The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) in Portland is a hands-on wonderland where kids can dive into science, technology, and discovery. With interactive labs, a planetarium, a giant-screen theater, and even a real submarine to explore, OMSI turns learning into a full-sensory adventure for the whole family.
What Parents Will Love
Parents rave about OMSI’s mix of education and entertainment. Whether it’s experimenting in labs, exploring immersive exhibits, touring the real U.S. Navy submarine USS Blueback, splashing and climbing in the Science Playground, or stargazing in the planetarium, there’s truly something for every age and interest. The museum is clean, well-organized, and designed for all-day exploration — an especially great option for rainy-day learning adventures.
What Kids Will Love
There’s no shortage of “wow” moments at OMSI. Kids can touch a Triceratops bone, change the color of fire, send Morse code, and test fun experiments with OMSI educators. Older kids and teens can explore the Teen Tech Center, a creative space for ages 13–18 to code, build, and design. The submarine tour is a standout favorite for families with curious explorers.
Plan Your Visit
- Address: 1945 SE Water Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97214
- Hours:
- Summer (through Labor Day): Sunday–Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Fall/Winter: Tuesday–Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Cost: General Admission — Adult (14+) $20; Senior (63+) $17; Youth (3–13) $15; Ages 2 and under free; Free for members
- Website: omsi.edu
- Free/Discounted Days: $5 admission on the first Sunday of every month
- Special Events: Ongoing — see omsi.edu/whats-on
- Summer Camps: Yes
- After-School/Weekend Classes: No
- Programs for Schools & Homeschoolers: omsi.edu/school-community-programs
- Family-Friendly Features: Hands-on exhibits, live science demos, planetarium shows, Science Playground, submarine tours, and a giant-screen theater
- Museum Café: Yes
Explore More Family-Friendly Museums
- Guide to Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture (Seattle, WA)
- Guide to The Museum of Flight (Seattle, WA)
- Guide to the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) (Seattle, WA)
- Guide to KidsQuest Children’s Museum (Bellevue, WA)
- Guide to the Pacific Bonsai Museum (Federal Way, WA)
- Guide to the White River Valley Museum (Auburn, WA)
- Guide to Imagine Children’s Museum (Everett, WA)
- Guide to Hands of Children’s Museum (Olympia, WA)
- Guide to Children’s Museum of Skagit County (Burlington, WA)
- Guide to Spark Museum of Electrical Invention (Bellingham, WA)
- Guide to Rocky Reach Discovery Center (Wenatchee, WA)
Remember, some Seattle-area museums also participate in the First Thursday program, offering free or discounted admission. Check out exactly which museums offer what, and when at our Guide to First Thursdays.
