The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), in SE Portland in the Abernathy neighborhood,  has always been an exciting afternoon adventure. I walk in knowing there’s something new and interesting I will be walking out with.  It boasts something for everyone making it a great spot for a family activity in Portland. I remember seeing a planetarium show with vibrant looking planets and galaxy’s to dream into. There’s Orion’s Belt with a nebula at the end of his sword. OMSI is home to one of the most technologically advanced planetariums in the Northwest and also happens to have a U.S. Navy submarine. Sweet.

The museum traces its roots back to the Oregon Museum of History, Science, and Industry which was started in 1944 in the Portland Hotel. OMSI moved to its current site which was donated by Portland General Electric in 1992. The museum features numerous halls that focus on specific areas of science. The Turbine Hall features exhibits on space travel, engineering, physics, and chemistry while the Life Sciences Hall focuses on biology. The Science Playground is designed for families with children under the age of six. It gives children the chance to explore a variety of areas while keeping them safe and contained in an area where parents can keep an eye on them.

In addition to exhibits, the Museum offers several educational programs including the largest science outreach program in the U.S. They teach innovative science education in Western states as well as offer all day and overnight science classes during Spring and Summer Break. OMSI is open Tuesday through Sunday and Mondays when schools are closed from 9:30 am to 5:30pm. Ticket prices are $11 for adults and $9 for seniors and those under 13, admission is free for members. The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is located at 1945 SE Water Ave. right on the bank of the Willamette River in the Hosford-Abernethy Neighborhood. For more information check out their website at omsi.edu

The Museum’s original location closed in 2006, at that time the steam-wheel tugboat “Portland” was called out of its twenty plus year retirement and put into service as the main museum space. Other main attractions include “Mom’s Boat” a fishing boat from the late 1920′s, it was one of the first transon stern boats built for Colombia river fishing. The boat was consider very fast for its time, and the materials used in its construction are impossible to find today. The barge “Russell” as well as numerous paintings, photographs, model ship collections and maritime documents are also available.

Guided tours are available and guest speakers are often on hand to help the community appreciate maritime history. Tours last for approximately two hours and are led by a guide who provides additional information on specific exhibits depending on groups needs or interests. Tours cost $2 per person and can be scheduled for any day of the week depending on staff availability. Museum hours are from 11 am to 4 pm Wednesday through Sunday. The Oregon Maritime Museum is located at 113 Southwest Ash Street in the Tom McCall Waterfront Park. For more information or to book a tour check out the Museum’s website at www.oregonmaritimemuseum.org. Looking for more Portland history? Check out the Oregon Historical Society at 1211 SW Broadway St, or The World Forestry Center Discovery Museum in Washington Park.

The museum offers a wide variety of activities for children of all ages and interests. Children can learn about eco-friendly design from Bob the Builder , they can reuse materials to make art in the Garage, or express their creativity in the Clay Studio. The Wonder Corner features a rotating exhibit that ranges from book illustration to instrument creation. There is a multi sensory Baby Garden and the The Dorothea Lensch Play It Again Theater which hosts storytellers, musicians and puppeteers, and in between children are free to use the stage complete with light board and props. PCM offers a numerous weekly as well as seasonal activities including a summer camp that runs from June through August. To further encourage learning, the museum runs The Opal Charter School a K-5 school which embraces a varied hands on approach to learning. In addition the Center for Children’s Learning offers lectures and classes for teachers looking to continue their education.

The Portland Children’s Museum is located at 4015 SW Canyon Rd. in the Sylvan-Highlands and Southwest Hills Neighborhood in Southwest Portland. Summer hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM 7 days a week. For more information check out their website at www.portlandcm.org

The Museum was founded in 1892 when seven leaders from Portland’s business and cultural institutions created the Portland Art Association who’s goal was to create a top notch museum that would be open to everyone. PAM is a cornerstone of downtown Portland’s historic cultural district and features several distinct buildings on its campus including Jubitz Center for Modern and Contemporary Art, the Gilkey Center for Graphic Arts, and the Northwest Film Center. The museum features numerous galleries including the American Arts Collection, the Modern and Contemporary Art Collection and painting by Monet, van Gogh and Renoir.

In line with their vision of serving the public, PAM also offers several programs designed to enlighten families, educators and students. The Crumpacker Library holds 35,000 volumes and is the region’s most comprehensive non–circulating art resource open to the public while the Discovery center offers online resources, and hands-on activities. General admission is $10 for adults, $ 9 for seniors and students and free to children under 18 and museum members. The Museum is closed on Monday open Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10am -5 pm, 10am-8pm Thursdays and Fridays, 10am-5pm Saturdays and 12pm-5pm on Sundays. Check out portlandartmuseum.org for more information.

The Portland Art Museum is located at 1219 SW Park Avenue in Southwest Portland in downtown. Art patrons looking for food close by could try El Gaucho‎ at 319 SW Broadway or Rocco’s Pizza & Pasta‎ at 949 SW Oak St.