How to Visit OMSI Family Labs Portland

Located in the heart of Portland, Oregon, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is one of the most visited science centers in the Pacific Northwest. Among its most beloved offerings is the OMSI Family Labs—a dynamic, hands-on experience designed specifically for families with children of all ages. Unlike traditional museum exhibits that encourage passive observation, Family Labs invites visitors to engage directly with scientific principles through interactive experiments, open-ended exploration, and guided discovery. Whether you’re a local resident or visiting from out of town, understanding how to visit OMSI Family Labs Portland can transform a simple day trip into a meaningful, educational, and unforgettable family experience.

The importance of visiting OMSI Family Labs extends far beyond entertainment. In an era where screen time dominates childhood routines, Family Labs provides a vital counterbalance—fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving. Research from the National Science Teaching Association confirms that hands-on science experiences significantly improve long-term retention and interest in STEM fields. For parents and caregivers, Family Labs offers a rare opportunity to learn alongside children, creating shared memories rooted in discovery rather than consumption.

This comprehensive guide walks you through every aspect of planning and enjoying your visit to OMSI Family Labs Portland. From ticketing and timing to maximizing engagement and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll find everything you need to ensure a seamless, enriching experience. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning family, this guide is designed to help you get the most out of your time at one of Portland’s most treasured educational destinations.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Plan Your Visit Date and Time

OMSI Family Labs operates on a schedule that differs slightly from the main museum exhibits. Family Labs is typically open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., but hours may vary during holidays, school breaks, or special events. To avoid disappointment, always check the official OMSI website for the most current operating hours before finalizing your plans.

Weekends and school holidays tend to be the busiest times. If you prefer a quieter experience with more room to explore, consider visiting on a weekday morning—especially Tuesday through Thursday between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. These时段 often have fewer crowds, allowing children more space to experiment and staff more time to engage individually with visitors.

Additionally, OMSI occasionally hosts “Family Labs Early Access” sessions for members. If you plan to visit frequently, consider becoming a member to gain priority entry and exclusive access to less crowded hours.

2. Purchase Tickets in Advance

While walk-up tickets are available at the admissions desk, purchasing online in advance is strongly recommended. OMSI uses a timed-entry system to manage visitor flow, especially during peak seasons. Buying tickets ahead ensures you secure your preferred date and time slot, eliminating the risk of sold-out visits.

Visit the official OMSI website and navigate to the “Tickets & Memberships” section. Select “General Admission,” which includes access to Family Labs, the main exhibit halls, the planetarium (if included in your ticket tier), and the science theater. Family Labs is included in all general admission tickets—no additional fee is required.

When selecting your time slot, choose a window that aligns with your child’s energy levels. For younger children (ages 2–6), aim for earlier slots to avoid fatigue. Older children (ages 7–12) can typically handle longer sessions and may benefit from afternoon visits when they’re more alert.

Children under the age of 2 receive free admission. Always have proof of age ready if requested at entry.

3. Prepare for the Visit

While OMSI Family Labs is designed to be accessible and low-prep, a few small preparations can significantly enhance your experience.

• Wear comfortable clothing. Many activities involve movement, kneeling, or getting hands dirty. Closed-toe shoes are recommended.
• Bring a change of clothes for younger children. Activities involving water, paint, or slime can lead to spills. A spare set of clothes in your bag can save the day.
• Pack snacks and water. While OMSI has a café, bringing your own healthy snacks allows you to take breaks on your schedule without waiting in line.
• Download the OMSI app. The official app includes interactive maps, exhibit guides, and real-time wait times for popular stations within Family Labs.
• Prepare questions. Encourage your child to think ahead by asking: “What do you think will happen if we mix these colors?” or “How do you think this machine works?” This primes their curiosity before they even enter the space.

4. Arrive Early and Check In

Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled entry time. This allows time to park, walk from the parking structure to the museum entrance, and complete the check-in process. OMSI’s parking lot is large and well-marked, with designated family and accessible parking near the main entrance.

At the ticket kiosks, you’ll scan your digital ticket or present your printed confirmation. Staff will direct you to the Family Labs entrance, located just beyond the main lobby on the right-hand side. Look for the bright, colorful signage featuring children engaged in experiments—this is your cue.

Upon entering Family Labs, you’ll notice a welcome desk staffed by educators. Feel free to ask them for recommendations based on your child’s age or interests. They often have activity suggestion cards or themed “challenge sheets” available for free.

5. Explore the Family Labs Stations

Family Labs is divided into five core zones, each designed around a different scientific theme. Take your time exploring each one. There’s no rush—this is a space meant for deep, self-paced learning.

Zone 1: Water & Flow

This area features water tables, ramps, tubes, and floating objects. Children can build channels, test buoyancy, and observe how gravity affects liquid movement. A favorite activity is the “Rainbow Waterfall”—where kids pour colored water through layered filters to create cascading color blends.

Zone 2: Build & Design

Here, families use foam blocks, gears, pulleys, and magnetic tiles to construct structures. Challenges include building the tallest tower that won’t topple or designing a marble run that takes at least five seconds to complete. This zone encourages spatial reasoning and engineering thinking.

Zone 3: Light & Color

With prisms, mirrors, colored gels, and shadow puppets, this zone explores reflection, refraction, and the spectrum. Kids can create their own kaleidoscopes or project shadows onto walls using handheld cutouts. Educators often lead short demonstrations on how rainbows form—perfect for curious minds.

Zone 4: Sound & Vibration

From tuning forks to drum surfaces and string instruments, this zone lets visitors feel sound as much as hear it. Place your hands on vibrating surfaces to experience resonance. Try whispering into a tube to hear how sound travels—kids are often amazed to hear their own voice amplified.

Zone 5: Make & Create

The most open-ended area, Make & Create, invites children to invent using recycled materials, glue, tape, and craft supplies. Each week features a new theme—such as “Build a Robot from Cardboard” or “Design a Marble Maze.” This zone nurtures creativity and iterative design thinking.

Each station is staffed by a trained educator who can answer questions, suggest extensions, or simply observe and encourage. Don’t hesitate to ask: “What’s something interesting you’ve seen kids do here today?” These staff members are passionate and often share unexpected insights.

6. Take Breaks and Reflect

Family Labs is designed for extended play, but young children can become overwhelmed. Look for the quiet corner near the entrance, which features soft seating and picture books about science. Use this space to regroup, snack, and talk about what you’ve experienced.

After exploring, ask your child: “What surprised you?” or “Which experiment would you want to try again?” These reflective questions reinforce learning and help solidify concepts in their minds.

7. Extend the Learning at Home

OMSI encourages families to continue the learning journey after the visit. At the exit, you’ll find a small kiosk with take-home activity sheets tied to the Family Labs stations. These include simple experiments using household items—like making slime with glue and baking soda or creating a periscope from mirrors.

Also, sign up for OMSI’s free monthly “Family Science at Home” email newsletter. It delivers one new experiment, a video tutorial, and a discussion prompt—perfect for weekly family science time.

Best Practices

Maximizing your experience at OMSI Family Labs isn’t just about what you do while you’re there—it’s about how you approach the visit. These best practices, developed through years of educator feedback and visitor surveys, will help you create a more meaningful, less stressful, and more educational outing.

1. Let Children Lead

One of the most common mistakes families make is trying to “teach” during Family Labs. Resist the urge to correct, direct, or rush. Instead, observe. Ask open-ended questions. Let your child choose which station to visit next. The most powerful learning happens when children are intrinsically motivated.

For example, if your child spends 20 minutes pouring water through a tube, don’t say, “Let’s move on.” Instead, say, “I notice you’re trying to make the water go faster. What happens if you tilt it more?” This fosters scientific thinking without pressure.

2. Limit Group Size

Family Labs works best with small groups. If you’re visiting with extended family or a large group of friends, consider splitting into two smaller teams. Too many people in one area can overwhelm the space and reduce individual engagement. Two adults per three children is an ideal ratio for optimal interaction.

3. Avoid Over-Scheduling

It’s tempting to try to “do everything” in one visit. But Family Labs is not a checklist. A 90-minute visit with deep engagement is far more valuable than three hours spent rushing from station to station. Plan for one or two focused sessions rather than a marathon.

Use the OMSI app to identify which zones align with your child’s current interests—whether it’s space, animals, or machines—and prioritize those areas.

4. Encourage Collaboration, Not Competition

Family Labs is not a race. Avoid phrases like “Who can build the tallest tower?” or “Let’s see who finishes first.” Instead, frame activities as team challenges: “How can we work together to make the marble go around the whole table?” This promotes cooperation and reduces frustration.

5. Model Curiosity

Children learn by imitation. If you show genuine wonder—“Wow, I didn’t know that light bends like that!”—they’ll mirror your behavior. Don’t be afraid to say, “I’m not sure how this works. Let’s figure it out together.” This models lifelong learning.

6. Respect the Space and Others

Family Labs is a shared environment. Teach children to clean up after themselves, wait their turn, and use quiet voices. Educators appreciate families who help maintain a calm, respectful atmosphere. A positive environment benefits everyone.

7. Visit Multiple Times

Family Labs rotates its “Make & Create” themes monthly and updates materials seasonally. A second visit, even a few weeks later, can feel like a whole new experience. Consider making it a monthly ritual—especially during school breaks.

Tools and Resources

Planning a successful visit to OMSI Family Labs is easier with the right tools. Below is a curated list of official and third-party resources designed to enhance your experience before, during, and after your visit.

Official OMSI Resources

• OMSI Website (omsi.edu): The primary source for tickets, hours, exhibits, and event calendars. Always verify details here before your visit.
• OMSI Family Labs Activity Guide (PDF): Downloadable from the website, this guide includes labeled photos of each station, suggested questions for parents, and vocabulary terms to introduce.
• OMSI Mobile App: Available for iOS and Android. Features real-time exhibit wait times, interactive maps, push notifications for timed entry reminders, and audio descriptions for visually impaired visitors.
• Family Science at Home Newsletter: Free email subscription with monthly experiments, video links, and discussion prompts. Sign up at the bottom of the OMSI homepage.
• OMSI YouTube Channel: Features short videos of Family Labs activities, educator demonstrations, and behind-the-scenes looks at how exhibits are designed.

Third-Party Tools

• Google Maps: Use the “Indoor Maps” feature to navigate OMSI’s layout before arrival. Search “OMSI Portland” and select the “Indoor” view to see Family Labs’ location relative to restrooms, elevators, and the café.
• Parenting Blogs (e.g., Portland Family Fun, Oregon Live): Local bloggers often post “first-time visitor” reviews with tips on parking, stroller accessibility, and best times to avoid crowds.
• Libby or Hoopla Apps: Borrow free e-books and audiobooks about science topics covered in Family Labs—such as “The Magic School Bus” series or “Ada Twist, Scientist.” Read them together before your visit to build background knowledge.
• Pinterest Boards: Search “OMSI Family Labs activities” for user-generated ideas on how to replicate experiments at home using low-cost materials.

Accessibility Resources

OMSI is committed to inclusive access. Family Labs is fully ADA-compliant, with:

• Wheelchair-accessible stations and low-height work surfaces
• Quiet hours on the first Tuesday of each month (reduced lighting and sound)
• Visual schedules and social stories available at the welcome desk for neurodiverse visitors
• ASL-interpreted family programs by request (schedule 48 hours in advance)

For detailed accessibility information, visit the “Accessibility” tab on the OMSI website or email accessibility@omsi.edu for personalized support.

Recommended Reading and Media

Deepen your family’s understanding with these curated resources:

• Books: “Ada Twist, Scientist” by Andrea Beaty, “Rosie Revere, Engineer” by Andrea Beaty, “The Most Magnificent Thing” by Ashley Spires
• Podcasts: “Brains On!” (for kids), “Science Friday Kids”
• YouTube Channels: SciShow Kids, Crash Course Kids, National Geographic Kids

Real Examples

Real-life stories illustrate the transformative power of OMSI Family Labs. Here are three authentic examples from families who visited Portland and turned their experience into lasting learning.

Example 1: The Curious 5-Year-Old and the Water Table

Maria, a single mother from Salem, brought her 5-year-old son Leo to OMSI on a rainy Tuesday. Leo had been fascinated by rainstorms and asked, “Why does water go down the drain?”

In the Water & Flow zone, Leo spent 45 minutes testing different materials—plastic cups, sponges, metal spoons—to see which absorbed water fastest. He didn’t say much, but his focus was intense. A volunteer educator noticed and asked, “What do you think would happen if we put this sponge in a cup and tipped it over?”

Leo’s eyes lit up. He tried it. Water dripped slowly. He repeated it three times. Later, at home, he asked to build a “drain system” out of cardboard tubes. Maria documented the activity and shared it on a local parenting group. Other parents asked for the OMSI activity guide—leading Maria to become a monthly visitor.

Example 2: The Siblings Who Learned to Collaborate

The Chen family from Vancouver, WA, brought their 8-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son to Family Labs during spring break. The older child, Ethan, initially rolled his eyes. “This is for little kids,” he said.

But in the Build & Design zone, the educator handed them a challenge: “Build a bridge that holds 10 marbles using only 10 foam blocks.” Ethan took charge at first—until the bridge collapsed. His sister, Maya, suggested stacking them in a triangle. He hesitated, then nodded.

Together, they built a stable structure. Ethan later told his mom, “I didn’t think she’d be good at this. But she figured it out before I did.”

That visit changed their dynamic. Now, they have a weekly “Family Engineering Night” at home, using LEGO and recycled materials.

Example 3: The Grandparents Who Rediscovered Wonder

Retired teachers Harold and Eleanor from Bend visited OMSI with their 3-year-old granddaughter, Lila. They’d never been to a science museum. “We thought it was just for kids,” Harold admitted.

But in the Sound & Vibration zone, Lila placed her hands on a vibrating drum. “Grandpa, feel it!” she said. Harold did. He smiled. “I haven’t felt something like that since I was a boy.”

They spent the rest of the visit exploring side by side. Eleanor took photos of Lila’s reactions. Back home, they created a scrapbook titled “Lila’s First Science Adventure.” They now visit every quarter.

These stories aren’t outliers—they reflect the core mission of OMSI Family Labs: to spark wonder, foster connection, and make science a living, breathing part of everyday family life.

FAQs

Is OMSI Family Labs suitable for toddlers?

Yes. Family Labs includes low-height tables, soft materials, and sensory-rich activities ideal for children as young as 18 months. The Water & Flow and Light & Color zones are especially popular with toddlers. Always supervise closely, as some materials are small.

Do I need to book a specific time for Family Labs?

Yes. Family Labs access is included in your general admission timed ticket. You cannot enter Family Labs without a valid, timed entry pass for the museum.

Can I bring a stroller into Family Labs?

Yes. Strollers are permitted in all areas. However, during peak hours, space can be tight. Consider using a baby carrier for younger infants if you anticipate crowding.

Are there food options inside Family Labs?

No. Family Labs is an activity zone only. Food and drinks are allowed only in designated areas outside the labs. The OMSI Café is located just outside the entrance and offers healthy snacks, sandwiches, and drinks.

How long should we plan to spend in Family Labs?

Most families spend 60 to 90 minutes. Younger children may need breaks. Older children can stay longer. There’s no time limit once you’re inside, but your timed admission ticket includes access to the entire museum for the day.

Can I re-enter Family Labs after leaving?

Yes. Your general admission ticket allows re-entry to the entire museum, including Family Labs, on the same day. Just ask for a hand stamp at the exit.

Are there any discounts for Oregon residents?

OMSI offers a “Local Discount” for Oregon residents on select weekdays. Show a valid ID at the ticket desk. Members also receive unlimited visits for a full year.

What if my child has sensory sensitivities?

OMSI offers quiet hours on the first Tuesday of each month, with reduced lighting and sound levels. You can also request a sensory kit (noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools) at the welcome desk. Staff are trained to support neurodiverse visitors.

Can I take photos in Family Labs?

Yes. Photography is encouraged—just avoid flash near light-sensitive exhibits and be respectful of other families’ privacy. Tag @OMSI on social media to share your experience!

Is Family Labs available during school field trips?

Family Labs is open to the public during school hours, but groups of 10 or more must schedule field trips in advance. Walk-in school groups are not permitted during peak family hours.

Conclusion

Visiting OMSI Family Labs Portland is more than a museum trip—it’s an investment in your child’s curiosity, your family’s connection, and the enduring power of hands-on learning. Unlike passive entertainment, Family Labs creates space for questions, mistakes, discoveries, and joy—all grounded in real science.

By following this guide—from planning your visit with intention, to letting your child lead the exploration, to extending the experience beyond the museum walls—you transform a single afternoon into a catalyst for lifelong learning.

The beauty of Family Labs lies in its simplicity: no screens, no scripts, no right or wrong answers. Just materials, space, and the quiet magic of a child figuring something out for themselves. That moment—when a toddler sees a rainbow form through a prism, or a teenager realizes their marble run actually works—isn’t just memorable. It’s foundational.

Whether you’re a Portland local or a visitor passing through, OMSI Family Labs offers one of the most authentic, enriching, and human-centered science experiences in the country. Take the time. Bring your questions. Let wonder lead the way. And remember: the best learning doesn’t happen in a classroom. It happens when a family stands together, curious, engaged, and full of possibility.