Tip for a Successful Visit to the Discovery Museum
Answers to frequently asked questions to help you get the most out of your group visit.
Yes. We recommend that a member of your staff or leadership team explore the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum prior to your visit. A complimentary Teacher Preview Pass is available for teachers and trip leaders.
Teachers and youth group leaders tell us that 90 minutes is just about right for most student groups. If you plan to visit for more than two hours, please contact the Education Director.
Yes. To receive the discount, make reservations at least five business days inadvance and bring ten or more students under age 18 to the World Forestry Center Discovery. Chaperones are free.
To provide access to all the hands-on learning stations, large groups of 75 or more may wish to divide the group and stagger their arrival and departure times by 30-60 minutes. See the "How about a walk in the Hoyt Arboretum?"
The World Forestry Center Discovery Museum is open daily 10 AM - 5 PM. Group reservations are processed on a first-come, first-served basis and most groups make reservations four to six weeks in advance and reservations are required to receive discounts. October, April, May, and Fridays are the most popular.
Groups arriving by bus can be off-loaded at designated areas between the Oregon Zoo and World Forestry Center. Parking lot capacity is limited and groups should plan to carpool or use public transportation. During busy periods, please follow special signs and instructions.
Yes. All group reservations include the designated parking fee. Groups without reservations must pay $1 per vehicle upon entering the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum.
Children must be accompanied by adults at all times in the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum. We require a minimum of one chaperone for ten students under age 18. For children under age ten, we suggest at least one chaperone for five students. All chaperones should be provided with a copy of our Great Visit Guidelines and Chaperone Courtesy Card. Please copy and distribute prior to your visit. Extra copies are available at the admission desk.
Yes. Each of your students and chaperones should be clearly identified with name of school or group and the name of the supervising teacher or leader. Including student names is optional.
Yes. Please use only pencils and bring clipboards or cardboard backing for student worksheets. Cameras and video are welcome except in designated areas. Pre- and post-visit student activities are available upon request. Please check with our reservationist: 503-488-2147.
Yes. The World Forestry Center Discovery Museum is wheelchair accessible and our exhibits are closed captioned. Please notify admission staff upon your arrival of any special needs or requirements of your students or chaperones. Accessible handicapped parking designated for the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum is located in the upper lot, north of the MAX station.
Most of the forest exhibits and 40 learning stations are hands-on, experiential, and appropriate for all levels of English language learners. More than a dozen easy-to-read storybooks are distributed throughout the museum featuring colorful photos, graphics, and simple text.
There is no food, snack, or beverage service at the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum and food and drinks are not permitted inside the museum. The adjacent Oregon Zoo offers a variety of food services. Many groups picnic outdoors in the park and a covered picnic shelter in the Hoyt Aboretum can be reserved. For more information call 503-823-1649. A small classroom adjacent to the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum can be used as a group lunchroom with advance reservations. Please check with our reservationist for availability: 503-488-2147.
Please plan to exit the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum at your scheduled departure
time. Groups receiving discounted admission will not be readmitted.
Yes. Children are welcome in the Forest Store gift shop when accompanied by an adult. Color
photos from the Forest Adventures whitewater raft can be purchased for $4.
Many groups now complement their indoor expereience with an outdoor experience adjancet trails in the beautiful Hoyt Abortetum. There is no admission charge for using the Hoyt Aborteum. A trail map and brochure is enclosed in the reservation confirmation packet.
Please collect all admission fees prior to entering the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum and send one representive to the admission desk to check-in. Please have your reservation confirmation sheet available and an accurate count of all students and chaperones. We recommend leaving backpacks and lunches in your vehicles. At our admission desk, we accept checks, major credit cards and cash. Please, no purchase orders.
At our admission desk, we accept checks, major credit cards, and cash. Please, no purchase orders. Printed receipts will be provided.
After check-in, please deposit backpacks, coats, and lunches with admission staff, use restrooms, and begin to explore the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum. To protect the artifacts and exhibits, food and drink are not permitted in the museum. This includes coffee cups, and water bottles. Please, no chewing gum.
Yes. Please read our Great Visit Guidlelines and Chaperone Courtesy to your students prior to your visit. We suggest that all chaperones have copies and review it with the students they will be supervising. Additonal copies are available at the admission desk and a master copy is included with your reservation confirmation packet.
Just call our reservationist at 503-488-2147 with any changes, cancellations, or questions. Last minute and day-of visit changes can be phoned-in directly to the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum admission desk at 503-488-2106. Please, leave a voice mail message if the line is busy or after hours.
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