Hatfield Marine Science Center Oregon State University

$5 per person (over 6yrs) Plenty of parking (Thursday morning in December) This place has several areas that will be interesting for all ages. When you go in, first go to the left in a circle and you will see a place that gives you a chance to pilot a boat in simulation. Then there are tanks with sea creatures and fish, lots of information on the ocean. As you go around, about half the center is interactive focusing on tsunami simulations for kids (and adults who are kids at heart). My daughter and I really enjoyed a sand topography feature which allowed us to move sand and see it on screen look like land and water. We also loved building Lego houses to see how they might withstand a tsunami. We went during a weekday in December and it was not crowded at all, so nice! The staff are very friendly and welcoming. If you keep your ticket, it's good for all day if you want to get lunch and bring your kids back to play more. This is a place that could potentially occupy busy boys for a few hours. They have a cool pet octopus and they will let you know when they are feeding the octopus.

Great place to bring kids to learn about the coastline! All its living components, fish, animals, tides. Such a variety of hands on activities for kids. Very reasonably priced. Especially good for a rainy coastal day.

This museum is AMAZING! My fiance, children and I had such a fun time. (10/10). I loved the childrens interactive sections and loved that it was affordable!! We loved seeing the different oceanic animals, the wave makers and being able to touch the sea anemones. One of the highlights of our trip! Thank you ♡

I have been coming to Hatifeld since I was a kid and now I bring my own kids. They love all the water exhibits and aquariums. They aways say hi to the giant octopus as soon as we walk in the door. They did start charging $5/person for admission (free the last time I was there), which I think is a reasonable price.

My 5yr old could have played here all day. We loved the open ended hands on activities, especially the tsunami simulator and touch tank. Very knowledgeable and friendly volunteers as well. Really good value for the price!

Excellent for adults and children. Lots of history and solid information. We'll worth the inexpensive entrance fees.

Went on a regularly scheduled Estuary Walk at 11am in Newport with Sally as our volunteer guide. She was so patient and knowledgeable and was able to ad lib and add in her surroundings and include the knowledge of people in the group. Sally was fun and wonderful and we appreciate her volunteerism!! We hope you get her if you join a free walk! Then do the Science Center for a few dollars after!

Great for kids and adults! This is definitely geared towards older kids (probably best for 6+) but my 4yo enjoyed himself. There was a lot to read and learn - you could definitely spend a few hours here. They have exhibits about NOAA, fisheries, tsunami-proof architecture, and so, so much more. It's a unique place and not your typical science center or aquarium so definitely worth a visit! I'm glad we skipped the pricey Aquarium and opted to go here instead. We biked here from South Beach State Park and it was a very kid-friendly ride 🚲