The best things to do in Marion County

Skip the lane lottery and book ahead online, then let Woodburn Lanes handle the fun. Friendly staff, lanes for every skill level, and customizable party setups make it easy to turn a random Tuesday or a birthday into strikes, laughs, and exactly the right amount of friendly trash talk.

From the Woodburn newsletter, September 17, 2026

OGA Golf Course is the Oregon Golf Association’s home track, a Bill Robinson design that winds through marshes, rolling hills, and a hazelnut orchard for legit variety. Join a men’s or women’s club, book lessons or junior programs, then cap the round at Orchards Grill.

From the Woodburn newsletter, September 20, 2026

Northgate Bowl keeps it classic with 24 lanes, automatic scoring, and 20 bumper lanes for the kids, plus a non-smoking, family vibe and a legit snack bar. If you're feeling social, their fall leagues kick off in September, so assemble your crew and claim a lane.

From the Keizer newsletter, October 19, 2026

The REC: Lanes keeps Keizer bowling fun with leagues, Glow Bowl weekends, open mics, and simple online reservations. Between frames, hit Town & Country Cafe, serving diner classics since 1967, with locally roasted Trade & Ferry coffee... then go chase that turkey.

From the Keizer newsletter, September 30, 2026

Back Nine Golf brings Full Swing simulators to Keizer so you can play courses from around the world with instant feedback on ball speed, launch, and more. Book a bay with friends starting at $50/hour, no membership needed, or join for 24/7 access, leagues, and easy event hosting when you want something different.

From the Keizer newsletter, October 6, 2026

Creekside Golf Club has been Salem’s premier spot since 1993 for a proper 18, plus extras that keep non-golfers happy too. Think a championship course, a Golf Performance Center to tune up your swing, pickleball and bocce, a seasonal pool, fitness, on-site massage, and a meal at Rudy’s Greenside Steakhouse...

From the Salem newsletter, September 24, 2026

Theater complex with multiple screens featuring new release films, plush seating & concession stand.

McNary Golf Club brings a classic parkland vibe with tree-lined fairways, true greens, and those sneaky lakes and fountains, all on a 6,239-yard, par-71 layout that plays year-round. Open to the public, so grab a tee time this week and make it a midweek reset.

From the Keizer newsletter, October 12, 2026

If your streaming queue feels like leftovers, Salem Cinema serves up new flavors with art and foreign films across three screens. It’s the go-to when you want conversation-starting movies, thoughtful programming, and the simple joy of seeing a great film with a local crowd.

From the Keizer newsletter, October 17, 2026

Skip the couch and catch a movie with actual dinner at Northern Lights Theatre Pub. Think hot pizza, burritos, and solid pub bites with beer and wine, all while you watch. Perfect for last-minute plans, date night, or escaping the Salem drizzle this week.

From the Salem newsletter, October 7, 2026

Salem Golf Club has been teeing up since 1927, a public track with a country club feel and well kept greens. Expect a course with varied hole distances that keeps your bag busy, plus a clubhouse restaurant for the post-round debrief with friends.

From the Salem newsletter, September 18, 2026

Evergreen Golf Course keeps golf simple and fun, with tee times, leagues and tournaments, and memberships if you’re ready to make it official. In nearby Mt. Angel, it’s a reliable place to work on the swing and talk yourself into just one more nine.

From the Woodburn newsletter, September 29, 2026

Meadowlawn Golf Course keeps it simple and fun with a compact par-32 layout that still makes you think, thanks to tree-lined fairways, a creek and lake in play, and fresh bunkers. Grab a tune-up in the new practice booth, then loop it again this week.

From the Salem newsletter, October 1, 2026

Whether your kids need to climb, crawl, or burn off that Saturday-morning energy, The Athletic Edge Adventure Park packs four zones of imagination-fueled play plus grown-up distractions like pool, arcade, shuffleboard, and cornhole.

From the Keizer newsletter, October 15, 2026

Need a quick midweek reset? Wunderland Salem packs a game room of pixel favorites, fast go karts, and a legit laser tag arena, so you can rally the crew, trade screen time for actual fun, and remember what friendly trash talk sounds like.

From the Salem newsletter, October 13, 2026

Illahe Hills Country Club is a year-round, full-service spot for members, with a private course offering Salem views and playable greens, chef-curated seasonal dining, and a busy social calendar.

From the Salem newsletter, October 20, 2026