Family Friendly Itinerary for 3 Days in Salem in June 2023

1. Day 1: Salem Pioneer Village
   10 minutes (1.2 miles) from Salem Witch Museum
   Morning: Step back in time and experience life in the 17th century at the Salem Pioneer Village. Learn about daily life in Salem during the colonial period and participate in hands-on activities like churning butter and making candles.
   Afternoon: Walk over to the Salem Witch Museum and learn about the infamous witch trials of 1692. The museum features life-sized figures, stage sets, and narration that brings this dark period of Salem's history to life.
   Evening: End your day with a relaxing stroll through the picturesque Salem Common, a 9-acre park that has been a central gathering spot for Salem residents since the 17th century. Bring a picnic and enjoy the sunset.
2. Day 2: Peabody Essex Museum
   8 minutes (0.9 miles) from Salem Pioneer Village
   Morning: Explore the Peabody Essex Museum, one of the oldest and largest museums in the United States. The museum's extensive collection includes art and artifacts from around the world, with a particular emphasis on maritime art and history.
   Afternoon: Head to the Salem Willows Park, a seaside park that features an arcade, beach, and boardwalk. Relax on the beach, take a stroll along the boardwalk, or play a game of mini-golf.
   Evening: Enjoy dinner at one of Salem's many family-friendly restaurants, like Howling Wolf Taqueria or Red's Kitchen and Tavern.
3. Day 3: House of the Seven Gables
   14 minutes (1.6 miles) from Peabody Essex Museum
   Morning: Visit the House of the Seven Gables, a historic house that was made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel of the same name. Learn about the history of the house and its former residents, and take a guided tour of the property.
   Afternoon: Take a short drive to the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, a collection of historic buildings and wharves that tell the story of Salem's seafaring past. Visit the Custom House, where Nathaniel Hawthorne once worked, and explore the Friendship of Salem, a replica tall ship that is open for tours.
   Evening: End your trip with a visit to the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, a somber reminder of the victims of the witch trials. Reflect on your trip and the history of Salem before heading home.

Recommendations

If you have time, consider taking a side trip to nearby Marblehead, a charming coastal town known for its historic homes and picturesque harbor. You could also explore the nearby Salem Woods, a 270-acre park that offers hiking and mountain biking trails.

To maximize your fun, consider purchasing a Salem Passport, which provides discounted admission to many of the city's top attractions. You could also join a guided walking tour of Salem, which will take you to many of the city's historic sites and provide a wealth of information about its history and culture.

Finally, be sure to check out the events calendar at the Salem Visitor Center, which features a variety of family-friendly events throughout the year, including live music, outdoor movies, and holiday celebrations.