Finding kid-friendly activities during Salem Haunted Happenings doesn’t need to be a nightmare- with harbor cruises, crafting, and of course trick-or-treating, there are plenty of things to do with kids this October!
Wicked Wednesdays at the Phillips House
Get wicked at Phillips House as part of Haunted Happenings family-friendly events. Ticket includes historic games and fall crafts in the backyard and a short family-themed tour of the house. Costumes welcome! Please call 978-744-0440 for more information or buy tickets online. $10 per household. Wicked Wednesdays run October 13, 20, and 27. Learn more here.
Family Movie Nights
This year’s family movie nights will take place at Salem Common, and kid-friendly entertainment will follow each film. Plan your visit around your favorites and enjoy a movie with the family by the water: Coco (October 8), Hotel Transylvania (October 15), and Hocus Pocus (October 22).
On the Water
If you’re looking to take to the water with the kids, be sure to check out Mahi Cruises’ Haunted Happenings Harbor Cruise. This cruise is filled to the brim with family-friendly fun including story-telling, Halloween party music, complimentary tarot card readings, photo ops, and a full bar for the adults and face-painting for the kids. Tickets may be purchased in advance at MahiCruises.com.
Get on the water this October with Essex Heritage for Eerie Stories on Salem Sound. During this cruise aboard the landing vessel Naumkeag, you’ll hear about the local folklore of Salem Sound. This evening boat tour is the perfect way to get some spooky stories in and see a different side of Salem from the water. Tickets will be available online in advance.
Witch Pix Good Witch Photo Shoots
Witch Pix is offering “Good Witch” photo shoots this October on select dates in their Olde Salem Village and Witch’s Cottage sets! There are times when things are more special in PINK. Your photo set is a sanctum for GOOD WITCHES and good deeds. Find details on Olde Salem Village shoots here and Witch’s Cottage here. And find a complete list of photo shoots from Witch Pix on their website.
Be a Junior Ranger
The first step to becoming a Junior Ranger is to stop by the Visitor Center on New Liberty Street or the store Waite and Pierce on Derby Street near Derby Wharf and pick up a Junior Ranger program. You’ll find activities to guide kids and families around Salem Maritime National Historic Site that can be done on your own throughout October.
Trick-or-Treating

Trick-or-treating on Halloween night runs 5:00 pm-8:00 pm, but for a visit earlier in the season don’t miss Mayor’s Night Out! Visit Salem on October 8 to trick-or-treat with Mayor Driscoll on the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall.