There are so many fun things to do in Salem, MA with kids throughout the year. Costumes are always on in Salem, but the city truly becomes Halloween Town through October. While Halloween has historically been packed with revelers, Witch City is always a great destination for an easy day trip or weekend getaway because there are always things to do in Salem.
It’s easy to promise families year-round fun in this historic walkable town with our list of the top things to do in Salem, MA with kids. For more fun things to do this October, we’ve rounded up the best kids Halloween events near Boston and loaded up our Halloween Guide with the best of spooky season.
Editor’s Note: Salem is a very popular destination in October, particularly on weekends. Local officials have asked visitors to find alternatives to driving into Salem in October. Be sure and have a plan for your excursion. Consult local resources for parking & directions and consider public transportation alternatives.
Salem Haunted Happenings Marketplace photo courtesy of Destination Salem.
Salem Witch Museum and More Fun Things To Do in Salem, MA
1. Salem Haunted Happenings Festival
The entire month of October is the annual Salem Haunted Happenings Festival, with tons of not-so-scary events to take your family to. There’s even an app for that!
2. Salem Witch Museum
The old-school presentation at the Salem Witch Museum will give you and your kids an overview of the 1692 Salem Witch Trials. The museum also serves as a great jumping-off point for other witchy stops along your Salem tour.
3. Salem Kids Walking Tour
Take a Salem Kids Walking Tour, geared toward younger children to learn about the history of the town, from the famous Witchcraft Trials to a missing ship to a moving graveyard.
4. Salem So Sweet Festival
Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate and Ice Festival in February is a delicious excuse for a visit. This week-long festival features ice sculptures around town. And of course, there are tasty chocolate treats and tastings at participating stores and vendors.
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Salem’s Peabody Essex Museum has art, history, and more. Photo courtesy of Mommy Poppins
5. Peabody Essex Museum
On rainy or cold days (or any day), the Peabody Essex Museum is a great indoor activity. This museum makes a huge effort to welcome even its littlest visitors; there is drop-in art-making and age-appropriate stories for exploring the galleries.
6. Ropes Mansion and Garden Museum
Operated by the Peabody Essex Museum, the Ropes Mansion and Garden Museum features free self-guided tours of one of the most historic homes in Massachusetts. In the spring, over 5,000 flowers are planted in the mansion’s expansive gardens.
7. More Witch Museum Fun
Salem is called Witch City for a reason. If you want to learn even more about its history, stop by the Witch Dungeon Museum and Witch History Museum.
8. Salem Willows Park
Take a trip back in time to a simpler era at the Salem Willows Park, which houses arcades, mini golf, kiddie rides, restaurants, and green space. Don’t miss the famous popcorn at Hobbs!
The gaff-rigged Schooner Fame is a working 19th-century replica that sets sail across Salem Sound.
9. Sail on the Fame of Salem
Get out on the water and go across Salem Sound to view its many islands on the old world gaff-rigged Schooner Fame, docked right at Pickering Wharf. The Fame is a full-scale replica of the first American privateer schooner that set out to sea during the War of 1812.
10. Salem Woods
Salem is a busy little city, but it’s also home to a beautiful 129-acre nature area called the Salem Woods. Head there to hike, look for wildlife, and get a break from the hustle and bustle of downtown.
11. Show Some Pride
North Shore’s Pride Parade and Festival in June draws huge crowds of all ages for a fun day filled with live music, a dedicated kids zone, and more.
12. New England Pirate Museum
If you have little buccaneers, be sure to visit the New England Pirate Museum where you can explore caves for hidden treasures.
13. House of the Seven Gables
Salem’s House of the Seven Gables is said to have inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s book of the same name. Take a tour of this historic landmark while you’re in town.
14. Salem Maritime National Historic Site
You could spend a whole day just exploring the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. First, stop at the U.S. Custom House (where famous author Nathaniel Hawthorne once worked). Walk on the tall ship the Friendship of Salem, and on dry days walk further to the Light Station.
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Stop in to Red’s for one of the best sandwiches in Salem, MA. Photo courtesy of Red’s Sandwich Shop
Best Restaurants in Salem, MA for Families
15. Red’s Sandwich Shop
Follow the locals to the cozy Red’s Sandwich Shop for everything from omelets packed with add-ins to lobster rolls.
16. Finz
While exploring the wharf, take a break from a meal at the waterfront restaurant, Finz. This dockside eatery will please everyone’s palates with a mix of fresh seafood and a children’s menu.
17. Rockafellas
Conveniently located on Salem’s downtown pedestrian mall, Rockafellas serves sophisticated yet family-friendly American fare in a warm atmosphere. It’s the perfect stop for a pit-stop when visiting Salem.
18. King’s Roast Beef
The North Shore is known for its roast beef sandwiches, so no trip to Salem would be complete without one. Those in the know swear by King’s.
19. Coffee Time Bake Shop
While strolling the town, be sure to stop into Coffee Time Bake Shop for a delicious hot chocolate to warm you up. Go traditional or try one of their specialties like the spicy Mexican Hot Chocolate, Peppermint Patty or Chocolate Covered Cherries Hot Cocoa.
20. Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie
Salem is steeped in history, so it’s no surprise that it’s home to America’s oldest candy business, Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie. Stop by to stock up on their famous Gibralters, the first candy sold in America.
Ferries to Salem, MA make day trips from Boston a breeze! Photo courtesy of salem.org
Salem, MA—Getting There and Getting Around
21. Salem Ferry
Ditch the car and head to Salem via the Boston Harbor Cruises one-hour fast ferry. The ferry departs from Long Wharf in Boston and runs seasonally from May through the end of October. This will make even getting to Salem a fun part of the day!
22. Salem Trolley
One of the best ways to see the city without getting burned out is by climbing aboard the Salem Trolley. Get on and off at any of its 13 stops while learning about the city during the guided tour along the way.
Best Hotels in Salem, MA for Families
23. Salem Waterfront Hotels and Suites
There’s so much to do you can make a weekend trip out of it. Book a room at the family-friendly Salem Waterfront Hotels and Suites located right on Pickering Wharf. Be sure to pack bathing suits because this hotel has a great indoor pool you can use year-round.
24. Hawthorne Hotel
The Hawthorne Hotel is a landmark, having served visitors to Salem MA for almost a century. Past guests have included presidents and movie stars. Some guests have reported haunting experiences—maybe don’t share that with the kids until after you check out!
25. Hampton Inn Salem-Boston
Located close to the downtown attractions of Salem MA, the Hampton Inn Salem has a great location. It also has features that families love, like an indoor pool and a complimentary breakfast.
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