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Columbia River Maritime Museum
Good-for-Kids Rating
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-KSchool-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
History Museum
Special Collection
Columbia River Maritime Museum Description
With dozens of interactive displays and large bay windows overlooking the Columbia River, the Columbia River Maritime Museum inspires a new respect for the forces of nature and the seafarers who make their living on the river. A visit starts with an engaging 12-minute documentary film about the history of the Columbia River and then moves out into the exhibit halls, where visitors marvel at a display of America's naval boats, a 3-dimensional Coast Guard rescue scene, and a hands-on, self-guided knot-tying lesson.
Kid Tips
Toddlers & Pre-K: The video at the beginning, with its talk of shipwrecks and the dangers of the Columbia River Bar, may be too intense for some tots.
School-Age Kids: They'll remember the meaning of different colored ship flags long after your visit, and will tackle the scavenger hunt with giddy enthusiasm—"Is that fur of an animal, Mommy?!"
Pre-Teens & Teens: Teens with a nautical bent will be mesmerized by this impressive museum. If your teen rolls their eyes at the mention of boats, skip it this time (and come back without them).
Planning Notes
- On the Astoria Riverwalk. Combine a visit to the museum with a stroll along the river or a quick trolley ride.
- No food service. There's nothing for sale to eat in the museum, so bring snacks (to enjoy outside at the nice picnic area along the Riverwalk).
- See the sea lions. Dozens of them bask in the sun on Pier 39, a little over a mile away on the trolley line.
Just the Facts
Hours: Daily 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
Fees: Under $10
Recommended Time: 1 - 2 hours
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