The Children's Museum of Southern Oregon

In the heart of Medford lies a unique space for the whole family—the Children’s Museum of Southern Oregon. It is not just a classic museum, but a leading center for interactive learning in the USA, where every child can feel like an explorer, an artist, or even a chef.

The museum offers visitors more than 30 themed exhibits covering a wide range of fields—from science and music to art and movement. A standout feature of the location is the combination of spacious indoor halls, the Outdoor Adventure Area for open-air fun, and the special Clay and Culinary Annex, which hosts creative and cooking classes.

With its high rating and focus on learning through play, the museum has become a must-visit for both tourists and locals. All spaces are fully accessible, making high-quality family recreation available to every guest in the region.

For your convenience, we have gathered current contact information to help you easily find this location in downtown. You can contact the administration directly to clarify details regarding special programs or to book a spot in a workshop.

Visitors can expect an incredible variety of activities that turn learning into an exciting adventure. In the main building, you can explore dozens of interactive zones dedicated to science and art, while the Outdoor Adventure Area offers energetic outdoor play. Every day, the museum hosts themed classes that are already included in the admission price.

Of particular note is The Annex—a space featuring the Clay Studio and Culinary Studio. Here, young guests can practice clay modeling for free or, under the guidance of mentors, prepare their first culinary masterpieces as part of the Drop-In Kitchen program. For those wishing to master the pottery wheel, separate 30-minute sessions are available and can be booked in advance.

Depending on the season, the museum offers special programs. For example, in February, events dedicated to cultural heritage and music are often held. This approach ensures that every visit is a unique experience, combining creative experimentation with fun family time.

Finding the Children's Museum of Southern Oregon is very simple—it is located at 413 W Main St, right in the heart of the city. If you are traveling by car, convenient parking is available in the downtown area, making the visit comfortable for families with small children.

For those who prefer public transportation, the city is served by the Rogue Valley Transportation District (RVTD) bus system. The nearest stop is within walking distance of the museum entrance. If you are arriving from another region, the nearest air hub is Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport (MFR); a taxi ride from the airport to the city center will take no more than 10–15 minutes.

Thanks to its central location, the museum is easily accessible on foot or by bicycle from most parts of downtown Medford. A visit here can be easily combined with a shopping trip or a break at local cafes.

Today, this educational center is undergoing a period of active growth and transformation. One of the most significant stages in the institution's modern history was the large-scale expansion of its Medford campus, aimed at creating even more modern and inclusive spaces for young explorers.

Interestingly, the museum's activities extend far beyond a single city. Thanks to a generous donation of the former Dutch Bros Coffee headquarters building, construction has begun on a new site in Grants Pass. This expansion will allow the museum to reach even more children in the region, providing them with access to high-quality educational resources and play zones.

The museum is also actively integrated into the community's social life through its partnership with The Ivy School. As part of the Preschool Promise program, the organization offers free preschool education spots to eligible families. Such initiatives highlight the museum's role as an important hub for creative development and support for the residents of Southern Oregon.

To fully enjoy everything the museum has to offer, visitors are recommended to set aside 2 to 4 hours. This is usually enough time to explore more than 30 interactive exhibits and allow children to play to their heart's content in the main halls and outdoors.

If you plan to attend creative workshops in The Annex or take part in culinary classes, you should expect a longer stay. For families with very young guests, a visit might be slightly shorter—around 2–3 hours—however, the rich program of events often encourages staying for the whole day.

The Children's Museum of Southern Oregon is open to visitors from Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. On Sundays, the museum doors open a bit later—from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM—and Monday is the scheduled day off.

Please note that the schedule may change during holidays or special educational events. Before planning your visit, it is highly recommended to check the current schedule on the organization's official website.

After visiting the museum, you can continue your stroll through downtown Medford, where many interesting locations are concentrated. Exploring the surroundings will allow you to get better acquainted with the city's local culture, historic architecture, and culinary traditions.