-
Seattle’s New Kid-Friendly Museum of History and Industry
Recently, my kids and I visited the new 50,000-square-foot facility of the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI), which has now relocated to Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood’s Naval Reserve Building (Armory), right next to the Center for Wooden Boats. It’s easily accessible by South Lake Union Streetcar from downtown Seattle. The former museum was a place we visited…well, once. What a difference $90 million and more exhibit space can make. Just walking into the into the museum’s Faye G. Allen Grand Atrium, you’re wowed. Planes soar overhead, the Toe Truck is parked in the corner and a tower of Seattle-centric signs and brands is arranged along Wall of Icons. Using small cranks, you…
-
50 Free Museums in Washington & Oregon for Military Families
This summer, military families get free passes into over 50 fantastic Pacific Northwest museums. The Blue Star Museums initiative is a partnership among Blue Star Families, the National Endowment for the Arts, and more than 1,000 museums across America. Blue Star Museums offer free admission to active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day, May 30, 2011, through Labor Day, September 5, 2011. Read more at the Blue Star Museums page. A few of my favorite family museums: High Desert Museum (in Bend, Ore.), Portland Art Museum (Portland, Ore.), University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History (Eugene, Ore.), Kids Discovery Museum (Bainbridge Island, Wash.), KidsQuest Children’s…
-
Museum Madness: Free Northwest museum entry on September 25
On September 25, 2010, you and a guest can gain free entry to one of the Pacific Northwest’s fabulous museums, thanks to the Smithsonian Magazine’s Museum Day. Go to the site to see the complete list, but for family-friendly options, here are my picks and why you should go: Hands On Children’s Museum in Olympia, Washington, for general fun. Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, in Tacoma, Wash., for pioneers. Washington State History Museum in Tacoma, for two floors of hands-on history. KidsQuest Children’s Museum in Bellevue, Wash., for more little-kid options. Nordic Heritage Museum, in Seattle, for vikings and a Lego warrior ship. Seattle Art Museum, for oddball modern art…
-
Free Museums in Seattle and Tacoma with Kids
Updated for Summer 2013 Here’s a rundown of Seattle’s free museums. I’ve included my opinion on the ages that will get the most out of the experience. Every Friday Free Seattle Museum: Soundbridge at Benaroya Hall. 200 University St.,  Seattle; 206-336-6600. Pay-what-you-can every Friday from 10-4. Suggested donation $5-15/family. Best for children under age 6. First Thursday Free Seattle Museums: Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture. Free. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., University of Washington, NE 45th Street and 17th Avenue NE; 206-543-5590. Best for kids age 3 and up. Henry Art Gallery. “Pay as you wish†(or free) 11 a.m.-9 p.m. First Thursday, University of Washington, NE 45th Street and 17th Avenue NE.…
-
Free and Cheap Portland Museums, Zoos and Attractions
Make your trip to Portland even cheaper! Portland’s a good deal already, with all those kid-friendly, affordable restaurants. But the Rose City knows that traveling and local families can’t always spend $50 bucks on admission — even if it is a really cool museum. Here’s a whole month full of discounts, so you can visit Portland attractions for free, cheap and a little less. Free museums and cheap museums in Portland, Oregon: OMSI: Admission is $2 on the first Sunday of the month; kids 2 and under are always free. World Forestry Center: Admission is $2 on the first Wednesday of the month; children 2 and under are always free. 3D Center…
