Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) offers halls dedicated to earth science, life science, computers, chemistry, traveling exhibits and hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, the Empirical Theater, a submarine to tour, a motion simulator ride and a cafe. The museum, through its various games and interactive displays, offers an opportunity to exercise the grey cells and leave with more knowledge and information.
The Oregon Zoo houses animals from all parts of the world. Spread over 64 acres of land, there's always something to see. Here one can observe animals in their natural habitats, including elephants, bears, penguins and monkeys. Hop aboard the train for a zoo tour or rent a special stroller wagon for the kids. After a busy day of animal watching, enjoy a waffle ice cream cone from the snack bar, dine at the on site cafe or enjoy a picnic lunch on the lawn.
Created in 1892 primarily to promote visual arts, the museum is set up with several large and open viewing rooms. Do not miss the Native American collection, and the artists' works featured in the European collection will also surprise you. Also check out the North Wing's Jubitz Center, which houses modern and contemporary art. In the spring, the museum's Northwest Film Center hosts the annual Jewish Film Festival.
Dating back to 1927, the "Schnitz," as referred to by the locals, is a Portland treasure. Part of Portland'5 Centers for the Arts and home to the Oregon Symphony, it was overhauled in the 1980s and now provides a multitude of amenities. The concert hall seats 2,776 people with an upper and lower balcony for special views. Visit the concession stand for sandwiches, drinks and a selection of beer or wine. Located off the lobby is a gift shop offering a wide selection of Oregon Symphony merchandise that includes recordings.
Portland Japanese Garden includes waterfalls, koi filled ponds, a wisteria arbor and even a tea-house that was built in Japan with ancient construction techniques. It features five unique gardens. The Strolling Pond contains the five-tiered stone pagoda lantern given to Portland in 1963 by Sapporo, Portland's sister city in Japan. Many events are observed in the gardens, including Children's Day, the Tanabata Star Festival and the Obon Spirit Festival. Garden curators also offer classes in Japanese culture and gardening techniques.
Formerly known as The Rose Garden, Moda Center is home to the Portland Trail Blazers professional basketball team, and the premier indoor sports arena in Portland. Portland State University’s hockey team Winterhawks also play games here. The arena has room for nearly 20,000 spectators, though the number changes depending on the event, and is popular for concerts, shows and other entertainment productions. The Rose Quarter features an impressive array of bronze statues and the dancing water fountain is one of the stadium's most important facilities along with the Veterans Memorial Coliseum and the Theater of the Clouds.