Inclusive Community Activities for Children, Teens and Families in Salem, Oregon

Inclusive community activities are at the heart of what makes Salem, Oregon such a welcoming place for families. Whether you're raising a child with disabilities, supporting an adult with disabilities, or simply looking for activities where everyone can participate, Salem offers a variety of options. From accessible parks and sensory-friendly events to free community events and library programs, families have more choices than ever. This guide highlights inclusive and disability-friendly activities in Salem, Oregon that are designed for children and teens of all abilities, plus activities the whole family will enjoy. Whether you're searching for free outdoor fun, after-school programs, or inclusive community events, you'll find resources and ideas here to help your family stay active, connected, and supported.

Be sure to check out our guides for Portland and Eugene Oregon as well. We are trying to highlight inclusive activities in communities all over Oregon, with more cities coming soon! Send us an email to cen@enable.family with cities you'd like featured.

Free Community Events for Families

Summer Sounds Concert

When: Saturday September 6, 5 PM doors open, 6 PM music starts

Cost: Free

Location: Keizer Rapids Amphitheater, 1900 Chemawa Rd N, Keizer OR 97303

What it is: Summer Sounds FREE music concerts. Keizer Rapids Summer Sounds has one more concert this season, on Saturday September 6. Doors open at 5 PM and music starts at 6 PM.

Free Open Gardens

When: Wednesday September 17, 4:30 - 7:30 PM

Cost: Free

Location: Gaiety Hollow, 545 Mission Street, Salem

What it is: Gaiety Hollow offers free open gardens throughout the summer. The last date is Wednesday September 17 from 4:30 - 7:30 pm, with Madrigal singers performing at 5:30 pm.

Family Friendly Activities--Drop in craft at the Library

When: 2:30 - 3:30 PM Select Saturdays, 9/27, 10/25, 11/29 & 12/27

Cost: Free

Location: West Salem meeting room, West Salem Library, 395 Glen Creek Road NW, Salem

What it is: Saturday Drop in Craft at the West Salem Library branch. "Families are invited to visit the West Salem Branch for a monthly drop-in craft. All supplies will be provided, so all you need is your imagination!"

Try a New Hobby

What it is: Check out items from the “Library of Things” from the Salem public library. Categories include Arts & Crafts (some examples: pom pom tassel maker), Musical instruments, Science & Technology (some examples: binoculars, rock tumbler kit, magnet experiment kit, metal detector), recreation (some examples: giant yard dice set, giant checkers, ladder toss, board games), kitchenware (muffin pans, cookie cutters, pasta makers). To check something out, a waiver needs to be signed. 

Community Activities for Teens

When: 4:00 - 5:30 PM, Tuesday 9/23, 10/28, 11/25, 12/23

Cost: Free

Location: Salem Main Library, 585 Liberty Street SE, Salem

What it is: Teen Create and Connect at the Teen Scene room at the main Salem library. "Connect with other teen makers at this crafting drop-in for middle and high school-aged youth! Bring your projects - whether crochet, drawing, beading or something else! Need a project? We have fiber arts supplies and will have crafting materials available. Free"

Supported Teen & Young Adult Club

When: Saturdays 1 - 2 PM, 9/20, 10/18, 11/15, 12/20

Cost: Free, but register to attend

Location: Online, via Zoom

What it is: The Autism Society of Oregon offers an online supported teen & YA club. They meet the 3rd Saturday of each month from 1-2 pm online. It is moderated by a leader with a masters degree in early intervention/special education and who is the parent of a young Autistic adult. "This group is for Autistic teens and young adults who may need a parent, guardian, or caregiver to participate. Our group enjoys miniature environments like toy trains, watching clips together mostly of animated short films and shows, music and dance videos. They also enjoy drawing together. Age- late teens/early to mid twenties."

Dungeons and Dragons Online

When: Wednesdays 5 - 6 PM

Cost: Free, but register to attend

Location: Online, via Zoom

What it is: Dungeons and Dragons online Wednesdays 5-6 pm via Zoom. Free, just need to register beforehand and have a way to roll dice. Led by a dedicated parent volunteer, sponsored by the Autism Society of Oregon. "Embark on a magical Zoom adventure where imagination, friendship, and epic storytelling await!"

Sensory-friendly Activities in Salem Oregon

Sensory-sensitive Movies

When: See schedule for upcoming shows

Cost: $7 before 5 PM, $9 after 5 PM

Location: 3893 Commercial Street SE, Salem

What it is: Northern Lights Theater Pub offers sensory sensitive movie showings. These shows include no movie trailers, lower sound volume, and lights on for guests. They also offer open caption movies with the words on the screen--see their upcoming movie schedule for dates. Finally, they offer $5 movies for everyone on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Free Sensory Friendly Movies

When: The first Thursday of each month, 6 PM (9/4, 10/2, 11/6, 12/4)

Cost: Free, registration required

Location: Santiam Studio 11, 365 Lancaster Drive SE, Salem

What it is: The Autism Society of Oregon offers a free sensory friendly movie on the first Thursday of each month, 6 pm. Must register to attend, sign up here. The September 4 showing is R rated, “Nobody 2”, but there are new movies monthly. At Regal Santiam Studio 11 in Salem. 

Sensory Storytime at the Library

When: 1:30 to 2 PM alternating Thursdays: 9/18, 10/2 10/16, 11/6, 11/20, 12/4, 12/18

Cost: Free

Location: Salem Main Library, 585 Liberty Street SE, Salem

What it is: "Sensory Storytime is designed to offer a welcoming, inclusive, and adaptive storytime experience for neurodiverse children and their families emphasizing interaction and movement in a relaxing and calming environment. Free. Drop in."

Sensory-friendly Playtime

When: The first Saturday of each month, 8-10 AM

Cost: $12 Little Air, $16 Big Air. One parent or guardian can assist for free

Location: 3190 Rickey Street SE, Salem

What it is: Get Air Sports trampoline park offers A Special Time for You, the first Saturday of each month, when the music is turned down and the atmosphere is a little calmer. One parent or guardian can join the jumper on the trampoline for free. Siblings are allowed to attend for the same admission price, but are asked to be more careful during this time. Call ahead of time or talk with team members when you arrive to ensure that proper accommodations are made.

More Sensory Sensitive Play

When: Opens two hours early, 9/7, 10/5, 11/2, 12/7.

Location: Salem Chuck E. Cheese, 3240 Lancaster Drive

What it is: Sensory sensitive Sundays at the Salem Chuck E Cheese. Reduced noise levels and dimmed lights make the play experience more calm and enjoyable for guests.  

Swim Time for Children and Adults with Disabilities

When: Wednesdays 4:15 PM to 5:15 PM

Location: Dallas Aquatic Center, 187 SE Court Street, Dallas OR

What it is: The Dallas Aquatic Center (about 20 minutes west of Salem) opens early every Wednesday for children and adults with disabilities. Smaller crowds make the experience quieter, and the therapy pool as an automatic wheelchair lift. Caretakers are free but must stay in the water with their client.

Sensory friendly Carousel Rides

When: First Monday of the month, from 10 AM to 11 AM

Cost: $2. People with disabilities are welcome to ride at no cost. Pick up a Complementary Pass at the gift shop.

Location: Salem Riverfront Carousel, 101 Front Street NE, Salem

What it is: The Salem Riverfront Carousel offers a special sensory hour the first Monday of each month. Music is turned off and lights will be dimmed upon request. The wheelchair ramp is currently unavailable, so people using mobility aides will need to be ambulatory and able to transition from their mobility aide to the carousel.

Accessible Children's Museum -- Gilbert House Children's Museum

When: 10 AM to 5 PM, daily

Cost: $16 ("Visitors who cannot access upper-level exhibits due to mobility restrictions will receive 50% off regular admission.") DSPs/caregivers must pay full price

Location: 116 Marion Street NE, Salem

What it is: Connected to Salem's Riverfront Park, the Gilbert House Children's Museum offers more than 20 hands-on exhibits, an outdoor play place, and is designed for children to explore. The first level of each house is wheelchair accessible, and the calmer Sensory Portal room located in the Gilbert house includes interesting sensory play features.

Inclusive Events that Welcome Everyone --Library Events for Families

Encourage Curiosity and Explore the Natural World

Cost: Free (with library card)

Location: Salem Main Library, 585 Liberty Street SE, Salem

What it is: STEAM-related Explorer kits are designed to encourage elementary-aged children and their families to explore the natural world, parks and a variety of personal interests. Each backpack contains several books and field guides, and hands-on activities to assist in their exploration and encourage closer investigation. Themes include birds, bugs, rocks and minerals, knitting, nature signs, water ecology, and more. Explorer kits check out for three weeks and are available in the Children's Corner on Floor 2. Explorer kits are not able to be placed on hold. See their online catalog for available kits.

Children's Clothing Swap

When: Wednesday September 3, 11 am to 3 pm

Cost: Free

Location: Salem Main Library, 585 Liberty Street SE, Salem

What it is: Bring wearable, clean baby and kids clothes, drop them off with our volunteers, and take home clothes in a size that will fit your kiddo. Donations should be in good condition and freshly washed, sized preemie to 6T only. If bringing more than two bags of donations, please sort by size. Bags will be accepted at the door beginning at 10 AM. Doors open to shoppers at 11 AM. If you don't have anything to donate but need clothes, come and get some! This is a free, mutual aid clothing swap organized in cooperation with @couplagoofs.

Tinker Tech Tuesday for Kids

When: Tuesdays 4:30-5:45 weekly except November 11

Cost: Free

Location: Salem Main Library, Story Room B. 585 Liberty Street SE, Salem

What it is: Tinker Tech Tuesday is a fun event where Kids are invited to bring their adult and explore a variety of STEAM activities each Tuesday for a 30-minute session in Story Room B. Select from a variety of choices, including several new options. Kits are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Most kits are recommended for grades 2-5, but there is also a small selection of kits available for younger children.

Inclusive Outdoor Fun for Families

Explore the Outdoors -- Ankeny Hill Nature Center

When: Open from dawn until dusk

Cost: Free

Location: 2301 Wintel Road, Jefferson OR

What it is: Ankeny Hill Nature Center is free. They provide discovery backpacks and binoculars to use when staff is present. There’s a nature explore area, and it’s open from dawn to dusk. 

Get Creative & Make an Art Scavenger Hunt

When: Anytime!

Cost: Free

Location: Art locations include downtown, Civic Center, Library and the Convention Center

What it is: The city of Salem has created a guide to assist viewers in conducting self-guided tours of Salem's art. Use this guide to make a scavenger hunt to find art pieces in downtown, the Civic Center, Library, or the Convention Center.

Wander Peaceful Local Gardens -- Deepwood Gardens

When: Gardens are open sunrise to sunset. Be sure to check out their event calendar when planning your visit to make sure the gardens aren't closed for a private event.

Cost: Free (Note: the Deepwood museum charges an entrance fee, but visiting the grounds is free.)

Location: 1116 Mission St. SE, Salem

What it is: Deepwood Gardens is a five acre property with formal gardens and a Grounds & Nature area. Explore the open space, the greenhouse, and a nature area with walking trails in the Ground and Nature area. The greenhouse is typically opened from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Over half of the property consists of the nature area, which includes the Rita Steiner Fry Nature Trail, and also includes a native garden.

Accessible Parks -- Let's All Play Place

Cost: Free

Location: 650 Church Street SE, Salem

What it is: The Let's All Play Place community park was designed to be "radically inclusive", focusing on making universal accessibility for the playground features, adaptive to suit different conditions and needs, and also integrated with nature. Features include a stair-free slide that's accessible to wheelchairs and walkers, a tactile sensory wall, balance pods, and a mix of bucket, harness and traditional swings.

Accessible Parks -- All-abilities park in Silverton

Location: 412 S. Water Street, Silverton, OR 97381

What it is: The all-abilities playground in Old Mill Park features an ADA-accessible, rubber-like surface that allows kids in wheelchairs to access the play features. It also includes a merry-go-round, swings, a balancing We-Saw and a play structure.

Nearby Accessible Day-Use and Nature Play Area

Location: North Canyon day-use area at Silver Falls State Park

What it is: Silver Falls State Park opened a new North Canyon day-use area that has a trail that's accessible to people using wheelchairs or other mobility devices. The trail was designed to be 6 feet or more wide throughout, and made from packed gravel. The one-mile trail includes a viewpoint of the North Falls. ADA-accessible restrooms are available at the new North Canyon day-use area, along with picnic tables and 59 new parking spots, including three that are ADA accessible. The new area also provides access to the Nature Play area for kids and the new accessible North Rim Trail with the viewpoint of North Falls.

Volunteer With the Community

When: Tuesday September 16, 5:30 to 6:30 PM

Cost: Free, register to participate

Location: Keizer Rapids Park, 1900 Chemawa Rd N, Keizer, OR. Park in the Dog Park Parking Lot

What it is: Volunteer to pick up trash on Tuesday September 16, 5:30 to 6:30 pm at Keizer Rapids Park. Free event; trash bags, pickers, gloves and vests will be provided. Volunteers should wear closed toed shoes, weather appropriate clothing and bring water bottles. A water refill station will be provided. 

Inclusive Activities Salem

Free Community Dinner

When: Wednesday September 24, 4:30 -- 6:30 PM, also held monthly on the 4th Wednesday

Cost: Free

Location: Edward Catholic Church, 5303 River Rd N, Keizer 97303

What it is: The Keizer community dinner is a nondenominational dinner hosted by a variety of businesses or groups. Sit at any table and make a new friend. This is a recurring event held the 4th Wednesday of the month, at St. Edward Catholic Church, 5303 River Rd N, Keizer 97303. Its purpose is to engage with the community in a non-formal setting. 

Salem, Oregon is building a stronger community by offering inclusive activities that bring children, teens, and families together. With accessible parks and supportive programs, every child can find a place to thrive. Whether you’re exploring free family activities, joining a sensory-friendly event, or connecting with local organizations, these opportunities make it easier to create lasting memories while ensuring everyone feels welcome. By participating and spreading the word, families can help grow a culture of inclusion in Salem—making it a city where people of all abilities can belong. If you have favorite activities in Salem or other towns in Oregon, send them to us at cen@enable.family so that we care share them with other families.