Children's Museum of Southern Oregon
A vibrant nonprofit museum with expansive indoor and outdoor exhibits, plus creative studios, offering imaginative play for children 8 and under.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal for younger kids
Children's Museum of Southern Oregon
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal for younger kids
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant nonprofit museum with expansive indoor and outdoor exhibits, plus creative studios, offering imaginative play for children 8 and under.
"Best Kids Attraction in all of Southern Oregon!!"
Pack a Lunch! 🍎
Bring your own food and enjoy it on the front lawn under the trees. Great way to save money!
Check for Special Programs 🎉
Special programs are often included with membership, like 'Artists in the Amphitheater' .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Outdoor Adventure Area
Outdoor Adventure Area
Features a sandy beach, working stream, race track, camping area, and a large acorn-shaped play structure.
Indoor Interactive Exhibits
Inside Exhibits
Engaging zones like farm-to-table, kitchen, doctor's office, and a construction zone for imaginative play.
Annex Studios
Annex across the street
Offers a kids' culinary studio and a kids' pottery studio for creative hands-on experiences.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat & Crowds
Plan visits for cooler mornings or evenings, especially during summer. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.Membership Perks & Affordability
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack a Lunch! 🍎
Bring your own food and enjoy it on the front lawn under the trees. Great way to save money!
Check for Special Programs 🎉
Special programs are often included with membership, like 'Artists in the Amphitheater'.
Parking Can Be Tricky 🚗
Street parking is limited to 1-2 hours. Plan accordingly or consider membership for frequent visits.
Outdoor Area Weather Advisory ☀️
The outdoor adventure area closes when temperatures reach 100°F.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack a Lunch! 🍎
Bring your own food and enjoy it on the front lawn under the trees. Great way to save money!
Check for Special Programs 🎉
Special programs are often included with membership, like 'Artists in the Amphitheater'.
Parking Can Be Tricky 🚗
Street parking is limited to 1-2 hours. Plan accordingly or consider membership for frequent visits.
Outdoor Area Weather Advisory ☀️
The outdoor adventure area closes when temperatures reach 100°F.
All Abilities Welcome! ✨
A magical place for children of all abilities to learn and play safely.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Children's Museum of Southern Oregon as a top-tier attraction, highlighting its vast, well-designed exhibits and engaging activities for children of all ages. The clean environment and friendly staff are frequently mentioned positives, though some note that parking can be a challenge due to limited street availability.
"This is an amazing children's museum! It was huge and the areas and activities seemed well thought out. I even had a lot of fun building things with my child. Everything felt very clean and well taken care of. Highly recommend it."
farfanoogens
"Best Kids Attraction in all of Southern Oregon!!
The Children’s Museum of Southern Oregon ranks at the very top of my list of things for kids to do in all of Southern Oregon.
You can purchase admission for the day or buy one of their membership options. For our family, it breaks down to around $10 monthly for a full price family membership. They also offer scholarships for memberships to those who qualify which make it extremely affordable.
They have special programs throughout the week that are included with the membership.
They’re open every day but Monday. The outdoor area is open year round except in extreme weather/ smoke / heat.
As of Fall 2024, there are currently 3 sections to the museum: inside exhibits, outdoor adventure area, and the annex across the street. I’ll briefly highlight what each section offers.
Inside exhibits include: farm to table, kitchen, doctor and dentist office, ambulance, nursery, climbing wall, animal hospital, construction zone, water table, light exhibit, sound exhibit, makery art studio, dance / theatre exhibit, and a separate enclosed play area for kids under 3. Each exhibit offers many open ended play opportunities and has books on each subject.
Outdoor adventure area: this exhibit opened in fall 2023. It includes: a large sandy beach play area, a working stream meant for children to play in, a race track with bikes and trikes, a camping area, a musical instrument garden, a large climbing hill with built in Amphitheatre seating, lots of climbing areas, and a large acorn shaped play structure.
The annex across the street has a kids culinary studio and a kids pottery studio. You can purchase bisque ware to glaze for an additional fee.
There’s so much to do that often we only explore one of the 3 areas for our visit. You can easily spend the entire day there.
If you’re moving to southern Oregon, I highly recommend getting a membership and going often. And if you’re visiting the area with your kids, be sure to budget at least a few hours to visit."
The Southern Oregon Mom
"So excited about the new location. It is beautiful 😍
We visited today. My kids are 10, 8, 5 &3. The staff was friendly as always, facility was clean and activities were FUN!!!! We packed a lunch and ate out on the front lawn under the big trees. It was wonderful.
My only negative was parking. There is no designated parking lot and all street parking is only 1 or 2 hours."
Jessica Cooper
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Medford, Oregon. While there isn't a dedicated parking lot, street parking is available, though often limited to 1-2 hours. Public transportation options may vary, so checking local transit schedules is recommended.
There is no designated parking lot. Visitors typically rely on street parking, which has time restrictions. Arriving early or considering alternative transportation might be beneficial.
The museum is open every day except Monday. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for any last-minute changes or special holiday hours.
Strollers are generally permitted, but space can be limited in some indoor exhibit areas. There is a separate enclosed play area specifically for children under 3.
Yes, the museum is designed to be a safe and magical place for children of all abilities to learn and play. Many exhibits offer open-ended play opportunities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase admission for the day. Alternatively, consider a membership, which is more cost-effective for frequent visits, averaging around $10 monthly for a family. Scholarships are available for qualifying individuals.
Yes, the museum offers family memberships that provide great value for regular visitors. They also have scholarship programs to make access more affordable for families who qualify.
While not always required, booking in advance or arriving early can be helpful, especially during peak times or for special events. Members often get early access on certain weekends.
Admission typically includes access to all indoor exhibits, the outdoor adventure area (weather permitting), and special programs that are part of the regular schedule.
Generally, re-entry policies depend on the museum's specific rules. It's best to inquire at the front desk upon arrival if you plan to leave and return later in the day.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Highlights include the expansive Outdoor Adventure Area with a stream and play structure, numerous indoor exhibits like a farm, kitchen, and construction zone, and the Annex studios for pottery and culinary arts.
Yes, there is a separate, enclosed play area specifically designed for children under 3, ensuring a safe and engaging experience for the youngest visitors.
Kids can engage in imaginative play in themed exhibits, explore water tables, build and create in the makery art studio, play in a large sand area, and even try out musical instruments.
The museum hosts various special programs and events throughout the week, often included with membership. They've also partnered with the Rogue Valley Symphony for 'Artists in the Amphitheater' events.
Yes, the museum hosts special birthday parties.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks. Many families enjoy packing a lunch and eating on the front lawn under the trees.
The museum does not appear to have an on-site cafe. Bringing your own food is the recommended option for dining during your visit.
Medford offers a variety of restaurants and cafes within a short driving distance if you prefer to dine out before or after your museum visit.
The front lawn with large trees provides a pleasant area for picnics. It's a great spot to relax and refuel during your visit.
It's best to inquire with museum staff upon arrival about facilities for heating baby food or formula, as this is not explicitly mentioned in reviews.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. Capturing your child's joyful moments is encouraged.
While personal photography is fine, professional photography or filming may require prior permission. Always be mindful of other visitors and avoid disruptive flash photography.
The vibrant Outdoor Adventure Area, especially the acorn play structure and stream, offers great photo opportunities. The themed indoor exhibits also provide colorful backdrops.
Absolutely! The Makery Art Studio is a place for creativity, and capturing your child's masterpieces is a wonderful way to remember their visit.
The front lawn with its large trees offers a nice natural setting for family photos. The diverse exhibits also provide unique and fun backdrops for memorable family portraits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Consider visiting on a weekday morning for a less crowded experience. Bringing snacks and drinks is encouraged, and there's a lovely lawn area for picnics.
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
Plus, you can significantly save on food costs by packing your own lunch and enjoying it on the museum's front lawn.
🌟 Visitors Seeking Unique Experiences
Keep an eye out for special events like 'Artists in the Amphitheater,' which combines music and art exploration.
The museum's commitment to inclusivity also means it's a welcoming environment for children of all abilities, making it a truly special destination.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Three Zones
The Outdoor Adventure Area, a more recent addition, is a highlight for many. It boasts a large sandy beach play area, a working stream for water play, a race track for bikes and trikes, a camping area, and a musical instrument garden. The centerpiece is a large climbing hill with built-in amphitheater seating and a prominent acorn-shaped play structure, offering ample opportunities for active exploration.
Finally, the Annex across the street houses specialized studios. Here, children can dive into creative pursuits at the Kids Culinary Studio or the Kids Pottery Studio. The pottery studio even allows for purchasing bisque ware to glaze for an additional fee, providing a tangible takeaway from their artistic endeavors.
Membership Value and Community Impact
Beyond the financial benefits, memberships often include access to special programs and events, providing added value throughout the year. The museum also plays a role in the local community, as highlighted by events like hosting special birthday parties for children facing medical challenges
and collaborating with local organizations like the Rogue Valley Symphony for interactive events. This community engagement underscores the museum's mission to be a vibrant and inclusive resource for families in Southern Oregon.Seasonal Considerations and Weather
This means planning visits for cooler mornings or late afternoons is advisable to fully enjoy the outdoor amenities during hot weather.For winter visits, the museum provides a warm and engaging indoor environment, making it an excellent option for families looking to escape the cold and find stimulating activities. The indoor exhibits, from the farm to the construction zone, offer plenty of hands-on fun. The museum's flexibility in offering both indoor and outdoor play areas ensures that children can have a fulfilling experience regardless of the weather, though checking conditions for the outdoor area is always recommended.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit