Tips for Kids & Families Visiting Lan Su Chinese Garden
Planning a day out with the kids can feel overwhelming, so we put together a handful of tips and helpful information for families wishing to bring their young scholars to Lan Su. We hope this will help you make the most of your visit!
What kid-friendly activities are there to do?
Available Anytime
One of our most popular year-round offerings for children are Discovery Guide scavenger hunts. These are available for free near the entrance. We update them seasonally to share new cultural facts or highlight plants in peak bloom.
Explore the garden to find all of the items on the list, then take it to the Garden Shop for a special sticker prize. Visitors of all ages love this activity! Click here for an example all about lotus flowers.
For deeper learning, check out the Discover Lan Su app for more interactive ways to learn about Chinese culture, scholar gardens, plants, and more.
Get the App: Discover Lan Su
A leisurely stroll through Lan Su is always nice, but there’s so much to discover beyond the surface beauty. Get translations to couplets, explore with scavenger hunts, download bloom guides, and more.
Discover Lan Su is available in-browser or as an app.
Scheduled Experiences
Our events calendar is also loaded with kid-friendly activities! With every festival or special series, we make sure to include hands-on and accessible ways for visitors of all ages to learn about culture and traditions.
Whether it’s a craft or coloring activity, a game, or a live performance, you’re sure to find a way to keep the kids engaged and learning.
What kind of accommodations are available?
Lan Su is ADA accessible
Lan Su has an ADA accessible route that travels throughout the garden. Almost every area of the garden can be accessed by those using strollers or mobility aids, and benches are available throughout the garden. Restrooms are also fully accessible.
Lan Su does not provide strollers or wheelchairs, but you are welcome to bring your own.
A Universal Access Map is available at the Ticket Booth and Host Stand to help you plan your route. The pathways will lead you in a full circle back to the entrance.
Note: The second floor of Yun Shui Teahouse is not wheelchair-friendly at this time as stairs are required for access. The first floor is still ADA accessible.
How far ahead do we need to plan?
Lan Su Chinese Garden doesn’t use timed entries, making it very flexible when you can arrive. Walk-up admission is always an option, so it’s okay if your plans change last minute. For more popular ticketed events like Lantern Viewing Evenings, you may want to book in advance to ensure a spot.
During spring and summer months, Lan Su is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with the last admission at 5:00 PM. In fall and winter, we close at 4:30 PM with the last admission at 4:00 PM.
How much is it going to cost?
Entry fees, meals, parking, and shopping can all add up and make going out feel more expensive than its worth. At the same time, an enriching day making memories as a family is also valuable, even priceless.
Admission is free for kids 5 and under
Lan Su welcomes visitors of all ages to come explore Chinese culture with us. Free admission for our youngest visitors helps lower overall costs and make visiting more accessible.
Discounts are available for EBT and WIC cardholders
For those with an Oregon Trail Card or other type of WIC/EBT card, Lan Su offers admission of just $5 per person for up to four people per cardholder.
We have free parking next to the garden
Take advantage of free parking (first come, first served) at our fenced-in lot right next to the garden! That’s one less expense to worry about. Set your GPS for 424 NW Third Avenue, and you’re on your way.
We can’t wait to welcome you and your family to Lan Su Chinese Garden and Yun Shui Teahouse soon!