Storytimes, library events, museums, and hands-on learning across the Salem area's libraries and cultural spots.
Salem
Salem's main library at 585 Liberty St SE: free weekly storytimes, a large children's area, summer reading, and a Library of Things. Programs are free and most need no registration — this link goes straight to the events calendar.
Salem
The West Salem branch (395 Glen Creek Rd NW) hosts free Preschool Storytime (ages 2.5–6) and Infant/Toddler Storytime on Fridays, plus family storytimes in summer. Free, no registration.
Keizer
Keizer's volunteer-supported community library at 980 Chemawa Rd NE, with a dedicated children's programs calendar and free events. A friendly neighborhood stop for Keizer families.
Silverton
Silverton's public library, a CCRLS member with a youth services desk, Crafty Kids programs, storytimes, and a 40 Book reading challenge. All programs free.
Woodburn
Woodburn's city library with bilingual English/Spanish storytimes, Saturday kids' crafts, and the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten early-literacy program. Strong Spanish-language offerings.
Independence
Independence's library at 175 Monmouth St: children's storytimes, teen and adult book clubs, and CCRLS borrowing across 18 member libraries.
Monmouth
Monmouth's library runs Family Storytime with stories and songs, plus kids and teen programming. Open Tuesday–Saturday, free.
Stayton
Stayton's library at 515 N First Ave, a CCRLS member open Tuesday–Saturday with children's programs and summer reading.
Dallas
Dallas's public library, a CCRLS member giving patrons access to roughly a million items across the 18-library cooperative, with free storytimes and youth programs.
Salem
Hands-on children's museum at Riverfront Park with indoor exhibit rooms and a large outdoor play structure — best for babies through about age 10. Open Tue–Sun 10–5; admission $16, under age 1 free. A top rainy-day pick.
Salem
Willamette University's art museum with Pacific Northwest and Native American collections. Kids under 18 are always free, adults $8 — and everyone is free on Tuesdays. Open Tue–Sat noon–5.
Salem
A 5-acre campus at the 1896 Thomas Kay Woolen Mill with historic houses, working mill machinery, and hands-on history for kids. About $15 adult / $11 youth; also home to the Magic at the Mill holiday festival.
Salem
An 1894 Queen Anne mansion with formal gardens and nature trails next to Bush's Pasture Park. The grounds and gardens are free to wander daily dawn to dusk; guided house tours are ticketed.
Salem
Free guided and self-guided Capitol tours — the building fully reopened in 2026 after its seismic renovation with new skylit public spaces. Guided public tours run weekdays.