OMSI

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry founded in 1944 is one of the nation's top ten. Six enormous halls and seven science labs offer hundreds of interactive exhibits. OMSI has an iMax theater, a planetarium and the USS Blueback submarine ready for tours.

Address: 1945 SE Water Ave., Portland, OR

Phone: (503) 797-4000

Web:  http://www.omsi.edu

Oregon Zoo

Going North on Highway 5, take exit 299B for Beaverton, which is just before you get downtown. This puts you on Highway 405. Take exit 1D to Highway 26 West. Go through the tunnel, up a gradual hill, then look for the zoo signs and exit 72.

Address:  4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR

Phone: (503) 226-1561

Web:  http://www.oregonzoo.org

Oregon Gardens

Over 60+ acres of flowers & plants in gardens just south of Silverton. Special exhibits include a Frank Lloyd Wright house open to the public. Walking and bus tours available.

Address: 879 West Main Street, Silverton, OR

Resort:  895 West Main Street, Silverton, OR

The Groto

Stroll through this natural 62 acre Catholic sanctuary. Take an elevator to the top of the property's bluff for the panoramic view of the area.

Address: 8840 NE Skidmore St., Portland, OR

        (At Sandy Blvd & NE 85th Ave.)

Phone:  (503) 254-7371