Oregon’s mix of coastlines, mountains, desert and cities makes it a great place to explore science up close — from astronomy programs under dark skies to hands-on exhibits in urban centers. Whether you’re planning a weekend outing or a school trip, the state’s institutions offer a variety of ways to learn and engage.
There are 10 Science Museums in Oregon, ranging from Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum to Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory. For each museum you’ll find the City, Address, and Admission (USD) listed so you can compare locations and plan visits — details you’ll find below.
Which museums on the list are best for families with young children?
Look for places with interactive exhibits and dedicated kids’ areas; many regional museums advertise family programs, planetarium shows, or touch tanks, and the list notes admission and city so you can pick options near you that match ages and interests.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance or look for free/community days?
Policies vary: some museums require timed tickets for planetarium shows or special exhibits, while others offer walk-in hours and occasional free admission days; check the museum’s website or call ahead using the address and city info provided below.
Science Museums in Oregon
| Name | City | Address | Admission (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| OMSI | Portland | 1945 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR 97214 | 25 |
| Oregon Coast Aquarium | Newport | 2820 SE Ferry Slip Rd, Newport, OR 97365 | 28 |
| Hatfield Marine Science Center | Newport | 2030 SE Marine Science Dr, Newport, OR 97365 | Free |
| Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum | McMinnville | 500 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way, McMinnville, OR 97128 | 25 |
| ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum | Bend | 1500 NE Jefferson St, Bend, OR 97701 | 14 |
| High Desert Museum | Bend | 59800 S Hwy 97, Bend, OR 97702 | 22 |
| Gilbert House Children’s Museum | Salem | 116 Marion St NE, Salem, OR 97301 | 10 |
| Museum of Natural and Cultural History | Eugene | 1680 E 15th Ave, Eugene, OR 97403 | Free |
| Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals | Hillsboro | 26385 NW Groveland Dr, Hillsboro, OR 97124 | 10 |
| Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory | Sunriver | 57245 River Rd, Sunriver, OR 97707 | 6 |
Images and Descriptions
OMSI
Portland’s large hands-on science center with a planetarium, OMNIMAX theater, Submarine Explorer and rotating interactive exhibits. Great for families and teens—expect tactile physics demos, science labs, and special events; easy waterfront location with cafés and parking.
Oregon Coast Aquarium
A top coastal science aquarium showcasing regional marine life, walk-through kelp tanks, jelly galleries and sea otter habitats. Ideal for all ages—especially kids and marine enthusiasts; offers behind-the-scenes tours and seasonal touch tanks near the Yaquina Bay waterfront.
Hatfield Marine Science Center
Oregon State University’s public marine science center featuring research displays, tidepool touch tanks and estuary exhibits. Suited to teens and adults curious about marine ecology and research; free admission, staffed exhibits, and scenic bay-side trails and viewpoints.
Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum
Large aviation and space museum with historic aircraft, a Red Barn WWII collection and space artifacts. Great for engineering-minded visitors and families; standout exhibits include the Spruce Goose restoration, flight simulators, and educational STEM programs.
ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum
Interactive children’s science center with hands-on physics exhibits, a discovery lab and a science demonstration stage. Best for kids and families—engaging STEM activities, rotating themed exhibits, and birthday or school-group programming in central Bend.
High Desert Museum
A living-history and natural science museum focused on the high desert’s wildlife, geology and culture. Offers animal encounters, paleontology displays and outdoor trails; excellent for families and nature lovers wanting regional ecology, live raptors and hands-on learning.
Gilbert House Children’s Museum
Hands-on children’s science and nature museum with discovery rooms, a geology lab and DIY science activities. Perfect for preschoolers and elementary kids—emphasis on sensory play, local nature exhibits and rotating STEM programs downtown near Riverfront Park.
Museum of Natural and Cultural History
University-run natural history museum with fossils, Native American collections and paleontology exhibits. Great for older kids, students and adults interested in archaeology and evolution; rotating exhibits, educational talks and access to research collections.
Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals
Specialized geology museum with international mineral specimens, meteorites and gem displays. Ideal for geology buffs and curious families—hands-on rock ID, educational talks and impressive mineral collections in a quiet, museum-focused setting.
Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory
Small nature center and public observatory offering interpretive exhibits, local ecology displays and night sky programs. Best for families and astronomy fans—daytime wildlife exhibits and regular public telescope nights at the Sunriver observatory.
