We recommend our tours for elementary and middle school children, starting at about age 6. Younger children can come, of course, but the content of the tour is most appropriate for ages 6-14. If an accompanying toddler should become “bewitched” while on the tour, please have a toy or other distraction to keep the littlest one entertained.
Our team of guides is made up of teachers and college students who have a passion for history and know how to make stories come alive for kids. Our guides are all certified by the City of Salem.
All children must be accompanied by an adult who is taking responsibility for the safety of the child.
Our tours are one hour long, and take an easy route that is under one mile.
The City of Salem allows up to 40 people on tours. However, to keep our group safe and to allow all kids to be able to see and hear, we limit our groups to 30 guests. If you are looking for a small-group experience, please inquire about a private tour.
Check the weather before your tour start time. New England has famously changeable weather, so bring layers and a travel umbrella. Wear comfy shoes. Many guests bring bottled water and snacks to enjoy on the tour; this is fine. Take lots of photos and share them with me if you want. Many guests ask about costumes. Costumes and creative attire are seen year-round on the streets of Salem. If anyone wants to dress up, go for it!
One the History Tour, yes, there are cafes, shops and restaurants all along the route in case anyone has to duck in for a pit stop. On the Spooky Tour, there are NOT opportunities to use a restroom. The Spooky Tour takes place in a quieter part of Salem, and there are no places to stop. Please plan accordingly.
After the tour begins, we are not able to check texts or answer the phone, as that would disrupt the tour for other guests. We can’t wait for latecomers, because kiddos get impatient if kept waiting, and families often have tight itineraries. Please plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before tour time. If the tour leaves without you, especially if the streets are crowded, you may not be able to find the tour. In this case we cannot offer a refund. If you fear that you are going to be late, please contact Alicia by text at 978-766-1103 BEFORE the tour starts. We will do our best, but sometimes it’s not possible to catch up with a walking tour in progress. Please be on time for your scheduled tour.
We observe a strict 24-hour cancellation policy.
We do not offer refunds if you miss your tour and do not give us 24-hours’ notice, but we may be able to reschedule you on another tour if space is available. In October in Salem, all tours are non-refundable and we probably can’t reschedule you, but may be able to extend a credit.
Please dress for the weather, and check the forecast before your Salem adventure. We do the tours in light rain. If we need to cancel the tour due to harsh, unsafe weather conditions, you will be contacted by email and/or text as soon as that determination is made. Guests will receive a full refund if we cancel due to weather.
We want everyone to be safe.
Please text Alicia at 978-766-1103 to check in about weather.
Our Salem Kids History tour is wheelchair and stroller friendly, but please be advised that we navigate over cobblestones and bricks in Salem. We also cross streets, so please take care. The Slightly Spooky Tour is stroller friendly but NOT wheelchair friendly. The historic neighborhood that we visit has uneven brick, steep curbs, and the last stop on the tour involves climbing a hill. Please contact Alicia at alicia@bostonkidstours.com with any questions about accessibility. We want everyone to be safe.
As for dogs, we find that many kids can be frightened or distracted by dogs. That is not to say that they are entirely forbidden. Dogs are not allowed in any cemetery in Salem, unless they are service dogs. Please contact alicia@bostonkidstours.com so we can talk about it.
Skip the tourist traps and discover tested-and-approved family dining spots, all within easy walking distance of Salem’s center.
NOTE that your tour meeting spot maybe be different. PLEASE check your confirmation notes regarding the meeting spot for your tour.
Skip the tourist traps and discover 25+ years of tested-and-approved family dining spots, all within easy walking distance of Salem’s center.
