Let me start by saying that if you’ve lived in Oregon, Washington, Northwest Canada, or even Cali, and love science, or even like science, and haven’t been to OMSI, well, you’re missing out!

I have been there twice in the last year and a half and during both of my experiences, I have loved it!

There is so much to do and see, it is a place suitable for all ages and scientific interests. It can take a good few hours to go through it all, so plan to be there a bit early in the day, preferably in the morning, because you MAY need all day to see and enjoy everything.

For starters, they have an OMNIMAX Theater, where they show these great shows/movies. I remember the first time I went in there, let alone when they showed the actual movie (it was the Polar Express, because it was Christmas, which made it quite nice and magical, even more magical when it was shown on that huge round screen). Anyway, it’s this big 6,532 square feet. feet of projection surface and a five-story theater, and the sound system is excellent, a 15,000-watt digital surround sound system. So yeah, check it out when you go there, I’m sure what they show will be great.

Next up is the Planetarium, it was Christmas again so they played Christmas music and put on this fun laser light show. The OMSI is also home base for SS-581, one of the US Navy’s last non-nuclear fast attack submarines. You practically walk into it, it’s pretty small so I suggest you watch your head , and it’s a bit small, but it’s worth checking out.

Then they have all these sectors or sections where they show interesting things in different fields of science. They have Biology sections, where they show cool things related to biology, like how the body works (definitely check out Body Worlds, it’s worth it, you can see what the inside of each of your body systems looks like, Live). donated bodies). They have a physics section, or Turbine Hall, where you can literally play with all this physics related stuff. They have that bell sound, where you can feel this vibration between time and space. Your children will have plenty to do on the second floor of the Science Playground. I remember they had this bridge building machine, where you can build this mini-bridge on this computer model to see if it will work, it’s fun for any age.

The last time I was there, they had these toilets from the future. Great, I know, right?

OMSI also has Earth Hall, where you can explore sewers but also cool satellites and planets, including the dangers that cause climate change. Then there’s the Life Hall, where you can explore the nature of human development, aging, and the effects of the decisions you make every day that affect your health care. It’s good to learn about this and OMSI makes it fun.

They also have this Palenotology area where you can see some dinosaur fossils.

They also have this chemistry lab (mixed with some physics), which in itself is a real treat. They also have their own shop, things there are pretty good and decently priced, and a cafeteria with good food for snacks or lunch. They have this mini roller coaster for kids. Once you’re outside and it’s night (keep in mind I went in winter the second time, but summer could be great too), you’ll be able to see a nice view of downtown Portland across the river.

Regardless, it’s definitely something to go see when you’re in Oregon or passing through Portland. I hope you have a good time!