Salem · Polk County, OR

Family things to do in Salem

Scout analyzed 75 Salem places and surfaced the ones that actually fit family.

Places analyzed

Matches

Typical spend

$25

Typical visit

1.6 hr

Scout-verified spots

Central Area

Noble Wave | Louisiana Kitchen

Noble Wave is a solid choice for a casual meal of Louisiana-inspired food, fitting well as a dinner spot before or after an evening activity. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and about $20-45 per person for food and a drink.

FoodCocktailsArts

$20–$45 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Keizer Rapids Park

Keizer Rapids Park is suitable for a free outdoor outing, especially with dogs or for a riverside stroll. Plan for a 1.5-hour visit, either as a primary activity or to pair with a meal nearby.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Minto-Brown Island Park

Minto-Brown Island Park is ideal for a free, active half-day outing, perfect for families, dog owners, or solo walks/runs. It can be paired with a picnic or a coffee stop before or after.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

South Central

Best Little Roadhouse

This is a good spot for a casual family meal combined with mini-golf. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours and around $20-40 per person for food and a game, especially nice on a pleasant day.

FoodCocktailsSports

$20–$40 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Abiqua Falls Trailhead

This destination is best for an adventurous outdoor excursion, taking a few hours to hike to a scenic waterfall. It's a free activity, but access can be challenging due to parking and the trail itself.

OutdoorsSportsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visithard parking

Outdoors

South Falls District

This district is ideal for a half-day or full-day hike to see impressive waterfalls, often paired with a picnic. Expect to spend $5-10 for parking and be prepared for significant walking.

OutdoorsSportsViews

$5–$10 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Willamette Mission State Park

Willamette Mission State Park is ideal for a half-day outdoor family excursion, offering trails, picnicking, and lake access. Expect to spend $5-10 per vehicle for day-use parking, and pack snacks for your visit.

OutdoorsHistoryAnimals

$5–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Northgate

Hoodview Park

Hoodview Park is a suitable spot for a free outdoor excursion, perfect for an hour or two of relaxed walking or playing. It pairs well with a picnic or a visit to a nearby cafe.

OutdoorsRelaxedPlayful

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Central Area

Side Hustle Bar

Side Hustle Bar is suitable for an evening out with friends or a casual date, offering drinks and food. Expect to spend $15-40 per person for an hour and a half, fitting well as a primary stop or a late-night option.

FoodCocktailsSports

$15–$40 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Beazell Memorial Forest

Beazell Memorial Forest is a good spot for a few hours of hiking or nature exploration, typically costing nothing for entry. It pairs well with a picnic or a drive to nearby towns for a meal.

OutdoorsSportsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Northeast Salem

Claw Factory

A Claw Factory is a place for an hour or two of arcade-style fun, primarily focused on claw machines. It's a low-cost activity that can stand alone or pair well with a casual meal nearby.

SportsPlayfulSocial

$10–$30 typical1 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Silver Falls State Park

Silver Falls State Park is ideal for a half-day to full-day outdoor adventure, centering around its 7.2-mile waterfall loop. Expect to spend about $5-15 per person on parking/entry fees, making it a budget-friendly option for active families or solo hikers.

OutdoorsViewsAdventurous

$5–$15 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Central Area

Masonry Grill

Masonry Grill is a casual spot for lunch or dinner, suitable for a relaxed meal with friends or family. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and about $15-$35 per person for food and drinks.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$15–$35 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

East Lancaster

Weathers Park

Weathers Park is a free outdoor space ideal for a brief, relaxed family outing or solo walk. Expect to spend an hour enjoying the fresh air, perfect for pairing with a picnic or a stop before other local activities.

OutdoorsRelaxedQuiet

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Grant

Broadway Coffeehouse

This bright coffee shop is good for a casual solo stop or a quiet meeting, typically lasting 30-60 minutes. Expect to spend $5-15 per person for coffee and a light snack.

FoodShoppingArts

$5–$15 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Central Area

Wild Pear Restaurant & Catering

Wild Pear is a solid lunch spot for American dishes with a Vietnamese influence, suitable for a quick meal before or after downtown errands. Expect to spend $15-30 per person for an hour-long visit.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$15–$30 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Food & Drink

The Yard Food Park

The Yard Food Park is a casual spot for a diverse meal from various food carts, ideal for families or groups. Expect to spend 1-2 hours for a meal, with costs around $10-25 per person, perfect for a relaxed weekend lunch or dinner.

FoodCocktailsOutdoors

$10–$25 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Central Area

Riverfront City Park

This riverfront park is good for a family outing with a playground and carousel, or a solo stroll along the water. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and less than $5 per person, mostly for carousel rides.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0–$5 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Central Area

IKE Box Café

IKE Box Café is a good stop for a casual coffee, light meal, or to work remotely during the day, potentially pairing with a downtown Salem stroll. It can also be an evening destination for live music. Expect to spend $5-$15 per person.

FoodLive musicShopping

$5–$15 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Central Area

Ritter's Housemade Foods

Ritter's is a solid choice for a casual meal out, offering housemade food and brick-oven pizza. Expect to spend 1-1.5 hours and around $20-40 per person for food and a drink, suitable as a main stop for lunch or dinner.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$20–$40 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Arts & Culture

OSH Museum of Mental Health

This museum offers a quiet, educational deep dive into mental health history, suitable for a solo visit or with older children. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $5-10 per person on admission.

ArtsHistoryEducational

$5–$10 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Central Area

Gamberetti's

Gamberetti's is a casual Italian restaurant good for a relaxed dinner or lunch. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and around $20-45 per person, making it a solid choice for a meal before or after an activity in downtown Salem.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$20–$45 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

South Salem

French Press Coffee and Crepes

This spot is good for a casual breakfast or lunch with coffee and crepes, pairing well with a local shopping trip or a visit to a nearby park. Expect to spend 45-60 minutes and about $10-$25 per person.

FoodShoppingOutdoors

$10–$25 typical45 min visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge

Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge is a free outdoor activity, ideal for a 1-2 hour visit to observe wildlife and enjoy nature. It can be paired with a local meal or other outdoor adventures.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking