Salem and the Mid-Willamette Valley are known for U-pick farms, scenic hiking trails, peaceful paddling spots, and other outdoor attractions. But we have plenty to offer indoors, as well—from dance lessons and ax throwing to hip barcades and challenging escape rooms. So, if you’re looking to duck out of the rain, stay cool, or enjoy a fun date night with your sweetie, we’ve rounded up some of the best indoor attractions around the region.

Several communities around Salem started—and, for years, thrived—as timber towns. Connect with that past by enjoying a night of ax throwing with Oregon Axe Salem. Following a short tutorial with a knowledgeable ax thrower, you and your date can take turns seeing who can hit the target most often. (And if the loser buys the next round, you can grab drinks at the on-site lounge).

What's better than a night at the arcade? A night at an arcade that also serves creative pub grub alongside beer, wine, and cider. The Coin Jam Arcade & Grill is a popular 21-and-older barcade that pairs your favorite retro games with an upbeat bar experience for a fun night out.

Prefer something a bit more active? Salem offers plenty of memorable opportunities to cut loose. The Rock Boxx, for instance, is an indoor bouldering gym that offers climbing walls up to 17 feet tall for climbers of all experience levels. Silver Spur, meanwhile, is a 21-and-older dance club that features Latin American lessons on Tuesdays and county lessons every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday; keep an eye out for swing, line dancing, and other fun events throughout the week. And in Keizer, the locally run Toe 2 Toe Boxing works to liven up a typical cardio workout through boxing lessons—where you'll improve your balance, gain strength, improve your footwork, and work out major muscle groups along the way.

If you're on a double date or enjoying a night out with friends, Exitus: Salem Escape Room hosts an escape room that encourages your whole group to strategize, piece together clues, dust off those problem-solving skills—and have fun in the process. For more group fun, strap on a pair of bowling shoes at Starlite Lanes in Dallas, just a 20-minute drive west of Salem; the beloved bowling alley offers events throughout the week—including team matchups, glow-in-the-dark cosmic bowling, and karaoke nights.

Whatever you do, end the evening with a nightcap featuring some of the region’s best craft beverages. Xicha Brewing is Oregon's only Latino-owned brewery, slinging Latin American-inspired beers and food in West Salem; the brewery also hosts occasional cumbia dance lessons, game nights (featuring Lotería—a card game that plays similarly to Bingo), and DJ nights. And West Valley Taphouse in Dallas boasts a whopping 65 taps pouring ciders, craft beers, wines, kombucha, and craft soda—most of which come from nearby producers; you'll also find an arcade room with a handful of pinball machines and retro games (including Tetris and Street Fighter II).