A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village

Playing is essential to learning and A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village illustrates their motto well by being a place to learn and play. The children museum does a fairly good job in educating kids, as there is quite a lot to explore and learn in areas such as history, science, and humanities. Most of the exploring your children will probably participate in will be outside via the elaborate play structure. It is huge!  And, there is so much to do: tube slides (one dark long one which may be frightening for little ones), a wide slide, wavy slide, sand pit, giant chess game, tic tac toe, tire obstacle, swings and so much more! The other parts of the museum that are worth mentioning are the PlayArt room by Ed Tannenbaum (known as Recollections), the shadows room (known as the Undersea Cave of Frozen Shadows), and the outside bubble arena. Those attributes were my favorite and filled with fun, but there are other great rooms to explore. Overall this museum is a lot of fun, but it seems like it could use some upkeep or better maintenance. The inside of each house smelt musty, and although I didn’t see any spiders, there were tons of enormous spider webs outside and throughout the play structure. This did make the museum a little less enjoyable. In addition, the cost seemed a bit spendy for a whole family (I think adults should be free), but if you have an ASTC membership (we got a membership at the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum) or an OMSI membership it is free! You can also get a membership card from your local library. Despite those few negative factors I plan on returning because the playground is like no other, and I want to play in the recollection room again! Also I must mention outside the museum there is a beautiful long walking bridge that crosses the Willamette. My kids loved crossing the big bridge and throwing rocks in the river. We will return! So get the kids ready for an hour drive and have fun playing at the A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village!

Click on A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village to see their description of the children’s museum.

Click on maps to find directions to A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village.

Is it going to rain today?

Rainy days happen in Portland a lot!  So what do you do?  My kids and I often have puddle parties, but some days there isn’t enough rain for a party, and there’s not enough sun for a park.  Since Father’s Day is Sunday, I thought we could paint something for Grandpa.  One of our frequent indoor art shops is CeramiCafe. My husband and I have also been to Ready, Paint, Fire for a fun date night!  (You can enjoy wine, paint, and have a conversation!  In addition on Tuesdays, they currently have a 2 for Tuesdays special.) Both places are very enjoyable!  So if you are looking for some indoor fun, check out these places. F.Y.I. The ceramic pieces are a bit pricey, but they are memories that will last as the gifts or pieces you paint will be treasured for years! Have fun!