Is there any place better for Halloween? Known now as “Witch City” This historic New England city pulls out all the stops for this haunted holiday! Over 500,000 visitors cast a spell in the small town of Salem during the month of October – and yes, it’s everything you would imagine it to be and more. Every store, restaurant, cafe, and attraction are themed for the occasion. The town literally becomes the embodiment of Halloween – with endless spooky sights, decor, events, tours, and haunted shenanigans.
Salem in October is a scene – which means long lines and crowds of devoted fans who love Halloween and witchery. Think of it as a Ren Fair for Halloween – many come in costume! Expect groups of witches and monsters and a party scene like no other. But have no fear – there is still a family-friendly visit to have here! Many of the attractions cater to kids and there are plenty of activities and events for little Halloween fanatics of all ages.
Ready to get spooked? Here are our top 13 wickedly fun picks on what to see in Salem Massachusetts with kids.
Salem Witch Museum
The Salem Witch Museum offers historical presentations with wax figures. The experience ushers groups of people to the middle of the church where they tell the story of the 1693 Salem Witch Trials through illuminated life-sized wax-figure vignette stage sets. While the effects may feel dated in comparison to other experiences, the booming voice-over narration is dramatic, and part of the allure. It continues to be one of the most popular stops in Salem. Heads up: Tickets go on sale online, shortly after midnight for the SAME DAY ONLY. Be up and ready because they sell out quickly. 19 1/2 N Washington Square, Salem, MA. salemwitchmuseum.com
The Witch House
One of the most famous houses in Salem! It once belonged to one of the judges who convicted the witches, Jonathan Corwin. He allowed “spectral evidence” (evidence based upon dreams or visions) in the trial, which ultimately sent 19 people to the gallows. All 19 refused to admit to witchcraft and maintained their innocence. The aptly named Witch House was Corwin’s home. It is the only structure still standing in Salem with direct ties to the witch trials and has become a popular photo spot. Tours of the Corwin House are available. 310 Essex Street, Salem, MA. thewitchhouse.org.
Count Orlock’s Nightmare Gallery
This Monster Museum is like a wax museum for horror and monster fans! The incredible figures you find here are all made by Hollywood Special Effect artists. No jump scares here, just a great museum for those interested in detailed recreations. It’s widely popular for the (insanely life-like) wax figure of Winifred “Winnie” Sanderson from Hocus Pocus. 217 Essex Street, Salem, MA. nightmaregallery.com
Witch Mansion & Halloween Museum
There is an endless array of “haunted houses” to choose from in Salem. We did 5 during our trip (!) and we didn’t even see half of them. While Witch Mansion was a super quick, walk-through experience, we thought the mix of animatronics and special effects was spooky and worth it. Expect jump scares! If you are looking for something a bit tamer – head to the neighboring Halloween Museum. It is a walk-through experience dedicated to the history of Halloween. This colorful black light experience is a bit cheesy, but one that children will remember long after the visit. (No jump scares). Witch Mansion 186 Essex St, Salem, MA. witchmansion.com Halloween Museum 131 Essex Street, Salem, MA. halloweenmuseumsalem.com.
Spooky Stoop
This historic home has been taken over by skeleton bones every year and is long regarded as the most decorated house in all of Salem. The decor is gigantic (the skeletons are over 15 feet tall!). The picture above is the decor from 2021, what will it look like this year? The Yellow Elephant House. Federal Street between Boston and Flint.
Salem Commons
The heartbeat of the city is this giant park in the center of the city that acts as a gathering spot for locals and tourists alike. During Halloween, you will find street performers, mural pop-up stations, and a lively marketplace with vendors selling everything from broomsticks to souvenirs, and doughnuts. Salem Commons is also home to the Kids Fun Fest which includes family activities such as slides, rides, and Halloween-themed games. Check the schedule for free movie nights with Halloween film favorites (yes, of course they play Hocus Pocus!). Salem Common N Washington Square, Salem, MA. salem.org/
Burying Point Cemetery
This cemetery is Salem’s oldest and the final resting place for several notable Salem residents. The tombstones are older than our country and most are illegible as they are so old and worn. Located directly behind this cemetery is the Witch Trials Memorial. (Note: Many confuse this memorial with the site of the hangings. Proctors Ledge is where these took place, which is located a short drive outside the city.) 51 Charter St, Salem, MA
Bewitched Statue
Remember the 1960s television show Bewitched? The show filmed its seventh season right here in Salem, Massachusetts! As a tribute, a large bronze statue dedicated to the show was erected right in the center of the magical city. The statue features a bronze of the character Samantha (played by Elizabeth Montgomery) a crescent moon, and a broom. A must-stop photo op while exploring Salem. 235 Essex Street, Salem MA.
Getting Ouija with It
Did you know that Salem has a museum dedicated to the history and lore of Ouija boards?
The Salem Witch Board Museum has the largest collection of Ouija boards in the world. Here you can learn the true history of how the board got its name, its impact on pop culture, influencing movies, tv, and music; as well as stories of murder and the many mysteries surrounding the haunted board. There are hundreds of boards on display, and even a Victorian-style séance room if you want to connect to the other side. Salem Witch Board Museum. 127 Essex Street. Salem, Massachusetts. No website.
Haunted Magic Show
Salem’s only Halloween Magic Show, and a must-stop for magic fans. Expect haunted magic, mind reading, and a “Houdini Experience.” Get there early as magicians and costumed actors walk around the audience. Suitable for all ages (skews a bit younger – may not be good for groups of adults). 50 Washington Street Salem. thesalemmagicshow.com
The Ropes Mansion
f Salem feels a bit like a movie set it’s because it has been! From dramas and documentaries to Hollywood blockbusters and everything in between, Salem has long been the choice for movie scenes. Hubie Halloween, Mass Hysteria, the television show Bewitched and the cult-classic movie Hocus Pocus were all filmed in Salem.
Hocus Pocus fans will recognize this manor! The movie’s character Max attends the Halloween party at Allison’s house when they decide to go see the Sanderson Sisters Museum. The exterior of which was filmed using one of the most prominent 18th-century homes in Salem, and a great photo op! The Ropes Mansion is open to public tours and often holds special events. Tip: don’t miss the backyard garden, a great place for kids to run amok. 318 Essex Street Salem MA.looking for more filming locations for Hocus Pocus? Read our full article HERE.
The Lost Museum
If you were to ask our son his favorite Salem experience, it would be this – hands down. The Lost Museum takes you on a journey deep below ground to discover strange rooms, cursed artifacts, ghosts, and monsters. You travel room to room with your guide and solve the mystery of the abandoned museum together. Each room is filled with amazing special effects, animatronics, living portraits, and more. Expect jump scares! It has a bit of an escape room concept with the added intrigue of animatronics. A must-visit. Suggested for 7 and older. Advance ticketing is recommended for busy weekends. 7 Lynde Street, Salem, MA. gallowshillsalem.com.
House of the Seven Gables
The house was made famous by Salem-born author Nathaniel Hawthorne. His 1851 Novel, The House of the Seven Gables, features this historic homestead. The house itself is from 1666 and got its name from—yep, you guessed it—its seven gables. It is now a museum and a designated National Historic Landmark. Head up: Best for history buffs. While there is a scavenger hunt/kids corner, this may be a bit boring for young kids. Tours are available but they sell out quickly! Be sure to grab tickets well in advance. 115 Derby St, Salem, MA. 7gables.org
Where to Stay
There are not many hotels in Salem, which means booking ahead is ESSENTIAL. We lucked out and found a room at Hampton Inn Salem, which is the most convenient and central hotel in the city. The hotel is within just a couple blocks of the Salem Witch Museum, Peabody Essex Museum, and the House of Seven Gables, and just steps from the downtown area. We walked everywhere, and in a city where parking is hard (read: impossible!) to find during the spooky season, it is essential to be in the center of it all. The hotel is modern and comfortable with spacious rooms, and even has a pool! We wouldn’t stay anywhere else. 11 Dodge Street Salem, MA. www.hamptoninnsalem.com
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