Spring is the perfect time to bring the family to Salem, MA for an unforgettable adventure. With warmer weather, exciting attractions, and special activities designed just for kids, April vacation is an ideal time to explore everything Salem has to offer. From hands-on museums to magical experiences and delicious treats, there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy.
Image by Kate Andrews / Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites
Stay & Splash
Make your home base at The Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites or The Hampton Inn, both offering cozy accommodations perfect for families. Don’t forget to pack swimsuits – the kids will love taking a dip in the pool after a day of exploring! View a complete list of Salem’s accommodations here.
Image by Salem Kids Tours
Explore Salem’s History & Legends
Kick off your adventure with Salem Kids Tours, a walking tour designed for young explorers. Their Kids History Tour is a great introduction to the city, covering all aspects of Salem’s past, including the Salem Witch Trials. If your family enjoys a touch of the supernatural, the Slightly Spooky Tour blends history with ghost stories that are just the right amount of eerie for little ones.
For budding pirates, Real Pirates Salem brings history to life with an incredible exhibit featuring the world’s only fully authenticated pirate treasure, recovered from the wreck of the Whydah. Kids can also visit the Discovery Lab to see real artifacts being preserved, offering a unique hands-on learning experience.
The Salem Witch Museum offers an engaging and educational experience for kids ages 6-14 (and adults!), bringing the history of the 1692 Salem Witch Trials to life through dramatic storytelling and immersive exhibits. The museum’s main presentation captivates young history buffs with life-size sets and narration that explains the trials in an accessible way.
Image by Samantha Curtis
Magical Moments & Interactive Fun
Looking for an enchanting experience? Visit The Good Witch of Salem, where kids can step into a colorful, immersive world filled with magic. This whimsical shop and activity space offers potion-making, spell books, and witchy transformations, along with a curated selection of books, toys, and keepsakes perfect for young witches and wizards.
Over at Professor Spindlewink’s World of Wizardry, little ones can let their imaginations run wild as they explore enchanted worlds in this interactive, self-guided fantasy museum. From the Wizard’s Chamber to a magical forest and even a dragon’s lair, this whimsical space is perfect for families, witches, wizards, and all who believe in the magic of adventure! Looking for an extra dose of adventure? Hop on the Salem Trolley for a ride through the city, then stop by Trolley Depot for a fun souvenir to remember your trip.
Image by PEM
Celebrate Earth Day
Join the Peabody Essex Museum in celebration of Earth Week as they invite the young and young at heart to explore what it means to be an Eco Hero! Learn about our incredible ocean ecosystem by stepping inside a life-size inflatable humpback whale, and add your creativity to the canvas walls of a geodesic dome. Plus, children and youth under 16 always receive free admission, making it the perfect opportunity for families to explore, learn, and create together!
Images by Curly Girl Candy Shop
Shopping & Sweet Treats
No trip to Salem is complete without a little shopping! Wicked Good Books & Silly Bunny Toys is a must-visit for book lovers and toy collectors, offering everything from captivating bedtime stories to cuddly new friends. After picking out the perfect find, head over to Curly Girl Candy Shop, where kids can fill a bag with bulk candy and parents can enjoy nostalgic classics from their own childhood.
Looking for the perfect keepsake? For something unique, stop by Witch Tees for fun Salem-inspired apparel.
Image by Samantha Curtis
Dine & Play
Salem is a paradise for food lovers, and with a wide range of family-friendly restaurants, finding the perfect dinner spot during school vacation week is a piece of cake!
When it’s time to eat, Village Tavern is a great spot for families, offering a kid-friendly menu and a fun atmosphere. And don’t miss their arcade, where kids (and parents!) can enjoy classic games. Looking for another fun-filled dining experience? Bit Bar combines great food with vintage arcade games the whole family can enjoy! Snack on game-inspired bites like loaded Tetris tots or grab a classic like fish and chips from the kid’s menu while you play your way through a retro gaming adventure. For an out-of-this-world meal, Flying Saucer Pizza Company serves up delicious bites with a sci-fi twist, while Essex’s NY Pizza is perfect for grabbing a quick slice between activities.
Image by John Andrews
Set Sail for More Adventure
For families who love maritime history, a visit to the New England Pirate Museum is a must. Explore exhibits on real-life pirates who once roamed New England’s shores and learn about their daring adventures. Meanwhile, Witch History Museum and Salem Witch Village offer engaging exhibits on Salem’s past, bringing history to life in a way that’s exciting for young visitors.
Plan Your Family Getaway to Salem
April vacation is the perfect time to explore the magic of Salem with the whole family. Whether you’re diving into history, shopping for treasures, or enjoying hands-on experiences, there’s no shortage of ways to create unforgettable memories. Start planning your trip today and get ready for a spring break filled with adventure, learning, and a little bit of Salem magic!
Tags: Activities, April Vacation, Family, food, fun, Salem Adventures, School Vacation
