Salem Mass

What are they interested in?

https://www.salem.org/things-to-do/all/

Also, the commuter rail makes it an easy day trip into north station., basicallyattachedtothegardens where the bruins and celtics play
.... some pretty water views out the windows as the train goes to town
In salem a couple of museums, and the memorial to those killed in the Salem Witch trials is well done and surprisingly moving

My family and I live on the North Shore so Salem is my backyard! What time of year are you planning to come for a visit?

I'm assuming this is a just a day trip from your post. Salem has a lot of historical things like The House of Seven Gables, The Salem Witch Museum, and The Witch House. There are also fun ghost tours you can do as well, Salem Ghosts or SpellBound are both good. Some like the Pirate Museum also or a visit to the many occult shops or a psychic if that's your thing. You can walk along the Salem Heritage Trail which I liken to a good RS self-guided walk that he features in his guidebooks as the trail brings you by all the historic sights.

The Peabody Essex Museum is an incredible art museum and worth a visit for their collection and special exhibits.

If visiting during the summer season you could visit Salem Willows, an old-timey, cheesy, but loved by locals summertime village/ section on the water with a few arcades and food stands, and nice walking path along the water. There is an business that rents kayaks and paddleboards here too (Coast to Coast). If your family likes the water you can take sightseeing and other excursion trips out of Salem on the Mahi Mahi (sunset cruises, sightseeing etc.).

There are many shops throughout Salem to poke around in and no shortage of good food. We enjoy Finz (full disclosure my son worked here) and Sea Level which are owned by the same company and are right on the water with outdoor dining. Longboards is also at Pickering Wharf (where Finz & Sea Level are) and has a very family friendly menu and water views. Bit Bar has a retro feel with nostalgic aracade games (Pac-Man, etc.) and bar food but the food is just meh. We love Turners Seafood and brunch at Ledger is amazing. If you want burgers Boston Burger is great and their milkshakes are out of this world, seriously they are a work of art! Howling Wolf is good too if you are looking for Mexican food. For a quick bite we also like The Gyro Spot or a sandwich at A & J King or Crave for breakfast sandwiches & tots. The Lobster Shanty is popular with tourists but I personally feel it has gone downhill over the last several years as their prices increased. For treats Goodnight Fatty has amazing cookies - they are only open at night until 10 pm and their cookie menu drops just before opening. Really inventive combos. Best ice cream is Holy Cow or E.W. Hobbs (both at Salem Willows and both open seasonally).

If you are visiting Boston and tacking on a day trip to Salem you can take the commuter rail from North Station to Salem or take the seasonal ferry from Boston to Salem. Salem gets flooded with tourists in October but honestly it's best to enjoy at other times of the year with a bit less crowds!