go.
Note the muddy boots – mud is common in Oregon springtime!

Note that the TulipFest remains open even in the rain, although some activities are weather dependent.

Food and Drink

You can purchase a variety of food and drinks from the vendors or the market. You are also free to bring your own picnic and enjoy it on the grounds.

A Note to Parents

I’ve visited the TulipFest with an infant, and with young children. It’s important to know ahead of time that you aren’t allowed to pick your own tulips (to protect the bulbs for future years). Also, you’re not supposed to run through the rows, or even walk through the rows.

Poster showing rules of the tulip fields.

Here’s the thing: EVERY kid sees the flowers and wants to do those two things! And who can blame them?

The last two times I went, I deliberately left my toddler and preschooler at home with my husband. 

Family in front of the tulip field. Tulip festival Oregon best time to go.
April 1st

I don’t enjoy spending my time telling my kids not to touch, or not to run. I’d just rather come back with them when they are old enough to consistently follow the rules.

So if you have kids who have ADHD, or struggle to follow instructions, or if you have kids who get easily overwhelmed in crowds, this might not be the event for them. 

Kids among red tulips.
This is what you’re not supposed to do (we tried, really!)

Visiting Wooden Shoe Farm at other times of the year

The Wooden Shoe Farm is open year round with different seasonal events. The fall gift shop and holiday gift shop is open daily, as well as the Wooden Shoe Tasting Room

Tulip bulbs and other flower bulbs such as daffodils can be ordered year-round for delivery in the fall. 

@dinkumtribe Get all your springtime, garden and Dutch wooden shoe decor here! #adhdfamilytravel #familytravelcreator #oregonfamily #pnwfamily #pnwfamilies #oregonfamilies #familytravelvlog #familytravelblog #familytravelinfluencer #travelwithkids #tulipfest #tulipfestival #tulipfarm ♬ Creative – Smile

Other Local Attractions and Places to Stay

Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm doesn’t have guest rooms or overnight accommodations. However several local hotels are listed on their website in the nearby cities of Woodburn, Silverton and Mollala.

Woodburn, Oregon

Woodburn is the closest city to TulipFest, and is worth exploring on its own. You can check out the premium outlet stores, or stay in one of the chain hotels such as Best Western in this family-friendly destination.

Black car on the track at the Woodburn Dragstrip
Woodburn Dragstrip

Woodburn has a drag strip racetrack that has races from spring through fall, weather permitting. It’s an inexpensive activity for families with kids who love cars. Just make sure to bring along some earplugs or other hearing protection!

@dinkumtribe Watching more races at the drag strip! #dragster #dragstrip #racingcar #thingstodowithkids #adhdfamilytravel #familytravelcreator #familytraveltiktoker #oregonfamily #pnwfamily #pnwfamilies #oregonfamilies #familytravelvlog #familytravelblog #familytravelblogger #familytravelvlogger #familytravelinfluencer #travelwithkids ♬ Speed Demon (2012 Remaster) – Michael Jackson

Legion Park in Woodburn is another great spot to explore or picnic.

playground at Legion Park with girl in foreground
Legion Park

The dinosaur-themed climbing structure is unique and younger kids can enjoy digging for “fossils”— real Ice Age fossils were actually unearthed in the park some years back!

@dinkumtribe We had a great day exploring this beautiful old park in Woodburn, Oregon. #adhdfamilytravel #familytravelcreator #familytraveltiktoker #oregonfamily #pnwfamily #pnwfamilies #oregonfamilies #familytravelvlog #familytravelblog #familytravelblogger #familytravelvlogger #familytravelinfluencer #travelwithkids @dinkumtribe #dinosaurplay #dinosaurplace #fossiltok ♬ Try Everything (From “Zootopia”) – Movie Sounds Unlimited

Check online for special events happening at the Park, such as the Fiesta Mexicana

A short distance from Legion Park is a beautifully restored steam locomotive. When you’ve seen all you want to see of the train engine, cross the tracks and explore the shops of historic old town Woodburn.

@dinkumtribe This locomotive has been lovingly restored and sits across from the historic buildings on Front Street. #locomotive #locomotives #adhdfamilytravel #familytravelcreator #familytraveltiktoker #oregonfamily #pnwfamily #pnwfamilies #oregonfamilies #familytravelvlog #familytravelblog #familytravelblogger #familytravelvlogger #familytravelinfluencer #travelwithkids @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe ♬ Legends Are Made – Sam Tinnesz

Silverton, Oregon

Silverton City of the Falls mural

The Oregon Garden Resort in Silverton offers a TulipFest package deal. We’ve written about our stay at the Resort for the Silverton Christmas Market, and it’s only about 15 minutes from the tulip festival.

Silverton has great restaurants, shops, and fun things to do! The Oregon Garden is beautiful year-round and Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Gordon House” is another unique attraction.

@dinkumtribe Playing in the hobbit house at the Oregon Garden. The Children’s Garden is one of several themed sections. #familytravelblogger #familytravelcreator #familytraveltiktoker #familytravelblog #familytravelinfluencer #familytravelvlog #silvertonoregon #silvertonor #oregonmoms #oregonfamilyouting #oregonfamily #pnwfamily #pnwfamilies #pnwadventuretime #adhdfamilytravel #childrensgarden ♬ Concerning Hobbits – Howard Shore

Silverton is the nearest city to Silver Falls State Park, called the “crown jewel” of Oregon’s state parks.

Here’s some great restaurants in the Silverton area that we’ve enjoyed:

Molalla, Oregon

Molalla is famous for its annual rodeo, the Molalla Buckeroo, held every July. However there’s plenty of great things for families to do in Molalla year-round, including playgrounds, paintball, miniature trains and more.

Long Park in Molalla
Long Park, Molalla

Looking for another Pacific Northwest Tulip Festival?

Sometimes people get the Wooden Shoe TulipFest confused with another well-known tulip festival. Washington State also has a tulip festival, located in Mount Vernon. The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is about an hour north of Seattle.

Packer Orchards in Hood River also hosts an annual tulip festival in the month of April. They offer sunrise and sunset passes, a date night event, and picnic packages as well.

Other Local Flower Festivals 

Before I moved to Oregon, I had no idea there were so many flower festivals in the area! Visiting the farms in spring showcases the beauty of the Willamette Valley at its best. Here are a few nearby favorites (see our flower fields post for the full list.)

  • Lavender Festivals (June-July): Helvetia, Sauvie Island, Willamette Valley, are just a few options to check out.
  • Portland International Rose Garden (June) 
  • Dahlia Festival in Canby (August)
Unusually shaped pink and yellow tulip blossom.

Tulip Festival Oregon FAQs

Where can I see tulips in Oregon?

orange tulip

Tulips are other bulbs are popular in Oregon so you can spot them throughout Oregon. The Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm is the place to go to see tulip fields. This farm is famous for its tulip fields and attractions.

What month is Tulip Festival in Oregon?

Rows of pink tulips at Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm

April is when most tulips are in bloom in Oregon. Some early blooms arrive in late March, and some late blooms extend into May. The annual Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival typically runs from late March through April, and occasionally extends to the first week of May.

Any other questions about the Oregon Tulip Festival?

Visiting Oregon’s tulip festival is always a highlight of the year for our kids! If you have more questions about the best time to go to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm or other questions, drop them in the comments. We’ll do our best to answer them.

You may also enjoy these posts:

© Copyright Jennifer D. Warren 2022-2025. Updated: February 27, 2025.

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About the author

I’m Jenn Warren, Co-Founder and Content Creator for Dinkum Tribe. I'm a Third Culture Kid (TCK) from Jamaica and California, married to my college sweetheart. I've been a missionary kid, pastor’s kid and (former) pastor’s wife. My husband and I traveled as pastors for 12 years throughout the United States and Canada before becoming travel content creators.

I love living in Oregon and exploring new places with my family. We’ve road tripped over 30,000 miles across the United States and Western Canada with our six children since their infancy. Prior to our marriage, I also lived in Spain for a summer and spent another summer in Mexico.

I’ve homeschooled our six children for over 10 years, and served on the board of a homeschool co-op for 4 years. Several members of our family are neurodivergent (gifted, ADHD, cPTSD), and I’ve spent 5+ years learning how to accommodate neurodivergent needs as well as supporting the resultant mental health challenges (anxiety, depression).

I’ve also served as a support group leader and co-director of Pure Life Alliance, a nonprofit organization that supports families struggling with sexual addiction.

I write about family travel and road trips, millennial marriage, general parenting, homeschooling, parenting neurodivergent children, grief, and abuse recovery.

Comments

  1. Thank you so much for sharing this! My husband and I just moved to the west coast this year and we were going to go to this festival but we’re just too busy. This is my reminder to get tickets for next year! It looks so beautiful and I love tulips (and Oregon). Thank you 😊

  2. Your pictures are beautiful and it just looks like such a delightful experience. Your kids are so cute and it sure looks like a wonderful place to visit. Thank you for sharing!

  3. This seems like it would be a gorgeous and fun activity to do with family! This could be a nice spring trip, thanks for sharing! and liked the photo adds

  4. Your pictures are beautiful and it just looks like such a delightful experience. Your kids are so cute and it sure looks like a wonderful place to visit. Thank you for sharing!

  5. This is such a great post. I love tulips and this place looks so beautiful to visit.

    1. It’s such a great place for kids and grownups alike – can’t wait to do the hot air balloons one day!

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