Salem, MA provides the perfect mix of history, arts, culture, and exploration for your April Vacation trip. Dive into the 1692 Witch Trials with a kid-friendly walking tour, unleash your inner artist with the Good Witch of Salem, seek out pirate treasure with Real Pirates Salem, or explore the intersection of arts and science with the Peabody Essex Museum. Grab a delicious bite to eat at one of our local kid friendly restaurants to round out your visit.
Image by Destination Salem
Vacation Week Activities
Take a tour with Salem Kids Tours
Finding a tour based in history can be a daunting task when you are trying to cater to a wide range of ages and interests. Salem Kids Tours has got you covered! There is no fear of boredom on a Salem Kids Tour. Their guides are all history teachers, and they understand how kids learn best. Their guides will lead you on a trip through time in a fun and interactive way. Join them through the mysterious and magical streets of Salem as they tell you stories that are well-research entirely true, and fascinating. The Salem Kids Tours will be running daily April 15th – 23rd at 10:45 am and 1 pm.
Image by Salem Kids Tour
Fairy Fun and Hat Decorating with the Good Witch of Salem
Step into the House of the Good Witch located on 2 North Street here in Salem, MA for a day filled with bows, glitter, and pink galore! For April Vacation the Good Witch herself will be hosting an array of fairy themed classes including her two day Fairy Magic Program, her Fairy Spa Day event, and her Tooth Fairy Fun class. At each class participants will have the opportunity to make their very own potions to take home with them, fairy houses, or tooth fairy boxes. Make your very own Good Witch of Salem signature pink hat to take home with you for a piece of magic in your everyday life.
Image by the Good Witch of Salem
Art + Science in Action at the PEM
In honor of Earth Day and the exhibition Climate Action: Inspiring Change, join the Peabody Essex Museum for a week of celebration and action. Meet artists and scientists, enjoy special programs and desmos and find delicious climate-forward menu options in their Atrium Café. On April 22nd their programming includes their Shifting the Climate Culture booth located in the Main Atrium, a Cooking Demo featuring local vegan restaurants, and a workshop with Elizabeth L.Sweet on Body Map Storytelling. All events are included with the costs of admission for the day.
Image by the PEM
Elephants and Sweet Treats: A Story Time of Salem Firsts
Image by Essex Heritage
Armenian Dance Party with the House of the Seven Gables
Join experts Gary and Susan Lind-Sinanian of the Armenian Museum of America and The Houshamadyan Association for a workshop on Armenian dance at the House of the Seven Gables! Gary and Susan have collected over 100 village dances and shared these with the community for the last 43 years. Learn Armenian dances performed at American picnics in the U.S. and traditional dances from the old country. Tickets $10. Space is limited. No partner needed. The dance class will take place on April 16th from 2pm to 4pm at the House of the Seven Gables.
Image by the House of the Seven Gables
Explore Real Pirate Treasure with Real Pirates Salem
Immerse yourself in the stories of Real Pirates Salem! The family-friendly pirate experience features the true tale of “Black Sam” Bellamy – the richest and one of the youngest pirates of all time – and Maria Hallett, the love of his life and so-called “Witch of Wellfleet.” See the world’s only fully authenticated pirate treasure ever discovered – including coins, jewelry, and weapons – retrieved from the wreck, and last touched by the hands of pirates more than 300 years ago. Bring the entire family by to check out the Discovery Lab with real life wreckage from the Whydah. Open daily April 17th to the 23rd.
Image by Real Pirates Salem
Yummy Places to Eat
Salem has a great selection of kid-friendly restaurants to choose from that both parents and picky eaters will love. Downtown Salem is a great place to start when looking for family friendly dining and treats. Looking for a quick slice of pizza? Try Essex’s Pizza off of the Pedestrian Mall if you’re looking for a slice on the go. Flying Saucer Pizza has Sci-Fi themed vegan pizza options, and American Flatbreads has woodfired pizza along with an indoor bowling alley!
Flying Saucer Pizza Company
If you are looking for family style sit down service there are a wide range of options to choose from. Red’s Sandwich Shop offers breakfast and lunch with a large selection that makes up their menu. Salem’s Retreat is another wonderful option if you are looking to sit down to a meal. They are open for breakfast and lunch almost every day except for Tuesdays from 6:30am to 2:30pm. A fan favorite is the peanut butter and bacon waffles with whipped cream.
Image by Destination Salem at Salem’s Retreat
Dinner is always a great time to sit down with the family and reconnect about the adventures of the day. There are multiple options to choose from in town that offer both adult and kid friendly menus. Rockafellas, which is located directly across the street from the famous Samantha Statue, is a great place to sit down for a full meal. Choose between an eclectic menu filled with burgers, flatbreads, pastas, seafood, and sides that the entire family will love. The Village Tavern, which is conveniently located on the Essex Pedestrian Mall, is open daily from noon until 1am on weekdays and from 11am to 1am on weekends. Their kid’s menu includes grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, mozzarella sticks, burgers, chicken fingers, pizza, and more! Looking for a playful meal? Bit Bar has vintage arcade games for the whole family! Enjoy games themed foods like their loaded Tetris tots, or their fish and chips off of the kid’s menu.
Image by Bit Bar Salem
In between your day jam packed with adventure make sure to fuel up with some sweet treats! Curly Girl Candy Shop features bulk candy for kids and nostalgic classics for parents to enjoy too. Wrap in some history by stopping at Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie, America’s oldest candy company, where the whole family can enjoy historic classics like Gibraltar. If candy isn’t your preference the massive cookies at Lulu’s Bakery and Pantry will subside any sweet tooth!
Make it an Overnight Stay
Image by Salem Waterfront Hotel and Suits
Make your trip into an overnight stay with accommodations right in downtown Salem. Stay at the Salem Inn, which features family suites complete with kitchenettes, The Hampton Inn Salem which comes with a hot breakfast every morning and a heated pool, or the Salem Waterfront Hotel which includes an onsite restaurant at the Regatta Pub and an indoor swimming pool. View a complete list of Salem’s accommodations here.
Tags: Activities, Family, food, fun, School Vacation
