City of Salem Announces Salem 400+ Family Field Day
A Free, Fun-Filled Day for the Whole Family at Forest River Park
Sunday, July 12 | Forest River Park, Salem, MA
SALEM, MA – The City of Salem invites residents and families to celebrate Summer at the first-ever Family Field Day, a free community event taking place on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at Forest River Park. Brought to the community through a partnership between the Salem 400+ initiative, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem, the Salem YMCA, and the City of Salem Parks & Recreation Department, this event is a celebration that marks Salem’s big anniversary in 2026, and celebrates community, Summer, and everything that makes Salem a great place to call home. From morning activities to afternoon splash zones, there is something for everyone – and best of all, it’s completely free to attend.
A Showcase of Salem’s Signature Parks
The City of Salem is proudly marking community’s 400+ anniversary to update its green spaces. Salem has invested heavily in 6 of the City’s signature parks, including Forest River Park. Family Field Day is an opportunity to celebrate Forest River Park with its rolling green spaces, beachfront, pool, athletic fields, and iconic concrete slide, all on a waterfront setting. This park represents some of the very best of what Salem’s parks have to offer. We are excited to invite residents to experience it in full on July 12!
Schedule of Events
- 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM – Kids’ Field Day (Front Lawn)
Kick off the day with classic field day competitions on the front lawn! Race, laugh, and compete in old-fashioned favorites including potato sack races, tug of war, and much more. This is pure, unplugged outdoor fun the whole family will love.
- 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM – Kickball Tournament, Ages 14+ (Stephen O’Grady Field) – Pre-Registration Required
Open to participants ages 14 and up, The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salem Kickball Tournament is your chance to compete, show off your skills, and have a blast. Teams should pre-register – spots are limited, so don’t wait. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just in it for the fun, this is one tournament you won’t want to miss! Register here; https://secure.qgiv.com/for/
- All Day – Lawn Games, Arts & Crafts, and Bubbles
Spread out and enjoy pickup lawn games throughout the park, get creative at the arts and crafts station, or let the little ones chase giant bubbles. There’s no shortage of activities to keep everyone entertained all day long.
- 1:00 PM – Pool Opens Free for Salem Residents
Cool off in the Forest River Park pool, open free of charge to all Salem residents starting at 1:00 PM. Don’t forget your swimsuit and sunscreen!
- 1:00 PM – Salem Fire Department Pumper Truck Spray Zone (Front Lawn)
Line at the pool? No problem! The Salem Fire Department will also be on hand with their pumper truck to cool kids off with a refreshing water spray – a guaranteed crowd favorite. Change of clothes recommended!
- All Day – Pioneer Village: Last Chance to Visit Before Relocation
This is an exciting opportunity to visit the historic Pioneer Village before it moves to its new location. Step back in time and explore one of America’s earliest living history museums, right here in Salem. Free for residents!
- All Day – Free Ice Cream (While Supplies Last!)
Yes, really – free ice cream! Treat yourself to something sweet, compliments of the City of Salem and Salem 400+. Get there early, as supplies are limited.
Free Parking Available
Parking at Forest River Park will be free for attendees throughout the day. Overflow parking will also be available at Salem State University just down the road!
Keep the Celebration Going – Salem Heritage Days
Can’t get enough Salem 400+ summer fun? Mark your calendars for the Salem 400+ Heritage Days Parade and Festival on August 1, 2026. The parade steps off at Salem State University’s O’Keefe Sporting Complex (225 Canal Street) at 10 AM and ends at Salem Maritime National Historical Park (160 Derby Street). The festival, co-hosted by Salem Maritime, runs from 11 AM to 6 PM and features the Cardboard Boat regatta, live music, food trucks, the tall ship Pride of Baltimore and more! Come cheer on your neighbors, local organizations, and community groups as they march through the streets of Salem. Stay tuned to the City of Salem’s website and social media channels for full Heritage Days details and parade information: https://www.salem400.org/
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Family Field Day is presented by the City of Salem, Salem 400+, Salem Boys & Girls Club, the Salem YMCA, and the City of Salem Parks & Recreation Department. The event is free and open to all Salem residents and their guests. Forest River Park is located at 151 West Ave, Salem, MA 01970. For more information, contact the Salem 400+ Coordinator, Virginia (‘Gini’) Cherol at vcherol@salem.com.
