The Life Lab, located in OMSI's Life Science Hall is a place of continual change, where exhibits, experiments and the public meet in a more intimate way than in the Halls. The Lab includes a large collection of live animals and a young children's table with lots of fun activities and experiments to allow our younger visitors to explore the life sciences.

Animals in the Life Lab

The Life Science Lab is home to many different animals from around the world. During a visit to the lab, you can see all the animals up close, and might even be able to hold an insect or touch one of the other animals! Educators and volunteers focus on the comparative anatomy and adaptations of each animal. So whether you're wondering how spiders are different from insects, or what are the differences between a reptile and an amphibian, the Life Lab is the place to go.

Young Biologist's Table

The Life Lab has an area designed for young children to explore biology through hands-on art projects and activities. At the Young Biologist's Table, little ones learn about butterfly and frog life cycles, camouflage in nature, fingerprints, and biological adaptations, with more topics and activities added all the time. For additional details on which activities will be available on the day of your visit, please feel free to call (503.797.4530), or email us.

The Life Science Lab is also available for special group activities with advance reservations. For more information, please visit our online field trip planner.

OMSI's Life Science Lab is made possible through the generous support of ODS Health Plans and Weyerhaeuser Company Foundation.