Eugene Science Center image

Eugene Science Center

Tourist attraction Museum Science museum Childrens museum Planetarium

Kid-focused museum featuring rotating hands-on science exhibits & a planetarium. People often mention science, exhibits, center, planetarium, kids, show, time, laser,


Address

2300 Leo Harris Pkwy, Eugene, OR 97401

Website

www.eugenesciencecenter.org

Contact

(541) 682-7888

Rating on Google Maps

4.30 (105 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: (Easter), 10 AM to 5 PM, Holiday hours
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 7 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: science (13) exhibits (13) center (12) planetarium (11) kids (11) show (10) time (8) laser (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 2/5 Dustin E. 4 years ago on Google
    You would think that being located in a university town, the science center would be exceptional. This location could not even be described as ‘adequate’. A personal support worker, I took a teenage client here in hopes of an engaging, educational experience. Parking here is some distance from the actual science center and we were confused if we were even in the right location. Once we finally made our way to the building, I should have been alerted to possible trouble by the rundown exterior and poor maintenance of the grounds. Old, peeling picnic tables and litter were the first impression made. We purchased entrance to the center as well as a planetarium show. I believe my adult price for both was $11. Stepping from the cashier into the center, I was immediately disappointed. The entire place can be taken in in one glance. The stations are old, many in need of repair, and all seriously lacking in appeal. In fact, most of the exhibits are geared towards very young children - under 8, I’d say. In this technology-driven society, this science center seems like an absolute dinosaur. We were finished with the main center in less than 20 minutes and had to amuse ourselves in the gift shop until the planetarium show. The planetarium seating was comfortable, the sound was good, but the graphics were dated. We didn’t see a astrological show, but rather a show on sounds in nature. It was meant to be interactive, but, much like the rest of the center, was geared towards a very young audience. A teenager or adult feels grossly out of place. The staff were all friendly, but this science center is in desperate need of funding and updating. It’s painfully obvious where Eugene’s interests lie - with Autzen stadium mere footsteps away in its multi-million dollar splendor.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 abbie s. 5 years ago on Google
    My kids love the Science Center. It seems like each time we go there are new exhibits and activities to check out, and the planetarium show is super fun! The Science Center has undergone a lot of improvements in the last couple years, so if you haven't visited for awhile you should check it out again. My kids have gone to summer camps and no-school day camps there and really enjoyed it. The Parents' Night Outs cost less than a babysitter and my kids always have a great time! With a Science Center membership, you can get into OMSI, Evergreen Aviation Museum, and tons of other museums for free or reduced price. Buying that membership has saved me a ton of money. The Science Center staff is always super friendly and helpful. They are patient with my children and take time to show them interesting aspects of the exhibits.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Arthur “Dub” W. 2 years ago on Google
    My family, and I enjoyed our visit here quite a bit. Staff and hosts were very kind. Perfect time of the year for all the blossoms too!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Jason Z. 2 years ago on Google
    Love the flower path. At the end of April, already hot weather, it was a pink path among trees to the science center building. Expect to come back in March or early April to see more flowers. Also like the colorful building. However, it used to be orange and pink as we saw in other photos. Not much to see in the building.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Paul P. 7 years ago on Google
    The kids enjoyed it, but was rather expensive ($41) for my family, being that half the exhibits were either out of order or broken. You can tell it's an aging place.needs makeover.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Harmony C. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place to take children. The Pink Floyd laser light show is fabulous.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jason H. 2 years ago on Google
    The science center was clean for a place that has so many children coming through. They had fun exhibits that we're different than I had seen at other children's science museums. Almost all of the exhibits worked and the staff was friendly.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jake M. 2 years ago on Google
    Awesome place full of creative learning experiences. We went to see the Pink Floyd Dark side of the moon laser light show which was absolutely amazing! Such a cool experience. Definitely recommend the rest of the place for young ones. It was a really great time.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Carmen R. 6 months ago on Google
    My friend and I bought admissions to the center without realizing it was meant for kids. We rolled with it and played like kids! Loved the variety of activities about various science topics. We didn’t catch any of the shows, but they have them! A kiddo could probably be entertained for about an hour and a half.

  • 4/5 Steven E. 8 months ago on Google
    The exhibits could stand an update, and I have high hopes for the Prince Laser Light Show!!

  • 5/5 Coulee D. 8 months ago on Google
    My 4yo & 8yo refused to leave! We have an ASTC Passport membership and visit a LOT of science and children's museums across the U.S. so I assumed we'd spend a few minutes here and they'd be done. Nope! They LOVED it here! Yes, they have some of the same exhibits you might have seen at other museums, but they also have lots of stuff you definitely haven't. It is a lot of fun stuff packed into a small area, probably best for ages 3-10 but adults will enjoy a lot of these exhibits too!

  • 5/5 TTTP P. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing went to my friends 9th birthday he had fun rented the whole place and was not too shabby amazing and very good for the kids we even got to use the microphone to make announcements sadly although people were wanting to come in even though they put a sign on the door so inconsiderate of them anyways Thank you so much for making my childhood - Anonymous

  • 4/5 Justin S. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a real gem of a spot. I have a 22 month old and a 4 year old. Both enjoy the exhibits and the planetarium shows. A single visit is a reasonable value. Membership for a 2 parent and 2 kid year long membership is a fantastic deal. Membership also has a bunch of benefits/discounts for science centers in other cities and states. TLDR; fun place and good value.

  • 5/5 Emily B. 1 year ago on Google
    Our first visit was today for the laser light show. It was really fun and I am so happy to learn that we have a planetarium in town!

  • 4/5 Echo L. 1 year ago on Google
    Small but great. We had our 3 and 5 yr old grandkids and we spent 2 hours plus and they stayed busy. I recommend going at lunch time when there is less people. They staff is wonderful.

  • 5/5 Mike D. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place for kids. Lots of hands-on exhibits for fun learning. I suggest it's best for around 5-10 year olds, although planetarium shows are good for older.

  • 5/5 Bret B. 2 years ago on Google
    Fun place for kids. My daughter loved the planetarium.

  • 4/5 Pamela P. 4 years ago on Google
    If you could do a four hour planetarium showing I would be here every night 😂 I came for a fundraiser and have not been to the ESC but I will say it is geared toward a younger crowd (2-11 maybe?). The exhibits were interesting but I bet even more so when it’s open and you get more information from staff. The planetarium showing was amazing! We also had a laser show customized for our group and it was cool, the kids especially got a kick out of it (a lot of dancing and laughing). I’m happy to support the science center but as I have zero kids I might not come back any time soon. Definitely encourage a visit to anyone with younger children and get them interested in science!

  • 4/5 Alyssa R. 4 years ago on Google
    All the classics! A great place to explore with any age. They have a good selection of interesting and educational exhibits, most are hands on and fun to figure out. They have a small tots area, there is a back room for deeper science experiments with a group, the dome theater is their most exciting piece tho. They host a variety of things from constellations to laser light shows with rock music. Just wish it was bigger and had all the funding for more and new all the time. **look into the membership benefits!

  • 5/5 Alexis L. 2 years ago on Google
    I LOVE the tiny, funky, old planetarium. Partly because I have memories of going here as a kid. Although the museum itself is rather modest, I don't think you can really knock the fun of the unique character that this little facility has. As an adult, I love their laser shows and seasonal stargazing. I love when they have astronomy club meet ups there! I love when they have the adult nights! Went to their Halloween party just before Covid.... super cost effective and fun. Local breweries donated beer and local pizza co donated pizza! I hope they can do these again in the future. I want to go again!


Call (541) 682-7888 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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