Hello hello ~ 

“It is a happy talent to know how to play,” is a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson, and I fear it is true. The world is so crazy right now, and who knows what could happen next? In the sweeping period of what seems like constant crises, we have to slow down and remember… that’s not the only thing we have to focus on. 

So I wanted to share some family-friendly indoor activities, almost all free! I hope you enjoy this list along with the holiday content that will be coming in the following weeks… Have an event that you want to make sure we don’t miss? Please email them to me or fill out this web form!

Holiday cheer in-progress,

Em Chan

Feeling cabin fever? It’s not quite snowy and frozen, but it’s still dreadful enough on some days that being outside is not ideal - but you still want things to do, don’t you? Here’s some activities, categorized by cost, that you can do around the city.

Our (or perhaps just my) favorite third place, recently added another day back into its operating hours! From Tuesday to Sunday, opening at 10 am and closing at 7 pm on the weekdays and 5 pm on Friday and weekends. The West Salem library is also great, but does not have as many days open.

Anyway! At the library you can get books, CDs, DVDs, magazines, and also have access to the Discovery Room, Library of Things, and the Cultural Pass program. The Discovery Room is open every day the library is open, and closes an hour before closing. There is a Tiny Tots space in Story Room B, open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For the adults, check out the events calendar! There’s always interesting workshops, classes and even book club meetings happening on a regular basis.

If you’re looking to actually get out of town, Cultural Passes give folks access to places around Salem, McMinnville, and Portland. Like the Lan Su Chinese Garden, Evergreen Aviation Museum and more. Be sure to try plan ahead as some of these are quite popular. 

One of my personal favorite activities is walking around the Salem Saturday Market, but it ended in September. Fear not, the Indoor Market at Wavra Farms is a wonderful place for the season. With almost 80 vendors, you can check out who is coming to the market when on the website’s market schedule. It is open from 10 am to 3 pm until March 14, 2026, which is around when the Salem Saturday Market will also return. 

Willamette University’s art museum is an underrated spot for art. Ages 18 and under, educators and students (including university students - just bring in your institutional ID)  have free admission anytime. Adults (non-members) are $8 for general admission, seniors are $5. However: it’s free admission for all on Tuesday! 

It is located at 700 State Street (corner State and Cottage Streets), and has street parking. Also, it will be closed Thanksgiving and during the university’s winter break, Dec. 22 to Jan. 3, 2026. 

Downtown Salem’s free gallery Salem on the Edge always has exhibits on a rotating basis, featuring different local artists. If you enjoy the downtown art walks, you’ll already be familiar with the gallery. Entry is always free, and it’s open Wednesday to Sunday. 156 Liberty St. NE.

Free art is so wonderful, and Salem is full of it. The Bush Barn Art Center offers free entry for all! It is operated by the Salem Art Association and has rotating exhibits featuring local artists. Sometimes, there are also events on the calendar. 600 Mission St. SE. 

Did you know Keizer has an art association? Better yet, they have a free first Tuesday meeting of every month! The art association is a non-profit that supports artists of all levels, from hobby to professional, with classes, networking, and opportunities to display work. This is a great entry point if you’ve been wanting to branch out into the art community. 

The meeting is located at the Keizer Art Association classroom and gallery, and bring a piece of art for show and tell! 980 Chemawa Rd NE, Keizer. 

These activities all have a price tag – I have them listed from least to most spendy. Whether you’re looking for a date night activity or something for the whole family, all these are options that will keep you out of the house and out of the bad weather. 

The Riverfront Park’s carousel is a classic stop, and obviously covered. With the holiday season, there’s lots of decorations and festivities to be had. Keep an eye on the event calendar for Santa visits and more. 101 Front St NE.

There’s three bowling alleys in the area: The REC: Lanes, Northgate Bowl, and AMF Firebird Lanes. I’m partial to Northgate Bowl myself, but depending on your location, the other locations may be better. 

The combination arcade, game room, go kart track and laser tag destination is one of the best places to indulge a weekday afternoon. The playspace has lots of discounts and specials during the week, and all activities are family-friendly. From Tuesday to Thursday, there is a midweek discount on general admission of $1.50 and $1 off of attractions. Check out the website for other special coupons offered weekly. 

If you’re interested in climbing, this is the spot for you. Whether you’re looking at just a day pass or looking into lessons, they have both. You can sign up to be a member and get benefits like reduced or no additional fees for classes if you anticipate becoming a regular attendee. 

Kids have reduced pricing for day-passes and the gym also offers space rentals for birthday parties. They’re currently running a Black Friday sale of one-month membership and 10-punch passcard. 3895 Cascadia Canyon Ave. SE Suite #110.

These destinations are meant for kiddos to run around and explore. There’s a few locations around town, so here’s what and where they are:

Looking to blow off some steam? You can try axethrowing! Anyone over the age of 12 can participate, and can be in as large a group as ten people. For smaller groups, you may be grouped with other smaller groups. It is $30 per person. Reservations are highly recommended, as walk-in is subject to availability. 700 High St. NE.

Personally, I am very content staying at home binging a TV show. I’m currently watching through the back seasons of the Great British Baking Show and am on season three of Murdoch Mysteries. Very cozy, don’t you think? 

If you have cozy TV show recommendations or other destinations around Salem I should keep an eye out for, do let me know at [email protected].

Fancy a cup?

Em Chan