Children's Museums

OMSI

Name: OMSI
Address: 1945 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR 97214, Portland, OR, US
Telephone: (503) 797-4000
Rating: 4.5

★★★★☆ 4.5 (10069 reviews)

📍 1945 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR 97214

📞 (503) 797-4000

🌐 omsi.edu

Visit Website 📍 Get Directions

🕐 Hours

Monday	Closed
Tuesday	9:30 AM–5:30 PM
Wednesday	9:30 AM–5:30 PM
Thursday	9:30 AM–5:30 PM
Friday	9:30 AM–5:30 PM
Saturday	9:30 AM–5:30 PM
Sunday	9:30 AM–5:30 PM

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About OMSI

Planetarium & hands-on exhibits. Rotating shows, science labs, submarine tours & planetarium at a museum with monthly 21+ events. OMSI operates the USS Blueback Submarine, a decommissioned naval submarine available for tours, making it one of the few science museums in the country offering actual submarine tours rather than simulations. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,069 visitors.

Quick Facts

Type: Science Center
Best For: All ages
Main Attractions: Planetarium, submarine tours, interactive exhibits, science labs
Special Features: Multiple locations with camps and online learning
Membership: Available

💡 Did You Know?

⭐OMSI operates the USS Blueback Submarine, a decommissioned naval submarine available for tours, making it one of the few science museums in the country offering actual submarine tours rather than simulations
⭐OMSI operates multiple satellite locations across the Northwest including desert and coastal camps, extending STEAM education beyond Portland into different ecosystems and geographic regions
⭐The Kendall Planetarium features rotating laser light shows that visitors specifically mention as a highlight, with shows running on a limited schedule that generates significant visitor demand
⭐OMSI hosts monthly 21+ adult-exclusive events, creating programming that intentionally targets adult audiences rather than being exclusively family-focused, which is less common for science centers

💬 What Visitors Say

💬Purchase a membership if you plan multiple visits, especially if homeschooling — reviewers highlight it as a great value and note that rotating exhibits and special events make repeat visits worthwhile
🕐Planetarium shows have long wait times and run on limited schedules — arrive early for shows or check the schedule before visiting to avoid disappointment
💬The upstairs exhibits are frequently closed for rotations — call ahead or check OMSI's website before visiting to confirm which exhibits are open, as some visitors have found limited access on their visit
💡Adults should focus on limited-time rotating exhibits (like Monsters of the Abyss) and the USS Blueback submarine tour rather than permanent hands-on areas which are primarily geared toward younger children
💡Bring your own food or visit when food trucks are available, as on-site food options are limited; check for special event days that feature food trucks