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  • Attractions
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    • Northwest / Nob Hill
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    • Pearl District
    • St. Johns
    • Sellwood-Moreland
    • Williams
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Margaret Seiler

children playing with large interactive toys in an indoor play area at OMSI
i
Kids get some hands-on learning at OMSI.
Attractions / Family Friendly

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)

OMG — OMSI is the coolest museum in town.

Updated Apr. 18, 2022 1 min read Central Eastside

Margaret Seiler

Know Before You Go

OMSI is open and welcoming visitors. Masks are strongly encouraged and disposable face coverings are available upon request.

Masks are required for the following areas and activities:
* The USS Blueback Submarine
* The Teen Tech Center
* Reserved Group Lab Experiences

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required for the following activities:
* OMSI After Dark
* OMSI Maker Workshops

For more information, visit OMSI’s website.

With a planetarium, giant-screen theater, retired navy submarine (the USS Blueback is docked 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 OMSI’s core fan base is still the half-pints, who can feel an earthquake and learn about physics in Turbine Hall, conduct experiments in interactive labs or watch storms form on a giant globe.

Questions About OMSI

How much does it cost to go to OMSI?

General admission:
Adult (14+) $12.00
Youth (3-13) $8.00
Senior (63+) $10.00
Children 2 and under visit for free.

There is an additional charge for touring the USS Blueback submarine ($8.50 per person) and Planetarium shows ($7.50 per person). Occasionally, there is an extra charge for a special exhibit.

Details are subject to change; please check OMSI’s website for current information.

Does OMSI offer discounted admission?

Active duty military and veterans receive $2 off admission with a military ID. Discounted tickets may be purchased at the front desk.

OMSI also participates in the Access for All program. Visitors with an EBT card may purchase up to four general admission tickets at $5 each. Show a valid, matching ID and your EBT card at the front desk.
Details are subject to change; please visit OMSI’s website for the most current information.

Is there free parking at OMSI?

OMSI’s parking lot costs $5 per day. Street parking is available, but the spaces have a one or two-hour time limit.

Visitors are encouraged to carpool or take public transportation. The Portland Streetcar’s Central Loop and MAX Light Rail Orange Line drop passengers a short walk from the OMSI’s front door.

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! The Empirical Café, adjacent to the Empirical Theater, also serves snacks and drinks.

Just across the river from downtown, OMSI is easy to access by car, train, or bicycle. 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.

Attractions, For Kids, Museums

Family-Friendly Fun

More Fun
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Oregon Zoo

Located near downtown Portland in Washington Park, the Oregon Zoo is home to more than 2,600 animals.

person walking through a museum exhibition of different trees

World Forestry Center Discovery Museum

Tree- and forest-lovers of all ages can learn about the importance of sustainability and experience a Portland icon at the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum, with exhibits on local and global forests.

Smiling children riding the colorful, retro Disk’O at Oaks Amusement Park.

Oaks Amusement Park

In Southeast Portland’s Sellwood neighborhood, Oaks Amusement Park has been providing families with carnival thrills and family fun since 1905.

a museum exhibit featuring a wooden canoe

Oregon Historical Society

The Oregon Historical Society collection includes thousands of historic artifacts (including the “Portland Penny"), permanent and rotating exhibits and an extensive research library that shaped the land now known as Oregon.

an adolescent boy looking through a submarine scope

When I Grow Up: Portland Attractions for Career-Oriented Kids

At these family-friendly Portland attractions, kids can walk in the shoes of the heroes they idolize: firefighters, astronauts, airplane pilots and sailors.

two children sitting on a train, one is dressed like a train conductor

Family Fun for All Ages

Whether your children are just learning to crawl or have mastered their iPhones, Portland’s abundant kid-friendly activities keep the good times rolling.

Upcoming Science & Tech Events

Go To Events
Editor's Pick
Brain Fair
Saturday, June 4, 2022

Brain Fair

OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) Free

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…

Editor's Pick
For Kids
Science & Tech
The World of Leonardo da Vinci
Mar. 19–Sept. 4, 2022

The World of Leonardo da Vinci

OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) Cost Varies

Explore one of the most influential thinkers of the Renaissance, from his engineering marvels to artistic masterpieces at The World of Leonardo da Vinci. Featuring two original da Vinci folios from the 500-year-old Codex Atlanticus along with more than thirty reconstructions of his extraordinary machines. Considered one of history’s greatest minds and talents, Leonardo da…

Art & Design
Exhibition
Science & Tech
OMSI After Dark
Wednesday, May 25, 2022

OMSI After Dark

OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) Cost Varies

OMSI After Dark CiderFest Join OMSI to learn about cider making, experience the new featured exhibit, The World of da Vinci, and taste local ciders. See below for a full list of cideries and what they are sampling. Tickets include access to the featured exhibit, all the activities listed below and parking. 21+ only Science…

Food & Drink
Nightlife
Science & Tech
Fire Ecology and Native Plant Hikes
Ongoing

Fire Ecology and Native Plant Hikes

Forest Park Free

Join FUSEE Naturalist Rudy Dietz on an easy two-mile hike through Forest Park to learn how essential managing fire is to protecting communities and sustaining forest ecosystems. Learn how to identify common native plants: edible, non-edible, and medicinal. Spring is the ideal time to get outside and get to know our highly diverse local plant…

Outdoors
Science & Tech
Pride at the Museum
Friday, June 10, 2022

Pride at the Museum

OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) Cost Varies

Join OMSI in celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. Pride at the Museum welcomes visitors of all ages for a night of Pride-inspired science demos, lectures, Drag performances, music, and complimentary admission to our featured exhibit, The World of da Vinci. Tickets: This event is kid/family-friendly and inclusive of any allies interested in attending. Masks are optional…

For Kids
LGBTQ+
Nightlife
Pride
Science & Tech
Professor Brian Cox
Friday, June 10, 2022

Professor Brian Cox

Keller Auditorium $51.00 – $61.00

World-renowned physicist Professor Brian Cox brings his immersive live experience, “Horizons: A 21st Century Space Odyssey,” to North America as part of his 2022 World Tour. “Horizons” takes us on a dazzling cinematic journey. A story of how we came to be and what we can become. The deepest of questions will be explored using…

Readings & Talks
Science & Tech
Cephalopod Movie Night
Monday, June 13, 2022

Cephalopod Movie Night

Empirical Theater at OMSI $10-$18

Cephalopod Movie Night Cephalopod Week is back, with another eight days to cephalo-brate our many-armed friends. Science Friday is partnering with museums, aquariums, and our favorite hangout spots across the country for evenings of undersea joy—featuring short science documentaries, conversations with marine invertebrate experts, performances, receptions, activities, and other underwater-themed amusements. Come with your questions…

Film
Science & Tech
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