Adventure! Children's Museum

Imagine a place where the boundaries between play and learning disappear, giving way to pure imagination. Adventure! Children's Museum is a dynamic interactive space in Eugene, USA, designed specifically for little explorers and their families. Occupying about 6,000 square feet on the second floor of the Valley River Center, the museum invites children under 8 to become the protagonists of their own discoveries.

Inside the museum, guests will find amazing themed zones. You can head out on a hike through the Northwest coast in the Squish! Pacific Northwest Camping area, try your hand at being an engineer in The Big Build construction sector, or create a masterpiece in The Art Lab. One of the standout attractions is a scaled-down replica of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, where children can try on Elizabethan costumes and perform scenes on stage.

The mission of this unique establishment is to nurture curiosity and creativity. Under the leadership of founder Amilia Rising, the museum has become a hub for child-led learning—an approach where children choose the direction of their own development through tactile experiences, role-play, and scientific experiments.

For those planning a visit to this exciting space, it is important to know the exact location and how to contact the staff in advance. The museum is conveniently located inside a popular shopping complex, making it easy to combine educational leisure with shopping or lunch at a café.

Below is detailed contact information to help you find your way or clarify the details of your upcoming adventure.

Every child will find something to love at this museum. Little paleontologists can grab brushes and head to a field tent to dig for dinosaur fossils. Those who dream of journalism or old-school technology will appreciate the "newsroom" featuring real typewriters, vintage cameras, and a Key & Arrow printing press that actually works.

For active play, there is a pirate ship where kids can go on a treasure hunt, as well as a flight zone for testing homemade flying machines. Young actors will be delighted by the theater area, where they can rehearse roles in 17th-century costumes and perform for an audience. For the youngest visitors (ages 1 and up), there are safe tactile zones with Lego, musical instruments, and soft climbing elements.

In addition to permanent exhibits, the museum offers a busy weekly program:

• Monday: sensory play to develop motor skills.
• Tuesday: engaging storytime with movement elements.
• Thursday: art classes where getting a little messy with paint is encouraged.
• Saturday and Sunday: theatrical performances and exciting science experiments.

Finding Adventure! Children's Museum is quite simple: it is located on the second floor of the Valley River Center. Visitors arriving at the mall need to take the escalator up to reach this interactive space.

If you are planning to travel by car, the drive from downtown Eugene takes only about 10–15 minutes. There is ample free parking available on the shopping center grounds, so finding a spot for your car is usually not an issue.

For those who prefer public transport, Lane Transit District (LTD) buses are a great option, as they make regular stops right by the shopping center. After visiting the museum, families can walk to nearby restaurants within walking distance, such as the scenic Sweet Waters On The River.

The story of this place began with the grand dream of Amilia Rising. A former graphic designer and bookseller, she sought to create a space in the city for "child-led learning," where imagination and hands-on practice take center stage. Thanks to the support of volunteers and donors, this idea came to life as a 6,000-square-foot interactive museum.

While the founder's initial vision was even more ambitious—to create a large-scale center similar to the famous Portland Children's Museum—the current format has preserved a cozy and heartfelt atmosphere. Interestingly, in 2018, the museum offered a virtual tour of its halls, which helped attract an audience even before a major exhibit update.

The museum continues to evolve actively, focusing on long-term growth. In recent years, the collection has been expanded with interesting projects like "Little Visits to Japan" and the updated Shakespearean theater. The team's efforts have not gone unnoticed: the venue was honored with the Travelers’ Choice award from Tripadvisor, confirming its status as one of the best family vacation spots in Oregon.

To allow children enough time to try all the key exhibits, participate in building, and get creative, a visit usually takes between 1 and 2 hours. This is enough time for an introductory visit and active play in several themed zones.

However, if your children tend toward long and thoughtful exploration, you can easily plan for half a day. Many families prefer to take a lunch break in the shopping center and then return to the museum to continue their adventures in the Art Lab or on the pirate ship.

The museum is open to visitors daily, though operating hours vary slightly between weekdays and weekends. Doors typically open at 10:00 or 11:00 AM and close by 5:30 or 6:30 PM.

Since the schedule may change due to holidays or special events, tourists are strongly encouraged to check the official website before their trip. It is worth noting that Wednesdays often feature special hours for club members, which can also affect the general availability of the halls.

The museum's location in a vibrant part of the city offers excellent opportunities for further exploring local culture and history. A stroll through the surroundings will help make your day even more fulfilling and interesting.

Near the Valley River Center and within a short drive, you will find historical markers, cozy parks, and unique architectural landmarks of Eugene.