This Incredible Museum In Oregon Is A Fantastic Day Trip Destination

When the weather starts to heat up and you're already hearing, "I'm bored" from the kiddos, it's time to find a nice, cool place to spend a hot summer afternoon. Head to this fantastic museum in Portland, where you can spend an entire day playing and learning... and even spend the night!

Anyone who grew up in Oregon likely took at least one field trip to The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, either at its old site in Washington Park or its current building on the river, which opened in 1992.

With hundreds of interactive exhibits, you'll have a blast spending the day here.

Explore the five halls of permanent exhibits, the special rotating exhibits, eight hands-on labs, and the large-screen theater with dual 4k projectors.

An amazing permanent fixture at OMSI is the USS Blueback, a decommissioned Navy submarine that operated during the 1960s-80s.

Tours of the sub give a unique opportunity to peer into the technology and mechanisms (and cramped quarters) of a real submarine.

Get lost in the stars at Kendall Planetarium, which offers a mesmerizing 360-degree view deep into the universe as well as amazing laser light shows perfectly paired with lively music.

The Innovation Station in Turbine Hall focuses on engineering and gives you the opportunity to program your own robots and design new machines.

The Beginning the Journey exhibit in Life Hall gives a fascinating peek into the human body, beginning with prenatal development.

You can even work with scientists in their labs, help excavate fossils, use 3D printers, and learn about live animals and insects.

Special exhibits have included everything from the science behind sports to crime scene forensics to incredible Lego constructions... all presented using technological features that allow visitors to interact with what you're learning about.

From the skeletons of ancient beasts...

...to the latest robotics technology, you'll find plenty of engaging exhibits that will keep you entertained for hours.

Visit OMSI seven days a week! It's open from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m..

General admission starts at $14.50 for adults, $11.25 for seniors, and $9.75 for youth. Some special exhibits, tours, and shows come at an additional cost. Check out OMSI's website (linked below) for details.

Learn more about OMSI by visiting its website, and follow its Facebook page to keep up on all the latest happenings. The museum also hosts special events, like OMSI After Dark, kids camps, and overnight stays - the opportunities to learn are endless here!

What's your favorite exhibit at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry? Let us know in the comments below!

Check out this article for more information about spending the night in a submarine at the museum.