Children at the earliest age are naturally curious. Even when they are precious little babies, they still look around and absorb information. Every parent remembers the heart-melting moment that their little one poked their tongue out at them or the first time they smiled. As they age, they begin to mimic other behaviors they see us do. From there, they start experimenting with picking up items and setting them back down. These are all wonderful developments they learn as they get older. It is also the foundational element of science and discovery. Learning from the observed world is not just something that teenagers and adults participate in. Rather, it is something that everyone of all ages naturally engages in. Science does not have to be complicated math equations or boring research papers. Often, it can be hands-on and entertaining.
One of the reasons we are fortunate to live in Oregon is because we can visit OMSI. The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, OMSI, is a place of scientific discovery for families. Throughout the year there are typically several exhibitions happening at any given time, many of them are also interactive. Additionally, several permanent exhibitions encourage kids to conduct their own experiments. They have multiple massive parking lots in the Industrial District of Portland. Getting in and out of OMSI is truly a breeze. However, as with anywhere in the Portland area, things are a little busier on the weekend. The check-in at OMSI is located right at the front, and from there, you and your family can choose which exhibition you would like to see first. I am also a total sucker for a good gift shop, and OMSI’s is top-tier. One of the reasons I love it so much is because of the at-home science experiment kits you can purchase and take home.
Currently, several temporary exhibitions are being held at OMSI. One is the 2025 Ghibli Film Festival, featuring films such as Spirited Away (one of my favorites) on the largest screen in Portland. Exquisite Creatures Revealed is another exhibition at OMSI. I saw this one a few weeks ago and was truly mesmerized. This exhibit features work from artist and naturalist Christopher Marley of rare, collected organisms worldwide. I cannot stress enough how wonderfully astonished I was when I saw this in person. A new, rotating exhibit coming January 25th is Knowing Nature: Stories of the Boreal Forest. This interactive exhibition immerses you in what it is like in the Boreal Biome Forest. I cannot wait to take my family back to OMSI to experience that one.
Permanent exhibitions of OMSI are vast. On the second level, there is a science-based play place for babies and young children. Better yet, this area is sectioned off for different developmental stages for your kids. These sections include a blocked-off area for babies that have not learned how to walk and go all the way up to a multi-level maze for the older kids to play in. One of the more popular aspects of this section is a large, shallow water feature. This operates as a safe sensory option for your little ones, including toys and small buckets for them to utilize there. Don’t worry, OMSI provides smocks to help keep your kids dry. Other parts of OMSI include the Science Playground. These sections include, but are not limited to, earthquake replicators, shipbuilding, safe chemical mixing, gravity experimentation, and so much more. As a parent, I guarantee you will be having a blast playing around with these experiments, too.
The cost for OMSI isn’t as terrible as you might think. 14 and older, a ticket costs $23. For ages 3 to 13, the ticket will run for $19. And under three is free. For parents with a child under 3, it is undoubtedly worth it to go still. Don’t forget that they have an entire section devoted to the little ones. During the Winter Hours, OMSI is open every day except for Mondays. The best way to save money if you want to take your family more than once is to get a membership. This will cost $110 for two people and $140 for a family of two adults and four children. There are other membership options that are worth checking out as well. If you are still on the fence about going, I also want to say that OMSI has an actual submarine in the Willamette River. Not only can you visually see this submarine, but you can go inside it and take a tour. It is a fantastic experience, and your kids will love it.
Alex is a devoted husband and father born and raised in Portland, Oregon. He is a professional artist, author, and advisor for both Yale and Harvard University’s arts departments. His book, ‘Selling Leonardo: The Art World’s Greatest Scandal’ is available wherever books are sold.