Family-Friendly Adventures in , Massachusetts!

Salem Wax Museum

Why Visit?

Embark on a spellbinding adventure in Salem, Massachusetts with a family visit to the Salem Wax Museum, a highlight in a region famed for its rich history and mystique. Located at 288 Derby Street, getting to the museum is a breeze. If you"re driving, Salem is easily accessible via Route 128 North. For those preferring public transport, take the MBTA Commuter Rail from Boston"s North Station to Salem Depot, and enjoy a scenic 10-minute walk through historic downtown Salem to reach your destination.

### Morning: Explore the Salem Wax Museum

Start your day at the Salem Wax Museum, where history comes to life through detailed wax figures depicting important figures and scenes from Salem"s past. The museum opens at 10 AM, perfect for an early start. Engage with the "London Dungeon"-esque exhibits that explain the infamous Witch Trials of 1692, where figures like Judge Hathorne and the accused witches are eerily immortalized. It"s a vivid history lesson for all ages.

### Midday: Frankenstein"s Laboratory

Adjacent to the Wax Museum, don"t miss Frankenstein"s Laboratory, an interactive space that offers hands-on fun for kids and a spooky twist that adds to the excitement. It’s an ideal spot for a midday thrill that educates and entertains.

### Afternoon: Salem Heritage Trail

Follow the red line from the museum entrance for the Salem Heritage Trail, which leads to numerous historic sites like the Salem Witch Trials Memorial and the Old Burying Point Cemetery. It"s a self-guided walk, so you can explore at your own pace, with plenty of opportunities for educational stops and picturesque family photos.

### Tips:

- Purchase combination tickets online for the Salem Wax Museum and other attractions for savings.

- Check the museum’s event schedule as they often host special programs that can be a delightful surprise for the family.

Your tour of Salem’s historical wonders and waxen figures will leave your family enchanted and rich with stories of America’s intriguing past!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Pickering Wharf

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary for Pickering Wharf, Salem

Morning Arrival: Exploring Maritime History

Begin your family adventure at Pickering Wharf by immersing yourselves in Salem’s rich maritime history. Start at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, located just a short walk from the heart of the Wharf. Engage with the interactive exhibits that illustrate the lives of 18th-century sailors and traders. Don"t miss the Friendship of Salem, a reconstructed 1797 East Indiaman ship, where kids can marvel at the towering masts and imagine life at sea.

Mid-Morning Snack: Local Treats by the Water

After exploring, stroll along the Wharf’s picturesque waterfront and stop at Bob"s Surf & Turf for a quick, delicious seafood snack. Enjoy their famous lobster rolls at an outdoor table overlooking the harbor, a perfect spot for watching boats glide by.

Early Afternoon: Witch Dungeon Museum

Next, take a 5-minute walk to the Witch Dungeon Museum. Experience a live reenactment of a 1692 witch trial, followed by a guided tour of a recreated dungeon. This engaging presentation is not only educational but also thrilling for children and adults alike.

Late Afternoon: Shopping & Exploration

Return to Pickering Wharf and wander through its charming array of shops. Visit Witch Tee’s for some quirky Salem-themed souvenirs or Enchanted, a magical shop where kids can pick out unique crystals or fairy-themed gifts.

Evening: Dine at Sea Level Oyster Bar

Cap off your day with dinner at Sea Level Oyster Bar. Enjoy fresh seafood while relaxing on their deck with spectacular views of Salem Harbor. The kid-friendly menu ensures there"s something for everyone.

Pickering Wharf in Salem offers a blend of educational history, scenic views, and family fun that makes for a memorable visit. Each stop is just a short walk from the next, making it ideal for families with children.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Salem Witch Trials Memorial

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Salem Witch Trials Memorial

Morning Arrival

Begin your journey with a morning arrival in Salem, Massachusetts. If coming from Boston, the MBTA Commuter Rail offers a convenient ride to Salem Station, which is just a short 10-minute walk from the heart of historic Salem. If you’re driving, several public parking options are available near the Memorial.

Visit Salem Witch Trials Memorial

Start at the Salem Witch Trials Memorial located on Liberty Street. This solemn yet important site provides a reflective space to honor the victims of the 1692 witch trials. Each of the 20 granite benches represents an individual unjustly accused and executed, bearing their names and execution dates.

Lunch Break

After exploring the Memorial, take a lunch break at one of the family-friendly local eateries. The Lobster Shanty, known for its seafood and casual setting, is a great spot just a few minutes from the memorial and offers something for every family member.

Educational Afternoon at the Salem Witch Museum

Post lunch, walk to the nearby Salem Witch Museum. This interactive museum offers a deep dive into the witch trials, the concept of witch-hunting, and the term "witch" in historical and contemporary context. It"s both educational and engaging for children and adults alike.

Stroll through Historic Salem

Conclude your day with a leisurely stroll through the historic streets of Salem. Head towards the Peabody Essex Museum for a quick look at some local and international art, or simply enjoy the historic architecture and quaint shops.

Departure

Wrap up your visit by heading back to the Salem Station or to your parking spot if you drove. This day trip to Salem not only offers a poignant look at America"s history but also provides a comprehensive, engaging, and educational tour for the entire family.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Custom House

Why Visit?

Custom House, located near the vibrant heart of London, offers a perfect blend of historical intrigue and riverside charm, ideal for a family day out. Here’s a fun-packed, educational itinerary for your family visit:

Morning: Visit the Museum of London Docklands

Start your day at the Museum of London Docklands, just a short walk from the Custom House DLR station. Dive into London’s rich maritime history and explore the interactive children"s gallery, where kids can engage in nautical play and learning. The museum, housed in a 200-year-old warehouse, offers free entry, making it a fantastic and budget-friendly option.

Lunch: Picnic at Thames Barrier Park

Next, hop on the DLR for a quick ride to Pontoon Dock Station and walk to the nearby Thames Barrier Park. Enjoy a family picnic with views of the impressive Thames Barrier, one of the largest movable flood barriers in the world. The park also features creatively designed gardens and plenty of space for children to play.

Afternoon: Emirates Air Line Cable Car

After lunch, take a short walk to the Emirates Royal Docks station and catch the Emirates Air Line cable car. Enjoy spectacular aerial views of the Thames, the O2 arena, and Canary Wharf. The ride connects to the Greenwich Peninsula, and you can explore more or return for more riverside fun.

Optional Evening: Dinner at Excel London

If energy permits, end your day at one of the family-friendly restaurants at Excel London, just a stone"s throw from Custom House station. The area often hosts family-centric events and exhibitions, which could be a delightful end to your day.

This itinerary offers a mix of education, outdoor activities, and breathtaking views, all easily accessible via public transport, ensuring a memorable family outing in Custom productively.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Salem Ferry

Why Visit?

Embark on a magical family day trip to Salem via the Salem Ferry, a delightful journey that combines scenic views with historical intrigue. Starting from Boston’s Long Wharf, this 55-minute ride is not only a gateway to Salem’s rich witch trial heritage but also offers a refreshing view of Massachusetts’ coastline.

Morning Arrival in Salem

Upon docking at Salem Wharf, start your adventure at the nearby Salem Maritime National Historic Site. It"s a short walk from the ferry and offers a glimpse into America’s maritime history. Engage with the interactive exhibits and explore historic buildings.

Mid-Morning Exploration

Next, head towards the Peabody Essex Museum, just a 10-minute walk from the Maritime site. Known for its art collections that celebrate maritime history and various cultures, the museum is engaging for all age groups with its hands-on art zones and family activity packs.

Lunch Break

Stroll over to the Salem Willows Park, about a 20-minute walk or a short drive from the museum. This oceanfront park nott only offers picturesque picnic spots but also has vintage arcade games and a carousel that the kids will love!

Afternoon Adventure

Post-lunch, make your way to the Witch Dungeon Museum, a 15-minute walk back towards the center of Salem. Experience the infamous 1692 witch trials through live reenactments and tours of the original dungeon.

Evening Wrap-up

Conclude your tour with a casual dinner at one of the family-friendly restaurants in downtown Salem before catching the evening ferry back to Boston. Check the return schedules ahead of time to ensure you don’t miss the last boat!

With Salem’s blend of historical sites and fun activities, your family is sure to have a bewitching adventure that’s both educational and entertaining!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.