ScienceWorks Hands On Museum

January 22, 2010 By
Dream Cycles kinetic sculpture outside of ScienceWorks

Dream Cycles kinetic sculpture outside of ScienceWorks

1500 East Main Street
Ashland, OR

Sometimes, I’m guilty of forgetting to feature all the excellent pit stops in my own backyard! ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum sits just west of I-5 in beautiful Ashland, Oregon. With both permanent and limited-time (featured) exhibits, there’s always something new (and something for every age, from preschool to adult). Explore the Bubble-ology Room, the Pedal-Powered Railroad, the Shadow Wall, and the Water Rocket, or sit down and relax while your little ones play in Discovery Island, filled with water tables, a playhouse full of pulleys and levers, and Coconut Hollow, a forest of trees that launch air-powered balls through vacuum tubes to different spots.

My kids, ages 5-10, can easily spend several contented hours at the museum. Be sure to check the daily schedule when you arrive; there’s often a demonstration or experiment performed in the laboratory!

Date last visited: January 2010

Distance off the interstate: Three minutes

Hours:
Wednesday through Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday: Noon – 4 p.m.
Summer Hours (June-August): Wednesday through Saturday: 10am – 5pm
Sunday: Noon – 5pm

Admission Prices: $5.00 for kids ages 2-12 ; $7.50 for teens and adults ; $5.00 for seniors 65+ If you think you’ll visit more than three times a year, a membership might be the better option for your family!

Bathrooms: Located inside the museum.

Food Services: Limited snacks are available. For a kid-friendly meal in Ashland, my family’s top recommendation is Munchies, located downtown on the plaza.

Website: http://www.scienceworksmuseum.org

Directions: From I-5: take exit 14 toward Ashland/Klamath Falls. Turn right at Ashland St. Turn right at Walker Ave. Turn left at E Main St.
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Lithia Park

June 18, 2009 By

Lithia Park Ashland, Oregon is a stunningly beautiful 93-acre park in a garden setting situated within easy distance of 1-5 for either a quick pitstop or an afternoon detour. Located on the north end of Ashland, Oregon in their pedestrian-friendly downtown, there are several entrances to this sprawling park, but the easiest to access from the city center is on Winburn Way. Park either in the city square or follow Winburn around the side of the park, and cross one of the several arched bridges over Ashland Creek. At this north end of Lithia Park, you’ll find a duck pond and excellent play structure, complete with climbing wall/rock and rope tower. Near the play area is easy access to the creek, where kids can dip toes on hot days (unless signs dictate otherwise¦the creek is closed to waders during some summers).

Almost at the top!

Almost at the top!

If you have time, continue on the marked paths to the south end, where you’ll find tennis courts, a second (more inhabited) duck pond, and hiking trails.

On the way back to the car, let the kids peek into Small Change, an excellent toy and boutique-quality children’s clothing store at 5 N. Main. Little ones can climb up the ladder into an elevated loft (fully enclosed with a latching gate) where they are encouraged to play with a selection of toys while you peruse the offerings. The other shops along the square are fascinating to poke around in as well, if your kids have the patience!

Nate and Cal climbing the rope tower.

Nate and Cal climbing the rope tower.

Date last visited: June 2009

Distance off the interstate: About five minutes’ drive.

Bathrooms: Clean bathrooms are located by the play structure. Many shops and restaurants are also within walking distance.

Food Services: Downtown Ashland has a plethora of excellent restaurants, but our personal favorite with kids is Munchies, located right in the heart of the square, on the corner of N. Main. They serve great vegetarian fare as well as burgers, pasta, and Mexican selections. There are also several ice cream and candy shops along the same block, as well as Big Town Hero and vegetarian and Thai cuisine.

Directions: From I-5, take exit 19 and turn right at S Valley View Rd. Turn left at Hwy-99 and continue 2 miles. Take a slight right at Guanajuato Way, then turn right at Winburn Way.

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