Catherine Ryan Gregory
Catherine Gregory is a freelance writer. Read More
When I Grow Up: Portland Attractions for Career-Oriented Kids
Delight little ones who love firefighters, pilots and police officers at these educational and entertaining attractions.
Catherine Ryan Gregory
Catherine Gregory is a freelance writer. Read More
When traveling with kids, the sight of someone in uniform — be it a police officer, firefighter or boat captain — can be more exciting than anything you planned. Why leave such a highlight to chance? At these Portland attractions, your little ones can walk in the shoes of their heroes for a day.
For Kids Who Love Firefighters
Historic Belmont Firehouse
Your children’s wish for a fire pole at home may never come true, but they can slide down the real deal at the Historic Belmont Firehouse. Check out the century-old station’s steam-powered fire wagon, then listen to actual 911 calls on an antique rotary phone. Before you leave, don’t forget to sit in the cab of the real fire truck. Open every Wednesday and the second Saturday of the month; tours can be scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
For Kids Who Love Astronauts & Pilots
Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum
One hour southwest of downtown Portland, McMinnville’s Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum is home to the Spruce Goose — the largest flying boat ever built. The museum’s fleet of aircraft also includes space rover replicas and an arctic rescue helicopter nicknamed the “flying banana.” Your own tiny aviator can climb into the cockpits of Howard Hughes’ legendary plane, a B-17 and a helicopter. Experience what it would be like to see a rocket launch in the museum’s simulator (complete with shaking walls). Keep an eye out for the museum’s emerald-vested volunteers, who can answer curious flight aficionados’ questions. Check out their badges for clues to their interests and military ranks.
For Kids Who Love Police Officers
Portland Police Museum
Typically, a jail cell is the last place you’d want to find your kids. In this case, however, there’s nothing to fear. Curious children can visit a real (but now defunct) jail in the Portland Police Museum downtown. Housed in Portland Police Bureau headquarters, the free museum includes uniforms from different eras, bad guys’ fingerprints and a vintage motorcycle, complete with sidecar. Scope out vintage badges on display, then surprise your kids with one of their own. (Replicas are for sale in the gift shop — just prepare for endless games of cops and robbers when you get home!)
For Kids Who Love Sailors
USS Blueback
Aspiring seamen — and women! — ages 3 and older can explore this decommissioned Navy submarine docked behind OMSI. (Tickets for submarine tours are available inside OMSI and on their website.) During the 45-minute tour, offered multiple times daily, kids can experience what it was like to serve on the Blueback. That includes kicking back on a tiny bunk, spying the Willamette River through a periscope, pushing buttons in the control room and even touching a torpedo. Although naval crews lived on the vessel for months at a time, your tour lasts just 45 minutes (phew). Kids 12 and over who want to go even deeper can attend a three-hour “tech tour” led by a submarine veteran on the second and fourth Sundays of the month.
Educational Attractions
Family fun and learning in one
Family Science Events
Portland International Auto Show
The latest in car design and technology returns to the Oregon Convention Center. Don’t miss the annual Portland International Auto Show for your chance to see, sit in and even ride and drive models from almost every manufacturer, like Ford, Audi, Acura, Lexus, BMW and Lincoln – and that’s just the beginning. Your next car…
Brain Fair
Discover the amazing things our brains can do at the free annual OHSU Brain Fair! Science fans of all ages will be fascinated by hands-on exhibits, displays and more. Casey Eye Institute will have a booth at the fair, where you can learn about different parts of the eye, how our vision works and how…
Portland Retro Gaming Expo
The Portland Retro Gaming Expo is a locally produced event celebrating the colorful history of console, computer and arcade gaming. The arcade is massive, and all of the coin-operated games are set to free play for the weekend.
Meet A Scientist: January
Current science gets up close and personal at Meet a Scientist. This program, held on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, features local scientists who share their research and knowledge with you through hands-on activities and conversation. Meet a Scientist exclusively features professionals who are OMSI Science Communication Fellows.
Meet A Scientist: February
Current science gets up close and personal at Meet a Scientist. This program, held on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, features local scientists who share their research and knowledge with you through hands-on activities and conversation. Meet a Scientist exclusively features professionals who are OMSI Science Communication Fellows.
Soap Making
Make soap from scratch to take home while learning about the awesome chemistry of soap molecules! Participants must wear clothing that completely covers their arms, legs, and feet (no sandals or open-toed shoes) as we will be working with caustic substances. Recommended for ages 6 and up with an adult, 12 and up without. General…
Tualatin Valley Gem Club Rock and Gem Show
The 62nd annual Tualatin Valley Gem Club’s Rock and Gem Show features rocks, minerals, fossils, gems and more, with: VendorsDisplays of unusual specimensDemonstrationsDoor prizesSilent auctionKids’ corner fun and games