Spring break is here, and families in Salem have a fun (and affordable) way to explore some of the city’s most beloved downtown destinations! From March 23 through March 27, 2026, the Spring Break Passport to Fun invites kids and their grown-ups to visit seven participating locations for hands-on activities, local history, art, and creativity.
The program is presented with support from the Oregon State Capitol Foundation and is designed to help families experience downtown Salem in a fresh, interactive way.
How the Passport to Fun Works
Families can participate in the free passport program by visiting participating locations throughout the week, completing activities, and collecting stamps along the way. Once at least four stamps have been collected, participants can fill out an entry form and enter to win a Capitol prize basket at any open location. It turns a spring break outing into a citywide scavenger hunt filled with learning and fun.
Seven Stops for Plenty of Adventure
This year’s passport includes a great mix of experiences for different ages and interests. At the Oregon State Capitol, visitors can join one of the free 30-minute daily tours and pick up a scavenger hunt at the Information Desk.
Over at the Willamette Heritage Center, families can enjoy special spring break programming. Activities include Low-Sensory Day on Monday, March 23 and Family Day on Wednesday, March 25, featuring games, crafts, fiber arts demonstrations, and a souvenir for kids.
Art, Creativity, and Hands-On Learning
Young art lovers will have plenty to explore during passport week. At the Bush Barn Art Center, younger kids might like to search for hidden treasures in a gallery scavenger hunt, while older kids can try a “Slow Art” activity and spend time taking in a single work of art. At the Hallie Ford Museum of Art, passport participants can enjoy free admission and complete “The Hunt is On,” a find-and-seek activity that ends with a prize.
Cultural Experiences Around the World
Families interested in global culture and hands-on making can stop by the World Beat Gallery, which is offering a lineup of free pre-registered workshops during the week. Activities include Lauhala bracelet making on March 23, a musical “petting zoo” on March 24, fairy door making on March 25, and a leather workshop on March 26.
Library Fun and Garden Exploration
The Salem Public Library is also joining in with several family-friendly events throughout the week, including Spring Crafts for Kids on March 24, a Bilingual Gnome Party on March 25, and Kawaii Drawing for Teens and Tweens on March 26.
For families who want to spend some time outdoors, Deepwood Museum & Gardens offers guided tours, scavenger hunts, and a Victorian craft activity in the sunroom.
A Great Way to Celebrate Community
What makes the Spring Break Passport to Fun so special is the way it brings Salem’s arts, culture, history, and community spaces together in one shared experience. Instead of one destination, families get a full week of reasons to explore downtown, learn something new, and make special memories. Some of the best spring break fun is right here in Salem!
No matter what activities you choose, this week is a great excuse to get out and experience the Cherry City in an affordable way. Salem’s Passport to Fun is all about curiosity, creativity, and community—and that sounds like a pretty great spring break to us! 🌸
Find more information or download the Spring Break Passport to Fun here: https://oregoncapitol.com/event/spring-break-passport-to-fun/