SMART Reading, the Children’s Museum of Eastern Oregon and artist Arthur Crews joined forces to install a mural highlighting literacy and the joy of reading. The mural project was completed the weekend of Nov. 4, 2023, in downtown Pendleton.

PENDLETON — Families looking to expend energy on these cold winter days can head to the Children’s Museum of Eastern Oregon to find a variety of hands-on activities.

The museum is located downtown at 400 S. Main St. — just look for the colorful mural by artist Arthur Crews that was unveiled in early November as a collaboration between the museum and SMART Reading.

CMEO opened in 1996 to provide educational exhibits and activities for children of all ages.

“We have a mix of favorites that have been here a long time,” said Joanna Engle, executive director.

The first themed room to greet visitors features big blue blocks — a collection of lightweight foam blocks that entice kids and grownups to create structures.

Next comes the pizza kitchen, sponsored by Big John’s Hometown Pizza.

“It’s set up just like a little restaurant,” Engle said. “It’s one of the favorites — kids love to be the grownup.”

The nearby magnetic room features two metal walls and visitors can create a large-scale marble run using PVC pipe and balls, or arrange magnetic letters, words and farm animals.

The newest exhibit, a giant Lite-Brite called “Lite Zilla,” opened in January 2023.

“Toddlers will stand on a stool and put pegs in, while adults make an elaborate design,” Engle said.

Another permanent exhibit is the fire station, where kids can role play as a firefighter or be the person who calls in an emergency.

“We have an old school phone booth and people can pretend to call the fire station,” she said.

The museum’s ship exhibit is another popular attraction.

“It’s supposed to be a historical explorer ship, but it’s really a pirate ship,” Engle said with a laugh.

Other displays include a vet clinic with stuffed animals and pretend medical instruments, a wind tube, a “build it” room and an art room.

“People of all ages can create,” Engle said.

A new activity, supported by a partial grant, will be a Rigamajig wooden building set, which she hopes to have by spring break.

Hours

CMEO is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2-5 p.m. It is closed during the Pendleton Round-Up in September.

Engle said spring break is usually the busiest time at the museum, but it depends on the weather.

“If it’s cold and rainy, we’re busy. If it’s hot, we’re busy,” she said.

Although the majority of visitors are from the local area, she said about 30% are from out of town, including travelers on Interstate 84 who need a break from the car.

“It’s a wonderful stop,” she said.

Children’s Museum

of Eastern Oregon

Where: 400 S. Main St., Pendleton

When: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-5 p.m.

Admission: $7 for ages 1-99, and free for those younger than one. A group rate of $6 per person is available.

Membership: $70 for a six-month pass, or $110 for a yearly pass. These include unlimited visits for five people. Learn more at cmeo.org.