The rain is back in Salem and likely here to stay for a while, but that doesn’t mean rainy days have to be a bummer for the kiddos! There’s a treasure trove of indoor activities to explore right in your own neighborhood. Let’s dive into a few local spots that can turn dreary days into indoor adventures and lasting memories.
Athletic Edge Adventure Park
Athletic Edge Adventure Park is a family fun haven that defies the rainy day blues with its all-ages indoor park. Young adventurers and teens can conquer the 3-Story Play Structure, while the Toddler Village is perfect for the tiniest of explorers. There’s also a variety of games to engage in, including arcade classics, table games, and even a 9-hole Mini Golf course that promises fun challenges for all skill levels. They also offer a full-service food menu for refreshment and refueling needs, as well as espresso, beer, wine, cider, and other specialty drinks for the grown-ups.
Get Air Trampoline Park
Bounce on over to Get Air Trampoline Park, where the floor is lava (well, trampolines, actually) and the kids can literally jump off the walls. It’s the kind of place where gravity is more of a suggestion, and the giggles are as plentiful as the bouncy surfaces. From the gravity-defying foam pits to the high-energy dodgeball matches that add a bouncy twist to the classic game, Get Air Salem delivers an exhilarating experience. There’s even an option for the little ones (under 46 inches), with the Kiddie Court offering a safe area to jump around.
Gilbert House Children’s Museum
The Gilbert House Children’s Museum is like a brain gym for children of all ages. With 20 hands-on exhibits that sneakily educate while they entertain, it’s a no-brainer for a day indoors. Think of it as a playground for the mind—where touching everything is actually encouraged! Each exhibit is designed to inspire through creative play, whether it’s crafting a work of art or tackling an engineering challenge. The museum’s mission is a commitment to igniting enthusiasm for lifelong learning in the next generation.
Awesome Indoor Playground
If you’re looking for a classic play experience, Awesome Indoor Playground might be the ticket. It boasts a giant indoor play structure, where children aged 3 to 12 can dive into a world of fun with a variety of play areas. There’s also a dedicated toddler section for the little tots, and those aged 12-16 are invited to try the ninja obstacle course and trampoline area.
But what sets Awesome Indoor Playground apart is its commitment to a quality experience for parents too. With a menu that features Stumptown coffee, draft beer and cider, and handcrafted pizza (among other snacks), it’s a place where you can relax while your kids play.
Wunderland
Got gamers in the family? Electric Castle’s Wunderland is a gamer’s paradise, with an expansive offering of video and redemption games starting at just a nickel. With nearly 100 different games to choose from, there’s something for everyone. Test your skills and earn tickets with the redemption games, which can be traded for prizes, or dive into the action with heart-pounding arcade games, many of which offer head-to-head competition for an extra thrill. It’s an arcade wonderland where kids (and let’s be honest, parents too) can set high scores and create new family legends, one nickel at a time.
Salem’s Riverfront Carousel
The handcrafted horses and charming music at Salem’s Riverfront Carousel provide a magical merry-go-round experience that’s perfect for the young and young at heart. This enchanting carousel isn’t just a ride; it’s a community treasure that spins tales of creativity, imagination, and the collective spirit of the city. Each handcrafted animal on the carousel has a story, lovingly carved and painted by local artisans. Introduce your child to each of the horses (as well as a deer, a giraffe, and a zebra!) and watch the magic begin.
Create A Memory
Feeling artsy? Create A Memory is a local pottery glazing studio where your kids can paint their masterpieces on everything from mugs to mermaids. Create A Memory is not just a studio; it’s a family-friendly zone where creativity meets quality time. It’s a creative retreat from the rain—and you get a a hand-painted keepsake to remember the day.
Ticket to Play Board Game Cafe
With a game library that spans over 400 options, there’s no shortage of fun for families at Ticket to Play Board Game Cafe. It’s the perfect place to introduce your little ones to the joy of tabletop games, fostering a love for strategy, cooperation, and fair play in a cozy, family-friendly environment. Kids can learn new games, parents can share their childhood favorites, and everyone can enjoy the thrill of a little friendly competition. And with a menu that caters to adults and kids alike, everyone will find something to munch on between turns.
Kroc Center’s Aquatic Center
Who says you can’t swim on a rainy day? The Kroc Center‘s indoor Aquatic Center brings summer vibes in the heart of the rainy seasons. With a membership or day pass, families can enjoy all the aquatic amenities the center has to offer, including a leisure pool and waterslides, a lap pool, and a lazy river. Whether it’s for swimming lessons, exercise, or play, the Aquatic Center provides a welcoming and exciting environment for kids and families all year long. The Kroc Center also has a fitness center, game room, and rock wall that is accessible with a day pass.
There you have it—a rainy day rescue plan packed with local indoor fun. From trampoline bouncing to board games, painting pottery to carousels, there’s a whole list of indoor activities for kids in the Salem area. Rain, you’ve met your match!
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Jan. 21st, 2023