Some museums are quiet and traditional. These are… not that.
This list of weird museums is for families who’d rather wander past vampire kits and UFO evidence than fine art and fossils.
From theatrical walk-throughs to eerie exhibits and strange collections, these unusual spots lean into the weird… without tipping into full-blown haunted house territory.
Most are open year-round, low on jump scares, and ideal for families who love spooky season and a good offbeat adventure.
Weird Museums with Monsters, Masks, and Movie Magic
These weird museums turn up the drama with movie monster tributes, glowing sets, and just enough creepiness to keep kids intrigued.
Expect animatronics, retro Halloween touches, and walk-through scenes that feel more like a low-key haunted attraction than a traditional museum.
They’re playful, unexpected, and perfect for families who like their weird with a side of special effects.
Witch’s Dungeon Classic Movie Museum
Old-school horror vibes, brought to life one figure at a time.
Witch’s Dungeon Classic Movie Museum – Plainville, CT
This retro-style walk-through is packed with life-size figures of classic horror characters, vintage posters, and movie memorabilia that feel more nostalgic than nightmarish.
It’s theatrical and retro in the best way. Your kids might not know Boris Karloff, but they’ll recognize Frankenstein.
The museum is typically only open Friday through Sunday from 6 to 9 pm. Book the 30-minute guided tour online to reserve your spot.
Admission: adults $15, children $7
thewitchsdungeon.com
Halloween Museum of Salem
This isn’t just Halloween decor... It’s an entire museum.
Halloween Museum of Salem – Salem, MA
This small and weird museum leans hard into Halloween nostalgia, with glowing displays, vintage props, and oversized decorations that feel like they were pulled straight from an 80s party aisle.
It’s playful, colorful, and just the right kind of weird.
The space is dark, and you’ll wear 3D glasses as you walk through to bring the glowing walls to life.
Admission: adults $10, children $5
halloweenmuseumofsalem.com
Looking for more than just spooky fun?
Our Salem family guide covers the best spots open all year long.
International Monster Museum
Just eerie enough to thrill the kids... and keep you guessing what's around the corner.
International Monster Museum – Salem, MA
Part spooky museum, part theatrical walk-through, this immersive attraction brings classic monsters to life with animatronics, fog effects, and eerie soundscapes.
It feels like a haunted house with a history lesson, making it a fun pick for kids who love a little thrill without full-on scares.
You’ll walk through the museum with a lantern in hand, which adds just the right amount of spooky atmosphere.
Admission: adults $15, children $9
internationalmonstermuseum.com
Weird and Witchy Museums in Salem, MA
Salem’s spooky and weird museums walk the line between creepy and historical, with a dash of kitsch… in the best way.
From guided reenactments to wax figures in shadowy basements, these experiences bring the infamous 1692 trials to life for curious families.
Expect dramatic lighting, eerie storytelling, and enough witchy vibes to make it feel like Halloween…even in July.
Salem Witch Museum
Brewing potions and stirring up spooky history.
Salem Witch Museum — Salem, MA
This well-known Salem museum kicks things off with a dramatic seated presentation about the 1692 witch trials, complete with life-sized dioramas and moody lighting.
It’s a solid intro to Salem’s history… but it’s more show-and-tell than hands-on.
You won’t find much to explore after the main event, and younger kids might fidget during the slower parts. Still, it’s a popular first stop if you’re setting the stage for the rest of your trip.
Admission: adults $19, children $16
salemwitchmuseum.com
Need a place to stay after all the witchy adventures?
These historic hotels in Salem are family-friendly and full of character.
Witch Dungeon Museum
A chilling courtroom you won’t forget.
Witch Dungeon Museum—Salem, MA
Part live theater, part ‘creepy’ basement… this experience opens with a short reenactment of an actual witch trial (performed with surprising commitment).
Afterward, you’ll follow a guide through the dungeon space, filled with spooky mannequins and flickering lanterns.
The acting keeps it fun, and the setting is just eerie enough to leave an impression without being too scary and intense. Open April through November. (bundle with the Witch History Museum)
Admission: adults $13, children $10
witchdungeon.com
Witch History Museum
History, drama, and a few (natural) cobwebs.
Witch History Museum — Salem, MA
If you’re into mannequins and moody storytelling, this one delivers.
A costumed guide walks you through a series of life-size scenes that dig deeper into what life was like in Salem during the hysteria.
It’s not flashy, and yes, it leans a little dusty and dramatic… but that’s half the fun.
Great for families who want a little more depth and don’t mind a few cobwebs with their history. Open April through November. (bundle with the Witch Dungeon Museum)
Admission: adults $13, children $10
witchhistorymuseum.com
The Lost Museum
Just a monster guarding its secrets...
The Lost Museum — Salem, MA
If your family loves weird museums with a spooky twist, this one’s a hidden gem…literally.
Tucked beneath the Gallows Hill theater, The Lost Museum is a self-guided walk-through filled with eerie scenes, disorienting illusions, and a few well-timed jump scares.
It’s dark, theatrical, and not your average museum… but not too scary for older kids who are into paranormal vibes and escape room energy.
Open seasonally in September and October.
Admission: adults $22, children $16
gallowshill.com
Paranormal Museums That’ll Make You Do a Double Take
If your family loves ghost stories, alien theories, and things that go bump in the night… these weird museums deliver.
Packed with haunted artifacts, local legends, and just enough mystery to keep older kids intrigued.
VAMPA Vampire and Paranormal Museum
Bite into this spooky stop.
VAMPA Vampire and Paranormal Museum – Doylestown, PA
If your family is into spooky folklore and a touch of vampire flair, this quirky little spot delivers.
VAMPA is part paranormal museum, part oddities shop, and fully committed to the vibe.
Think vampire hunting kits, haunted artifacts, glowing black-light rooms, and maybe even a ghost detector or two.
It’s small but super fun for tweens and teens who like the weirder corners of history.
Admission: adults $20, children $8
vampamuseum.com
If weird museums are your thing, wait until you see what’s hiding along the highways in the Northeast.
These offbeat road trip stops are made for families who love the unexpected.
Pine Bush UFO & Paranormal Museum
Alien lore, local sightings, and just enough weird to make you wonder.
Pine Bush UFO & Paranormal Museum – Pine Bush, NY
Welcome to Alien Central.
This weird museum dives into Hudson Valley’s UFO sightings, government conspiracy theories, and paranormal lore with full-on dedication.
It’s text-heavy in parts, so better for older kids or strong readers…but there are some hands-on and visual displays to break it up. A must-stop for believers and skeptics alike.
Enjoy a self-guided walk-through tour or an exclusive guided tour on select days.
Admission: (Self-Guided) adults $20, children $17. (Guided Tour) adults $29, children $23
Paranormal Museum of NJ
Choose your card, if you dare...
Paranormal Museum of NJ – Asbury Park, NJ
Hidden inside Paranormal Books and Curiosities, this appointment-only museum is home to haunted dolls, ghost-hunting lore, and eerie artifacts from the beyond.
Tours are private (just your group and a guide), run about an hour, and can even be tailored to your interests… think haunted dolls, ghost stories, or the science behind the strange.
Admission: $120/ private tour for up to 6 guests
paranormalbooksnj.com
The Paranormal Museum isn’t the only place with a good ghost story… the TLJ Road Trip Stops for Book Lovers Map includes plenty of spots where the stories linger long after closing time.
Salem Witch Board Museum
Say hello to one of the most mysterious exhibits in Salem.
Salem Witch Board Museum – Salem, MA
This small but memorable museum is dedicated entirely to the history of Ouija boards… and it’s every bit as fascinating as it sounds.
You’ll see vintage and rare designs from around the world, plus intriguing background on how these spirit boards became part of pop culture and paranormal lore.
What makes this stop extra special is the owner himself, his passion for the subject, and incredible storytelling turn a quick visit into one of the most engaging museum stops in Salem.
Admission: $10/ per person
witchboardmuseum.com
Why These Weird Museums Deserve a Spot on Your List
You don’t need a full moon or a Halloween countdown to enjoy these weird and spooky museums; they’re perfect for offbeat day trips, fall weekends, or anytime your family’s in the mood for something delightfully strange.
From creepy walk-throughs to quirky collections, these spots offer just the right mix of spooky and fascinating… no jump scares required.
Want more hidden gems like this?
Explore our TLJ travel maps packed with 1200+ parent-approved stops, or dive into our road trip guides for even more ways to make memories (without the same old museum fatigue).
Happy travels…
