12 Fun Things to Do in Salem, MA with Kids — Family-Friendly Activities!
Is it possible that you could squeeze in a family vacation this year?
Assuming this is the case, a trip to Salem could be a fantastic bonding experience for you and your group.
Spend valuable time together exploring the city and learning about its fascinating witchy history at exciting festivals and on exciting tours.
You could also visit a museum, sample local delicacies, or spend the day relaxing in a park.
Salem, Massachusetts, is a beautiful destination for families looking for a memorable vacation.
Look at the list I made just for you down below.
- Boston Harbor Cruises
One of the most remarkable ways to see Salem is from the sea, and Boston Harbor Cruises is the company to call.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Salem is filled with exciting things to do with the kids, such as taking a cruise on Boston Harbor.
You and the kids may take in the views from the comfort of a modern double-decker vessel, making this an ideal excursion.
While drinking beverages and munching on sandwiches, you and your spouse may unwind and enjoy the scenery.
Popcorn, pretzels, cereals, fresh fruits, and chips are all great options for kid-friendly snacks.
Recommended Ages
Parents with children of varying ages will enjoy this famous excursion.
- Salem Haunted Happenings Festival
Each year in October, Salem hosts the spectacular Haunted Happenings Festival.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
The Salem Haunted Happenings Festival is one of the top family-friendly events in the city.
With the kids in tow, you can participate in a wide variety of events throughout this excellent festival, from watching family-friendly films on Family Film Nights to a live concert.
Other fun activities include going to a Halloween ball, shopping at a street fair, checking out some haunted houses, marching in a costumed parade, and witnessing some engaging theater shows.
Recommended Ages
At the Salem Haunted Happenings Festival, young people of all ages are warmly welcomed.
On the other hand, it’s best for kids over two.
- Salem Witch Museum
In 1972, a museum was established to preserve the memory of the Salem witch trials that took place the previous year.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
The Salem Witch Museum is a must-see if you’re looking for an exciting day excursion in Salem with the kids.
Explore displays, including full-scale recreations of theaters, view documentaries about the famed witch trials, and take in dramatic readings and performances.
You can also enjoy informative guided tours and discussions on witchcraft, witch hunting, and related topics as a group.
Recommended Ages
While the Salem Witch Museum welcomes visitors of all ages, younger children may find it too frightening and may benefit from waiting until they are at least seven before going.
- Witch Pix
Put on a costume and visit Witch Pix, a photo studio that has won numerous awards.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Need ideas for family-friendly souvenirs to take home from Salem?
I think you’d enjoy a quick trip to Witch Pix if that’s the case, so I hope you’ll consider it today.
When you and your kids get into costume and pose for many pictures in various themed backdrops, it makes for the perfect photo op.
Magick Avenue is one of many available options, and it’s great for kids because it’s straightforward.
Recommended Ages
Any young children, from infants to preteens, will enjoy visiting Witch Pix.
- Salem Kids Walking Tour
A family-friendly walking tour of Salem lasting one hour, led by guides dressed in period costumes, is available.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
I highly recommend the Salem Kids Walking Tour if you’re seeking the best places to take your children on a family vacation.
Teenagers and younger children will appreciate this tour just as much as you do, as they will visit some of the area’s most popular tourist spots, many of which are associated with witchcraft.
Travel to exciting locations such as the former residence of a judge involved in the witch trials, various historic homes, a cemetery, and more.
Recommended Ages
All ages are welcome on the Salem Kids Walking Tour, although those over five and their older relatives will get the most out of it.
- Salem Trolley
Since its founding in 1982, Salem Trolley has become a premier provider of daily narrated sightseeing trips.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
A trip with Salem Trolley is an excellent option if you’re looking for low-cost activities to do with your kids this weekend.
Share quality time while seeing twelve of Salem’s most exciting destinations, including fascinating museums, landmarks, and more.
Special event trips, such as Halloween and Christmas tours, are also available.
Recommended Ages
Salem Trolley welcomes guests of all ages to join its entertaining trips, while school-aged youngsters will especially enjoy themselves.
- House of the Seven Gables
A colonial residence built in 1668, “The House of the Seven Gables” is a famous landmark in the United States.
It has several other names, including “Turner House” and “Turner-Ingersoll Mansion.”
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
The lovely house museum is a beautiful way to take the kids on a trip back in time.
It’s a city landmark thanks to its Colonial and Georgian architecture.
Regardless of the time of year, you and your kids will find something to do here.
For instance, visitors can try out historical recreations of popular toys and games in the Living History Labs.
Recommended Ages
An evergreen piece of writing, The House of the Seven Gables stands the test of time. Kids under five are allowed in at no cost.
- Flatbread Company
The Flatbread Company, one of the top pizza restaurants in town, also includes four lanes for bowling.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Taking the kids (or teens) out to a fantastic meal at this excellent restaurant is one of the nicest things to do in Salem.
The traditional clay oven makes for delicious pizza, and there are also gluten-free and vegetarian alternatives for you and the kids to enjoy.
You can have an excellent time bowling while you wait for your food.
Recommended Ages
The Flatbread Company opens its doors to visitors of all ages.
- Peabody Essex Museum
Since its founding in 1799, the Peabody Essex Museum has amassed a staggering collection of at least 840,000 works of art.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Visit this fantastic museum, where you and your children may have a delightful time steeped in art, for local family-friendly activities.
Participate in scavenger hunts, witness live performances such as dance recitals, and engage in art-related activities with your children.
It is also Salem’s best location for viewing masterpieces worldwide, including Africa, Asia, and Oceania.
Recommended Ages
The Peabody Essex Museum is a terrific place to visit while traveling with a baby or a teenager because it rents strollers.
- Salem Witch Trials Memorial
Twenty people lost their lives during the Salem Witch Trials in 1692, and inscriptions memorialize their stories on granite stones in a serene park called the Salem Witch Trials Memorial.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Take your time as a family and enjoy a relaxing day at the Salem Witch Trials Memorial.
You can pay your respects to the 14 women and six men who were wrongfully convicted of being witches by spending time reading the numerous inscriptions on the stones.
Recommended Ages
This attraction is better suited to your older children because of the relative silence.
- Salem Maritime National Historic Site
Nine acres make up the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, which has been around since March 1938.
Twelve historical buildings are included, making it one of Salem’s most visited sites.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
For the ultimate family fun in Salem, Massachusetts, head to the Salem Maritime National Historic Site.
There are various fun choices, such as junior ranger programs in the summer, arts & crafts in the park, and more.
You can pick up some kid-friendly coloring books and activity sheets at the information desk to keep the little ones occupied while you tour the park.
Recommended Ages
Your older children will love the junior ranger programs, and there are even activities for your younger children to enjoy.
- Salem Willows Arcade
Guests of the Salem Willows Hotel can choose from a wide variety of arcade games and virtual attractions in the arcade.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Spending quality family time at this fantastic arcade is one of the most rewarding things to do in Salem, Massachusetts, with kids.
Create lifelong recollections by playing various games, going on a virtual roller coaster ride, or having a blast with a round of air hockey.
In addition to those mentioned above, you can also play basketball, ride bumper cars, and refuel with an ice cream cone.
Recommended Ages
Your children, ages three and up, will have a blast at this popular arcade that won’t break the bank.