Our Place to Gather

Elevate your homeschool curriculum with a world of hands-on discovery! Homeschool Adventures is a dynamic, monthly program designed to turn complex concepts into "sneaky learning" through play. Each month, students dive into a new, fascinating topic—from the physics of space travel to the chemistry of ceramics—guided by our expert educators in a collaborative group setting.

This program fosters independence and confidence by providing a "parent-free" zone where children are encouraged to solve problems, experiment with new mediums, and think like true scientists and artists. With flexible, month-by-month registration, you can hand-select the topics that best ignite your child’s curiosity. Whether they are launching stomp rockets or glazing a ceramic masterpiece, students at Homeschool Adventures develop critical thinking and social skills in a journey they’ll look forward to every week!

Turn your child’s summer into a season of epic discovery! Summer Camp at Gilbert House Children’s Museum is the ultimate destination for young explorers, where our historic houses and outdoor spaces transform into a sprawling hub for hands-on adventure. Our educator-led camps empower children to dive head-first into the worlds of science, art, and society through a high-energy, investigative approach that celebrates curiosity.

With seven unique weeks to choose from, there is always a new way to play and learn. Each week features a different theme that makes the most of our favorite exhibits.

Where stories come to life and little hands get to work! Make & Take Storytime is a weekly invitation to bridge the gap between imagination and creation. This unique program flips the traditional story hour on its head—starting with a hands-on craft inspired by our weekly book, followed by an interactive reading. By engaging with the theme of the story through art first, children build a deeper connection to the characters and concepts they are about to hear.

The adventure begins with 15–20 minutes of guided crafting. While materials are provided for a specific project, we celebrate the "unique touches" that make every child’s creation their own. Once the masterpieces are complete, Zach leads the group in a high-energy read-aloud. From timeless classics to fresh new releases, Zach encourages participation and interaction, making every child feel like part of the narrative. Whether your little one is predicting the next plot twist or mastering a new vocabulary word, Make & Take Storytime turns a simple book into a memorable experience.

Transform your child’s birthday dreams into a day of boundless discovery without the stress of hosting! At Gilbert House, we believe you should be in the photos, not stuck in the kitchen. By choosing the museum for your celebration, you reclaim your seat at the table to capture every "wow" moment. The best part? You don't have to worry about guests running through your hallways or scrubbing icing out of your own carpets. The party energy stays in our house, so yours stays exactly the way you left it.

Your celebration finds its home in the Wilson-Durbin House, featuring a bright, spacious private room with lovely views overlooking the Willamette River. It serves as the ultimate "basecamp" for your guests—a dedicated space for cake and presents that is just steps away from all the museum’s exciting exhibits. We’ve designed the experience to be as easy for the parents as it is fun for the kids, ensuring your focus remains exactly where it belongs: on the birthday child.