Portland Children's Museum

very hands on type activities.

very hands on. There is a grocery area. Separate area for babies. Great for toddlers who want to touch, feel, and explore everything.

I don't have children. But I have friends who do. And when we go to the Children's Museum, the kids can go all day. This is really a great place; the term "museum" may convey a sense of staid formality that you won't find inside. There's a mock grocery store where kids can play checkers or shoppers, and I've seen them go over an hour. There's a construction site, and a waterworks area where they can play with boats and plumbing, and a stage where they can dress up and improvise truly chaotic shows. There are at least two theaters and storytelling areas, and several craft areas as well. It's not good for older children (unless they're helping out with younger siblings), but from two years old to maybe ten, it's a great way to spend a day. There's lots of opportunities to burn off energy, and the activites there will fire their creativity in a dozen different ways.

Wonderful place to bring kids!