Science Playground is temporarily closed so we can create exciting NEW experiences in the space.
An alternative play space is available in the Natural Sciences Hall for kids ages 0–6 during the closure. Young guests can also explore the Greg Chaillé Curium in Turbine Hall or dive into developmentally-appropriate experiences in each of OMSI’s labs.
Winter Weekends for Young Learners
OMSI is excited to host fun weekend pop-up programming through March. Winter Weekends offer kids under 8 (and their families) opportunities to play with some of Science Playground’s most popular offerings while the space undergoes a full refresh.
Guests can sink their hands into flubber at the sensory table, create a take-home art project, construct a castle out of DUPLO blocks, or build a crane using our Rig-Ama-Jig construction set. Select weekends will feature special performances by popular Portland-based children’s entertainers!
Adults must be accompanied by a child under 8 to enter. Entry is included with museum general admission.
FAQs
Questions about the Science Playground refresh?
Browse our FAQ's for more info.
What is Science Playground? +
Science Playground is OMSI’s space designed for children ages birth through six to explore, play, and build their science skills and identities.
Why is Science Playground closing? +
Science Playground is over 15 years old! It’s served hundreds of thousands of visitors since opening in 2004 and its time to freshen up. In January, the Science Playground will temporarily close so we can create exciting NEW experiences in the space. We’re incredibly excited about these updates, which will support developing science processing skills in young children and share the power of play with their caring adults.
When will it close? And how long will it be closed? +
Science Playground will close on Jan 6, and we plan to reopen it in early Spring.
What sort of updates are you making to the space? +
We are refreshing the entire space. Many of the experiences will stay, like the sand area and animal secrets. We are updating the infant area, the wind experience and visitor amenities (storage and snack space). We are also bringing the water play area back! The Discovery Lab will continue offering fun, hands-on, sensory-based activities and classes.
What can my 0-6 year-old do at OMSI while Science Playground is closed? +
There will be a temporary, 2,000 sq ft space in the Natural Sciences Hall with several of the Science Playground elements like the Kids’ Market and the climber, wooden blocks, and more to explore. The Curium in the Turbine Hall is available for young children and the science labs throughout OMSI also have age-appropriate activities for young scientists.
What are Winter Weekends? +
Winter Weekends offer kids under 8 (and their families) fun opportunities to play with a variety of Science Playground’s most popular offerings while the space undergoes a full refresh. Guests can sink their hands into flubber at the sensory table, create a take-home art project, construct a castle out of DUPLO blocks, or build a crane using our Rigamajig construction set, and more!
Select Winter Weekends will feature special appearances by a variety of popular Portland-based children’s entertainers, including Red Yarn, Olive and Dingo, Micah and Me, Mo Phillips, and more. Open to members and museum guests with General Admission. Adults must be accompanied by a child under 8 to enter.