Most people know of Salem Massachusetts as the home of the Salem Witch Trials. As you’d expect, it’s a popular place to visit in October around Halloween because it’s one of the most popular Halloween destinations in the United States. However, this waterfront city in New England has so much to offer year-round.
Whether you are fascinated by the Salem Witch Trials or enjoy quaint cities by the water, Salem, Massachusetts, is a great place to visit. If you are considering a trip, here are some things to do in Salem MA with kids.
And, if you are interested in visiting Salem in October, we’ve got you covered. Keep on reading for more information about Halloween in Salem.
It’s important to note that while Salem is definitely kid-friendly, there may be a few scary figures and statues around the city. Just keep that in mind when visiting with younger kids. You’ll see more of these around October, as Salem is one of the most popular places for Halloween travel.
The majority of these top things to do in Salem, MA, are within walking distance of each other. Most do not have parking, so it’s best to park and walk during your visit. It can be challenging to find a spot in October, so keep that in mind. Public transportation is also available and may be a better option during the Halloween season.
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Things to Do in Salem MA With Kids
Location of Salem
Salem is located North of Boston and is about a 40-45 minute drive away. Boston’s Logan International Airport is the closest airport. Once you arrive in Salem, most of the city is very walkable. If you plan a family vacation to Boston, Salem is a great day trip.
Salem Heritage Trail
If you aren’t sure where to go in Salem, consider starting with the Salem Heritage Trail. This red line on the sidewalks across town will lead you to various sites in the city showcasing Salem’s history. It includes stops at the most popular destinations throughout Salem.
This page includes some suggested routes for following the trail. There are several different places to start. Note that a project began in 2020 for the Heritage Trail. The plan is to change the line’s color from red to a new color.
Peabody Essex Museum
If you are considering doing something completely different from the Salem Witch attractions, the Peabody Essex Museum is a great option. This beautiful art museum is in the center of town and features a large collection of maritime and Asian art.
Families will enjoy the Art and Nature Center. It includes art and nature displays, hands-on exhibits, and areas where kids can create their own art. Dated tickets are available for purchase online.
Salem Maritime National Historic Site
This beautiful National Park includes ten historic buildings/structures on nine acres of land. There’s also a replica tall ship, the Friendship of Salem. Grounds, trails, and wharves are open daily, while the buildings follow a seasonal opening schedule.
You can also explore the waterfront area, which is absolutely beautiful. To enhance your visit, you can follow one of two self-guided walking tours on the National Park Service app, which you should download before you leave for Salem.
The House of the Seven Gables
This nonprofit museum is a former colonial mansion made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel. Guests to the mansion can also visit Nathaniel Hawthorne’s birthplace.
There are several things that kids will enjoy at the House of Seven Gables, including the Kids’ Cove at the Counting House and the Living History Labs. There are also special programs that take place during school vacations.
The guided tour of the house lasts around 45 minutes, and then you’ll be able to walk through the beautiful gardens and grounds. Ground tours are also available. If you can’t travel to Salem, virtual tours, some of which come with a VR headset, are available for purchase.
Salem Museums
There are tons of small museums in Salem. Most of them are a bit kitschy and quirky but can be fun. Just be sure to set your expectations before you go. It’s best to choose one or two places that fit with what your family is hoping to learn about and experience. These museums can be some of the best places to visit with kids in Salem.
The Salem Witch Museum
Arguably the most popular witch-themed museum in Salem, the Salem Witch Museum can be very popular. There are two sections of the museum.
First, you’ll be brought into a large room where the main presentation happens. Thirteen sets around the room are illuminated as you hear about the witch trials.
The second part of the museum is more traditional, with exhibits showcasing the evolution of witchcraft. We found the museum to be very informative, and the kids really enjoyed it. If you are interested in the history of the witch trials, it’s worth a visit.
During our September visit, the line to enter was pretty short. But in October, the line snakes around the sidewalk. As with all popular attractions, arrive early to avoid lines and crowds. It’s one of the more popular things to do in Salem with kids.
Other museums are located throughout the city, including the Pirate Museum, the Witch Dungeon Museum, the Salem Wax Museum of Witches and Seafarers, and the Salem Witch Village.
Walking Tours in Salem
Salem is incredibly walkable, and you’ll find a variety of walking tours. The Candlelit Ghostly Walking Tour takes place seasonally. Learn about the various spirits living in the local buildings and how to take ghostly pictures. It’s the longest-running walking tour in town.
The Bewitched After Dark—Bewitched Historical Tour trip is kid-friendly. It’s free for kids under the age of 7 and lasts about 2 hours. It teaches the real history of Salem.
The Salem Museum’s Haunted Pirate Tours are appropriate for all ages and include admission to the Salem Museum. This tour runs for about an hour and includes stories about the pirates that cruise around the area.
Shopping in Salem
The cobblestone streets in town (as well as Pickering Wharf) are lined with quirky and quaint little shops. During Halloween, you’ll also find kiosks around the main streets, including Essex Street. There’s also Artists’ Row on New Derby Street, where you can find handcrafted items.
My kids’ favorite stop is the Ye Olde Pepper Companie on Derby Street. This small candy shop is America’s Oldest Candy shop and offers packed hard candies, fudge, and handcrafted chocolates.
Boat Tour
Depart from Salem on the replica of the 1812 ship FAME. Departing from Pickering Wharf and running for about an hour and forty-five minutes.
If you are interested in a whale watch, you’ll want to go to nearby Gloucester, MA. There, you’ll find several different whale watch operators.
Arcade Games
If you want to stop to play some arcade games, check out the Salem Willows Arcade. This waterfront arcade offers traditional arcade games as well as bumper cars. It’s best to drive there, as it’s a bit of a walk from the main area.
Cemeteries
There are three historical cemeteries in Salem: Charter Street Cemetery, Howard Street Cemetery, and Broad Street Cemetery. If you decide to do a walking tour, these may be included in your visit.
Salem Trolley
This red trolley includes a narrated one-hour tour and an all-day hop-on, hop-off shuttle service. Tickets can be purchased online. If you visit during the Christmas season, you can take a seasonal holiday-themed tour.
Hocus Pocus
Looking to visit the Hocus Pocus house? It’s a private home, and no tours are available. This website gives you an overview of some of the filming locations.
Halloween in Salem
Salem celebrates Halloween for the whole month of October with its Salem Haunted Happenings event. During the month, there are several family-friendly events, including fun activities for younger children. In past years, some of the best things to do for the whole family have included:
- The Grand Parade, at the beginning of the month
- Wicked Wednesdays, which includes different events each week, like face painting, music, and crafts
- Magic Show
- Haunted Happenings Marketplace
- Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade
- Trick or Treating
- Fairy Door Trail
- Pumpkin Walk
- Family Movie Nights on the Common
Read more here – events vary throughout the month. That website is a great guide to visiting and even includes information on nearby public restrooms.
If you want to visit the Salem area during Halloween, it’s important to know a few things. Halloween is celebrated throughout October. Many people go in costume, and some of these can be scary.
It’s also an extremely busy time of the year in Salem. Parking is at a very high premium, so be prepared. There’s a free shuttle that runs on the weekends and that is a great way to avoid the frustration of looking for parking.
If you don’t specifically want to visit this area because of Salem, October probably isn’t the best time of the year to visit.
You can find information on the free shuttle here.
Where to Eat in Salem with Kids
There are loads of restaurants in Salem and food trucks that visit. Here are some family-friendly options:
Howling Wolf Taqueria – This funky Mexican restaurant offers a kids’ menu.
Bambolina – This is our favorite local spot. It offers small plates, pizza, craft beers, and wines. While there isn’t a specific kids’ menu, they can make plain pasta or pizza for kids.
The Lobster Shanty – I didn’t eat there, but walked by and saw the delicious-looking lobster rolls. If you want seafood in Salem, this would be a great option.
Where to Stay in Salem
Several hotels in Salem are right downtown. We drive there when we visit, but if you want to stay, here are a few options:
Salem Waterfront Hotel and Suites (the only hotel with a pool in Salem)
