Haunted Happenings for Kids this Weekend

Haunted Happenings has events, programs and attractions for all ages, but sometimes it’s tough to find the family-friendly, gentler scares.  Here’s a quick list of attractions and events scheduled for the weekend of October 14-16 that may work for your kids.* 

This list was created for the average 10-and-under visitor.  

Special Events

16th Annual Children's Day on Salem Common
Saturday, 10am - 5pm. Costume contest at noon, Rides, games, pony rides, free entertainment by Wayne from Maine at 1pm. Salem Common | SalemGathering.com

Ask a Witch-Make a Wand
Saturday and Sunday, 11am - 6pm, Sponsored by the Witches Education League this event allows children to make a wand and ask questions about witches and witchcraft! $1.00. Pickering Wharf, 978-745-0065, WitchesEducationLeague.com

Eerie Evenings at the Witch House
Friday, Saturday, Sunday 6pm - 10pm
Featuring all new ghostly stories performed by costumed actors in a darkened, authentic setting. Performances every 20 minutes.  310 Essex Street, 978-744-8815, WitchHouse.info

Fiesta Shows Carnival
Mon-Fri 3-10pm, Sat-Sun and Halloween Noon to 10pm, 289 Derby Street

The Haunted Movie Series on Salem Common - Featuring Casper 6:30pm. October 15 feature is Casper. FREE!  Salem Common. MyRadio929.com

Sea Shanties at the Ship Stage on Derby WharfSaturday, 11am and 1pm, Join National Park staff and performers in singing rousing Sea Shanties at "Ship Stage" at the Salem Maritime National Park. 193 Derby Street. nps.gov/sama

Witch City Cruise & Glow Costume Event
Friday, October 14, 6pm - 8:30pm, Essex Street (between Hawthorne Boulevard and Liberty Street)

Witch City Car Show on Central Wharf Saturday, 10am - 3pm, Salem Maritime National Historic Site, 193 Derby Street

Wizardly Wonders at the Witches CottageSaturday and Sunday, 10am, 7 Lynde Street, 978-825-0222, WitchesCottageSalem.com

Haunted Houses & Attractions 

Griswold’s Ghostly Grove
Haunted house for children. Museum Place Mall

New England Pirate Museum
Visit a re-created dockside village and pirate ship and experience the adventures of New England’s sea-robbers.  Arrh! 274 Derby Street, PirateMuseum.com

Peabody Essex Museum
It’s not haunted or scary, but Ripple Effect, the Art of H20 exhibit is interactive and fun for all ages.  161 Essex Street. pem.org Pioneer Village: Salem 1630
At forest river park. Presenting a “haunted Salem Village” during October. PioneerVillageSalem.com | 978-606-7426

Playground on Salem Common
There’s no better free fun than letting the kids run around on a playground!  Southeast corner of the Common.

Salem’s 13 Ghosts 3-D Haunted House
Will temper the haunted house experience for younger kids.  131 Essex Street, Salems13Ghosts.com