I would start a free day in Salem by choosing one part of town instead of driving between every park. My downtown plan pairs Riverfront Park with a museum visit when free admission is available. This is a suggested outing, not a report of a personal visit.
Start at Riverfront Park
Riverfront Park is the outdoor part of this plan. I would choose a short walk and bring a lunch rather than make food purchases part of a supposedly free outing. The city's park page is the place to check access notices before leaving.
The carousel is a separate attraction. Its operator says entry to the building is free, but an individual ride costs $2. I would treat riding as an optional purchase, not include it in a free itinerary.
Save the museum for Tuesday
The Hallie Ford Museum of Art, at 700 State Street, lists free admission for everyone on Tuesdays. Its posted hours are noon to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. It is closed Sunday and Monday. A Tuesday afternoon gives this plan an indoor stop without a general admission charge.
On other open days, the posted general admission is $8. There are free and discounted categories, but I would check the eligibility rules rather than assume a whole group qualifies.
Choose a different park if that fits better
Bush's Pasture Park is another option for an outdoor afternoon. I would choose it instead of adding it to an already full route. Park access and admission to a museum or event inside a park are different things. I would check each separately.
What free does not cover
Transport, parking, food, rides and special events can still cost money. Check parking signs when you arrive. For a wet day, use the museum's actual opening schedule rather than counting on an outdoor plan to work in any weather.
Sources and limits
The museum visitor page and carousel rates were checked October 24, 2026. City park pages blocked automated access during this review, so current closures, facilities and parking rules were not independently rechecked. Confirm those with the city before traveling.