Visitor Expectations & Code of Conduct
At Gilbert House Children's Museum, we are committed to providing a welcoming, safe, and engaging space where children and their caregivers can play, learn, and explore together. We ask all guests to follow the guidelines below to help maintain an environment of mutual respect, curiosity, and joy.
How We Play
At Gilbert House Children’s Museum, our mission is to inspire young imaginations by offering families a welcoming space to explore, learn, and create through the power of play. We are committed to maintaining a fun, safe, and engaging environment for all visitors. To ensure that everyone can have an enjoyable experience, we ask that all visitors follow these simple guidelines. If you need assistance or have any questions, our staff is here to help!
Dress Appropriately for Fun and Safety
For the comfort and safety of all our guests, we ask that children (and adults) dress appropriately while enjoying the Museum. Shoes are required for all guests in general museum areas. However, in designated play areas such as the sandbox and mammoth dig, children (and accompanying adults, if participating) may remove their shoes. Adults please dress appropriately for public and active play. While we encourage active play, please remember that this is a public space, and children should remain fully dressed even while playing in areas like the sand or water.
If your child becomes wet or dirty during play, we have restrooms available for changing into fresh clothes. Please take advantage of these facilities to ensure everyone can continue enjoying their time at the Museum comfortably.
Prohibited Behaviors & Removal Policy
Any of the behaviors listed below may result in removal from the Museum without refund. Some actions may also be reported to local authorities if deemed criminal or dangerous.
- Offensive, abusive, threatening, or discriminatory behavior toward guests or staff.
- Endangering oneself or others, including running, climbing (where not permitted), or rough play.
- Fighting, provoking physical altercations, or engaging in disruptive conduct.
- Damaging, defacing, or tampering with Museum property or exhibits.
- Use of hate speech or symbols targeting race, gender identity, religion, sexuality, nationality, age, or physical abilities.
- Displaying clothing or accessories with offensive, profane, inappropriate, or provocative language or imagery unsuitable for a family environment.
- Displaying clothing or accessories that promote division or discord, or that could be reasonably interpreted as taking a stance on sensitive public issues.
- Unauthorized distribution of literature or solicitation.
- Interfering with or obstructing Museum staff duties.
- Gambling, soliciting, or campaigning on Museum grounds.
- Indecent exposure or inappropriate behavior.
- Smoking or using tobacco or e-cigarettes on Museum property.
- Eating or drinking in restricted areas.
- Any other behavior deemed unsafe, inappropriate, or threatening by staff.
- Adults are not permitted to wear costume masks; children may do so. Vision-obstructing masks may be discouraged.
- Adults may not carry toy weapons or large props through the Museum.
- Possession of prohibited items (see below).
We strive to maintain a welcoming and neutral environment for all families to focus on play and learning together. Clothing and accessories should be appropriate for children to view, not be offensive or profane, and avoid content that could be seen as provocative or divisive.
Prohibited Items
The following items are not permitted on Museum property:
- Firearms (except law enforcement personnel)
- Knives, pepper spray, stun guns, or other weapons
- Toy guns or realistic weapon props
- Illegal drugs
- Alcohol not sold on Museum premises
- Explosives or fireworks
- Hazardous materials
- Drones or remote-controlled flying devices
- Hoverboards, skateboards, or shoes with wheels
- Segways (unless required for accessibility)
- Balloons outside of designated area
- Tripods or professional photography gear (without prior approval)
- Any item deemed unsafe or inappropriate by staff
Waiver of Liability
By entering the Museum, you agree—on behalf of yourself and any minor children accompanying you—to voluntarily assume all risks associated with your visit. This includes the risk of personal injury (including death), illness (including exposure to communicable diseases such as COVID-19), or property loss, theft, or damage.
You further agree that the Museum shall not be liable for any such injuries, illnesses, losses, or damages and release Gilbert House Children’s Museum from any and all liability to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Accessibility Statement
At Gilbert House Children's Museum, we are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all visitors.
- The first levelof each of our three historic buildings, ODA, Bubble Factory, Natures Workshop, Pavilions and Parrish House are wheelchair accessible, but upper-level exhibits are not due to the nature of the buildings.
- Visitors who cannot access upper-level exhibits due to mobility restrictions will receive 50% off regular admission.
- If you have any accessibility questions or need assistance planning your visit, please call us at (503) 371-3631.
Family-Friendly Amenities
Changing Tables
- Available in most restrooms.
Nursing & Pumping
- Caregivers are welcome to nurse or pump wherever they feel comfortable.
- A private space is available in the Sensory Portal.
Lost Persons
- Caregivers must stay with children (under 17 years old) at all times.
- If a child and caregiver become separated, please notify a staff member immediately. We have a reunification procedure in place.
Strollers
- Stroller parking is limited, and some exhibits cannot accommodate strollers.
- Smaller, umbrella-style strollers are recommended.
- Strollers may be left at the Rockenfield entrance during your visit. Please do not leave valuables in unattended strollers.
Parking & Directions
Museum Parking
- Free parkingis available under the bridge in front of the Museum.
Metered & Permit Parking
- City-metered and permit parking lots(marked by signs) are free on weekends and legal holidays.
- Parking may be impacted by events at Riverfront Park.Check the City of Salem website for additional options.
- More information: Click here
Directions
Gilbert House Children's Museum is located at the north end of Salem Riverfront Park, near the Willamette River, between the bridges.
More information: Click here
Policies
Security Policy
- Security camerasare in use throughout the Museum for visitor safety and the protection of Museum property.
- Staff members maintain radio communicationto respond quickly if a child and caregiver become separated.
- If you need assistance, notify any staff memberor visit the Welcome Desk.
Animal Policy
Gilbert House Children's Museum is committed to ensuring a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable experience for all visitors. To clarify our policy regarding animals on Museum property, please review the following guidelines:
Service Animals
Service animals are welcome on Museum property in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A service animal is defined as any animal that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. These tasks may include, but are not limited to:
- Assistance with mobility and balance
- Retrieving items
- Assisting individuals with vision or hearing impairments
- Providing seizure response
- Assisting with psychiatric conditions or anxiety
Please Note:
- Service animals must be under the control of their handler at all times. This means they must be on a leash, harness, or tether unless doing so interferes with the animal’s task. If this is the case, the individual must maintain control through voice, signal, or other effective means.
- Service animals must remain with their handlers at all times and are permitted in all areas open to the public.
- Handlers are responsible for cleaning up after their service animals. Waste disposal stations are available throughout the Museum grounds for your convenience.
Prohibited Animals
Pets and emotional support animals (ESA), including those that are not individually trained to perform specific tasks related to a disability, are not permitted on Museum property. The Museum follows ADA guidelines and will not allow any animals other than service animals or service animals in training.
Animals in Vehicles
No visitors are permitted to leave animals unattended in any vehicle on Museum property. This includes vehicles in the parking lots or any other area on or near Museum grounds.
Animal Behavior and Health
- Service animals must be in good health and free from communicable diseases. Handlers are asked to ensure their animals are clean and well-groomed.
- The Museum reserves the right to request the removal of a service animal from the property if it is not under control, causes a disruption, or presents a safety or health concern to other visitors or staff.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all guests.
Media Policy
- The Museum reserves the right to use any photography/video taken on the premisesfor educational, promotional, and advertising purposes.
- By entering the Museum, you consent to being photographed/video recorded.
- We do notuse identifying information with a child's image. If you do not consent, please inform the Welcome Desk upon arrival.
- Dronesare not allowed on Museum property.
Our Commitment to Inclusion & Equity
Gilbert House Children's Museum is dedicated to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable environment for all.
- We do notdiscriminate based on race, color, religion, creed, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.
- This commitment extends to all aspects of our organization, including employment, volunteer opportunities, vendor partnerships, and the services we provide.
- More information: Click here
