Things to do with kids in Salem

Things to do with kids in Salem

1. Eat

   A&J King Artisan Bakers

   Opened in 2006, this bakery won a Best of Boston award from Boston Magazine in 2009 & 2012. Serves fresh breads & pastry, coffee & tea in a traditional cafe setting. Plenty of sammie options for breakfast and lunch. PB&J and Fluffernutters for the kids.

   8AM-3PM daily·$4-15

2. Do

   Bakers Island Light

   Essex Heritage Tours

   While this tour group offers several interesting walking tours, the real highlight is the excursions offered on their 32 foot vessel, Naumkeag. During the high season they offer trips to see Bakers Island Light and ​Misery Island. The trip is slightly adventurous, and visitors must be at least 4 years old and be able to withstand some light exposure to the elements. Most visit the island for 2.5 hours; but it is possible to camp overnight. Those with deep pockets may stay at the assistant keeper's house. Boat tours depart from the Salem Ferry dock.

   Wed-Sun 10AM-4PM·$35, children $25

3. Eat

   Boston Hot Dog Co.

   This family business run by the chef and owner churns out a wide selection of tubed meats. Get the basic, or go for something more artisanal like the Cubano. Shares additional reclaimed parking-spot outdoor space with Melt, just next door.

   Mon-Sat 11AM-4PM, Sun noon-4PM·$6-12

4. See

   Collins Cove Park

   Great combination park, sandy beach, and playground with encircling walking path. Provides excellent harbor views, and it's a perfect spot to let your kids get the wiggles out. Pretty, but check for broken glass in the sand before you decide to go for a dip.

   24 hours daily·Free

5. See

   Forest River Park

   Great option for meeting some locals, or for those visiting with children. You'll find plenty of swings, slides, and games scattered throughout these 30 acres. The stunning outdoor community pool opened in 2022 and provides sweeping vistas of the harbor. A 1930s era concrete slide remains ensconced in a hillside, perfect for those who really want to dislocate something. Parking for Pioneer Village is found here, see Do section for more.

   8AM-8PM daily·Free, parking $0.50/hour

6. See

   House of the Seven Gables

   Turner-Ingersoll Mansion

   One of the oldest surviving 17th-century wooden mansions in New England. Made famous by the eponymous 1851 Nathaniel Hawthorne novel. The oldest sections of the home date to 1668, when it was built for Captain John Turner and his family. The home has been altered and modified countless times over the centuries as family fortunes ebbed and flowed. Eventually; in 1908, wealthy philanthropist Caroline Emmerton purchased the home and set about effecting its restoration. Supervised by Boston's city architect; they restored the home to its former glory, making only the occasional sacrifice to historical accuracy. Visitors today will discover low ceilings, extensive Georgian paneling, and hidden staircases among hundreds of period curios. Walking the grounds is always a charming activity. The fresh ocean breezes are sure to invigorate. Also on site is the home where Nathaniel Hawthorne was born. It was moved here in 1958 and is worth a few minutes of your time.

   10AM-4PM daily·$20, $12 children 5-12, $5 grounds pass

7. See

   Narbonne House

   Built in 1675, this home wouldn't be added to the park until 1964. Acting as a counterpoint to some of the more grandiose structures, this is a remarkable example of a 17th century middle-class family home. Exhibits within the house showcase rare early ephemera and artifacts discovered during archeological digs on-site. The taller bits belong to the original structure, which remains (mostly) as it was when absorbed in the 1960s. The small adjacent sidewalk is a "hidden gem" entrance to the larger Salem Maritime National Historic Site.

   Irregular tours via Salem Armory Visitor Center·Free

8. See

   New England Pirate Museum

   The museum includes a walking tour that consists of an artifacts room, a recreation of life down by the docks where the pirates did their recruiting, and reenactments and representations of such famous pirates as Sam Bellamy, Captain Kidd, and Blackbeard. You can get $5 off tickets when you buy with Witch Dungeon Museum and Witch History Museum.

   10AM-5PM with extended hours in October·Adults $8, children 4-13yr $6, seniors $7

9. Drink

   Notch Brewing

   Notch focuses on central European style "sessionable" beers, rarely exceeding 5% alcohol. The brewers are quite talented and often win awards. There are a few noshables here like pretzels and Bavarian style brats, but feel free to bring whatever food you want in. Non-alcoholic sodas and coffee also available. The Biergarten is open year-round with a 200 person capacity. Dogs allowed, children allowed, snow allowed. No reservations, first come first served.

   Mon-Wed 4-10PM, Thu noon-10PM, Fri Sat noon-11PM, Sun noon-8PM

10. See

    Phillips House

    Grandiose in design, its construction began with the death of Elias Derby, one of America's first millionaires. After some squabbling over the inheritance, heir Nathaniel West completed the mansion in 1821. Four rooms from Elias' earlier home were moved to fashionable Chestnut Street to make up the core of the house. Purchased and restored in 1911 by Anna Phillips and her husband, they lived here until their deaths in 1955. Today the mansion is owned by Historic New England and showcases an eclectic collection of family heirlooms and historic technologies.

    Jun-Oct: Thu-Sun 11AM-4PM, tours on the hour·$15, $13 seniors, $7 children

11. See

    Pickering House

    Built in 1664 by John Pickering, a carpenter from Coventry; this is the oldest house in Salem. It's also the oldest home in America continuously owned by the same family. For over 330 years, each new generation of Pickering would alter the home to suit the times and their changing needs. Ceiling heights were raised, extra wings were constructed, and plenty of gothic detailing added for good measure. It's a great place to spend an hour if you're interested in discovering the details of lives lived long ago.

    Sun 10AM-3PM·$10, residents $5, children free

12. Do

    Salem Willows Arcade and Park

    An oceanfront neighborhood and amusement park with a bit of a carnival atmosphere. It's quite good fun, if you're looking for something slightly kitschy and definitely well loved. You'll find a merry-go-round and other rides for smaller children, and an arcade for the older ones. The arcade features video games, pinball, skiball, tickets & prizes, air-hockey tables, and so on. Unfortunately, the only real food options are low quality pizza and Chinese, which you may have to wait over 30 minutes for! The exception to this rule is E.W. Hobbs, well known for quality popcorn and ice cream. Feel free to bring your own eats, the grassy parks and beaches make perfect picnic spots. Parking is ample, and public restrooms are available. Historically, Salem Willows is named for the European white willow trees planted here in 1801. The trees created a shaded canopy for patients convalescing at a nearby smallpox hospital. The area became a public park in 1858, and in the 20th century it became a North Shore summer destination. The beaches here are a great spot to watch 4th of July fireworks; as you can see the shows put on by Salem, Beverly, and Marblehead.

    11AM-9PM daily·Free

13. Eat

    The Tin Whistle

    Get off the main drag and visit the Tin Whistle. A fun little hole in the wall with great family feel, food, and service. Typical pub offerings like a juke box, pool table, and dart board; with food specials most nights. They often host events and giveaways, and occasionally run charity fundraisers.

    Thu-Sun noon-1AM, Mon-Wed 3PM-midnight·$12-18

14. See

    The Witch House

    Jonathan Corwin House

    The Witch House is the last extant building with direct ties to the 1692 Salem witch trials. An excellent example of 17th-century architecture, it was probably built sometime between 1620 and 1642. Bought by Judge Jonathan Corwin in 1675, he would go on to live here for over forty years. As a local magistrate and civic leader, Corwin was called upon to investigate the claims of diabolical activity when a surge of witchcraft accusations arose in and around Salem. Eventually, he would send 19 people to the gallows, all of whom maintained their innocence and refused to admit to witchcraft. No interrogations or trials were conducted within the Witch House, nor were any of the accused brought here. The house remained in the Corwin family until the 1940s. At this time the Witch House was moved about 35 ft to its current location and was restored to its 17th century origins. Today it basically looks as it would have in Corwin's time, although the gambrel roof was altered.

15. See

    Witch Dungeon Museum

    Has witch trial reenactments. You can get $5 off tickets when you buy with New England Pirate Museum and Witch History Museum.

    10AM-5PM with extended hours in October·Adults $8, children 4-13 yr $6, seniors $7

16. See

    Witch History Museum

    The Salem Witch Museum is dedicated to the Salem witch trials. You can get $5 off tickets when you buy with New England Pirate Museum and Witch Dungeon Museum.

    10AM-5PM with extended hours in October·Adults $8, children 4-13yr $6, seniors $7

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Salem (CC BY-SA 4.0).