Frequently Asked Questions

How much does parking cost?
How do you get to the Museum?
May we celebrate our child’s birthday at the Museum?
Where can we buy museum merchandise?
Are strollers allowed in the Museum?
Where can we enjoy a snack or lunch?
Do you have a coat check or a place to put my personal items?
Do you have a private area for nursing?
I am an adult and I would like to visit the museum myself. May I?
May I bring my pet to the Pet Hospital?
How do I make a donation request for my organization?

Upcoming changes to parking in Washington Park.

 

How much does parking cost?

Currently parking is free for members and $4 for non-members, for an all-day pass in Washington Park. Updates coming; click here for more>>

How do you I get to the Museum?

We’re located off Highway 26 in Washington Park. Located across from Oregon Zoo. Check out our Map and Directions page for more info.

May we celebrate our child’s birthday at the Museum?

We love to have children visit the Museum on their birthday! For the comfort of all our visitors, the Museum cannot accommodate unscheduled parties in the lobby. Please check out our Birthday page to book your celebration.

Where can we buy Museum merchandise?

Our motto? If it’s on the floor, it’s in the store! Museum-to-Go kits, puppets, plush toys, dozens of items by Melissa & Doug, art supplies, and more are available. Check out online merchandise here>>

Are strollers allowed in the Museum?

We reserve the right to request that any stroller not be allowed on the Museum floor. Exceptions will be considered by Museum personnel.

Where can we enjoy a snack or lunch?

Take a break from exploring and stop by The Counter @ the Museum. Our café is located in the Museum lobby, near the front desk. We serve a wide range of tasty, healthy food choices sure to please. Food/drinks are allowed in the lobby and Dig Pit eating areas only.

Do you have a coat check or a place to put my personal items?

We do not have a coat check, however free lockers are available for easy access to belongings.

Do you have a private area for nursing?

Please inquire at the front desk about our private nursing area.

I am an adult and I would like to visit the Museum myself. May I?

For the safety of our visitors, the Museum will only allow unaccompanied adults on pre-arranged terms. This includes business meetings, special events and tours. All guests must check in at the box office and present a valid photo identification to get a guest badge. We reserve the right to refuse entry to any unaccompanied adult without a pre-arranged meeting. For security reasons, bathrooms are for Museum guests only.

May I bring my pet to the Pet Hospital?

Service animals are permitted in the Museum. No other pets allowed.

How do I make a donation request for my organization?

Portland Children’s Museum is happy to consider donation requests for charitable auctions, special give-aways and similar events. Priority is given to those organizations serving children and families, our community partners and corporate sponsors. Please send your request, on your organization’s letterhead, to:

Sue Dixon

4015 SW Canyon Road, Portland, OR 97221

or email to:  sdixon@portlandcm.org

Upcoming changes to parking in Washington Park

Beginning in spring 2013, all visitors to Washington Park, where the Museum is located, will have to pay for parking. This is because Portland Parks & Recreation, which owns the lots, will be installing metered parking.

Why do members have to start paying for parking?

Portland Parks & Recreation, which owns and manages all public lots within Washington Park, will be installing and activating pay stations similar to what you find downtown throughout all the lots located on the south side of the park. These are the lots that serve the zoo, Portland Children’s Museum and World Forestry Center, as well as Hoyt Arboretum and the park generally.

Revenues collected from the pay stations will be reinvested in Washington Park with primary focus on improvements to access, transit and parking.

When does paid parking start?

An exact activation date for the pay stations has not been determined. Parking will continue to be free for all members, and $4 per visit for non-members, until the pay stations are activated.

Where can I find more information?

Up-to-date information can be found at washingtonparkpdx.org/parking and portlandoregon.gov/parks/article/416949. The Museum and other attractions will also update members and visitors as new information becomes available.

Many details regarding this change are still being worked out. Rest assured that the Museum is working very closely with Parks & Recreation, neighboring attractions, and our residential neighbors to ensure a smooth transition to paid parking.

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For more information or to answer any other questions, please call us at 503-223-6500.