Five Kid-centric Salem-Area Attractions the Entire Family Will Enjoy

If you’re looking to squeeze every last drop out of summer with kids in tow, look no further. These Salem-area attractions are a huge hit for all ages, including the adults that escort them there! So round up the crew and get ready to have a few more summer hurrahs as a family at these unique locations and attractions.

8/7/2023

Riverfront Carousel - Photo by Ron Cooper

CHECK OUT THE NEW TOYS AT GILBERT HOUSE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM PLAYGROUND

The Gilbert House Children’s Museum in Salem’s Riverfront Park inspires children to learn through creative play—as does its newly revamped outdoor play area. In addition to the hands-on museum installations, new outdoor playground additions include Adventure Avenue, where kids can build with toy trucks, sand and water pumps; Tumble Land, where everything is soft so kids can play rough; and the new ball-racing tubes on the Erector set maze. There’s also a fun new slide that’s accessible to kiddos in wheelchairs. Gilbert House Museum tickets are $14 and include access to the outdoor play area.

RIDE A HAND-CARVED WOODEN HORSE ON SALEM’S RIVERFRONT CAROUSEL

Parents love the history behind the old-world-style carousel located in Salem’s Riverfront Park—local volunteers hand-carved many of the wooden horses over two decades ago (a tradition that continues today)—but it’s the kids who (arguably) get the biggest kick out of riding it. Older kiddos can sit up high on Abby the racehorse or Emerald the dragon. Smaller kids can sit low on Harriet the Giraffe or inside a covered wagon. Once the organ music starts and the carousel spins, it’s magical fun for all ages. After a few rides, pop over to the gift gallery for a sweet treat and take a family stroll along the Willamette River. The carousel costs $2.00 a ride, making it affordable for even big families.

STEP INTO A STORYBOOK LAND AT ENCHANTED FOREST

Throw the kids in the car and drive 10 miles south of Salem on I-5 to Oregon’s only storybook theme park, Enchanted Forest. The 20-acre park is tucked into the forest and was created by Roger Tofte, who opened it in 1971. The park still has a magical, handcrafted feel to it, largely because Tofte made many of the attractions himself. In Storybook Lane, kids can enter the creepy witch's castle through her mouth and slide out her hair. In Western Town, kids can pan for real-life treasure and make a splash on the log ride. When your crew gets peckish, grab a snack and watch the water light show—or bring your own lunch and picnic in the forest. Admission prices are $25 for adults, $22 for kids ages three to 12, and kids under two are free.

PLAY LIKE A BEAR AT THE SILVER FALLS NATURE PLAY AREA

While over a million people visit Silver Falls State Park every year for the waterfalls and hiking trails, fewer people know about the park’s Nature Play Area that’s a blast for curious kiddos. Drive about 30 miles southeast of Salem to Silver Falls State Park, park in the North Canyon day-use area, and walk about a quarter mile to the easy strolling path that connects three different play areas, all set amongst shady firs and ferns. Each area offers hands-on animal-themed activities that kids can really get into. They can pretend to be a bear crawling into a log den, a bird building a nest out of twigs, or a cougar tracking a deer through the forest. Bring lunch and have a picnic after playtime. Parking is $5 per vehicle per day.

SPOT BALD EAGLES AT BASKETT SLOUGH NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

While this 2,558-acre wildlife sanctuary located less than 15 miles west of Salem isn’t specifically for kids, it’s full of fun opportunities to explore nature as a family. Bring the binoculars and kids can try to spot deer, geese, Western pond turtles, and bald eagles, depending on the time of year. The observation platforms are easy enough for the littlest legs in your crew and bigger kids will love hitting the trails, including the 1.5-mile Baskett Bluff loop that offers views of the wetlands, inland valleys and coastal range. You can also drive through the refuge, just be sure to keep your eyes out for educational displays so you can quiz the kiddos on your way home.

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