This museum, designed for children and the adults who care for them, contains many learning spaces, creative workshops and educational displays.
With seemingly endless learning opportunities and a focus on creativity, Portland Children’s Museum is perfect for young families. Using art and science as tools, the museum creates a unique learning space for children, parents and guardians. Take advantage of the museum’s educational day camps with talented artists and teachers.
Portland Children’s Museum features interactive exhibits designed to encourage creativity and promote learning in young children. Craft at the Clay Studio, a self-guided space, where visitors of all ages create artworks using clay. Pay a small fee to use the museum’s kiln service to fire your artwork.
The Garage is another permanent exhibit that promotes creativity. Watch your child use recycled materials to create unique objects to take home or contribute to collaborative projects at the museum. Other highlights in the permanent exhibits include a hedge maze and make-believe veterinary clinic, where young guests learn about animal health.
Another excellent feature of the museum is the Artists in Residence program. In this program, professional artists come to the museum to assist children in creative development. An artist will help your child tell his or her story with varied materials. Check the official Portland Children’s Museum website for artist hours and more information on this excellent program.
Stop at the museum’s café for healthy light meals and snacks. The Counter @ the Museum provides delicious meals for children and adults, including sandwiches, soups, salads and fruit. Portland Children’s Museum also contains a shop selling educational materials, books, art supplies, toys and souvenirs.
Exhibits and programs are designed for children from age 0 to 12. The museum is open daily and charges a fee. Some exhibits, including the Clay Studio, may charge small additional costs. Check the website for special days when admission is free. Drive to the museum from downtown Portland in less than 10 minutes. Use the parking lot next to the Oregon Zoo entrance and walk to the museum.
After visiting Portland Children’s Museum, walk to the nearby Oregon Zoo to see many exotic animals, including giraffes, lions and chimpanzees.
