The Peabody Essex Museum is a perfect family-friendly destination to begin your trip to Salem. It is the oldest continuously operating museum in the United States. The museum features numerous exhibits, including paintings, sculptures, artifacts, and photographs. It has a significant collection of Asian, American, and Chinese arts and culture. It also has an interactive Discovery Center for children under ten years old. Kids can create their art inspired by the museum's collection.
Salem Willows is a seaside park that boasts a variety of outdoor activities for families. The park offers a vast array of amenities like picnic areas, beaches, playgrounds, and game arcades. Visitors can enjoy the scenic ocean views while walking around the park. Kids can also enjoy the charming amusement park rides. The area also features various eateries that serve local favorites and street snacks. It's perfect to spend an evening after exploring the Peabody Essex Museum.
The Salem Witch Museum is one of the top-rated family-friendly attractions in Salem. The museum retells the most infamous events of 1692, the Witch Trials, in Salem's history. It features a dramatic presentation about the witch trials through life-size figures, lighting, and sound. The second half of the museum displays the Witch Hunt in a modern context and its impact on society today. A fantastic educational experience for every age group, especially for children who are interested in dark histories.
Located in the heart of Salem's downtown, the Pirate Museum is a fascinating place to visit for all ages. The museum showcases the history of pirates and their role in shaping the world today. Visitors can explore the pirate galleries, which feature interactive exhibits, a vast array of artifacts, and the recreated street scenes of the pirates. You can also see the real pirate treasure if you're lucky. It's a perfect way to end your trip to Salem with a thrilling experience of piracy history in one of the city's best family-friendly museums.
Suppose you have more time to explore Salem. In that case, you can visit other popular sites like The House of the Seven Gables, the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, and the Old Burial Hill. For families with less time, you can eliminate the Pirate Museum or Salem Willows from the itinerary and spend the extra time at Peabody Essex Museum or Salem Witch Museum.