Strolling through travel

Tag: Halloween

  • The Good Witch of Salem With a 5-Year-Old: What We Chose and Would We Go Back?

    The Good Witch of Salem With a 5-Year-Old: What We Chose and Would We Go Back?

    When I was planning our October trip to Salem, I knew I wanted to squeeze in a little Hocus Pocus for me and find something Mila could get excited about, too. The Good Witch of Salem was on my list, and I ended up choosing the potion-making experience for her. By the time she’d finished her potion, she was already excited to try the other activities. So I’d say I picked a good one!

    Some of the hotel links below are affiliate links. If you book through one of them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Strolling Through Travel!

    🍂 Short on Time? My Top 3 Salem Stays

    ⭐⭐⭐ Hawthone Hotel – Click here for rates & availability

    ⭐⭐ The Salem Inn – Click here for rates & availability

    ⭐ Hampton Inn Salem – Click here for rates & availability

    Making a potion with Mila

    If you know how much we love Disney, you’ll understand why this made me think of Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. I had the same feeling watching Mila get into it, except this time my girl was a good witch making her own potion in Salem. How cute is that?

    We heard the story of the Good Witch of Salem, and I got to watch Mila write in the spell book and mix her potion. The spell book is the part I keep going back to in my videos. I love seeing her get that into something she’s doing herself.

    I went in thinking we’d make a potion and carry on with our Salem day. And then she finished and was excited about all the other things she could try! We stuck with the potion this time, but next time I’d let her choose. I could see her having fun decorating a broom or picking out a witch hat.

    And yes, I already signed us up for the monthly potion kit. Apparently we’re bringing a little bit of Salem home with us! The shop lists the Potion of the Month Club at $40 as a recurring subscription.

    What does The Good Witch of Salem cost?

    If I were choosing one thing for a first visit with a five-year-old, I’d do the potion again. It’s $35 for one potion to take home, and the shop says to allow 15–25 minutes. That worked for the kind of Salem day I wanted, with one activity just for Mila and time left over to wander. See the potion-making experience.

    Here’s what the shop listed on November 4, 2026, if your little witch is already eyeing the other options.

    ActivityListed price
    Potion making$35
    Broom decorating$45
    Witch hat decorating$55
    Broom building$65
    Enchanted Witch Transformation$149
    Ultimate Witch Transformation$225

    If your child is all about the outfit, the Enchanted Witch Transformation comes with a sash, a cape, and their choice of witch hat. The shop asks you to reserve a slot for each child. See the witch transformations or browse the broom and hat activities.

    A few things I’d check before going

    The shop is at 281 Essex Street, near the Witch House. If you’re going in September or October, book ahead. The shop requires advance reservations in those months. At other times of year, it takes walk-ins as space allows and recommends booking ahead for weekends and holidays.

    One little detail if you’re bringing a stroller or wagon: it has to stay outside. The potion uses small decorative pieces, so the shop requires adult supervision for ages five and under. I’d also check your timing if you’re planning to pop in late in the day. Activities end 30 minutes before closing, and potion bookings are nonrefundable. Check booking details for your visit.

    Where we booked in Salem

    We only had two night in Salem after our Maine weekend, so we booked Hampton Inn Salem Boston using points. I’m always happy to save a little on the hotel, especially when we’re fitting two destinations into one trip. Free hot breakfast and an indoor pool were nice to have on the list, too. Check Hampton Inn Salem Boston rates.

    If you’re paying cash, I’d compare it with Salem Inn for amazing breakfast and great location. And if you’re going for the full Hocus Pocus weekend, I’d look at Hawthorne Hotel by Salem Common. I still love the idea of waking up and walking right out into historic Salem. Check Salem Inn or check Hawthorne Hotel rates.

    I’d plug in your own dates and check parking when you compare. For more options, I put together a full guide to where to stay in Salem, or you can browse my Salem hotel map.

    Would we go back?

    Absolutely. If you’re taking a little one to Salem and want something festive without the scares, I’d make time for this. I went for the Hocus Pocus nostalgia, and one of my favorite Salem memories ended up being Mila with that spell book. Next time, she gets to pick what we do. 💕

  • Salem With Kids in October: How I’m Planning Our Family Visit

    Salem With Kids in October: How I’m Planning Our Family Visit

    Salem in October has been on my fall travel list for a while. Give me historic streets, Halloween decorations, a little Hocus Pocus nostalgia, and a reason to wear a cozy sweater, and I’m interested!

    But planning a visit with Mila means thinking beyond my own Halloween wish list. I want us to enjoy the atmosphere without turning our day into a race between reservations.

    We’re combining Salem with a fall weekend in Maine, then spending Monday night in Salem before flying home from Boston on Tuesday. Here’s how I’m approaching this part of our trip.

    A quick note: This is our pre-trip planning guide. Activities mentioned below are ideas I’m considering, rather than confirmed bookings or experiences we’ve already tried.

    This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Strolling Through Travel!

    In a Hurry? Start With These Salem Stays

    Our booked stay: Hampton Inn Salem Boston
    We used hotel points for this reservation. The hotel lists complimentary hot breakfast and an indoor pool—two amenities I like having available on a family trip.
    View Hampton Inn Salem Boston

    Want to compare other stays?
    My Salem hotel guide covers options including the Hawthorne Hotel, The Salem Inn, The Merchant, and Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites. These are alternatives to research, rather than hotels I’m reviewing from personal stays.
    Read my Salem hotel guide

    Curious about using points?
    Read 5 Ways I Use Travel Rewards to Save on Disney Vacations. That article focuses on Disney trips, but our Salem booking is another example of using rewards for family travel.

    Why We’re Adding Salem to Our Maine Trip

    I love a trip that gives us a little variety. After our time in Maine, Salem will bring a different kind of fall atmosphere.

    For this visit, I’m aiming for a few memorable stops, time to explore, and enough flexibility to change direction if Mila needs a break. Seeing everything isn’t the goal.

    Before building your own itinerary, start with my 7 things to know before visiting Salem in October.

    Where We’re Staying—and How We Used Points

    We booked the Hampton Inn Salem Boston using hotel points.

    I’m always happy when points can cover a stay on our itinerary. It’s one of the ways we make our family travel budget stretch further.

    Having breakfast available at the hotel also appeals to me. Starting the morning without immediately searching for somewhere to eat sounds especially helpful before a day of exploring.

    We haven’t stayed here yet, so I’ll share our experience afterward. For now, I’m checking the hotel’s arrival instructions and parking arrangements before we drive down from Maine.

    If you’re interested in my approach to rewards, take a look at how I use travel rewards to save on vacations.

    Salem Activities I’m Considering With Mila

    I’m looking for festive experiences that fit our family’s pace. Before booking, I’ll check each activity’s age guidance, duration, availability, and how it fits into our route.

    A Kid-Focused Activity

    The official Haunted Happenings kid-friendly directory is a useful starting point.

    It includes The Good Witch of Salem, with creative activities such as potion-making and decorating, and Salem Kids Tours, which focuses on a child’s perspective.

    These are possibilities I’m researching, not bookings we’ve made. I’d rather choose one experience that fits Mila than fill our schedule simply because something has “Halloween” in the name.

    A Few Hocus Pocus Stops

    Of course I want a little Hocus Pocus in our Salem visit!

    I’ve already collected ideas in my Hocus Pocus filming-location guide. For this trip, I’ll narrow that list to the stops that fit our time and route.

    I’m keeping downtown exploring separate from any locations requiring additional travel. And where a movie location is someone’s home, we’ll enjoy it respectfully from public areas.

    Time for Treats and Wandering

    Some of the moments I’m looking forward to don’t need a ticket: browsing shops, noticing decorations, and finding a treat together.

    I’m leaving space for those little stops. They’re part of the trip, too!

    Our Flexible Monday–Tuesday Salem Plan

    This is the shape of our visit rather than a timed itinerary.

    Monday: Travel down from Maine, coordinate our arrival with the hotel, and leave room for lunch and settling in. Depending on our arrival time and everyone’s energy, we can explore nearby or fit in one priority activity.

    Monday evening: Dinner and a little more exploring if we feel up to it. I’m leaving this open rather than committing us to a late night.

    Tuesday: Breakfast, a manageable morning outing, and time to collect our belongings before heading toward Boston. I’ll work backward from our flight, allowing for traffic, returning the rental car, and airport time.

    The Practical Details I’m Planning Around

    The official Haunted Happenings visitor tips recommend advance reservations where available, layers, and comfortable shoes. They also note that weekdays are generally quieter than weekends, although I’m still allowing extra time.

    For our family, that means:

    • Choosing a small number of priorities.
    • Checking ticket policies before arriving.
    • Leaving gaps for meals, restrooms, and breaks.
    • Keeping a backup food option.
    • Checking parking and the walking route before setting out.

    The Destination Salem app also includes restroom information, which is a practical feature I’m glad to know about before traveling with a child.

    What I’m Packing for Our Salem Days

    My list includes comfortable walking shoes, layers, an outer layer suited to the forecast, a portable charger, water, easy snacks, and a small bag for the day’s essentials.

    I’ll check the forecast again before we leave rather than pack around an assumed October temperature.

    For the full trip list, read what I’m packing for Salem and Maine in October.

    Making This a Family Visit

    I’m excited for the Halloween atmosphere, but I also want to pay attention to what Mila enjoys once we’re there. We can adjust our plans if a setting feels too intense or everyone needs a slower afternoon.

    My hope is to come home with a few favorite moments, some fun photos, and a little Hocus Pocus nostalgia.

    After our trip, I’ll update this post with what we actually did, our hotel experience, and what I’d change for another visit.

    Planning your own getaway? Save this guide and explore these next:

  • What I’m Packing for Our First Disney Cruise (Halloween on the High Seas Edition)

    What I’m Packing for Our First Disney Cruise (Halloween on the High Seas Edition)

    My four-night family packing list, from swimsuits to Pirate Night

    Our first Disney Cruise is almost here, and I’m at the stage where I keep adding things to my packing list every time I walk past a closet. We’re going for four nights with Mila, and it’s a Halloween on the High Seas sailing. So yes, I’m thinking about swimsuits and sunscreen—but also pirate outfits and a little Halloween magic.

    I want to bring what we’ll actually use and still have room in the suitcase to bring something home. Here’s the packing plan I’m working from. We haven’t sailed yet, so I’ll come back and update this post with the things we loved having and the things that never left the suitcase.

    This post may contain affiliate links. If you shop through one, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Arriving the night before—and getting to the port

    I’m planning for us to stay overnight before the cruise. It gives us a chance to settle in with Mila, get a good night’s sleep, and wake up excited for boarding day instead of starting it with a long, rushed trip. I’m keeping that overnight bag simple: pajamas, our morning clothes, toiletries, and anything we need before the suitcases go to the ship. I’ll make sure the cruise documents stay with us, not buried in a checked bag.

    We’re also planning to use ground transportation to get to the port. The part I want to sort out ahead of time is the whole route: how we’ll get to the hotel, how we’ll get from the hotel to the terminal, and how we’ll get home after the cruise. I’ll keep the pickup details and our luggage tags handy and build in time around our assigned port arrival window. With Mila and suitcases in tow, I’d much rather know the plan before that morning than figure it out in a hotel lobby.

    Disney offers ground transportation options for an additional fee, depending on the route. If you’re booking transfers separately, check exactly where they pick up, whether they serve your hotel, how luggage is handled, and what arrangements your child needs for the ride. I’ll update this section after our trip with the hotel and transfer we actually used.

    The bag I’m keeping with me on boarding day

    My number-one packing rule for this trip: anything we might need right away goes in the bag we carry on. Disney says checked luggage can take a few hours to reach the stateroom. I don’t want Mila asking to swim while her swimsuit is somewhere in a stack of suitcases!

    Here’s what’s going in our day bag:

    • Our required travel documents and boarding information
    • Medications in their original containers
    • Phones, chargers, and a portable battery
    • Swimsuits, cover-ups, and a change of clothes for Mila
    • Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses
    • A couple of small activities for waiting
    • Anything valuable or difficult to replace

    I’m planning on a backpack and a separate little pouch for the documents. That way I can find what I need without emptying the entire bag at check-in. I’ll also check Disney’s travel document requirements for our itinerary one more time before we leave.

    What I’m packing for four nights

    I love a cute vacation outfit, but four nights can turn into a surprising amount of clothing when you pack for daytime, dinner, the pool, and a child. I’m trying to choose pieces we can wear more than once instead of packing an outfit for every possible mood.

    My starting list for each of us:

    • Four easy daytime outfits, plus an extra for Mila
    • Two swimsuits if we plan to swim often
    • A cover-up and a light layer
    • Comfortable walking shoes and sandals
    • Underwear, socks, and pajamas, with a few extras for Mila
    • A couple of dinner outfits that can mix with our daytime clothes

    The shoe situation is where I usually have to talk myself down. I’m aiming for one pair I can walk in and one pair of sandals, then I’ll add another only if our plans really call for it. Disney describes main dining as cruise casual, and I’ll use the Navigator app to check the attire suggestions for our actual nights.

    Pirate Night: fun outfit, small suitcase footprint

    I’m definitely making room for a Pirate Night look. My plan is a red-and-white striped top, black skirt, red bandana, flat sandals, and a small crossbody bag. It feels festive without requiring a costume that only gets worn for an hour.

    For Mila, comfort comes first. If she’s happy in her outfit at dinner and can still move around afterward, I’m calling that a win. Disney says shorter sailings may have a pirate or another themed event, so I’ll confirm the details for our cruise before packing everything.

    Outfit inspiration:

    A little Halloween magic

    Halloween on the High Seas is the part I’m especially excited to experience with Mila. Disney describes Halloween character greetings, crafts, treats, and trick-or-treating on these sailings, though I’m waiting for our own schedule before promising her any particular activity.

    I’m setting aside a small Halloween pouch with:

    • An outfit or comfortable costume for Mila, if she wants to dress up
    • Simple themed accessories for us
    • A small bag for treats and keepsakes
    • A little extra space in the suitcase for anything we bring home

    That’s my plan for now—Halloween fun without dedicating half the luggage to costumes. Before adding any costume accessories, I’ll check Disney’s current rules for what can come on board.

    The little things that save the day

    These are the items I’m most likely to forget if I don’t put them on a list:

    • Hair ties and our everyday toiletries
    • Sunscreen and lip balm
    • A small pouch with our usual first-aid basics
    • Reusable water bottles
    • A wet bag or zip pouch for damp swimsuits
    • A few quiet activities for Mila
    • The charging cables for the devices we’re actually bringing

    I’m downloading the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app before we leave, too. It has ship information and the onboard activity schedule, which is perfect for my plan to be prepared without scheduling every minute of our vacation.

    Cruise packing finds

    What I’m skipping

    I’m leaving behind the bulky “maybe” items, extra dress shoes, and outfits I only packed for a photo. I’m also checking Disney’s prohibited-items list before I finish packing. An iron, for example, cannot come with us, no matter how much I worry about a wrinkled dress.

    At the hotel the night before we board, I’ll lay out our boarding-day bag, check our outfits, confirm our ride to the port, and look at our reservation one last time. Then I’m closing the suitcase. We’re going on our first cruise together, and I’m much more excited about seeing it through Mila’s eyes than bringing the perfect fourth pair of shoes.

    If you’ve sailed on a four-night Disney Cruise, tell me: what’s the one thing you were glad you packed?

  • Salem in October: 7 Things to Know Before You Go

    Salem in October: 7 Things to Know Before You Go

    Salem in October has been on my fall travel wish list, especially as a Hocus Pocus fan! Between the Halloween atmosphere, historic streets, and filming locations, there’s plenty I’m excited to see.

    As I plan our family’s first visit, I’m also thinking about the practical side: getting there, booking activities, and keeping the day enjoyable with a child. This is my planning guide ahead of our trip, rather than a recap of places we’ve already visited.

    If you’re planning your own Salem, Massachusetts, getaway, here are seven things to consider before you go.

    Affiliate disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases through these links at no extra cost to you.

    1. Leave room in your itinerary for crowds

    October brings a surge of visitors to Salem, and popular attractions can sell out. The official Haunted Happenings planning guide recommends checking ticket requirements before arriving.

    For our family, I’m leaning toward a few priorities instead of a packed schedule. I’d rather have time to enjoy a stop than spend the day rushing to the next reservation. Build in extra time between activities for lines, walking, and snack breaks.

    2. Figure out transportation before your visit

    Parking is one detail I don’t want to leave until we arrive. Destination Salem notes that rates at city garages and many lots increase during October. Check its official parking information before deciding where to leave your car.

    If you’re coming from Boston, the Newburyport/Rockport commuter rail line connects North Station with Salem. The rail operator’s Salem travel page explains the route and seasonal service. Confirm the timetable for your actual travel date, including your return trip.

    3. Check how each attraction sells tickets

    Don’t assume every museum or tour uses the same booking system. Once you’ve picked your must-do activities, go directly to their official websites and check availability, ticket-release timing, cancellation terms, and age guidance.

    My plan is to keep reservation confirmations together on my phone and leave a comfortable gap between timed activities. With a family trip, that breathing room matters!

    4. Map your Hocus Pocus stops separately

    The Hocus Pocus locations are a big part of what makes this trip exciting for me. Before building your route, plot the stops you want to see and check their current access rules. A photo stop and an attraction visit can require very different amounts of time.

    For inspiration, read my 6 Hocus Pocus Filming Locations to Visit in Salem, Massachusetts.

    Where a location is a private home, keep your visit to permitted public areas and respect the people who live there.

    5. Pack for comfort and changing conditions

    A cute fall outfit is part of the fun, but I’m planning around comfortable walking shoes first. Check the forecast close to departure so your layers suit the actual weather.

    My packing checklist includes:

    ● Comfortable shoes I’ve already worn

    ● A sweater or light jacket for layering

    ● A rain layer if the forecast calls for it

    ● A small crossbody or backpack

    ● A portable phone charger

    ● Water and a few kid-friendly snacks, where permitted

    I’d also check bag restrictions for anything we book before choosing my day bag.

    6. Plan a version of Salem your child will enjoy

    For our visit with Mila, I’m aiming for fall fun with time to pause. Before booking a spooky attraction, I’ll check the description for loud effects, darkness, and recommended ages.

    My approach is to alternate planned activities with flexible time for a treat, a meal, or simply taking a break. I’m also planning to locate restrooms before we need one; the official Salem visitor tips point visitors toward restroom information in the Destination Salem app.

    7. Recheck details close to departure

    Save your reservations, transportation information, and a short list of priorities in one place. Then revisit the official attraction websites and Haunted Happenings as your trip approaches for current event information.

    I’m keeping our plan flexible enough to adjust for weather, availability, and how everyone feels that day. For me, a successful Salem trip means enjoying the atmosphere together—not checking off every possible stop.

    Planning your own fall getaway? Save this guide for later, and explore my Hocus Pocus filming-location post to start choosing your stops!

  • Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween: A Boo-tiful Extravaganza of Do’s and Don’ts

    Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween: A Boo-tiful Extravaganza of Do’s and Don’ts


    Hey there, fellow Disney ghouls and goblins! Are you ready to embark on a wickedly wonderful journey to the happiest haunt on Earth? Well, hold on to your Mickey ears because we’re about to delve into the enchanting world of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! This spine-tingling Disney event promises spooky fun for all ages, and we’ve got a lighthearted guide packed with do’s and don’ts to ensure you have a fang-tastic time. So, grab your broomsticks and pumpkin spice lattes as we cast a spell of laughter and joy on this fantastic Halloween adventure!

    Do’s:

    1. Dress to Impress: Embrace your inner Disney character or channel your spooktacular creativity with a mind-blowing costume! From pint-sized princesses to adventurous pirates, the more imagination, the better. Just remember, family-friendly costumes are the key to a magical night!
    2. Trick-or-Treat with Gusto: Who said trick-or-treating was just for kids? Grab a treat bag and join the candy quest! Disney knows how to satisfy those sweet cravings, and the candy stations spread throughout the park are proof that the haunted fun knows no age limits.
    3. Snap-a-Lot: Capturing memories is as essential as pumpkin spice on Halloween. Keep those cameras charged and ready because you’ll encounter Disney characters donning spooktacular costumes, and you’ll want to snap a selfie with every single one of them!
    4. Howl with the Boo-to-You Parade: When the clock strikes parade time, make sure you’ve got a primo spot along Main Street, U.S.A. This spooktacular procession boasts everything from cheerful ghosts to villains who forgot they’re supposed to be scary – pure Disney magic!
    5. Prepare to Be Bewitched: The Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular is a must-see! The Sanderson Sisters have come back from the grave, and they’re ready to put on a spell-binding show with their mischievous humor. Hocus Pocus fans, rejoice!

    Don’ts:

    1. Don’t Get Spooked by Crowds: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is wildly popular, so be prepared for some monstrous crowds. But fear not! Arrive early to maximize your magical moments and scare away any worries about lines.
    2. Don’t Forget Your Boo-tiful Ticket: You’ll need a special ticket for the event, but trust us, it’s worth every ghastly penny. Book early to avoid the fright of missing out!
    3. Don’t Get Lost in the Haunted Attractions: While the Haunted Mansion is a classic must-see, remember there are many bewitching rides with shorter lines during the party. Hop on the revamped Pirates of the Caribbean or fly high with Dumbo for a different kind of Halloween thrill.
    4. Don’t Miss the Hauntingly Delicious Treats: From pumpkin-spiced everything to candy-corn-covered goodies, Disney serves up spooktacular treats that will leave your taste buds howling for more. Don’t let these treats disappear like a ghost; try as many as you can!
    5. Don’t Leave Early: Last but not least, stay until the stroke of midnight (or at least until the park closes)! Witness the spellbinding Boo-to-You Finale, where the Hitchhiking Ghosts and the Spectral Bride close the party with a burst of magic and mischief.

    Congratulations, brave Halloween adventurers! You’ve survived our wickedly delightful journey through Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. With our do’s and don’ts in hand, you’re all set to enjoy a hauntingly happy time at the Magic Kingdom. So, get ready to embrace the spooktacular spirit, dance with the Disney villains, and collect enough candy to rival a sugar coma. Now, go forth and have a boo-tiful time! Happy haunting! 🎃👻