North of Boston/Merrimack Valley offers indoor & outdoor fun for children and families

Bring American history to life when you bring the kids to the Concord Museum. Among its 16 renovated galleries are those with artifacts from the Revolutionary War, including one of the lanterns that started Paul Revere on his famous ride, as well as muskets, swords, canes and cannon balls. Other artifacts celebrate the town’s Indigenous history as well as items from literary icons including Thoreau’s writing desk (where he wrote “Walden”) and Emerson’s study with his books. Start at the Family Station, where you’ll receive a family trail guide, scavenger hunt information and drawing materials. There are other hands-on activities throughout the museum, and the website has a list of books to read together before you come, as well as upcoming activities and special events for families.

Visit the Concord Museum to see the “one if by land” Paul Revere lantern or Thoreau’s writing desk. Marvel at the intricacies of the model ship collection at the Addison Gallery of American Art. Climb up the crow’s nest on the Discovery Museum’s. Just-for-kids ship, or make pinch-pot clay animals and trinket dishes at the Pottery Mill Clay Studio. Go on a winter walk or explore the Native American and Shaker collections at the Fruitlands Museum. Or step into your own private escape game, cracking codes and solving puzzles, at Escapology. There are so many activities to delight families in the Merrimack region, from trampoline parks and bowling alleys to museums with astonishing art and activities that engage even the youngest visitors.

Some attractions educate, others entertain, but the Salem Witch Museum takes pride in doing both. Through two immersive presentations, visitors to the museum will learn all about the famous witch trails of 1692, resulting in the deaths of 20 people, as well as the evolution through the years of the image of the witch and of the phenomenon of witch-hunting. The museum is in a renovated historic church building, close to several parking garages. Conde Nast Traveler says the presentations, with dramatic lighting, are “just spooky enough to summon the spirit of the witch trials without being off-putting for children.” And kids will love the gift shop at the end, with spell books, apparel and locally made treats. Tickets must be ordered online.

Hands-on activities and exciting outdoor environments make visiting The House of the Seven Gables a fun family experience. Take a tour of the 17th-century gabled house, now called the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion, which inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel. You can also visit the author’s birthplace, other colonial homes and colorful seaside gardens. Weekend activities might include learning how to use a quill pen or how to churn fresh butter. (Check the event calendar.) Over at the Kids Cove, in the 19th-century Counting House, kids can check out harbor views from the helm of a “ship,” or through a porthole telescope. A scavenger hunt is also available. The property also offers a variety of theatrical performances centered around Hawthorne, Salem and different holidays. And check the website for special coloring pages.
Hours: Open daily 10am - 6pm from March thru August, and by online reservation in November and December. Advance tickets highly recommended.