Looking to add a bit of spine-tingling excitement during Halloween and fall? Look no further than the haunted happenings in Salem, Massachusetts, the witching capital of the world. Forget the run-of-the-mill theme parks and step into a realm where ghosts roam the streets and witches cast their spells. Salem, with its rich history and macabre past, offers an array of family-friendly activities with its annual celebration of Halloween. From guided ghost tours to museums and scenic views, there are plenty of things to do in Salem on Halloween with the whole family. Check out Salem’s special events calendar, Halloween festivals, and seasonal walking tours before planning your trip.
Best Time to Visit Salem for Haunted Happenings
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If you’re planning a trip to Salem, MA, with the family, the best time is during the fall season. The town really comes alive with all the Halloween festivities, especially in October during Halloween weekend. The whole place is filled with spooky decorations and many fun activities for the little ones. Feel free to wear your Halloween costumes! From haunted houses to pumpkin picking, there’s something for everyone. Plus, the weather is not too hot or cold, making exploring the town on foot comfortable. Just be prepared for the crowds and traffic, as this is a popular time to visit. But it’s totally worth it to experience the unique atmosphere and create lasting memories with your family.
Salem Haunted Happenings on Halloween
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Salem’s Haunted Happenings on and near Halloween is a mesmerizing experience for the whole family. With its rich history and mysterious aura, Salem transforms into a bewitching wonderland of Halloween events. From haunted houses to ghost tours, there is something for everyone, even the little ones. Kids can enjoy activities such as pumpkin carving, face painting, and costume contests. The streets come alive with costumed characters and street performers, creating an enchanting, thrilling, and safe atmosphere for families. Salem’s commitment to promoting family-friendly events during Haunted Happenings ensures that children can fully immerse themselves in the Halloween spirit without compromising on wholesome fun. So gather your brooms and join Salem’s exciting, spine-chilling festivities, where Halloween becomes a magical experience for the whole family.
Guided Tour of Salem and Marblehead
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A guided tour of Salem and Marblehead takes you through the enchanting streets of Salem, known for the infamous Salem witch trials. You will visit the Witch Trials Memorial and learn about the tragic events centuries ago. Conversely, Marblehead is a charming seaside town with picturesque views and a strong maritime history. You can explore the beautiful Old Town, filled with colonial-era architecture, and learn about the town’s shipbuilding legacy. With a knowledgeable tour guide leading the way, you will discover these two enchanting towns’ fascinating stories and hidden gems, making it a memorable and enjoyable experience for the whole family.
Salem Witch Museum
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The Salem Witch Museum museum offers a captivating and educational experience for visitors of all ages. The museum provides a unique opportunity to explore the history of the infamous Salem witch trials through exhibits. Families can learn about the superstitions and beliefs that led to the trials and their impact on the town of Salem. The museum also offers interactive displays and demonstrations where visitors can immerse themselves in the witchcraft hysteria of the time. Whether you want to educate your children or enjoy fun things with the family, this unique museum is a must-visit attraction.
Trolley & Boat Tours
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Salem offers guided trolleys and boat rides that provide a fun and engaging way for parents and kids to explore the city and learn about its rich history. The trolley takes you around Salem’s most famous sites and landmarks, while the boat lets you see the city from a different perspective, cruising along the beautiful coastline. The trolley guides are knowledgeable and entertaining, entertaining children and adults with interesting stories and facts. On the boat, kids can take advantage of being on a boat while getting a unique view of Salem’s waterfront. Whether hopping on a trolley or cruising on a boat, these gatherings offer a memorable experience for the whole family, combining entertainment and education in the charming city of Salem.
Psychic Fairs
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The atmosphere at these fairs, such as The Salem Psychic Fair and Witches’ Market, is vibrant and intriguing, with various booths and vendors offering different psychic readings from the palm of your hand, tarot card sessions, and energy healing treatments. While some people may be skeptical of these experiences, many families attend psychic fairs to bond and have an alternative form of entertainment. It’s common to see kids eagerly participating in activities like palm reading or purchasing crystals. Psychic fairs provide a unique opportunity for family members to dabble in the mysterious and unexplained during this eerie and spooky time of the year.
Add Boston to Your Itinerary
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If you’re planning a trip to Salem with your family, add Boston to your itinerary. This historic city offers a wide range of activities and attractions suitable for all ages. Take your kids to the Boston Children’s Museum, where they can engage in hands-on exhibits and interactive learning experiences. Visit the New England Aquarium and marvel at the incredible marine life on display. Explore the Freedom Trail together, a 2.5-mile-long path highlighting the city’s rich history and landmarks. Don’t forget to stop by Fenway Park, the oldest baseball stadium in the country, and catch a Red Sox game. And, of course, a visit to Boston wouldn’t be complete without trying some delicious seafood at one of the city’s many renowned restaurants. With its blend of education, entertainment, and culinary delights, Boston is the perfect destination for a memorable family vacation.
Conclusion
Visiting Salem Haunted Happenings with kids is a thrilling experience with lasting memories. The spooky atmosphere and eerie decorations add to the excitement and create a perfect Halloween setting. From the haunted houses to the ghost tours, there is something to suit every age group. Despite a creepy ambiance, event organizers ensure that everything is family-friendly, with various activities and entertainment options. Overall, Salem Haunted Happenings is a well-organized and enjoyable experience that allows families to celebrate Halloween in a unique and unforgettable way. We definitely recommend visiting Salem during the autumn months if you’re a family looking for a spooky adventure!
Morgan French is a wife, mom of two, writer & editor. After traveling for 3 years with her family, she now lives back in her hometown of Dayton, OH. She makes frequent stops for coffee, enjoys the outdoors, and loves board games.
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