Best Kid-Friendly Activities in Silverton Oregon

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When we moved to Silverton, Oregon in 2021, we discovered that it’s one of the most kid-friendly cities you’ll find anywhere. In this post we’ll share the best fun family activities of Oregon’s Garden City with you. From outdoor adventures to creative arts to community events, there’s plenty of small-town charm for the whole family.

My daughter and I in camp chairs on the sidewalk in downtown Silverton, getting ready to watch the Silverton Kiwanis Pet Parade. There are so many kid-friendly activities in Silverton Oregon!
Getting ready to watch the Silverton Kiwanis Pet Parade

The Oregon Garden

Our family walks past the flowers on a sunny spring day at the Oregon Garden.

Nestled at the southeastern edge of the city of Silverton, the Oregon Garden is one of our family’s favorite places to spend time together. This 80-acre botanical garden is beautiful year-round, and showcases the diversity of Pacific Northwest plant life. 

@dinkumtribe #oregongarden #silvertonoregon #oregonexplored #dinkumtribe #EasyWithAdobeExpress ♬ Good Day – Nappy Roots

A visit to the Oregon Garden provides an excellent opportunity for hands-on learning and interactive fun in its specialty gardens. Our kids love the Water Garden, with its frogs, ducks, snakes, and whimsical dragon.

My husband follows our son along the pond in the water garden. The Oregon Garden is one of the top kid-friendly activities in Silverton Oregon.

When we visit on hot days, the other water features around the Garden, like the rain fountain, allow the kids to cool off. 

@dinkumtribe Digging in the sandpit at the Children’s Garden in the Oregon Garden. Pretty sure those “fossils” have been discovered multiple times in the day, but even my teen can’t resist sandbox play! #adhdfamilies #pnwfamily #oregonfamily #familytraveltiktoker #familytravelblogger #pnwfamilies #familytravelinfluencer #dinkumtribe_silverton ♬ Everything Stays (From "Adventure Time") – Just Kids

The Children’s Garden is also a favorite, with its hobbit house, clay pot family, and the newest pirate ship climbing structure. Kids can have a pretend dinosaur dig in the sand area, or drink from the giant slug water fountain.

Slug water fountain near the Children's Garden at the Oregon Garden.

Dogs are welcome too, and there’s a pet-friendly garden dedicated to Bobbie, Silverton’s Wonder Dog (more on that later). The gift shop at the entrance has all kinds of garden plants and gardening gifts available, as well as light snacks and drinks. 

Our daughter walks our black Labrador retriever dog on a fall day at the Oregon Garden.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Gordon House

Just inside the Oregon Garden drive is Gordon House, the only house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in Oregon. Gordon House is open for 45-minute guided tours that must be reserved in advance online.

It’s not particularly kid-friendly, although older teens may appreciate the in-depth look at Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural approach.

What is the history of the Gordon House?

Frank Lloyd Wright designed the Gordon House for Evelyn and Ed Gordon in 1957. The home was originally located near Wilsonville, Oregon in a location that provided views of the Willamette River and Mt. Hood.

Wright did not live to see the completion of the Gordon House. He died in 1959 and the house was completed in 1964.

In 2001 the Frank Lloyd Wright Conservancy partnered with the Oregon Garden Society and the City of Silverton to preserve the Gordon House. The house was dismantled, moved 21 miles, and reassembled at its present location. 

The Gordon House is listed on the National Register of Historic places. It is the only Frank Lloyd Wright home in the Pacific Northwest that is open to the public.

Playgrounds, Parks and Pool

Another view of the Coolidge McClaine playground in Silverton.
Coolidge-McClaine Park

For some exciting outdoor fun, head to one of Silverton’s playgrounds where your kids can swing, climb, and slide to their heart’s content.

Coolidge-McClaine Park and swimming hole

Decorative Fountain at Coolidge-McClaine Park in Silverton.

Coolidge McClaine Park is a few blocks from the main downtown area, and hosts many special events for the community of Silverton. The playground has two sets of play equipment, one for younger kids (ages 2-5) and another larger structure for older kids (age 5 and up). 

Two play structures at Coolidge McClaine Park in Silverton Oregon.

It’s a popular summer spot for birthday parties and playdates, and we often meet up with friends at Coolidge McClaine Park. There are covered picnic areas, and several walking trails to explore.

Coolidge-McClaine Park also has a foot bridge to cross the creek and a swimming hole. Local teens enjoy cooling off in the crystal-clear water of Silver Creek during hot summer days. There are life vests available to borrow, but no lifeguard on duty. 

Silverton’s Skate Park and Dog Park

Our son skateboarding at the Silverton Skate Park.

The Judy Schmidt Memorial Skate Park is the perfect spot for kids, teens, and adults who want to practice their tricks. Our kids enjoy biking, skateboarding and rollerskating on the bumps, bowls and ramps.

Judy Schmidt Memorial Skate Park is one of our favorite kid-friendly activities in Silverton Oregon.

A dog park with separately fenced areas for big dogs and little dogs is right next to the parking area for the skate park.

Lincoln Park 

A small park tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, this is a great place for kids who get overwhelmed with a lot of people. There’s some playground equipment and a half-basketball court with hoop, but that’s about it.

@dinkumtribe Didn’t even know this was here! Park days are an essential part of summertime, IMO. @DinkumTribe ADHD family travel @DinkumTribe ADHD family travel @DinkumTribe ADHD family travel #playgroundfun #summertimefun #kidsplaying #thingstodoinoregon ♬ Happy , Sunshine & Ukulele – Balang_3go

Pioneer Park

Our youngest boys on the large play structure at Pioneer Park.

Pioneer Park is a beautiful new park out on the east end of Silverton close to the Reservoir. There’s lots of wide open space to run, as well as a shaded picnic gazebo and half basketball court.

Preschool play structure at Pioneer Park in Silverton Oregon.
Preschool play structure at Pioneer Park

Silverton Public Pool and All-Abilities Park

The YMCA pool in Silverton is a fun and inexpensive option for families. The heated pool has a zero-depth entry at one end, as well as a shallow family area and another section for lap swimming.

Our boys love the Silverton swimming pool, and we spent many summer afternoons there.

It’s open year-round, except for maintenance for a couple of weeks in October and May.

Directly across the parking lot from the pool is the Silverton Rotary All-Abilities Park, located at Old Mill Park.

Brightly colored all-abilities playground structure in Silverton, Oregon

It has a huge rope climbing structure, merry-go-round, swings, a wheelchair-accessible play structure and a balancing We-Saw.

Our boys climb the ropes structure at the playground in Silverton, Oregon

It’s a fantastic place for kids of all ages and abilities to play together. A short paved path takes you across the bridge over Silver Creek to Coolidge-McClaine park, while another paved path leads to the Silver Falls Library.

Silver Falls Library

Our daughter checking out the teen book section in the Silver Falls Library.

The Silver Falls Library has a good selection of books, movies and other items available to borrow. There’s usually some coloring pages or a craft available each month for kids and teens, as well as special events such as magic shows, story times, and more. Check the website for the most up-to-date information.

Silver Creek Lanes

Interior shot of Silver Creek Lanes bowling alley in Silverton. Bowling is a great kid-friendly activity to do in Silverton.

Bowling is a classic American pastime, and Silverton has a great bowling alley centrally located. Silver Creek Lanes offers standard bowling and cosmic bowling for kids and adults, with events and leagues available to join year-round.

You can enjoy great food onsite, and their dining patio overlooks Silver Creek.

Firefighters Mural on the wall of Silver Creek Lanes (bowling alley).
Firefighters Mural on the wall of Silver Creek Lanes (bowling alley)

Silverton Reservoir and Marine Park

The Silverton Reservoir offers fun activities in and on the water, including fishing, boating, swimming, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and more. Several local businesses offer kayak or SUP rentals. You can also walk the nature trails, enjoy birdwatching or eat a picnic lunch overlooking the reservoir.

Downtown Fun: Art Walk, Shopping, Movies

Silverton’s charming downtown is full of historic buildings, unique shops, and top-notch eateries. Here are a few highlights that will appeal to families.

Silverton Murals

Veteran's Mural in Silverton Oregon.

One of our favorite things about Silverton’s downtown area are the murals everywhere! As new residents to Silverton, it’s been so fun to learn about Silverton’s history and its famous citizens through these giant works of art.

Silverton Air Field Mural. Kids and adults will enjoy these huge works of art in the Silverton downtown area.

Be sure to check out the story of Bobbie the wonder dog (near Silverton Coffee Station) and the mural dedicated to Keith Kaser, an eccentric miner and local legend. 

The Silverton Mural Society offers guided walking tours, or grab a map of the murals and explore at your own pace.

@dinkumtribe Silverton is a beautiful historic town in the heart of the Oregon Cascades. It's known for its mining history, its charming downtown, and its vibrant arts scene. One of the best things about Silverton is its murals. There are over 30 murals scattered throughout downtown, each one depicting a different aspect of the town's history. Some of the most popular murals include the "Four Freedoms" mural by Norman Rockwell, the "Bobbie the Wonder Dog" mural, and the "Homer Davenport" mural. The murals are a great way to learn about Silverton's past and to appreciate its rich history. So next time you're in Silverton, be sure to take some time to explore the murals. You won't be disappointed! @DinkumTribe ADHD family travel @DinkumTribe ADHD family travel @DinkumTribe ADHD family travel #oregontravelideas #silvertonoregon #familyfriendlytravel #historicmurals ♬ original sound – DinkumTribe ADHD family travel

Historic Buildings, Homes and a Bridge

Downtown Silverton is home to several historic buildings. Most houses are privately owned, but some are open for tours at various times.

White Steeple Gallery, a historic chapel in Silverton Oregon.
Historic church in downtown Silverton.

Many of the old commercial buildings are still used for restaurants, shops and other businesses. The Masonic Lodge, the Wolf Building and the Silverton Palace Theater are some of our favorites.

Palace Theater Silverton Oregon. Watching movies in this historic theater is one of the best kid-friendly activities in Silverton Oregon
Entrance to the Silverton Palace Theater.

If you like historic homes, you can stay overnight in the Gordon House, or in the McClaine House (a Victorian historic house Bed and Breakfast on McClaine Street).

It’s one of several Queen Anne style homes in Silverton, and you’ll find other historic homes in the Craftsman style and Colonial Revival style.

A few miles outside of Silverton you’ll find the Gallon House bridge, an iconic covered bridge that is perfect for photos.

Gallon House Covered Bridge just outside Silverton Oregon.
Gallon House covered bridge.

It’s worth a short detour to see, but there’s nothing else to do there once you’ve walked or driven through it.

Shopping in Silverton

I've Got Rocks in My Head rock and gem shop in Silverton is a great kid-friendly shop to visit.
Window view of I’ve Got Rocks in My Head.

From quaint boutiques to antique stores, Silverton’s downtown area offers a range of shopping experiences. Our kids love the rocks and gems at I’ve Got Rocks in My Head, and we all find interesting things in the different antique shops.

Interior entrance to the Lunaria Gallery in Downton Silverton Oregon. This Gallery hosts monthly art shows by local artists.
Lunaria Gallery in Silverton

The Lunaria Gallery hosts local artists each month, so there’s always something new to see.

Town Square Park and pedestrian bridge

Town Square Park in Silverton.
Town Square Park

Town Square Park is a small greenspace located next to the Santa Claus mural and the town Christmas tree. There’s a veteran’s memorial, and a small covered pedestrian footbridge that is just right for sitting and eating an ice cream cone while you listen to Silver Creek in the summer.

Pedestrian covered footbridge over Silver Creek in Silverton Oregon.
Pedestrian footbridge over Silver Creek

Silver Falls State Park

Just a half hour drive away from Silverton lies Silver Falls State Park, known as the crown jewel of Oregon’s state parks.

With its breathtaking waterfalls, lush forests, and miles of hiking trails, this natural playground offers many adventures for families.

@dinkumtribe The Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls State Park is a favorite destination for Oregonians. Here’s just two of the 10 falls! @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe #chasingwaterfalls #waterfallhike #waterfallsoftiktok #waterfalltok #oregonlove #silverfallsoregon #bestwaterfalls #hikingwithfriends #hikingwithkids #kidfriendlytravel @traveloregon @travelsalem ♬ Orinoco Flow (Sail Away) [Single Version] – Enya

Explore the Trail of Ten Falls, a scenic hiking trail that leads you past ten magnificent waterfalls. If an 8 mile hike is more than your kids can manage, visit the North Falls or the South Falls, both of which allow you the unique experience of walking behind the waterfall! There’s nearby parking and a short walk for both of these iconic falls.

Photo of Brian and some of our kids in front of Upper North Falls.
Upper North Falls is a great place to swim in the summer and is also a dog friendly trail.

If your family loves unique adventures, explore the backcountry trails on foot or by mountain bike. You can even sleep in a tree if you book a treetop experience through Tree Climbing at Silver Falls!

Two of our kids climbing a tree with the help of a guide.

On a hot summer day, head over to the swimming area located near the South Falls Day Use Area. Spread out a blanket on the grassy banks and soak up the sun while your little ones splash around and play in the shallow waters. It’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy some quality family time.

Alpacas at Marquam Hill Ranch

Our son leads an alpaca around the barn at Alpacas at Marquam Hill Ranch.

Visiting the alpacas was one of our kids’ favorite experiences ever! The owner, Jennifer, loves to share her knowledge about alpacas, and she did a great job of helping our neurodivergent kids really enjoy meeting, feeding and walking the alpacas.

Alpaca fiber yarn and products on display in the gift shop at Alpacas of Marquam Hill Ranch.

The gift shop is full of gorgeous alpaca products and colorful yarn and clothing, plus cute plushie alpacas! Reservations are required for a visit or tour, but if you want a unique and memorable experience, we highly recommend Alpacas at Marquam Hill Ranch.

(Our visit to the Alpacas at Marquam Hill Ranch was sponsored by Mt. Hood Territory.)

Seasonal Parades and Events

Two people in dinosaur costumes and one person in a bear costume walking a dog at the Silverton Pet Parade.
Kiwanis Pet Parade participants

Whether you’re visiting during the festive holiday season or the lively summer months, Silverton’s community events offer plenty of family-friendly entertainment! Check the city calendar to see if there’s an annual event happening when you visit.

Brochure announcing details of Homer Davenport Community Festival 2022.

Here’s a few favorites to look into:

  • Davenport Days: town parade, couch races and local arts and crafts 
  • Kiwanis Pet Parade: people of all ages bring their pets (from rabbits to stuffed animals to horses) to walk in this parade
  • Homecoming Parade and Football Game
  • Silverton Sidewalk Shindig: live music festival
  • Silverton Farmers Market / Oregon Crafters Market: fresh produce, local crafts and regional artists
  • Silverton Christmas Market: authentic German Christmas market and lights display
  • First Fridays
Silverton Christmas Market mural

Our favorite kid-friendly eateries in Silverton Oregon

Silverton is a family-friendly town, so nearly any restaurant you visit will make you feel welcome with your kids in tow. Here are a few places that we’d recommend for a meal with small children:

Our kids running around on the patio of The Den, where the food trucks are parked in downtown Silverton.
Our kids running around at The Den, a local food cart patio

Where to Stay in Silverton with Kids

The Oregon Garden Resort

The Oregon Garden Resort is right next to the Oregon Garden, and offers family-friendly and pet-friendly rooms in a quiet setting. You can also enjoy lunch or dinner at the Garden View Restaurant on-site. Every year the Resort hosts the Silverton Christmas Market, with thousands of lights and German food and vendors.

The Oregon Garden Resort also offers a special package during the spring for those who are coming to visit the TulipFEST in nearby Woodburn.

Nearby Attractions in Mt. Angel & Scotts Mills

Glockenspiel in Mt. Angel Oregon.
Mt. Angel’s Glockenspiel

Just a short drive away, Mt. Angel is a small town known for its rich Bavarian heritage. Take a stroll through the picturesque streets and admire the Bavarian-style architecture that gives Mt. Angel its distinct character.

Your family will love the Glockenspiel that plays a seven-minute show several times daily!

Mt. Angel hosts the annual Oktoberfest, a lively celebration of German culture that attracts visitors from near and far each September. During this event, the town comes alive with traditional music, dance, and mouthwatering German cuisine and brews. Our kids loved the carnival rides and games!

@dinkumtribe If you thought that Oktoberfest was just a beer drinking festival, you’re missing the best parts! Not angels Oktoberfest is a family friendly event including dozens of performances, music, dancing, classic cars, delicious food, a free kids zone with carnival rides & a petting zoo, and SO MUCH MORE! Best of all, all of the food vendors support local nonprofit organizations, so you can eat all kinds of amazing food and know that you’re helping a good cause! @D@DinkumTribe ADHD family travel@D@DinkumTribe ADHD family travel@D@DinkumTribe ADHD family travelo#oregontravelideaso#oregontravelguidet#thingstodoinoregonm#mtangeloregonm#mtangeloktoberfesto#oktoberfesto#oktoberfest2023t#thingstodowithkidsf#familyfuntimef#fallfestival ♬ Good Time – Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen

You can read our full post for ideas on how to make the most of Oktoberfest with your family.

The town is also home to the iconic Mount Angel Abbey, a beautiful Benedictine monastery perched atop a hill. Your family can explore the abbey grounds, visit the library (designed by a famous Finnish architect), or check out the unique collection of oddities and historic items in the Abbey Museum.

Mt. Angel Abbey chapel and bell tower on an overcast day.
Mt. Angel Abbey church

Scotts Mills

If you venture northwest from Silverton, you’ll discover the charming town of Scotts Mills. The town is known throughout Marion County for its picturesque Scotts Mills County Park, which features waterfalls, picnic areas, a playground and walking trails.

It’s the perfect spot for a family outing, where you can relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Man and boy watching young man at top of Scotts Mills Falls.
Scotts Mills falls

More to explore in the surrounding area

Bauman’s Farm & Garden (Gervais)

Bauman’s Farm and Garden is about 20 minutes away from downtown Silverton. There’s a large children’s play area, animal petting barn and more, plus plenty of fresh farm produce and amazing apple cider donuts.

Play area with swings, slide, playhouse and other equipment at Bauman Farms and Garden in Gervais.
Part of the play area at Bauman’s Farm

It’s one of our favorite spots to go during harvest time because they have an amazing pumpkin patch and harvest activities!

Salem and Willamette Valley

Oregon’s capitol city has no shortage of kid-friendly activities, and is only about 25 minutes’ drive from Silverton. Some of our favorite spots are:

  • Bush House Art Barn and Bush’s Pasture Park
  • Gilbert House Children’s Museum
  • Salem Riverfront Park and Carousel
@dinkumtribe Salem Oregon is a fantastic family destination, with lots of parks and fun things to see and do! Some of our favorites are Riverfront Park, Bush’s Pasture Park, the Art Barn and the Riverfront Carousel. @DinkumTribe ADHD family travel @DinkumTribe ADHD family travel @DinkumTribe ADHD family travel #oregontravelideas #oregontravel #kidfriendlytravel #familyfriendlytravel ♬ One Side – Iyanya

Silverton is right in the middle of the Willamette Valley, a prime agricultural area on Oregon. Throughout the spring, summer and fall, there are dozens of flower festivals, special farm events, and vineyard celebrations within a short drive from Silverton.

What other towns are around Silverton?

Our son climbs on a brightly colored play structure at Strawberry Park in Molalla.
Strawberry Park, Molalla

Molalla is a family-friendly city similar in size to Silverton and about 15 minutes away. Our kids love the parks and playgrounds here, and the miniature trains are popular with younger kids. Older kids and teens can enjoy epic paintball, BMX biking and more.

Woodburn is a bigger city that’s well-known for the Woodburn Premium Outlets. There are some great parks and playgrounds here too, as well as fun seasonal events like the Fiesta Mexicana. It’s about 25 minutes from Silverton.

Our son climbs through a fossil skeleton playground structure.
Legion Park, Woodburn

Marquam and Monitor are two unincorporated communities that are as small-town as it gets. Both of these hamlets have their own charm. Be sure to eat at the historic Markum Inn, one of Oregon’s oldest restaurants.

Aurora: Oregon’s first capitol is a small town of around 1300 people. Aurora is a quiet place with plenty of historical interest and natural beauty.

Silverton – great for kids and families

As you can see, Silverton Oregon offers a treasure trove of kid-friendly activities that are sure to delight and engage your kids and teens. So, why wait? Start planning your family’s unforgettable trip to Silverton today.

Why is Silverton famous?

Top of South Falls at Silver Falls State Park Oregon

Silverton is known for two special attractions: Silver Falls State Park and the Oregon Gardens. Silverton is also the home of the Gordon House by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Is Silverton worth visiting?

Town Square Park in Silverton at dusk

Yes. Silverton one of the best stops off the Interstate 5. The town is only a half an hour from the interstate but feels worlds away from the big city. 

Silverton offers a lot in the way of fun and interest. Silver Falls State Park, the Oregon Garden, and the Gordon House are in or near Silverton.
Silverton’s historic downtown is offers excellent restaurants, art galleries, historic sites, and cultural events. Colorful, interesting murals decorate the entire town. 

What river runs through Silverton, Oregon?

Silver Creek runs through the city of Silverton, Oregon

Silver Creek, the same river that runs through Silver Falls State Park.

What is the origin of Silverton?

Black and white photo of men sitting on a steam engine from Silver Falls Timber Company in Silverton.

The land that is now Silverton was an important location to the Kalapuya and Mollala Nations. These indigenous tribes used controlled burns to cultivate an oak savannah for camas cultivation. 
A prominent oak, known as the Old Oak, was an important stopping point on a native american trail that run along the western slope of the Cascades (now Highway 213). The large tree was a well-known meeting place for indigenous peoples.
What is now Silverton grew out of a land claim obtained by Thomas Coon in 1851. His wife Polly Coon had the land platted by Timothy Davenport, with the Old Oak as the center point of the town. 
In spite of its name, Silverton doesn’t have any connection with mining or mineral wealth. Entrepreneurs took an interest in the town due its important location and the power that could be obtained by Silver Creek.
Lumber has long been a key industry in Silverton.
The narrow-gauge Oregonian Railroad reached Silverton in 1880 and the town quickly grew into an important economic hub of the Northeast Willamette Valley

How long does it take to go through the Oregon Garden?

Kids walking in the Oregon Garden with a pond in the foreground

You could see most of the Oregon Gardens in a two hour period. To truly savor your experience add an additional hour or two so that you don’t feel rushed.

Can you picnic at the Oregon Garden?

Brian and the kids walking through flowers at the Oregon Garden on a sunny day.

Yes, picnicking is allowed. The Gardens do ask that you be courteous and clean up after yourself. 
Oregon Gardens does hold public events that may prohibit outside food. Be sure to check their events page concerning picnicking at special events.

Are dogs allowed at the Oregon Garden?

Leashed pets of all kinds are welcome throughout the garden. You are expected to clean up after your pet.

What kind of fish are in Silverton Reservoir Oregon?

Silverton Reservoir is stocked with hatchery-sourced rainbow trout. Largemouth bass and catfish can also be caught at the reservoir.

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©️ Copyright Jennifer D. Warren 2023-2025. Updated: March 12, 2025.

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About the author

I’m Jenn Warren, Co-Founder and Content Creator for Dinkum Tribe. I'm a Third Culture Kid (TCK) from Jamaica and California, married to my college sweetheart. I've been a missionary kid, pastor’s kid and (former) pastor’s wife. My husband and I traveled as pastors for 12 years throughout the United States and Canada before becoming travel content creators.

I love living in Oregon and exploring new places with my family. We’ve road tripped over 30,000 miles across the United States and Western Canada with our six children since their infancy. Prior to our marriage, I also lived in Spain for a summer and spent another summer in Mexico.

I’ve homeschooled our six children for over 10 years, and served on the board of a homeschool co-op for 4 years. Several members of our family are neurodivergent (gifted, ADHD, cPTSD), and I’ve spent 5+ years learning how to accommodate neurodivergent needs as well as supporting the resultant mental health challenges (anxiety, depression).

I’ve also served as a support group leader and co-director of Pure Life Alliance, a nonprofit organization that supports families struggling with sexual addiction.

I write about family travel and road trips, millennial marriage, general parenting, homeschooling, parenting neurodivergent children, grief, and abuse recovery.