In the Spotlight
The Tessy and Tab Reading Club
A Portland-based magazine for preschoolers that promotes early reading.
Water Resources Education Center
This free activity boasts a multitude of interactive exhibits and a safe, clean play area.
Salmon Creek Indoor Soccer Arena
Introduce your preschooler to the world of soccer through the Lil’ Kickers program.
A Portland-based magazine for preschoolers that promotes early reading.
Water Resources Education Center
This free activity boasts a multitude of interactive exhibits and a safe, clean play area.
Salmon Creek Indoor Soccer Arena
Introduce your preschooler to the world of soccer through the Lil’ Kickers program.
OMSI Science Playground
By Charlana Albios
Your preschooler will have the time of their life as they explore the Science Playground at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). The enclosed area, created especially for children under 6 years old, sends your preschooler on a scientific journey through Sandland, Waterworks, and the Discovery Lab.
Your preschooler will have the time of their life as they explore the Science Playground at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). The enclosed area, created especially for children under 6 years old, sends your preschooler on a scientific journey through Sandland, Waterworks, and the Discovery Lab. What Preschoolers Will Love About OMSI
Preschoolers love nothing more than hands-on play; getting messy, for many, is a bonus. OMSI’s Science Playground allows your preschooler to dig with sand toys in Sandland and splash around in the Waterworks exhibits. If you’re considering a membership, don’t give a second thought to your preschooler getting bored with the same thing every visit because the Discovery Lab offers different activities each day—from playing with flubber and playdough to painting and building rockets. There’s always something new and exciting for them to try. For the budding actors and actresses, the puppet theater is always a big hit.What Parents Will Love About OMSI
It’s fun to watch preschoolers as they zip around the Science Playground, exploring and learning about science without even realizing it. Their minds are fast at work and their little legs can barely keep up.
The contained space is large with low walls that enable you to view the entire area. With bench seating throughout the area, it is fairly easy to find a resting spot. Since preschoolers love to dig in the sand, and tend to spend long periods of time doing so, you will appreciate the seating within Sandland.
Aprons and boots are available for your preschooler to use while playing in Waterworks, so that helps keep them dry if you can convince your child to wear them.
Other Things You Should Know
Family restrooms are available within the Science Playground.
Although the area is enclosed, the doors are not locked so you’re child is able to leave if they can get the door open or happen to slip out when someone else leaves. There are probably very few preschoolers that would ever want to leave the confines of the Science Playground of their own free will, but there’s always a chance.Cubbies are located within the Science Playground so that you do not have to carry your belongings around with you.
Because the combination of sand and water can get very messy, it is highly recommended that you bring a change of clothes. If at all possible, it’s best to play in the sand before heading to the water so you don’t have to worry about your soaking wet preschooler climbing into a big sandbox filled with very fine sand.
General Information
Location: 1945 SE Water Ave., Portland, OR 97214 Map it!
Phone: (503) 797-6674
Science Playground Hours: Daily 9:00am-7:00pm
Museum hours vary. Please visit the OMSI website for complete details on hours and show times.
Cost: Youth (3-13) & Seniors (63+) $7.00, Adults (14-62) $9.00
Museum admission includes the Science Playground and many other exhibits; some attractions are not included. Please visit the OMSI website for complete details on prices and memberships.
