# Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals Family Discovery Days

> Place to go for families in the Portland–Vancouver–Hillsboro area (OR / WA). Times are Pacific Time.

- When: Open on its own schedule
- Dates: Sat, Nov 21 – Sun, Nov 29
- Where: Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals, 26385 NW Groveland Dr, Hillsboro, OR 97124
- Ages: All ages (Children 4 and under free)
- Price: $10 (Youth 5-17) / $14 (Adults); Children 4 and under free
- Organizer: Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals
- Official page: https://ricenorthwestmuseum.org/
- Last checked: Thu, Nov 5

Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 11, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about
Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/portland/activities/rice-northwest-museum-of-rocks-and-minerals-family-discovery-days--listing-3a6e5df0ca6ca8e3bdd85637

## About

Recognized as the premier mineral museum in the Pacific Northwest and an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, the Rice Northwest Museum in Hillsboro is housed within a grand 1952 ranch-style estate constructed of native Oregon myrtlewood. During Thanksgiving break, families can marvel at world-class crystalline specimens, including the renowned Alma Rose rhodochrosite crystal, real dinosaur eggs and fossilized coprolites, glittering meteorites, and petrified wood galleries. Young rockhounds are captivated by the Rainbow Gallery, where ordinary-looking stones burst into vivid neon colors under ultraviolet blacklights, and every child can search the outdoor rock pile to select a real mineral specimen to take home.

Family Experience & Accessibility:
• Stroller Accessibility: Main floor exhibit galleries and outdoor grounds are fully stroller friendly; a wheelchair lift accommodates access between historic levels.
• Nursing & Rest Spots: Restrooms with diaper changing counters in the main gallery wing; outdoor picnic tables set beneath towering native pines.
• Age Suitability: Highly recommended for children ages 4 and up, curious teenagers, and geology-loving adults.
• Sensory Tips: The fluorescent rock room features dimmed lighting; the museum maintains an intimate, hushed acoustic setting ideal for sensory-sensitive visitors.

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