Portland, Oregon, is one of the most populous cities in the West and offers a variety of historic and cultural activities for all ages. Although many people venture to Portland for the music and art scenes, a variety of family-friendly activities for children are available.
The Portland Children's Museum, across the street from the Portland Zoo, is a hands-on, educational day trip for parents and children. Here you will find rooms with science, math and art activities. Rooms include Pet Hospital, Grasshopper Grocery and Butterfly Bistro, The Clay Studio, Treehouse Adventure and Vroom Room. Seasonal exhibit are also available. Admission is charged per day unless you're a member.
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry offers exhibits demonstrating the history of science and current technological advancements. Permanent and seasonal exhibits are located in the Life Hall, Earth Hall and Science Hall. The Imax theater shows a variety of educational and popular films throughout the year. A planetarium offers star shows and an actual submarine is located outside.
The Oregon Zoo includes permanent exhibits that display the natural habitats of a variety of animals. Exhibits include the Cascade Crest, a replica of the Cascade Mountains, and an underwater kelp forests for sea otters and sea lions. Four trains travel throughout the zoo.
Lee Farms, just outside of Portland, is a city farm with a petting zoo and berry patch. During the fall, families can harvest pumpkins and squash. In the winter, the farm sells Christmas trees. The Tualatin farm has been around since 1869.
