Gilbert House Children's Museum
Gilbert House Children's Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Gilbert House Children's Museum (formerly known as A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village) is a private nonprofit children's museum connected to downtown Salem's Riverfront Park. Founded in 1989, Gilbert House provides innovative and stimulating educational experiences which spark children's natural curiosity. The Museum's mission is to "inspire children to learn through creative play." This is accomplished through fun and challenging exhibits, camps, birthday parties, membership opportunities and outreach programs in the sciences, arts, and humanities. The Museum is composed of three historic houses; the Rockenfield House, Gilbert House and Parrish House.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
189 reviews
Excellent
127
Very good
48
Average
9
Poor
2
Terrible
3
GrannyTeach
Salem, OR21 contributions
Mar 2014 • Family
I was part of the crew that helped build the climbing structure and during my teaching career made Gilbert House a yearly event. I was not only a fan, but a supporter. After a few years illness I returned a couple weeks ago with a grandchild. While the outdoor climbing structure is still terrific, I found the trip disappointing. Many of the original and very active explorations areas are gone and have been replaced by rooms that seem designed more for the staff to have as little daily clean up to do than to encourage curious minds. They also seem not to have any idea of what age child they are seeking to serve. In the past it was geared for ages 4-10 on the whole and a place where even 2 year olds could go with older siblings and find some things to enjoy. The directions for most things are written for older children while the activity itself is for younger children. There is not enough true exploration in spaces where children do such things as place wooden vegetables in pretend dirt and touch pretend items in a pretend sand area. A real sand box to replace the former bubble room might be a wonderful space. The former recycling area was great. The room where they can move around pipe to make ball chutes, was a hit with the youngest children, however, the magnets on the pipes were too strong for even some of the parents to move about, thereby making it more of an adult exploration than a young child's. Materials are lacking. One stapler, no glue sticks or tape for several children to share to put cut paper together is just not practical and does not lend itself to much fun. Especially when the one stapler is too hard for the 4-6 year olds using it to push without adult help. That art room used to get messy, but it had paint and chalk, and glue and scissors and was a wonderful place. Now it looks like an office not an art room. The train does not even run on the track that goes by the spot where the kids can come up under the bubble to watch it. Not very thoughtful. The changes that have occurred have not made the museum better, only neater and in my mind not child friendly or stimulating. So when my 4 nieces and nephews came last week to stay in Salem for their Easter Weekend, we went to Portland to play at OMSI. There would have been a time when these 4 kids ages 5-12, and the adults would have had a great time at Gilbert House. I hope that time returns. For now I can no longer recommend it more than a 3 star space, a 2 for the inside and a 5 for the outside climbing area.
Written 23 April 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheryl T
Aberdeen, WA16 contributions
Dec 2014 • Family
It really felt we were let down from this experience. It was expensive and not a full experience. We were told this would be a great place to take our two kids because it was raining too heavy outside. We took the recommendation and really regret it. It seemed pretty cool at first, because they have a "store" with mini grocery carts for the small children. Our daughter enjoyed picking out "healthy options" and "paying" for them. Once we roamed around in the main house, it seemed run-down and we quickly became bored. At the next house, nothing more to offer. While proceeding to the last house, we noticed a huge play area outside with an enormous jungle gym and other activities we couldn't fully enjoy- because of the weather. I would have thought if you couldn't fully utilize all areas, you shouldn't be charged the full admission rate. We tried to play chess outside, but was too cold and my daughter was too young to keep out in the weather. We entered the last house and it really had two rooms with not much going on in either. We were on our way out and were told an activity was occuring in the main house, we thought we would check it out. Another huge mistake- it was some kind of putty thing with glitter the girl knew nothing about making. She informed us she could not thicken the putty-stuff anymore cause it took too much starch. I cannot think of why one would have an activity in which making the product is impossible. I was severely let down and if I lived in the area would tell anyone and everyone I knew not to waste money. It honestly felt like a money trap. One other thing to note, it seemed as if the same two kids following us room to room, had no manners, and were very rude to our young daughter. There wasn't much staff in the rooms of the houses to monitor or give any insight to what we were to experience.
Written 28 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura R
salem9 contributions
Jun 2016 • Family
The employee working the front desk did not want to let my young adult son with developmental disabilities in stating that this place is only for children. I was surprised since I always thought it was open to the public and for everyone to enjoy. It's unfortunate since my son and I had visited this museum for many years. Even as an adult, I felt that I could learn things - (ears of corn always has an even amount of rows and some bamboo can grow 3 feet a day). I hope businesses in the future create places that families of all types can spend time together at.
Written 17 June 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
loira74
Salem, OR131 contributions
Nov 2014 • Friends
This is an awesome place for kids. Lots of hands-on, interactive exhibits and plenty to see and do outdoors as well. Good location downtown near Riverfront Park and carousel. Affordable. Good to go any season. Call first for hours. Small, fun shop as well. Plan to be there a few hours. Food for sale. Free, close parking.
Written 2 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen Y
Pewaukee, Wisconsin, United States8 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
Located downtown Salem, A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village was easy to find. Although the place caters to young children, our 12-year-old and 15-year-old sons who were there with our 2-year-old daughter also enjoyed themselves tremendously, especially in the outdoor playground and large slides. Each of the 3 houses presented a different science adventure for young and curious minds. We only wish we had more than a couple of hours to spare!
Written 23 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tytainya
Salem, OR8 contributions
This is a great place for kids, maybe not teenagers, but kids young and old. There are many interactive exhibits in a safe environment. Leave the schedule at home, but bring snacks, there is not much food to buy here. Feel free to bring a picnic lunch. You can lunch at the park and head to the Carousel.
Written 3 August 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marilyn C
Wisbech3 contributions
Jun 2015
I came as a single male being quite interested in museums generally. however as soon as i arrived i was taken in hand and told I couldn't go in on my own, presumably because I was a single male and might molest the children. I was taken round hurriedly but never left alone
Written 20 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Our policy, in alignment with other children's museums across the country, states that no adult unaccompanied by a minor is permitted to enter the museum. It is not based on gender. We do not admit adults without children, or children without adults. This is for the safety of the families visiting. Because of this policy, we offer a free tour to adults interested in the exhibits.
Our admission policy is stated clearly on our website, on our Frequently Asked Questions page (http://acgilbert.org/faq/):
I don’t have any children but I am a kid at heart, can I come and enjoy the museum?
Please note that Gilbert House Children’s Museum exhibits and programs are designed for children aged 0-12, with the following admission policy:
* Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult—we do not admit children without an adult.
* Parents under the age of 18 are always welcome with their own children.
* If you are interested in viewing our museum or our A.C. Gilbert exhibit in particular, our visitor services staff will be happy to give you a brief tour of our facility.
* The Museum reserves the right to refuse admission.
Written 23 July 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cindi C
Salem, OR124 contributions
Jan 2015 • Family
We love Gilbert House Children's Museum. They have a wide variety of hands on exhibits in historic homes. Your children & grandchildren will want to go back again & again. The outdoor play areas are unique and engaging. If you live in the area a membership is a great option. That way you can go even if its a short visit and enjoy it more often.
Written 9 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jnjtiger
New Jersey511 contributions
Sept 2014 • Family
First things first. GPS will not get you there following Marion Street address. Look for Union and Water Streets. We were lost for an hour trying to find Marion Street address with GPS. Also, park in free spots. Metered parking horrifically expensive - literally what you would pay in midtown Manhattan. Meters are for a municipal lot, so city to blame, not Gilbert House. Once there, this is a terrific attraction for children of any age, certainly 12 and lower. Easily a fun half-day. Make sure to visit all the different exhibits - rooms. We loved the train room, grandson there for one full hour and cried when had to leave! Great "hands-on" approach and lots to see. Just get location right before departing.
Written 3 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
leedslass89
vancouver island8 contributions
I'm sure this place is wonderful if you're under the age of 5, but it's way too babyish for kids over that age. It's really just a glorified toddler playground.
Written 31 July 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It was $8 per person ages 4-59, kids 2-3 was $4 and kids 1 & under free
Written 5 June 2017
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