EOP's Oregon Family Fun Guide

Public libraries across Oregon offer Cultural Passes (sometimes called Adventure Passes or Discovery Passes), allowing library cardholders to visit top museums, state parks, gardens, and local attractions for free or at a significant discount.

How Library Cultural Passes Work

• Free or Discounted Admission: Depending on the venue, a single pass can admit 2 to 8 people (often covering multiple adults and children) for free.

• Online Reservations & Physical Holds: Most library systems (such as Multnomah County's My Discovery Pass, Clackamas County's LINCC Cultural Pass Express, and Washington County's WCCLS Adventure Pass) offer instant digital reservations. Other regional libraries offer physical pass checkouts at their circulation desks.

• Simple Requirements: You only need an active library card in good standing with your local library system or regional library cooperative.

Popular Venues Featured Across Oregon County Library Systems

1. Greater Portland & Willamette Valley (Clackamas, Multnomah, Washington, Marion, Yamhill, Polk)

• Museums & Historical Sites: Oregon Historical Society, Portland Art Museum, Gilbert House Children’s Museum, Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, Hallie Ford Museum of Art, Pittock Mansion, and Willamette Heritage Center.

• Gardens & Nature: Portland Japanese Garden, Lan Su Chinese Garden, Oregon Garden (Silverton), and Leach Botanical Garden.

• Wildlife & Aquariums: Oregon Coast Aquarium (available in select Willamette Valley library systems).

• Parks: Oregon State Parks Pass (covers day-use parking fees at 25+ state parks) and Marion County Parks parking permits.

2. Central & Eastern Oregon (Deschutes, Crook, Jefferson, Umatilla, Union)

• High Desert Museum (Bend): Widely available through Deschutes Public Library and neighboring county systems.

• Local Heritage & Cultural Centers: Local historical museums, state park pass checkouts, and regional nature centers.

3. Southern Oregon (Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, Douglas)

• Science & Children's Museums: ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum (Ashland) and local historical societies.

• State & County Parks: Parking passes for regional state parks and recreation areas.

4. Oregon Coast (Clatsop, Tillamook, Lincoln, Coos, Curry)

• Marine & Historical Attractions: Columbia River Maritime Museum (Astoria), Oregon Coast Aquarium (Newport), and local maritime/pioneer museums.

How to Access Passes in Your County

1. Visit Your Library Website: Look for sections labeled Cultural Passes, Adventure Pass, or My Discovery Pass.

2. Log In with Your Library Card: Enter your library barcode number and PIN.

3. Select Venue & Date: Browse available dates and reserve your pass. Digital passes can be printed or saved to a smartphone, while physical passes are picked up at your local branch.

Looking for something fun to do with the kids? PDX Parent’s Kids Calendar is packed with family-friendly events happening all around Portland! Please confirm event details with the host— they do their best to keep things accurate, but event details can change!

Link to website: PDX Parent Events Calendar 

The Kid-Friendly Regional Attractions page on TravelPortland.com serves as a curated travel and activity guide for families looking to explore destinations around the greater Portland metro area and across Oregon.

Click here for the website information: Travel Portland- Kid Friendly Attractions

Unlock Even More Adventures: Oregon’s Reciprocal Membership Programs

Holding a family membership at a single local museum, zoo, or garden is one of the most cost-effective ways for Oregon families to enjoy year-round activities. But did you know that many Oregon memberships give you free or discounted entry to dozens of other regional and national attractions?

By taking advantage of national reciprocal networks and Oregon’s local Monthly Reciprocal Swap Program, your single membership card can unlock hundreds of family outings across the state!

How Reciprocal Perks Work

1. The Regional Monthly Swap Program

Nearly 30 participating cultural organizations across Oregon and SW Washington—including the Oregon Zoo, Pittock Mansion, World Forestry Center, and Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals—partner to offer a monthly membership swap.

• The Benefit: Being a member at any participating organization grants you (plus up to 3 guests) free admission to a different featured regional attraction every month.

• A Look at the Monthly Schedule:

  • January: Oregon Zoo & Albany Regional Museum
  • February: Columbia River Maritime Museum, Japanese American Museum of Oregon, & Leach Botanical Garden
  • March: Pittock Mansion, Cannon Beach History Center, & Cascade Locks Historical Museum

  • August: Oregon Historical Society & Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum

  • September: Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals, The MAiZE on Sauvie Island, & Portland Chinatown Museum

  • October: Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum & World Forestry Center

  • November: Oregon Coast Aquarium & Seaside Museum

  • December: Lan Su Chinese Garden & Clark County Historical Museum

2. National & Nationwide Reciprocal Networks

In addition to local monthly swaps, many memberships include year-round admission benefits across North America:

• ASTC Travel Passport Program (Science Centers): Included with OMSI family memberships, offering free admission to over 380 science centers and children’s museums worldwide (for venues located 90+ miles from your home/host museum).

• AZA Reciprocal Network (Zoos & Aquariums): Included with Oregon Zoo memberships, providing free or 50% discounted admission to more than 150 accredited zoos and aquariums nationwide.

• NARM & ROAM (Art & Cultural Museums): High-level memberships at art and historical institutions (like the Portland Art Museum) unlock free entry to over 1,000 participating art centers, historical sites, and gardens across North America.

Quick Tips for Families

• Carry Card & ID: Always bring your active physical/digital membership card along with a matching photo ID when visiting reciprocal venues.

• Confirm Guest Limits: Most local monthly swaps cover up to 4 individuals (member + 3 guests), regardless of your membership tier.

• Check Ahead: Always verify hours and reciprocal details on the destination’s official website prior to making a day trip.