If your family loves history, legends and just a touch of spooky magic, then Salem, Massachusetts is a must visit. Known worldwide for the infamous 1692 witch trials, Salem has embraced its past and turned into a vibrant destination that combines fascinating museums, quirky shops and enough Halloween spirit to keep both parents and teens entertained year round.
I visited Salem with my teenager daughter and found that it offers the perfect mix of education, entertainment and Instagram-worthy fun. Here’s how to plan your own trip.
Why Salem Works for Families with Teens
- History with a twist – The witch trials make history feel more like a story than a textbook.
- Spooky but not too scary – Teens love the mix of haunted houses, spooky walking tours and Hocus Pocus filming spots.
- Compact & walkable – You can see most of Salem’s highlights in a day without needing a car.
Top Things to Do in Salem with Teens
1. Take a Witch Trial Walking Tour
Guided tours bring Salem’s history to life with dramatic storytelling and visits to key sites like the Witch Trial Memorial. Many tours run in the evening, adding to the spooky atmosphere (teens will love the eerie vibe!).
👉 Tip: Book your tour in advance if you’re visiting in October.
2. Visit the Salem Witch Museum
This museum uses life size stage sets and narration to walk visitors through the events of 1692. It’s engaging for teens who may not usually get excited about history lessons.
3. Hunt for Hocus Pocus Filming Locations
If your teens grew up with the movie Hocus Pocus, Salem is basically a film set come to life. You can spot Max and Dani’s house, Allison’s mansion and Salem Common.
📸 Don’t miss: posing in front of the famous Ropes Mansion (Allison’s house).
4. Explore Essex Street
This pedestrian friendly street is lined with quirky shops from witch themed souvenirs to indie bookstores. Teens will enjoy browsing crystals, tarot cards and fun Halloween merch.
5. Snap Photos at the House of the Seven Gables
This historic house inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s famous novel and makes for a striking backdrop for family photos. The tour is a bit more literary, but the gardens and views are worth the stop.
Where to Eat in Salem with Teens
- Flying Saucer Pizza – A teen favorite for its funky decor and creative pizza toppings.
- Red’s Sandwich Shop – Great for breakfast before a busy day exploring.
- Melt Ice Cream – Because no trip with teens is complete without a sweet treat.
Practical Tips for Visiting Salem
- Best time to visit: October is magical but very crowded. For fewer crowds, try September or November.
- How long to stay: You can see most highlights in a single day, but an overnight stay lets you soak up the atmosphere.
- Getting there: Salem is about 40 minutes from Boston by train or car.
Teen Verdict
“It felt like Halloween everywhere — even in the summer. The witch history was cool but my favorite part was spotting the Hocus Pocus houses.”
Salem might be rooted in history, but for families with teens, it’s a destination that feels lively, spooky and unforgettable. Whether you’re there for the witch trial stories, movie magic, or just the vibe, Salem delivers an experience that your whole family will remember.
Halloween Magic at 170 Federal Street, one of Salem’s most photographed houses, beautifully decorated for spooky season.
All photos © Escapes with Teens – original family travel photography unless otherwise noted.
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