Portland Children's Museum

See Portland, Oregon family vacation

Portland Children's Museum

Southwest Portland

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4015 Sw Canyon Rd
Portland, OR 97221
503-223-6500

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Art Museum
Science & Nature Museum
Live Music Venue
Theater

Portland Children's Museum Description

Devoted to little ones' interests and imaginations, the Portland Children's Museum is the kid-friendliest museum in an already kid-friendly city. Kids can put on a show using real make-up, costumes, lights, and the sounds of an actual theater; craft real clay treasures (firing in the studio's kiln overnight is optional); drill, draw, and glue with recycled materials in the Garage studio; explore a mini-ambulance, examine hair and bugs through a microscope, and operate a dispatch center at the Kids Care Clinic.

Kid Tips

Babies: The Baby Garden, a multi-sensory exhibit designed just for babies, provides a safe, soothing place for little ones (and a quiet place for mom and dad to relax and breathe).

Toddlers & Pre-K: Pre-schoolers will love slapping on a hard hat and exploring the 17-foot, two-story Building Bridgetown house. Other favorites: shopping for groceries at the KidCity market, hauling rubber "gravel" in the Dig Pit, and numerous hands-on activities at the Wonder Corner studio.

School-Age Kids: It's all about the Water Works Exhibit. Do kids ever get too old to enjoy shooting water? Kids of all ages love this wet, wet exhibit, even the big ones.

Pre-Teens & Teens: Older kids who feel "too cool" for little kid stuff may enjoy the all-ages Clay Studio best.

Planning Notes

Eat before you go. There is no restaurant, only vending machines. So fill up before you go and/or bring snacks.
Go on a weekday to avoid crowds. The museum's busiest times are weekends and school holidays; weekday visits may work best if you can swing it.
Activity hours vary. Although the museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., each studio has its own hours of operation. Call ahead or check the website for hours if you're looking to visit one specific studio.
Check out the special events. The website events page lists information about story times, special hours, and upcoming concerts and events: http://www.portlandcm.org/events.php
Bring a change of clothes. The Water Works Exhibit (see below) is a huge favorite. Kids may get wet, and you don't want to cut the visit short because sopping wet clothes are uncomfortable. Bring some dry clothes in a plastic bag and swap them for the wet ones.
Allow time for extended fun. This venue is especially friendly to young children, who may tire within a couple of hours. But there is plenty here to keep hardy, active kids busy for a half-day or even more.