Spark imagination and learning through play, creativity, and discovery. We've got all the answers you need to help plan your trip today.
Open for exploration Tuesday - Sunday
10:00 am - 5:00pm
$16 per person
Museum members and little ones under one are free!
*Seniors (60+) & Military/Veterans: $14.00
All admission sales are final.
The Fun Starts Here...
At Gilbert House Children’s Museum, we believe learning should be an adventure! As a nonprofit dedicated to hands-on, play-based exploration, we provide immersive experiences that spark curiosity, creativity, and discovery. Located in the heart of Salem’s Riverfront Park, our museum has been inspiring young minds since 1989.
Named after A.C. Gilbert—an inventor, Olympic gold medalist, and champion of learning through play—we celebrate his legacy through interactive exhibits and innovative programs. His most famous invention, the Erector Set, serves as inspiration for our 20,000-square-foot Outdoor Discovery Area, where children can climb, build, and explore.
With 20+ hands-on exhibits, an expansive outdoor play space, camps, field trips, and educational programs in science, art, and humanities, we offer endless opportunities for children to imagine, create, and grow. Housed in five historic buildings, our museum is more than a place to play—it’s a community where curiosity leads the way.
Come explore, create, and discover with us!
Hours of Operation
Tuesday– Sunday
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM*
*To ensure the best experience, we close our gates at 4:30 PM. No entry will be allowed after this time.
Holiday Closures:
Easter
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
New Year’s Day
*For the safety of all our guests, adults are not allowed in the Museum without children, and children are not allowed without adults. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Parents under 18 are always welcome with their own children.
At Gilbert House Children's Museum, we are committed to providing a welcoming, safe, and engaging space for all. We ask all guests to follow these simple guidelines to help us maintain an environment of mutual respect, curiosity, and joy.
Tips for a great trip
A typical visit is 1-3 hours. Give yourself plenty of time to explore.
Our exhibits are designed for children ages 2 to 10, but all ages are welcome to join in the fun.
Re-entry is Easy: You can leave and come back on the same day. Just be sure to keep your wristband on.
Plan Your Visit
Be a Kind Playmate: Engage with everyone—other visitors, staff, and exhibits—with respect and kindness. Use positive language, be patient with others, and take turns with exhibits and components.
Play Safely: We walk, don't run, inside the houses. Running is only permitted in the Outdoor Discovery Area. Always use exhibits and tools as they are intended.
Respect Our Shared Space: Help us keep the museum clean by putting things away and tidying up. Remember to only eat and drink in designated areas. Dress appropriately for fun and safety, and be ready to get a little messy!
Our Shared Promise
Pets are not allowed in the Museum, but service animals are always welcome.
The museum is not an allergen-free environment.
Good to Know
Explore more…
View upcoming programs and events, learn more about field trips, book a birthday party, and more.
View our calendar for special events and programing.
Please click learn more ore reach out to programs@acgilbert.org for more info.
Play is the best way to learn. And when you play with us your imagination can be as big as the sky!
Gilbert House is a place for everyone to play, learn, and grow. Learn more about GHCM’s commitment as a place for ALL.
We’re just a hop, skip, and a jump away!
Location
116 Marion Street NE
Salem, Or 97301
503-371-3631
50 minutes from Portland
40 minutes from Albany
75 minutes from Eugene
Let’s Party!
The Museum is the perfect place to celebrate birthdays, baby showers, and after-hours events.
There’s so much to explore in Salem…
Dining Options at and near the Gilbert House Children's Museum
Whether you've packed a lunch or are looking to dine out, you'll find plenty of convenient choices for your family.
On-Site at the Museum:
Picnic Areas: Enjoy your meal in our designated picnic areas and eating spaces within the Pavilion.
Playgrounds Cafe: Coming Spring of 2026, a new on site cafe will be available for convenient snacks and meals.
Gift Shop: Grab-and-go drinks and snacks are available in the gift shop.
Cozy stays for your Salem getaway
Hampton Inn & Suites Salem
Distance: 3.4 miles
The Grand Hotel in Salem
Distance: .7 miles
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Salem, Oregon
Distance: 2.8 miles
Holman Riverfront Park Hotel Salem, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Distance: .5 miles
Independence Hotel
Distance: 12.3 miles
Kid-Friendly Places to Eat in Salem
Distance from Gilbert House: 0.4 miles
This American restaurant is a good place for a party and has a menu that everyone in the family will enjoy.
Distance from Gilbert House: 1.4 miles
A welcoming and casual restaurant that is a great choice for breakfast or lunch with the family.
Distance from Gilbert House: Approximately 1.8 miles
This American steakhouse is perfect for families, featuring a fun 18-hole mini-golf course.
Distance from Gilbert House: 3.0 miles
Kids will love watching cheese being made and enjoying the famous fried cheese curds at this unique creamery.
Distance from Gilbert House: 3.9 miles
A great spot for everyone, this food cart pod has a variety of options and a dedicated play area for kids.
Distance from Gilbert House: 2.9 miles
A pizzeria that offers more than just food, with arcade games and mini-golf at some locations.
Coffee Shops Nearby
Distance: .9 miles
Address: 1300 Broadway St NE #100, Salem, OR 97301
Distance: .4 miles
Address: 201 Commercial St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Distance: .9 miles
Address: 299 Cottage St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Distance: .5 miles
Address: 354 Center St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Distance: .5 miles
Address: 102 Liberty St NE #120, Salem, OR 97301
The Governor's Cup Coffee Roasters
Distance: .6 miles
Address: 471 Court St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Distance: 2 miles
Address: 1190 12th St SE, Salem, OR 97302
Distance: 1.9 miles
Address: 1594 Edgewater St NW #180, Salem, OR 97304
Distance: .6 miles
Address: 291 Liberty St SE, Salem, OR 97301
Adventures Beyond Gilbert House Children's Museum
Discover exciting adventures and natural beauty located near the Gilbert House Children's Museum!
Explore the joy of a classic carousel ride and wander through beautiful riverside parkland. Salem's Riverfront Carousel & Riverfront Park
Cool off and have a blast with interactive water features – perfect for a sunny day! Riverfront Waterpark Splash Pad
Step back in time and explore the history of the Mid-Willamette Valley, including the fascinating Thomas Kay Woolen Mill. Willamette Heritage Center
Wander through the enchanting grounds of a beautifully preserved Victorian estate and its stunning gardens. Deepwood Museum & Gardens
Tour a meticulously maintained 1878 Italianate mansion and learn about Salem's prominent past. Bush House Museum
Enjoy a leisurely stroll through expansive park grounds, beautiful gardens, and scenic paths. Bush's Pasture Park
Escape to nature on this large island park with miles of trails winding through woodlands and wetlands, perfect for biking and walking. Minto-Brown Island Park
Dive into family fun with a pool featuring a lazy river and water slides, or challenge yourselves in their escape rooms. The Kroc Center
Discover the historical site of the first Methodist mission and enjoy trails ideal for hiking, biking, and birdwatching. Willamette Mission State Park
Step into a whimsical world of storybook themes, a haunted house, and unique attractions nestled in a forest setting. Enchanted Forest
Make a splash with various water attractions and slides for a fun-filled day of aquatic adventure. Dallas Aquatic Center
Experience the tranquility of nature with opportunities for wildlife viewing and peaceful exploration. Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge
Marvel at iconic aircraft, including the Spruce Goose, and explore fascinating exhibits that soar through history. Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum
Make a splash with thrilling water slides and enjoy unique water features, including a plane on the roof! Evergreen Wings and Waves Waterpark
Hike the breathtaking Trail of Ten Falls and witness the majestic beauty of numerous cascading waterfalls. Silver Falls State Park
Explore a stunning collection of European, Asian, and Northwest art, including a special focus on Native American art. Hallie Ford Museum of Art
Wander through over 20 themed gardens, including a Children's Garden with a Hobbit House and a Dinosaur Dig. The Oregon Garden
Step into a beautifully restored historic garden and studio of famed landscape architects. Gaiety Hollow
Let the kids run wild in a vibrant indoor playground with slides, ball pits, and interactive games. Awesome Indoor Playground Salem
Find adventure with a large trampoline park, a ninja warrior course, and a soft play area for little ones. The Athletic Edge Adventure Park
Enjoy family time with a variety of fitness and recreational activities, from swimming lessons to basketball courts. Withnell YMCA (Family YMCA of Marion and Polk Counties)
Jump on wall-to-wall trampolines, dive into foam pits, and play a game of trampoline dodgeball. Get Air Trampoline Park
