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
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…
TechFestNW
TechfestNW is a global gathering of technology and business leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs held at Portland State University’s Viking Pavilion in downtown Portland, Oregon. Learn more about the innovative, impactful tech that helps define our region. Hear from thought leaders across industries. Experience workshops and live tech demos. Join the startup pitch festival. And of…
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.
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…
Science Pub Portland: Science Minded Life
“Being a science minded person is not just about correcting others and protesting for science, it is a daily and very personal thing,” Professor Troy Campbell explains. His talk will look beyond “the issues” at the rich beautiful existence of living a science minded life. “Science mindness,” as he explains, “is an orientation toward the…
Cider Making Workshop
Cider drinking is a lost American tradition. Recapture it here and learn how to make your own. Participants will explore the history and science of cider, as well as learn the steps to turning a half gallon of apple juice from the store into delicious hard cider to drink at home.
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…
OMSI After Dark: Promsi
Tease your hair to the heavens, take an awkward photo booth picture with your date and make a toast with a glass of pre-spiked punch at Prom-si After Dark. Shoot off water rockets, concoct chemical creations and explore the wonders of OMSI with no kids in sight. Enjoy a glass of wine while learning about…
Science Pub Portland: The Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is a terminal lake and is the lowest water body on the earth’s surface. As a result of historic changes in inflows to the Dead Sea, water levels are now receding at more than 1 m per year. There have been many proposed solutions to the ‘dying’ Dead Sea such as reinvigorating…
Reel Science: The Divided Brain
A film which explores a radical new idea – is there an imbalance between our brain hemispheres that is affecting how we live in our modern society? The Divided Brain is the mind-altering documentary inspired by the book, The Master and His Emissary by Iain McGilchrist. 6:30 p.m.: Introduction and movie (duration 1 hour 18…
Tools4Ever at Interface Portland 2020
Interface Portland is a series of educational conferences focused on information security, IT infrastructure (BC/DR, data storage and recovery), and enterprise communications. Now recognized as one of the nation’s premier IT symposiums, Interface has received 15+ years of enthusiastic support from both the regional IT communities it serves and a burgeoning number of leading solution…
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