The InstigatorLooking for things to do for your kids during Spring Break? Fill the week with family-friendly fun. We’ve rounded up some local favorites. Check it out —
Passport to Fun
Sponsored by the Oregon State Capitol Foundation, the “Spring Break Passport to Fun” features family-friendly programming from March 27 to April 1. Participating venues include Deepwood Museum & Gardens, Hallie Ford Museum of Art, the Oregon State Capitol, Salem Public Library, State Capitol State Park, Willamette Heritage Center and World Beat Gallery.
Print your passport here or pick one up at a participating location. Passport stamps are given at each location after the listed activity is completed. With a full passport, children can enter to win one of three prize baskets.
Here are some of the highlights —
At Deepwood Museum and Gardens
A historic Victorian house designed in Queen Anne style, Deepwood Museum and Gardens is situated in a five-acre public park and features formal gardens, nature trails, a greenhouse and an original carriage house. As part of the passport program, the museum is offering guided tours (approx. 45 minutes) Wednesday through Saturday at 9, 10 and 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. Reservations are required, so call 503-363-1825 or email melanie@deepwoodmuseum.org. Passport holders receive reduced admission of $5 for an adult (and it includes up to 3 accompanied children). There is a scavenger hunt available during the tour and each child gets a prize once completed. If you are just going to get your passport stamped, visit between 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Gardens are open from sunrise to sunset. 1116 Mission St SE
At Hallie Ford Museum of Art
Passport to Fun participants get free admission, plus can take part in “The Hunt is On!” a family guide to help with the exploration of the museum’s permanent collections that is available throughout the coming year. 700 State St
At Salem Public Library
For elementary school-aged children…
There’ll be a “Let’s Play Library” Bluey Party with crafts and activities related to the popular character, Bluey from 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 28, in the Children’s Corner
Three-time Guinness World Record Holder Matt Baker weaves together family-friendly comedy with unusual stunts like escaping handcuffs and catching a bowling ball on his face in a unique show that rivals no other 2 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 29 in Loucks Auditorium.
Kids can get their hands dirty planting seeds and creating art at Garden Crafts 2 to 3 p.m. Thursday, March 30, in Story Room A and B
For middle and high school age…
Crochet & Slay is a fiber arts hangout for teen crocheters, knitters and fiber artists of all types. Bring a work in progress to this free, drop-in evening of random conversation and creation. Need a project? The library will have some yarn, crochet hooks, knitting needles and simple patterns available to get you started, 5-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 28 in Teen Scene
It’s time to play during Jackbox Games for Teens, a hybrid in-person/online gaming event. Each game starts with a tutorial and is easy to learn. Advance signup is recommended for all players, and required to play from home, 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 29 in Teen Scene. Click here to register.
At the Teen Improv Workshop learn the ins, outs and hilarious twists of improvisational theater from instructors from The Infinity Room. Three hours of workshop will end with a short, public performance from 4:15-5 p.m. Space is limited so advance signup in needed, 1-5 p.m. Thursday, March 30 in Loucks Auditorium. Click here to register.
During Teen Maker Friday explore the Teen Scene 3D printer by creating small builds in Tinkercad or choose from a selection of maker kits during this drop-in session, 1-3 p.m. Friday, March 31 in Teen Scene
Check the Library Calendar here for more details and additional events. Events take place at main library at 585 Liberty St SE
Willamette Heritage Center
Get your passport stamped, take a free scavenger hunt and grab activity sheets at the Orientation Center. They are also offering a FREE take-home activity located in the center’s Little Free Library. Other activities happening include —
March 27 is a Low-Sensory Inclusive Outreach Day for individuals with special needs, families and support staff from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum will be open for self-exploration and will feature quiet activities in the WHC classroom. Admission is $10/adult, $8/senior, $5/youth (6-17) and one family member or support staff receives free admission. Attendees also receive a free, one-year household membership with paid admission (March 27 and 29 only)
March 29 is Spring Break Family Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring your family for games, crafts, museum tours and fiber arts demonstrations, plus a small prize for children who participate in the day’s activities. Admission is $10/adult, $8/senior, $5/youth (6-17) and one family member or support staff receives free admission. Attendees also receive a free, one-year household membership with paid admission (March 27 and 29 only)
April 1 is Junior Archaeology Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. when kids can learn how archaeologists excavate a site, study artifacts, and learn about peoples of the past through activities for the whole family. Free admission.
Willamette Heritage Center is located at 1313 Mill St SE. Need more info? Call 503-585-7012.
At World Beat Gallery
Check out the gallery’s latest exhibit and explore Spain’s cultural legacy. The gallery is open 12 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Call 503-581-2004 for more information. Pringle Plaza, 390 Liberty St. SE
More Spring Break Fun
Find the Monsters
Monsters are on the loose at Gilbert House Children’s Museum and they need your help finding all of them. Pick up a scavenger hunt form at the Welcome Desk and cross them off as you find them hiding throughout the museum. When you are done, take your form back to the Welcome Desk for a special treat. Participation is included with museum admission. Info: acgilbert.org
Celebrate World Water Day
Take the Great Raindrop Scavenger Hunt organized by Mid-Willamette Outreach Group. While exploring parks and locations in Salem (Keizer and Marion County) watch for raindrops with QR codes featuring information about that location and local waterways. The scavenger hunt is open through April 3. View the story map and get more info here.
Visit the Yozakura
Take a stroll through the Capitol Mall between 6 and 9 p.m. March 25 through April 1, and enjoy a nighttime viewing of the cherry trees. For opening night, Focal Point Photography will be on-site to help you capture photos, and Koto player Masumi Timson will fill the park with music.
And…don’t forget about the Oregon Cherry Blossom Photo Contest, which is open for submissions through April 30, 2023. There are six categories (portrait, landscape, macro, film, miscellaneous and junior photographer (open to age 12 and younger)) and three winners within each category. One image will also be selected as “Best in Show.” Get all the details here.
