Salem is an excellent place for kids — from museums and airplanes to thrilling rides and outdoor adventures, there are tons of fun things for kids to do in Salem. Stop the boredom blues with one or more of these great ideas to keep the kiddos occupied.
Salem’s Riverfront Carousel
101 Front St. NE, Salem
Who doesn’t love the whimsy of a carousel? Salem has a beautiful one. Open seven days a week, Salem’s Riverfront Carousel is a “magical destination for all ages.” For just $2, ride the playful carousel and enjoy the colorful animals as you go around and around.
B-17 Alliance Museum & Restoration Hangar
3278 SE 25th St. Hangar C, Salem
Got a kiddo that loves all things airplane-related? Head over to Historic McNary Field at the Salem Airport to see the B-17 Alliance Museum & Restoration Hangar. What once was used as a service station canopy for over six decades, the WWII B-17G Flying Fortress is undergoing a complete restoration. Watch the volunteers work on the iconic aircraft and check out the museum while you are there.
Gilbert House Children’s Museum
116 Marion St. NE, Salem
Kids love to get creative, and there’s a place in Salem where they can let their imaginations run wild. Gilbert House Children’s Museum offers many fun exhibits, including some outside, plus camps and educational programs. Find all the fun for children aged two to ten in three unique historical houses.
Get Air
3910 Rickey St. SE, Salem
Got kids who need to get some energy out? Get Air is a great place to be active and have a blast at the same time. There is something for everyone with trampolines, foam pit, dodgeball, slamball, fidget ladder, kiddie court, and massage chairs.
Let’s All Play Place
650 Church St. SE, Salem
At Let’s All Play Place therapy and community play area, people of all abilities can come together in a safe environment that welcomes everyone. The wheelchair-friendly play area enhances physical, sensory, emotional, behavioral and social skills for children and adults of all abilities.
The Rock Boxx Climbing Gym
3895 Cascadia Canyon Ave. SE Salem
Suite #110
For kids who can’t keep their feet on the ground, don’t miss The Rock Boxx Climbing Gym. With various professionally built indoor climbing walls, they have something for your little daredevil. There are also fun classes, party rooms and youth programs in this 5,400-square-foot facility.
Enchanted Forest Theme Park
8462 Enchanted Way SE, Turner
With Kiddy Bumper Boats, Tiny Tune Train, Up and Away Ferris Wheel, Kiddy Frog Hopper, Carousel, Haunted House, Challenge of Mondor, Speedway Bumper Cars, Ice Mountain Bobsled Roller Coaster and Big Timber Log Ride, Enchanted Forest Theme Park is the perfect place for fun with the kiddos. It’s just a quick drive from Salem and offers so much fun for the whole family.
The Oregon Garden
879 W Main St., Silverton
Get outside at the beautiful Oregon Garden. With over 80 acres filled with stunning botanicals, explore the 20 gardens, including a children’s garden. There is also a Junior Gardener’s Club, educational activities and fun events all year round. Pack a picnic or grab lunch there and enjoy eating surrounded by nature. Kids under four are free!
Awesome Indoor Playground
3890 Center St. NE, Salem
Regardless of the weather, have fun at Awesome Indoor Playground. This indoor play structure is designed for kids three to 12. There is also a toddler section for the younger kids. Admission is good for all-day play, and adults are always free.
Salem Public Library
585 Liberty St. SE, Salem
For fun while learning, check out the Discovery Room at Salem Public Library. Themes rotate throughout the year for kids from birth to age ten to learn with hands-on exploration, early literacy and STEM activities.
What’s your favorite thing to do with the kids in Salem? Send us an email at submit@mariontalk and let us know!
