Most individuals know of Salem Massachusetts as the house of the Salem Witch Trials. As you’d count on, it’s a preferred place to go to in October round Halloween as a result of it is one of the widespread Halloween locations in the USA. Nevertheless, this waterfront metropolis in New England has a lot to supply year-round.
Whether or not you’re fascinated by the Salem Witch Trials or get pleasure from quaint cities by the water, Salem, Massachusetts, is a superb place to go to. If you’re contemplating a visit, listed below are some issues to do in Salem MA with youngsters.
And, in case you are all in favour of visiting Salem in October, we have got you lined. Carry on studying for extra details about Halloween in Salem.
It’s essential to notice that whereas Salem is certainly kid-friendly, there could also be a number of scary figures and statues across the metropolis. Simply preserve that in thoughts when visiting with youthful youngsters. You’ll see extra of those round October, as Salem is among the hottest locations for Halloween journey.
The vast majority of these prime issues to do in Salem, MA, are inside strolling distance of one another. Most don’t have parking, so it’s greatest to park and stroll throughout your go to. It may be difficult to discover a spot in October, so preserve that in thoughts. Public transportation can also be accessible and could also be a greater choice through the Halloween season.
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Issues to Do in Salem MA With Youngsters
Location of Salem
Salem is positioned North of Boston and is a few 40-45 minute drive away. Boston’s Logan Worldwide Airport is the closest airport. When you arrive in Salem, a lot of the metropolis may be very walkable. If you happen to plan a household trip to Boston, contemplate making a day journey to Salem.
Salem Heritage Path
If you happen to’re not sure the place to start out in Salem, contemplate starting with the Salem Heritage Path. This pink line on the sidewalks throughout city will lead you to numerous websites within the metropolis showcasing Salem’s historical past. It consists of stops at the preferred locations all through Salem.
This web page consists of some instructed routes for following the path. There are a number of totally different locations to start out. Observe {that a} challenge started in 2020 for the Heritage Path. The plan is to alter the road’s colour from pink to a brand new colour.
Peabody Essex Museum
If you’re contemplating doing one thing fully totally different from the Salem Witch points of interest, the Peabody Essex Museum is a superb choice. This stunning artwork museum, positioned within the middle of city, options a big assortment of maritime and Asian artwork.
Households will benefit from the Artwork and Nature Heart. It options artwork and nature shows, hands-on displays, and areas the place youngsters can create their very own art work. Dated tickets can be found for buy on-line.
Salem Maritime Nationwide Historic Web site
This stunning Nationwide Park consists of ten historic buildings/constructions on 9 acres of land. There’s additionally a duplicate tall ship, the Friendship of Salem. Grounds, trails, and wharves are open each day, whereas the buildings observe a seasonal opening schedule.
You can too discover the waterfront space, which is totally stunning. To boost your go to, you possibly can observe certainly one of two self-guided strolling excursions on the Nationwide Park Service app, which you must obtain earlier than you permit for Salem.
The Home of the Seven Gables
This nonprofit museum is a former colonial mansion made well-known by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel. Company to the mansion may also go to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s birthplace.
There are a number of issues that children will get pleasure from on the Home of Seven Gables, together with the Youngsters’ Cove on the Counting Home and the Dwelling Historical past Labs. There are additionally particular applications that happen throughout college holidays.
The guided tour of the home lasts round 45 minutes, and then you definitely’ll have the ability to stroll by way of the attractive gardens and grounds. Floor excursions are additionally accessible.
Salem Museums
There are tons of small museums in Salem. Most of them are a bit kitschy and quirky, however will be enjoyable. Simply remember to set your expectations beforehand. It’s greatest to decide on one or two locations that align with what your loved ones hopes to study and expertise. These museums will be a few of the greatest locations to go to with youngsters in Salem.
The Salem Witch Museum
Arguably the preferred witch-themed museum in Salem, the Salem Witch Museum will be very talked-about. The museum is split into two sections.
First, you’ll be introduced into a big room the place the primary presentation occurs. 13 units across the room are illuminated as you hear in regards to the witch trials.
The second a part of the museum is extra conventional, that includes displays that showcase the evolution of witchcraft. We discovered the museum to be very informative, and the children actually loved it. If you’re within the historical past of the witch trials, it’s price a go to.
Throughout our September go to, the road to enter was fairly quick. However in October, the road snakes across the sidewalk. As with all widespread points of interest, arrive early to keep away from strains and crowds. It is one of many extra widespread issues to do in Salem with youngsters.
Different museums are positioned all through the town, together with the Pirate Museum, the Witch Dungeon Museum, the Salem Wax Museum of Witches and Seafarers, and the Salem Witch Village.
Strolling Excursions in Salem
Salem is extremely walkable, and also you’ll discover a wide range of strolling excursions. The Candlelit Ghostly Strolling Tour takes place seasonally. Uncover the varied spirits that inhabit the native buildings. It is the longest-running strolling tour on the town.
The Bewitched After Darkish—Bewitched Historic Tour journey is appropriate for youths. It’s free for youths underneath the age of seven and lasts about 2 hours. It teaches the actual historical past of Salem.
The Salem Museum’s Haunted Pirate Excursions are applicable for all ages and embrace admission to the Salem Museum. This tour lasts roughly an hour and consists of tales in regards to the pirates that cruise the world.
Procuring in Salem
The cobblestone streets on the town (in addition to Pickering Wharf) are lined with quirky and quaint little retailers. Throughout Halloween, you’ll additionally discover kiosks round the primary streets, together with Essex Avenue. There’s additionally Artists’ Row on New Derby Avenue, the place you will discover handcrafted gadgets.
My youngsters’ favourite cease is the Ye Olde Pepper Companie on Derby Avenue. This small sweet store is America’s Oldest Sweet Store and gives packed arduous candies, fudge, and handcrafted sweets.
Boat Tour
Depart from Salem on the duplicate of the 1812 ship FAME. Departing from Pickering Wharf and working for about an hour and forty-five minutes.
If you’re all in favour of a whale watch, contemplate visiting close by Gloucester, MA. There, you’ll discover a number of totally different whale watch operators.
Arcade Video games
If you wish to cease to play some arcade video games, try the Salem Willows Arcade. This waterfront arcade gives conventional arcade video games in addition to bumper vehicles. It’s greatest to drive there, because it’s a little bit of a stroll from the primary space.
Cemeteries
There are three historic cemeteries in Salem: Constitution Avenue Cemetery, Howard Avenue Cemetery, and Broad Avenue Cemetery. If you happen to determine to do a strolling tour, these could also be included in your go to.
Salem Trolley
This pink trolley features a narrated one-hour tour and an all-day hop-on, hop-off shuttle service. Tickets will be bought on-line. If you happen to go to through the Christmas season, you possibly can take a seasonal holiday-themed tour.
Hocus Pocus
Trying to go to the Hocus Pocus home? It is a personal house, and no excursions can be found. This web site offers you an summary of a few of the filming areas.
Halloween in Salem
Salem celebrates Halloween for the entire month of October with its Salem Haunted Happenings occasion. In the course of the month, there are a number of family-friendly occasions, together with enjoyable actions for youthful youngsters. In previous years, a few of the greatest issues to do for the entire household have included:
- The Grand Parade, at first of the month
- Depraved Wednesdays, which incorporates totally different occasions every week, like face portray, music, and crafts
- Magic Present
- Haunted Happenings Market
- Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade
- Trick or Treating
- Fairy Door Path
- Pumpkin Stroll
- Household Film Nights on the Frequent
Learn extra right here – occasions differ all through the month. That web site is a superb information to visiting and even consists of data on close by public restrooms.
If you wish to go to the Salem space throughout Halloween, it is essential to know a number of issues. Halloween is well known all through October. Many individuals go in costume, and a few of these will be scary.
It is also an especially busy time of the 12 months in Salem. Parking is at a really excessive premium, so be ready. There is a free shuttle that runs on the weekends and that’s an effective way to keep away from the frustration of in search of parking.
If you happen to do not particularly wish to go to this space due to Salem, October most likely is not the very best time of the 12 months to go to.
You’ll find data on the free shuttle right here.
The place to Eat in Salem with Youngsters
There are a great deal of eating places in Salem and meals vehicles that go to. Listed here are some family-friendly choices:
Howling Wolf Taqueria – This funky Mexican restaurant gives a youngsters’ menu.
Bambolina – That is our favourite native spot. It gives small plates, pizza, craft beers, and wines. Whereas there isn’t a particular youngsters’ menu, they will make plain pasta or pizza for youths.
The Lobster Shanty – I didn’t eat there, however walked by and noticed the delicious-looking lobster rolls. If you would like seafood in Salem, this could be a terrific choice.
The place to Keep in Salem
A number of inns in Salem are proper downtown. We drive there once we go to, however if you wish to keep, listed below are a number of choices:
Salem Waterfront Lodge and Suites
