OMSI: A Hands-On Adventure

If you visit us in Portland, chances are we’ll take you to OMSI | Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.  This place never gets old with rotating exhibits, several science labs, OMNIMax, Planetarium, USS Blueback Submarine and the very fun Turbine Science Hall. 

When going to OMSI it is best to plan 1-2 hours for the Turbine Hall, at least 1 hour for the theater, 1/2 hour for the submarine and 1/2 hour for the main exhibits.  You can also plan another 1/2 hour to 1 hour for the upper Life and Earth Science exhibits and labs.

If you are visiting during the summer, please be aware that many of the labs will be closed due to the summer camps.  However, most of the camps end between 2pm and 3pm and OMSI closes at 7:00, so you could go later in the day and still have time to enjoy the museum.

My children’s favorite place is the Turbine Hall.  Here is where hands-on fun happens.  Whether they are creating air rocket races, designing wind towers or creating a water system, they will learn about robotics, engineering, space and aerodynamics while having fun!  The Chemistry and Physics labs are located in the Turbine Hall also.  The Chemistry lab is especially fun for homeschoolers who may not want to have chemical experiments happening in their homes!

The upper level of the Museum holds the Life Sciences exhibits and labs. There is a display of human development in the womb from conception to week 32.  It is graphic.  These are actual fetuses donated after natural cause or accidental deaths.  The kids find it “gross” but fascinating at the same time. 

WARNING:  Before this display is an anatomically correct display of the human reproductive systems.  The other side of this display is the stages of labor.  I personally have no problems with my children being exposed to this side of our humanity, but I know some very conservative families may want to avoid this portion of life sciences all together.

For those who want to spend the extra money, the OMNIMAX theater is fun.  The only tip I can give you is to sit in the middle toward the upper level. If you get sea sickness…you may want to take Dramamine first.

The Kendall Planetarium is awesome if you like to learn about the stars.  Our favorite has been about the birth of stars.  In the evening they hold a Laser Light Show synchronized to Classic Rock.  I heard it’s pretty cool.

Our family has not personally toured the submarine yet, so I cannot comment on that part of the museum.

When you are done inside the museum you can head outside and walk along the waterfront.

About OMSI

OMSI is located south of downtown Portland along the east bank of the Willamette River; nestled near the Hawthorne Bridge in the heart of East side's industrial building district. The exact address is 1945 SE Water Ave., Portland, OR 97214-3354 or if you want to be really precise, 45° 30' 36" north latitude, 122° 39' 54" west longitude.

How much does it cost to visit OMSI?

Ticket prices are $12 adults, $9 Youth (3-13), $9 Senior (63+), FREE for members.  Our family would cost $51 for a single trip.  This does not include the cost of parking or any additional exhibit fees.

The additional fees currently are:

• Parking – $3, Free for Members
• Narnia Exhibit Fee – $2 per person, FREE for members.  Note:  If you use a ASTC pass from another science museum, you will still have to pay the $2.  The exhibit is free ONLY for OMSI members.
• Kendall Planetarium – $5.75 for general admission, members receive $1 off
• Omnimax Dome Theater – $5.75 (matinee), members receive $1 off.  Evening movies are $7.50, no discounts.
• USS Blueback Submarine Tour – $5.75 admission
• Motion Simulator  - $5.00, members receive $1 off

They do offer some discounted packages:

• Adventure Combo Pack: $16 adults, $13 Youth and Senior.  This package includes museum admission and one OMNIMAX Move OR Kendall Planetarium Show.
• Museum Combo Pack:  $21 adults, $17 Youth and Senior.  This package includes museum admission, one OMNIMAX movie, and your choice of planetarium show or submarine tour.

Another option for a low-cost OMSI visit is to watch for $2 Sundays.  These are held on the first Sunday of the month.  The next date is August 7, 2011.  I believe this is available for everyone, not just local citizens.

What are the benefits of Membership and what does it cost?

We have been members of OMSI for 3 years now.  There are several reasons we chose membership.  The number one reason was the cost of membership vs. the cost of paying for every visit.

• Membership starts at $75 up to $500 per year.  We opted for the FRIENDS level which costs $140 per year.  This gives us 2 named adults, 8 children (so we can take the kid’s friends) AND 2 guests per visit.  Includes 8 FREE Omnimax or Submarine Tickets and UNLIMITED FREE Planetarium matinees.  I have used this at least 3 times this year and been able to take friends for free.  We love the planetarium matinees.  And it’s nice to be able to visit at least one OMNIMAX show a year.
• OMSI participates in the ASTC Travel Passport Program.  This gives us access to over 290 museums around the country!  We cannot use it for the Evergreen Museum in McMinnville, but can use it for AC Gilbert House in Salem.  (They have a special agreement).
• Savings on science camps and classes.  I personally used this when I attended a CPR class at OMSI.
• 10% discount in the OMSI store and cafes.
• They offer a discount club which features some local businesses.

To see the current costs of membership, visit OMSI’s website.

What about food?

They do have a cafeteria.  It has a variety of food options. However, it’s like every public attraction cafe, not cheap.

The alternative is to bring your own lunches. You can store them in lockers, or your car, and then eat lunch in the Turbine Hall Lunch room.  You cannot take your lunch into the cafeteria. 

You will WANT to bring your own water.  The bottle water is $2.25 for a 20 oz. bottle.

OMSI is a big recycler, so be sure you recycle whatever you can. There are signs above the bins to help you.

When is OMSI open?

OMSI is open year round with seasonal hours.  During the summer (6/18 to Labor day) the hours are 9:30 am to 7:00 pm.

Don’t want to drive your car there?  Take Trimet!

Taunya is a homeschooling mother of three who enjoys traveling, scrapbooking, taking pictures of random beauty. Located in gorgeous Northwest Oregon, she enjoys the wonder and beauty of God's creation everyday! She blogs at Taunya’s Place.

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area

Spend the day driving along the beautiful Highway 101 along the coast of Oregon – and you will see many signs urging you to visit the many lighthouses from yesteryear along your route. One, in particular, stands out to our family – with a name that indicates that this is not your usual drive to a tall pillar with a flashlight on top . . . . The Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area.

After purchasing your $7.00 pass, or using one of your travel passes, you’ll find yourself driving along the cliff that loops out to the Yaquina Head Lighthouse. You’ll want a copy of the map given by the booth attendant to be able to know what is instore. This is no casual drive by. I suggest an all day outing, especially if you are camping at South Beach Campground or Beverly Beach State Park.

Whales, Birds, Sea life, Intertidal Pools, Trails, Interpretive Centers, and a tour of the lighthouse await! We have spent an entire afternoon at the Quarry Cove inspecting the tide pools, watching seals play, and following the birds along the trails and cliffs. Cobble Beach is another area to hike down to the water and play on a rocky shoreline – beachcombing treasures await!

There is a large interpretive center for learning – we have toured this facility but have not had time yet to fully enjoy it! As you travel along the road, the lighthouse comes into view. Stepping out of your car in the spring and summer, and you’ll be greeted with a curious sound. Birds. Literally tons of birds. 70-80 Thousand Common Murres nest at Colony Rock west of the Lighthouse in the Pacific Ocean. Joined by nesting Cormorants, Gulls, Brandts, pelagic cormorants, pigeon guillemots, western gulls, and glaucous-winged gulls – it is quite a show. Add to that the Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons who like the all you can eat sea bird buffet – and you have quite the treat!

Speaking of treats – When your feet are aching, your camera card is full, and your skin is windblown – stop in at Izzy’s All you can eat buffet at the entrance to the area. We have enjoyed the quality of their steak house, pizza and salad bar. The bonus is that it sits atop the cliff overlooking Newport, Oregon all the way to South Beach.

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area                                                                      750 NW Lighthouse Dr
Newport, Oregon 97365
Phone: 541-574-3100

Hours of Operation
Park Grounds:
The park grounds are open every day of the year. The entrance gate opens at sunrise or 6:00 AM, whichever is later, and closes at sunset. Winter hours start November 1.
Interpretive Center:
Summer Hours 9:00 to 5:00
Fall Hours 10:00 to 5:00
Winter hours 10:00 to 4:30
Lighthouse:
Summer Hours 11:00 to 4:00
Fall Hours 10:00 to 4:00
Winter Hours 12:00 to 4:00
$7.00 BLM Fee per Vehicle for up to 9 passengers– Pass information.

Click here for driving directions to and from the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area.

Angie Wright spends her days exploring the Central Oregon Coast. You may find her reading in her canoe in the morning, hiking the cool of the mountains in the afternoon or walking along the beach at sunset. An avid birder, reader and mother of two outgoing middle school boys - our her life is full of adventure! You can read all about her many adventures at Petra School. 

Kids Love I-75~ A Review

 

You know I love to travel with my family. I also love resources that save me time when it comes to planning those trips. One of the resources that I have used repeatedly over the years and can wholeheartedly recommend is the popular Kids Love Travel publications by George & Michele Zavatsky.

I own and have used Kids Love Ohio, Kids Love Kentucky and Kids Love Tennessee for years so I was excited to have the opportunity to review Kids Love I-75: A Family Travel Guide for Exploring the Best “Kid-Tested” Places Along I-75- From Michigan to Florida in the new e-book format.

Kids Love I-75 offers hundreds of kid-approved suggestions to help you make the most out of your road trip along this popular interstate. Not only does it list all the attractions worth stopping at that are within 10 miles of the freeway, you’ll also find a few lodging and restaurant suggestions that will appeal to your family as well. 

With nearly 400 pages, this resource begins by offering general travel tips and information to ensure that your trip is fun, memorable and stress free. There is also an overview that shows you how to get the most out of your guide- though I found the book extremely well-organized.

Kids Love I-75 is broken down into sections by state. After reading a quick introduction of what you may see in each state, you’ll find possible activities listed by topic and exit number for easy reference. The topic categories include amusements, animals & farms, history, museums, outdoor exploring, the arts, tours, science, sports, welcome centers and suggested lodging and dining. You’re sure to find something that appeals to each member of your family. 

You’ll also find dozens of maps that break down the interstate in 20 mile increments all the way from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to Miami, Florida. The maps list the indexed attractions at each exit, rest stops along the way and popular fast food restaurants with notations for an indoor or outdoor playgrounds, making it easy to find stops to stretch your legs. 

The bulk of the book includes brief reviews of each of the sites. You’ll learn what the attraction is about or known for, what to expect and a few tips when appropriate.  The address, website, phone number, hours of operation, and admission prices for each attraction are also listed though I’ve found (and the authors suggest) that it’s always a good idea to call ahead and confirm these details prior to your arrival.  As a homeschooling mom, I also appreciate the references to teaching materials when they are available through the individual attractions website.  

As much as I love to hold physical books, I have to admit that the convenience of e-books have really grown on me. The e-books are available as an instant download, work with your computer and other e-reader devices such as an iPad, Nook Color and Kindle 3, and allow you to effortlessly follow the links to the websites that are sprinkled throughout the pages of the book. I also appreciate that I can highlight portions of text directly on my computer that I don’t want to miss, add a sticky note with my own thoughts and print only the pages that I need. You’ll find more benefits of e-books at Kids Love Travel.

If you’re looking for an incredible resource to help you plan out a field trip, daytrip, side trip, weekend away from home or even a full-blown vacation, the Kids Love Travel guides are full of fun ideas and places to see with your family.

Why do all the work when it’s already been done for you?

Would you like to learn more? Now you can take a look inside the cover of Kids Love I-75 at the Kids Love Travel Publications website. You’ll also find Kids Love I-95 and 15 other state guide books in the series and other resources to make your family travel trips unforgettable. 

Kids Love I-75 is now on sale for $17.95 plus shipping, while the electronic version costs only $15.95 through KidsLoveTravel.com.

Are you familiar with the Kids Love Travel books? Which one(s) have you used?

**I received the Kids Love I-75 e-book free of charge in exchange for offering an honest review of the product to my readers. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and have not been influenced in any way.