The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival with Your Family
- LP
- Apr 3
- 4 min read
There are few things more breathtaking than a field of tulips stretching toward the sky in every color imaginable—and the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Woodburn, Oregon, is exactly that kind of magic. Every spring, families from all over Oregon (and beyond) make the trip to see these iconic blooms. And if you’re looking for a beautiful, memory-making day with your kids that also doubles as a mini getaway? This is it.
Here’s your full guide to making the most of your visit, with tips to help you avoid the overwhelm, soak up the beauty, and leave feeling grounded, not frazzled.
🌷 What Is the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival?
Hosted annually by the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm, this festival is a celebration of spring like no other. With over 40 acres of tulips, family-friendly activities, food trucks, tractor rides, wine tasting, and more, it’s one of Oregon’s most beloved spring traditions.
📍 Location: 33814 S. Meridian Rd, Woodburn, OR
📅 2025 Dates: March 21 – May 4 (weather dependent)
💵 Admission: Paid entry required (pricing varies by day and time—book online early for the best deal!)
🔗 Website: woodenshoe.com
🌼 Family Tips for a Beautiful Day at the Tulip Festival
✨ Arrive Early (or Late)
If you want those dreamy, less-crowded moments—aim for early morning or golden hour evenings. Not only will you avoid the midday rush, but the light is also chef’s kiss for photos. Trust me, it changes everything.
✨ Buy Tickets Online in Advance
Weekends sell out, especially when the tulips are in full bloom. Book your tickets ahead of time so you’re not disappointed—and consider a weekday visit if you’re craving something quieter and more relaxed.
✨ Dress for the Mud (and the Magic)
This is still a working farm, which means Oregon’s spring rain will show up. If it’s rained recently, expect some mud on the walk into the fields. Wear boots or mud shoes for the walk over, and then change into your cute shoes once we reach the shooting spot—this keeps your photo-ready look clean and flawless. Backup shoes for the kids (and maybe even a change of clothes) are always a good idea, too.
✨ Don’t Overpack, But Don’t Underprepare
• Water & snacks (though food vendors are on-site!)
• A small blanket for resting or picnicking
• Sunscreen & hats
• Wipes + hand sanitizer
• A fully charged phone—or your camera, if you’re like me 😉
✨ Let the Kids Roam
There’s space to move, smell, touch (gently), and take it all in. The festival often has a kids’ play area, plus the fresh air and wide-open views are a win for little nervous systems.
📸 A Quick Note on Photos…
There’s something about tulips—they turn even the simplest moments into art. Whether you snap a few candids with your phone or decide to come back for a full session, the blooms don’t disappoint.
✨ This year, I’m offering ONE exclusive session at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival—just one. The farm has become incredibly popular, and photo permits + tickets sell out fast (sometimes within hours). This is your heads-up before it’s gone.
🗓 Date: April 11
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM (golden hour, of course)
👯♀️ Perfect For: Couples, newlyweds, or besties who want gorgeous best friend portraits surrounded by vibrant tulip fields
📍 Booking Link: Reserve Your Session Now
Once it’s gone, it’s gone—and I won’t be opening another for this location in 2025.
🎈 Want Even More Magic? Try a Hot Air Balloon Ride
If you want to turn the day into a full-on storybook experience, Wooden Shoe also offers hot air balloon rides during the festival—weather permitting. You’ll rise above the fields and get a breathtaking view of the tulips in bloom. These rides are incredibly limited and book up just like everything else at this festival.
🌐 Balloon Info & Booking: https://www.nwballoonrides.com
(Click “Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival Rides” for availability.)
💡 Bonus Tips for Your Best Experience
• Peak Bloom usually hits mid-April—but it all depends on the weather, so keep an eye on their bloom updates
• Sunrise & Sunset are the most magical light moments (and yes, photographers love those golden hours)
• Wine lovers: There’s an on-site tasting room for adults who want to linger
• Drone policy: Not allowed during regular hours
• Accessibility: There are some paved and flat areas, but strollers with big wheels work best for navigating the fields
Save This Post for Later
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or coming back to relive the wonder, the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival is a must-do spring tradition. Bookmark this guide so you’re prepped and ready when the blooms show up.
And if you’ve been waiting for a chance to get dreamy tulip portraits? This is it.
Only one slot. One night. One golden hour.
🗓 April 11 at 6PM
🎟 Your festival tickets are already covered—just show up ready to shine.
xo,
LP
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