Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
OMG — OMSI is the coolest museum in town.
Margaret Seiler
With a planetarium, a giant-screen theater, a retired navy submarine (the USS Blueback is docked in the river right outside), traveling exhibits of all kinds and “After Dark” events that pair science talk with beer and wine for the 21-and-over set, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry has lures for all ages.
Half-pints can feel an earthquake and learn about physics in Turbine Hall.
But its core fan base is still the half-pints, who can feel an earthquake and learn about physics in Turbine Hall, conduct their own experiments in the interactive labs or watch storms form on a giant globe. The hands-on Science Playground is designed for kids 6 and under and, thankfully, the splash area has adult-size waterproof aprons in case Mom and Dad want to get in on the fun without getting soaked. (Leave some room for the little ones, please!)
Ready for a snack after all that fun? The renovated Theory Café takes museum fare to the next level, with goodies like oven-fired pizza, local beer sliders and quinoa salad that can be enjoyed with Willamette River views. There’s even a tap list for adults!
Just across the river from downtown, OMSI keeps getting easier to get to. A wide sidewalk and well-marked pedestrian and bike lanes make the Hawthorne Bridge an easy stroll and the Portland Streetcar’s Central Loop and MAX light rail Orange line drop passengers a short walk from the museum’s front door.
Kid-Friendly Museums
Upcoming Science & Tech Events
Submarine Tech Tour
OMSI offers a Guided Tech Tour on the second and fourth Sunday of every month. This special tour guided by an actual submarine veteran is for those who would like to learn more about the technical workings of the Blueback. The maximum tour size is eight people, so plan ahead and reserve your spot. Tech…
OMSI 75th Birthday Celebration
OMSI is proud to celebrate 75 years of science and technology education in Oregon and beyond. Your continued support helps inspire curiosity and wonder for you and the next generation of children, adults, educators and scientists. OMSI will be counting down the days with creative, messy and fiery science experiments. Come help blow UP the…
Lab Experience: 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 they will be working with caustic substances. Recommended for ages 6 and up with an adult, 12 and up without. General…
Rain Festival
Rain has come to the Tillamook State Forest, turning trickling streams into roaring rapids – but are you ready to go with the flow? Join the Tillamook Forest Center to plunge into the world of surging rivers, spawning salmon and the inner workings of watersheds to celebrate the ways in which rain transforms our forests….
Science On Tap – A Path in the Woods: How Forests Can Help Stop Climate Change
As the growing effects of climate change become clear — massive fires and floods, hotter summers, stronger hurricanes — it’s obvious that we urgently need to do something. Forest loss and degradation is globally the second largest source of CO2 emissions (after fossil fuels), but it’s the only emissions source that can reverse course and…
Science Pub Portland: Rivers & Hydrology
Rivers are everywhere and affect everything. When all goes well, they provide us with water, power, food, transportation, recreation and beauty. And when things go wrong, they wipe out our homes or even bring poisoned water to our taps. But how much do we know about how rivers actually work? How can a river flood…
Maker Workshops: Fermentation And Your Microbiome
Fermentation is one of the oldest and simplest means of preserving foods. It is also the best way to manage your gut microbiome, the ~100 trillion bacteria that live in your gut and change your health in a myriad of ways. In this class, you will create a personalized batch of sauerkraut to take home,…
Bridge Tour
Join up for a morning walking tour that’ll go around, across, under and inside the unique and storied spans that shape the lives in Portland. Strolling along the waterfront, this tour will plan to cross several bridges, pausing at the Morrison Bridge to meet the bridge operator and to see the view from the control…