Museums: Portland’s Winter Playgrounds

We all know what winter in Portland means: short days, gloomy skies and insistent rains. Looking for ways to explore the metro area with your family despite the weather? We’re lucky that Portland has a diversity of museums abound for discovery in the wettest and coldest months. Ahead, some tips to make museum-going a breeze and more importantly, fun for all involved.

Plan your visit ahead of time

• Peruse museum websites before leaving the house to see what’s current and special. Many places on our list have traveling exhibits as well as permanent exhibits.
• Sign up for special programs ahead. For instance, OMSI offers sign-up lab experiences like “Microscopy for Beginners” or “Soap Making!”
• PRO TIP: The quietest time to visit museums is usually weekday afternoons.

Take advantage of tours and free play areas

• OMSI’s Science Playground, Sandland, and Discovery Lab are perfect for your little explorers under age six.
• Tour OMSI’s USS Blueback, a unique submarine on display in the Willamette River!
• The Evergreen Space Museum Playground and Aviation Museum Kid Zone are great places for free exploration
• The Portland Art Museum offers family tours every Sunday at 12:30pm, and admission is always free for kids under the age of 17.
• The Portland Children’s Museum 1.3 acre Outdoor Adventure area is a great place to take fresh-air breaks

Encourage curiosity

• Allow your kids to explore what they’re attracted to, even if it means splitting up your group
• While at the museum, ask: “What do you like most about this exhibit? What do you want to learn more about?”

Scope out free or reduced admission

• Washington County residents: Check out a “Cultural Pass to Adventure” from your local library to visit many of the places below once for free! More information: wccls.org/culturalpass
• Oregon Historical Society: Always free for Multnomah County residents
• Oregon Rail Heritage Center: Always free.
• OMSI: $2 first Sundays
• Portland Children’s Museum: Free first Fridays 4-8pm; free first full weekend of every month for Bank of America cardholders
• Portland Art Museum: Always free for 17 and under, free first Thursdays 5-8pm, $5 Fridays 5-8pm
• Pittock Mansion: Always free for 6 and under. (Note: This museum is closed in January)
• World Forestry Center: Always free for 3 and under, $3 first Thursdays
• Fort Vancouver: Visitors Center & Pearson Air Museum always free, reconstructed Fort free for 15 and under
• Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum: Always free for 5 and under
• Historic Belmont Firehouse: call ahead to schedule free tours