Kid-Friendly Activities in Salem This April Vacation

School vacation is fast approaching and you may be wondering what to do with the kids all day especially now that the weather has improved. Worry not! Salem, Massachusetts has the perfect balance of fun and educational activities, both indoors and outside to explore as you spend time with your little one in historic Salem. 

From taking a self-guided tour along the Salem Heritage Trail to playing arcade games at Salem Willows, there is something for every age and interest in Salem. Here are a few ideas of activities that you can get involved with as you plan your April vacation. 

Take a Self-Guided Tour Along the Salem Heritage Trail 

With a simple scan of a QR code, you and your family can set off on a self-guided walking tour of Salem’s historic sites. During your tour, you can learn more about the local Indigenous Peoples, the history of colonial Salem, the Witch Trials, industrial heritage, abolitionism and African American stories, immigrant experiences, and so more.

Explore the many stops along the Salem Heritage Trail including the Peabody Essex Museum, the Witch History Museum, the Old Town Hall, the Salem Witch House and the Witch Village. All along the trail, you have opportunities to visit unique shops, restaurants and coffee shops for a quick break or to explore the cuisine and curiosities of Salem. 

Play Games at Salem Willows Arcade & Park 

If your family is looking for outdoor activities as well as some good old-fashioned arcade fun, Salem Willows is a great spot to take the kids for the afternoon or even a full day. With activities such as tennis, basketball, canoeing, kayaking, and standup paddleboarding there are plenty of ways to work up an appetite. Then enjoy unique eateries such as Peppy Pizza, Clam Shack, E.W. Hobb Ice Cream and Grill, Dairy Palace, Cappy Seafood or Salem Lowe. 

While there are 35 acres of oceanside beauty to explore, most people visit Salem Willows to take part in some arcade action. Choose to play the classic skee ball games or try your hand at PacMan, Galaga, Asteroids or even a simulated rollercoaster ride. There are so many fun games that the whole family can enjoy…even Mom and Dad! 

Explore Salem Woods 

While Salem is a city, there are plenty of woods to explore if your family enjoys getting out to explore nature. Hike, bike, or walk the Salem Woods this school vacation. 

Salem Woods is a beautiful 129-acre nature area where visitors can hike, look for wildlife, and get a break from the hustle and bustle of downtown.

Take A Sail on Salem Harbor 

Get out on the water and go across Salem Sound to view its many islands on the old world gaff-rigged Schooner Fame, docked right at Pickering Wharf. 

The Schooner Fame is a full-scale replica of the first American privateer schooner to get to sea during the War of 1812. The Fame seized over 20 prizes in the waters of Maine, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick before being lost in the Bay of Fundy in 1814.

Choose a daytime or sunset tour of Salem Harbor aboard this beautiful vessel. Raise the sails with the crew and enjoy your time skimming across the water as you view landmarks all along the shore. 

Experience the Sweet Side of Salem

A day of exploring Salem with the kids isn’t complete without splurging for something sweet. Salem has some amazing candy shops such as Ye Old Pepper Candy Company on Derby Street, Curly Girl Candy Shop on Washington Street, or Harbor Sweets on Leavitt Street. 

If it’s ice cream you crave, check out Melt Ice Cream on Washington Street, Whimsey Sweet Life on Front Street, or Dairy Witch Ice Cream on Boston Street. There are so many flavors to taste that you just might need to visit again and again.