Salem: Kids Slightly Spooky Walking Tour & Witch House

Summary

Salem’s past comes alive for kids with stories, laughter and a little shiver

You’ll follow a local teacher through Salem’s winding streets, hear true tales mixed with gentle spooky stories for kids, peek at Hawthorne’s old home, and climb up to an ancient cemetery before ending outside the Witch House. Expect laughter, curious questions, and just enough mystery to make your family want more.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how the bricks felt uneven under my shoes—Salem’s streets just have this old energy, you know? We met our guide, Ms. Parker (who said she’s taught third grade for years), right by 18 Broad St. She handed out little stickers to the kids and started us off with a question about witches that made my son giggle. The air smelled faintly of leaves and something sweet from a bakery nearby. I kept thinking how different it felt to walk these streets with someone who actually knew which house belonged to which judge or author.

We stopped outside this big dark house where Nathaniel Hawthorne lived—our guide told us he used to walk here with his wife Sofia and their kids, and suddenly it was easy to picture them dodging puddles just like we were. My daughter tried saying “Athenaeum” out loud (she got stuck halfway through), and Ms. Parker laughed gently before telling us about its most famous member who believed in ghosts. There were a few moments where the wind picked up and I swear even the adults shivered a little—nothing too scary though, just enough for the kids to squeeze our hands tighter.

I didn’t expect my favorite part would be the cemetery—climbing that small hill (watch your step if you’re pushing a stroller) while our guide pointed out gravestones from 1655. She asked if we could feel how quiet it was compared to downtown, and honestly, I still think about that silence. At the end, we stood outside the Witch House as dusk started creeping in. My son whispered he wished the tour lasted longer. So yeah, not everything gets wrapped up neatly in Salem—I guess that’s part of its charm.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Salem kids spooky historical tour

• Meet at 18 Broad St Salem
• Visit Nathaniel Hawthorne's house exterior
• See Hocus Pocus filming location
• Explore Athenaeum's famous member story
• View elegant ballroom and Hamilton link
• Pass by Witchcraft Trials judge's home
• Enter Salem's second oldest burial ground
• Discover 17th century Witch Trials house
• Tour ends at the Witch House

Top questions

Is this Salem Kids Slightly Spooky Tour suitable for strollers?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller along most of the route except for the final cemetery stop which is not accessible by wheelchair or walker.

Where does the Salem Kids Slightly Spooky Tour start?

The tour meets at 18 Broad St., Salem.

Are all guides on this tour teachers?

Yes, every guide is a certified teacher with a Master’s degree in education.

What age group is best for this Salem walking tour?

The stories are designed for kids age 6 and up but families of all ages join.

Does this Salem tour go inside any buildings?

No, it is an all-outdoor walking tour; you visit sites from outside only.

How long is the walk on this Salem kids tour?

The route covers several stops near downtown Salem including some uneven pavement and a small hill into Broad Street Cemetery.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to the meeting point at 18 Broad St., Salem.

What’s included

Your day includes an outdoor walking route through historic Salem led by a certified teacher-guide who shares true stories plus mild spooky tales for kids; stroller access along most stops; time spent at key landmarks like Hawthorne’s home and the Witch House; plus plenty of chances for questions and laughs along the way.