Gilbert House Children's Museum

Let your kids get their energy out at this entertaining museum.

Since 1989, this children’s museum has been serving many elementary schools in Oregon. It features both indoor and outdoor experiences and is wheelchair-friendly. Children of all ages can experiment and stay entertained here for hours.

This museum was dedicated in honor of A. C. Gilbert, who grew up in Salem, Oregon. During his pursuit of a medical degree, he performed magic tricks for community members to earn money for his schooling costs. He was also interested in electricity and steam-powered trains. His passion for learning how things work inspired new toy products, which allowed him to share his curiosity with the rising generation. Aside from his contributions to science and education, A. C. Gilbert also earned a gold medal in pole vaulting and set a new world record.

Some exhibits rotate, namely the dinosaur expeditions and agricultural exploration, while some rooms are permanent. One room contains multiple tools for experiments with bubbles, including a vertical hula hoop. Other rooms include recycling and conservation efforts used for crafts, plus a room set up with a green screen and bright flash to “freeze” an experimenter’s shadow. The outdoor play structure spans 20,000 feet and offers music exploration with hand-constructed percussion instruments. There are many classes and summer camps offered for kids in grades K-12. Located in the heart of Salem, just East of the Willamette River, this is a family-friendly interactive museum.