Home School Rides FAQs
and Event Policies
Before purchasing your wristbands, please review the policies.
Purchasing & Payments
The Home School Rides occurs annually on the Friday after Labor Day.
The 2025 date and time is September 5 from 12-4 PM.
While we do not require proof that you are a homeschooling family to attend this event, this event is intended to only be for homeschoolers and their families and we ask you to respect the event by only attending with a homeschooler.
Ride Wristbands are required for everyone participating in attractions. Each rider must have their own wristband, including supervising companions/parents riding with children; wristbands are non-transferable and are only valid for the original wearer. Transferred wristbands will be voided without refunds.
The number of Ride Wristbands offered each day is limited; to guarantee admission, you must purchase wristbands online in advance. Online tickets must be redeemed for a wristband at the Ticket Booth on the date listed on the ticket. Wristbands are available for online purchase starting 90 days in advance. Walk-in purchasing is subject to availability.
If you wish to use a Chipper Card to book your wristband in advance, call 503-233-5777 or email weborders@oakspark.com M-F between 9 AM and 4 PM.
Roller skating, miniature golf, and games are sold separately.
Oaks Park accepts card payments only at all locations, including ticketing windows, games, concessions, retail locations, parking meters, etc. You can pay for purchases using Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, a debit or prepaid card, or a Chipper Card. Select locations also accept Apple Pay and Android Pay.
What if I only have cash?
- ReadyCard cash-to-card machines are available to convert cash to a prepaid card. Cards can be loaded with $1-$500. ReadyCards cannot be reloaded.
- If you do not use all of your preloaded funds during your visit, you can use the card offsite anywhere in the U.S. that Mastercard is accepted.
- ReadyCard machines are located near Guest Services, near the shooting gallery in the historic Blue Streak building, and in the Roller Rink lobby.
- You can check your card balance at the onsite kiosk, by calling the number on the back of the card, or by visiting rcbalance.com.
- Keep your ReadyCard receipt. If you have issues with your card, you can call the number printed on it, and if you have your receipt, a representative from the card company will be able to help you. Unfortunately, if you do not have your receipt, there’s nothing we can do.
Ride Wristbands are non-refundable.
Wristband tickets are only valid for the date set at the time of purchase. In cases of emergency, the date for the ticket validity may be rescheduled by emailing weborders@oakspark.com at least 72 hours before the original reservation date/time.
Non-riders attending with a homeschooler are welcome to attend the event at no charge.
Rider Requirements
Ride Wristbands allow access to all of the rides for which the wearer meets the height and safety requirements.
Rider requirements and restrictions vary by ride; please visit our Ride Guide for details. We maintain all of the manufacturer's safety recommendations on all attractions. Additional criteria to those listed may affect guests' ability to ride.
Many rides require an adult to ride with small children. The adult rider must purchase a wristband to accompany the children on the rides.
At the Park
Ride Wristbands are valid from 12-4 PM. You do not have to arrive at opening; you may arrive anytime during operating hours until 1 hour before close.
Midway concessions are operational during all amusement park hours; view menu. Individual concession stand hours may vary.
The food cart pod is operated by separate, independent contractors who set their own menus and hours.
Guests are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages into the amusement park. Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited and will be confiscated and disposed of.
Tables on the midway are reserved for guests with purchases from our concessions. A limited number of first-come, first-served picnic tables are available at the park's west edge. To reserve one of our rentable picnic areas, visit our picnics page.
There are no refunds or price reductions if a ride is closed for maintenance during all or part of any operating day.
Oaks Park is open rain or shine. There are no weather-related refunds, exchanges, or rain checks.
For the safety of our guests and staff, the park may close early when an extreme heat warning is in effect. If the park closes early, you may visit Guest Services at close to receive a bounce-back wristband to return and finish your visit another day.
Parking
A daily parking fee of $4 per vehicle applies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The fee is payable onsite via self-service parking meters or on your mobile device. Only credit, debit, and prepaid cards are accepted at the parking meters. Chipper cards are not accepted at the parking meters. There are no refunds.
Parking spaces are first-come, first-served, and the lot frequently fills to capacity; do not purchase parking until you are parked onsite. Carpooling is strongly recommended.
The lot is private property and is only available to Oaks Park visitors. Vehicles not parked in designated parking stalls and those that block the flow of traffic will be towed by A&B Towing at the owner’s expense.
Failure to pay the parking fee will result in penalties. Rates are subject to change without notice.
For frequent visitors, monthly/quarterly unlimited parking permits are available. Parking permits are only available online.
- Monthly Unlimited Permit: $13
- Quarterly Unlimited Permit: $33
Parking spaces are first-come, first-served, and the lot frequently fills to capacity; permit parking is subject to parking space availability at the time of arrival. Vehicles not parked in designated parking stalls and those blocking traffic flow will be towed by A&B Towing at the owner’s expense.
Complimentary bus parking is available when arranged in advance.
Complimentary bike racks are available near the Roller Rink.
Use a secure bike lock; Oaks Park is not responsible for loss or damage.
General Guest Guidelines
Please view our guest guidelines before your visit.
Group Options
With group discounts, reservable event spaces, party packages, and more, "The Oaks" is the perfect place for gatherings of all kinds.
Hours
The amusement park is open seasonally in the spring, summer, and fall. Roller skating is open year-round.
Specials
Save money with our discounts and deals, or visit during a special event to take the fun to the next level!