Summer Smiles in Salem: 5 Family-Friendly Activities to Enjoy in the Sunshine!

There’s so much fun to be had in Salem, Oregon!

Summer is a great time to participate in family-friendly activities, and there are so many to take advantage of that are close to home! Whether it is hosting a barbecue in your backyard with friends or hitting up Riverfront Park, Salem, OR, is home to a variety of family-friendly activities where everyone can find something they enjoy. At Spinnaker Pediatric Dentistry, Salem is our home, and we want to share some of our favorite summer activities with you, our patients.

1. Visit Riverfront Park.

If you haven’t taken the family to Riverfront Park in a while, it’s worth a visit this summer. The park is full of walking paths, open space, an amphitheater, and so much more. For those hot days, grab the kids and head to the splash park. You can even bring your four-legged friend for a walk throughout the park. Don’t forget to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Willamette River.

2. Check out the Oregon State Fair!

Are you looking for a destination that has it all? Check out the Oregon State Fair! The fair is full of musical acts, fun rides, and tons of animal exhibits. The entire family can check out art exhibits, learn about textile arts, pet some furry friends, and so much more. Many people head to the fair for the fried food, but you can also find healthy choices if you look hard enough.

And remember to stay hydrated at the fair! Drink lots of water to help keep your system hydrated. Drinking water instead of sipping on sugary drinks can also help protect your teeth, as water helps reset the pH level of your mouth.  Everyone can find something they like at the Oregon State Fair. This year, the Oregon State Fair runs from August 22 through September 1.

3. Go berry picking.

You can’t think of summer without fresh berries, and the Pacific Northwest is home to plenty of berry varieties. If you are looking for a family-friendly outdoor activity, consider taking the gang berry picking. You can settle on one variety, or gather a bunch of berries to use in various recipes. At Fordyce Farm, you can pick blueberries, blackberries, gooseberries, boysenberries, currants, and more.

Enjoy snacking on your freshly picked treasures with a picnic afterward, or save your berries for home and make fresh jam as a family. Berry picking is not only a great way to get outside and get moving, but it also provides you with healthy snacks!

4. Find a local splash pad.

Do your kids love to play in the water? As the temperatures climb, check out one of the many splash pads that Salem offers. Each park has its own unique features, so make time to visit each one this summer, and let us know your favorite one. If you’re going to head out to a splash pad, make sure to bring your sunscreen and stay hydrated!

5. Host a backyard barbecue.

Are you looking for an activity closer to home? Gather some friends and family and host a backyard barbecue! Grab some outdoor games, like volleyball, badminton, pickleball for the older crowd, and for the little kids, a slip and slide or small kiddie pool to splash in can provide hours of entertainment. Looking for something everyone can participate in? How about a water balloon fight?!

When it comes to food, there are so many possibilities. You can ask your guests to bring a dish, or create a themed meal. One easy snack that everyone can enjoy is a berry platter. Take some of the berries your family gathered at the farm, wash them, then cut into easy-to-handle pieces. You can even make fruit skewers for everyone to enjoy.

Don’t forget to make a back-to-school dental checkup appointment at Spinnaker Pediatric Dental.

As summer winds to a close, it’ll be time to get the kids ready to head back to school for another year of learning. One of the things that should be on your checklist is your child’s biannual dental checkup. A twice yearly dental checkup at Spinnaker Pediatric Dental allows your child’s oral health to take precedence and allows our team to monitor your child’s oral health journey. By visiting us every six months, we can check for cavities and monitor how your child’s teeth are coming in and, if needed, provide orthodontic intervention.

Make sure you book an appointment at Salem’s Spinnaker Pediatric Dentistry to close out your summer of fun!