

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
OMG — OMSI is the coolest museum in town.
Margaret Seiler
Know Before You Go
Temporarily CLOSED due to current COVID-19 restrictions in Multnomah County. For more information visit OMSI’s website.
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.
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!)
Half-pints can feel an earthquake and learn about physics in Turbine Hall.
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

Portland International Auto Show
The Portland International Auto Show is the largest auto show in the Pacific Northwest. With more than 480,000 square feet of exhibit space you will find over 600 vehicles from 35 manufacturers, the latest in car design and technology plus exotics from around the world. Get behind the wheel in one of our many Ride…

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…

Virtual OMSI After Dark: FizzFest
Join OMSI After Dark virtually to enjoy a curated tasting package of 10 fizzy drinks! Expect science demos, magic, fizzy drink experts, trivia, music and more. Information on how to access the live stream will be emailed to ticket holders the day of the event. Tickets include a mixed package of 10 fizzy drinks! Including…
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