WHY AUGUST IS A GREAT TIME FOR A FAMILY GETAWAY TO THE SALEM REGION

The Salem area really bursts to life in August. The skies are blue, the days are long and the theme parks, farms, children’s museum and ice cream shops are filled with families enjoying everything the region has to offer. Want to hike through an old-growth forest to a waterfall or watch your kids bounce around on a wall-to-wall trampoline? Maybe your kiddos want to pet friendly goats, visit the Seven Dwarves house or shoot down a lighthouse slide into a pool. No matter what your crew is into, the Salem area delivers big on family fun. Here’s a sample four-day itinerary that’s sure to make lasting family memories. Start planning your August getaway today.


8/1/26

Salem's Riverfront Carousel

DAY ONE

LOG RIDES, WATER SLIDES AND STREET TACOS

Kick things off at Enchanted Forest Amusement Park, set in a lush forest six miles south of Salem. The quirky, family-owned theme park feels like a fairy tale come to life. Kids can splash down the timber log ride, visit the Seven Dwarves house and slide through a big witch’s mouth.

After the storybook thrills, head to Salem’s Azuls Taco House for kiddo-sized shrimp street tacos on fresh-made tortillas, and then put on the bathing suits and go down the pool’s long lighthouse slide at the Kroc Center. Have landlubbers in your crew? Race them to the top of the 33-foot climbing wall.

If the kids crave pizza for dinner and you want a burger, Fork Forty Food Hall has got you covered. Multiple Salem restaurants, under one roof and with ample indoor seating, cook up something for everyone. Get a cocktail from the beach-themed bar and call it a night.

DAY TWO

NATURE WALKS, FORTS AND HANDMADE ICE CREAM

Start your day across the Willamette River and on a scenic nature stroll at the 250-acre Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge. The easy, accessible trails wind through shady maple and Oregon Ash trees. Bring your binoculars to spot cackling geese and Roosevelt elk.

After your hike, hit up Yeasty Beasty in Monmouth for kid-approved buffalo-chicken pizza — you’ll approve of the 26 craft beer taps that go down smooth on a summer day — and then challenge their young minds at Gilbert House Children’s Museum. Kids can check out over 20 hands-on exhibits such as Airflow Alley and Fortopia, plus other experiences that spark their imaginations. The quieter Sensory Portal room is wonderful for neuro-divergent kids. The hand-painted old-world carousel, a short walk through Riverfront Park, is magical for wee ones.

No summer evening is complete without ice cream, and Dolce Mama’s scoops it up with a smile. Not only are the handmade flavors, thick cookies and creamy milkshakes heavenly, August’s Sweet Reads Monday events are a treat for little readers.

DAY THREE

FARM ANIMALS AND TRAMPOLINE PARKS

Ready for some fun on the farm? Family-owned Bauman’s Farm in Gervais has a petting zoo with rabbits, goats and a pig who likes to have his back scratched, as well as a giant slide and trike track. While the kiddos have fun on the playground, you can peruse the market’s farm-fresh veggies and berry pies, or enjoy an award-winning cider.

Keep the good vibes flowing by popping into the spacious Yard Food Park in Salem for a quick bite. The outdoor pod has 18 food carts, including tamales and fish ‘n chips, and the indoor bar pours local craft brews and iced matcha. Fuel up, as your next stop is Get Air Trampoline Park, with its bouncy wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, padded ninja obstacles and dodgeball.

After a high-energy day, sit down to a relaxing, chef-prepared meal at Masonry Grill. While your tired crew chows down on chicken strips, you can enjoy a perfectly seared steak, washed down with a craft cocktail. The welcoming space is family-friendly, as are the kid’s menu prices.

DAY FOUR

WATERFALLS, LASER TAG AND CANNOLIS

Hit the trails of Silver Falls State Park, one of the most wondrous hikes in the state. It’s an easy walk along fern-lined trails and under towering old-growth Douglas firs to the iconic South Falls, where your kids can stand behind a 177-foot curtain of water.

Afterwards, head into the cute town of Silverton and to The Den food pod, where your crew can feast on the grassy area overlooking Silver Creek. The gooey mac and cheese at Rustic Melt is a kid-pleaser. The turkey, pear and brie grilled-cheese sandwich is a fave with parents. Then gear up for a family game of laser tag at Salem’s Electric Castle’s Wunderland. Dodge your way through the jungle-themed laser arena, steer around the lit-up Go-Karts and show your teen how it’s done in the arcade.

Salem’s family-owned Little Cannoli Bakery is the perfect spot to top off your last day. It has the largest selection of French macarons in Salem — try the blackberry — plus cookies and hand-stuffed cannolis. Get everybody a sweet treat and reflect on your favorite parts of your awesome August family trip.

There are so many fun summer events happening around Salem, a multi-day trip is definitely in order. You can find several lodging options in the area, from kid-friendly bed and breakfasts to cozy resorts and downtown hotels. Start planning your own itinerary today.

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