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 some of the fashionable Halloween locations in the USA. Nonetheless, 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 take pleasure in quaint cities by the water, Salem, Massachusetts, is a superb place to go to. In case you are contemplating a visit, listed here are some issues to do in Salem MA with youngsters.
And, if you’re all for visiting Salem in October, we have got you lined. Carry on studying for extra details about Halloween in Salem.
It’s necessary to notice that whereas Salem is certainly kid-friendly, there could also be just a few scary figures and statues across the metropolis. Simply hold that in thoughts when visiting with youthful youngsters. You’ll see extra of those round October, as Salem is likely one of the hottest locations for Halloween journey.
Nearly all of these high issues to do in Salem, MA, are inside strolling distance of one another. Most would not 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 hold that in thoughts. Public transportation can be accessible and could also be a greater choice throughout the Halloween season.
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Issues to Do in Salem MA With Youngsters
Location of Salem
Salem is situated 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, many of the metropolis could be very walkable. In case you plan a household trip to Boston, think about making a day journey to Salem.
Salem Heritage Path
In case you’re not sure the place to begin in Salem, think about starting with the Salem Heritage Path. This crimson line on the sidewalks throughout city will lead you to numerous websites within the metropolis showcasing Salem’s historical past. It contains stops at the most well-liked locations all through Salem.
This web page contains some prompt routes for following the path. There are a number of totally different locations to begin. Be aware {that a} mission started in 2020 for the Heritage Path. The plan is to alter the road’s shade from crimson to a brand new shade.
Peabody Essex Museum
In case you are 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, situated within the middle of city, options a big assortment of maritime and Asian artwork.
Households will benefit from the Artwork and Nature Middle. It options artwork and nature shows, hands-on displays, and areas the place kids 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 contains ten historic buildings/constructions on 9 acres of land. There’s additionally a reproduction tall ship, the Friendship of Salem. Grounds, trails, and wharves are open every day, whereas the buildings comply with a seasonal opening schedule.
You can too discover the waterfront space, which is completely stunning. To boost your go to, you’ll be able to comply with one among two self-guided strolling excursions on the Nationwide Park Service app, which it’s best to obtain earlier than you allow 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 can even go to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s birthplace.
There are a number of issues that youngsters will take pleasure in on the Home of Seven Gables, together with the Youngsters’ Cove on the Counting Home and the Residing Historical past Labs. There are additionally particular packages that happen throughout faculty holidays.
The guided tour of the home lasts round 45 minutes, and then you definately’ll be capable of stroll via 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 may be enjoyable. Simply you’ll want to set your expectations beforehand. It’s greatest to decide on one or two locations that align with what your loved ones hopes to find out about and expertise. These museums may be a few of the greatest locations to go to with youngsters in Salem.
The Salem Witch Museum
Arguably the most well-liked witch-themed museum in Salem, the Salem Witch Museum may be highly regarded. The museum is split into two sections.
First, you’ll be introduced into a big room the place the principle presentation occurs. 13 units across the room are illuminated as you hear concerning 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 youngsters actually loved it. In case you are within the historical past of the witch trials, it’s value 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 fashionable points of interest, arrive early to keep away from strains and crowds. It is one of many extra fashionable issues to do in Salem with youngsters.
Different museums are situated 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 quite a lot of strolling excursions. The Candlelit Ghostly Strolling Tour takes place seasonally. Uncover the assorted 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 teenagers. It’s free for teenagers below 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 contains tales concerning the pirates that cruise the realm.
Purchasing in Salem
The cobblestone streets on the town (in addition to Pickering Wharf) are lined with quirky and quaint little outlets. Throughout Halloween, you’ll additionally discover kiosks round the principle streets, together with Essex Avenue. There’s additionally Artists’ Row on New Derby Avenue, the place yow 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 affords packed arduous candies, fudge, and handcrafted goodies.
Boat Tour
Depart from Salem on the reproduction of the 1812 ship FAME. Departing from Pickering Wharf and working for about an hour and forty-five minutes.
In case you are all for a whale watch, think about 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, take a look at the Salem Willows Arcade. This waterfront arcade affords conventional arcade video games in addition to bumper automobiles. It’s greatest to drive there, because it’s a little bit of a stroll from the principle space.
Cemeteries
There are three historic cemeteries in Salem: Constitution Avenue Cemetery, Howard Avenue Cemetery, and Broad Avenue Cemetery. In case you resolve to do a strolling tour, these could also be included in your go to.
Salem Trolley
This crimson trolley features a narrated one-hour tour and an all-day hop-on, hop-off shuttle service. Tickets may be bought on-line. In case you go to throughout the Christmas season, you’ll be able to take a seasonal holiday-themed tour.
Hocus Pocus
Seeking to go to the Hocus Pocus home? It is a non-public residence, and no excursions can be found. This web site provides you an outline 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. Throughout the month, there are a number of family-friendly occasions, together with enjoyable actions for youthful kids. In previous years, a few of the greatest issues to do for the entire household have included:
- The Grand Parade, originally 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 Widespread
Learn extra right here – occasions range all through the month. That web site is a superb information to visiting and even contains info on close by public restrooms.
If you wish to go to the Salem space throughout Halloween, it is necessary to know just a few issues. Halloween is widely known all through October. Many individuals go in costume, and a few of these may be scary.
It is also an especially busy time of the yr 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.
In case you do not particularly wish to go to this space due to Salem, October most likely is not the very best time of the yr to go to.
You’ll find info 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 vans that go to. Listed below are some family-friendly choices:
Howling Wolf Taqueria – This funky Mexican restaurant affords a youngsters’ menu.
Bambolina – That is our favourite native spot. It affords small plates, pizza, craft beers, and wines. Whereas there isn’t a selected youngsters’ menu, they’ll make plain pasta or pizza for teenagers.
The Lobster Shanty – I didn’t eat there, however walked by and noticed the delicious-looking lobster rolls. If you’d like seafood in Salem, this might be a terrific choice.
The place to Keep in Salem
A number of lodges in Salem are proper downtown. We drive there after we go to, however if you wish to keep, listed here are just a few choices:
Salem Waterfront Resort and Suites
