Massachusetts boasts an incredible array of attractions for visitors of all ages. The New England Aquarium and the Boston Children’s Museum are always family favorites, but there are plenty of lesser-known attractions. If your kids are interested in history, visit the many historic sites in Plymouth or Boston, or participate in an interactive learning experience at the New England Pirate Museum or the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum.
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History
Whether you visit Cape Cod every year or you're here for the first time, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History is a fascinating place to learn about the area's unique ecosystem and diverse wildlife.
Highlights of the exhibits include an aquarium full of marine life, a honeybee display, and a collection of taxidermized local birds.
Visitors are also welcome to enjoy the trails on the 400-acre property that surrounds the center.
During the summer, there's a special kids' summer camp with activities like guided nature walks and hands-on crafts.
869 Main Street/Route 6A, Brewster, MA 02631, Phone: 508-896-3867, Map, Facebook
Real Pirates Salem
Not many people know about New England's history of notorious sea-robbers, but at the Real Pirates Salem, this exciting part of the country's history comes to life. Guided tours take visitors through the museum, showing off historic treasures in the artifacts room and introducing approximately 60 of the most famous pirates from days gone by, and visitors are encouraged to ask questions.
Another highlight is the museum's 80-foot cave, which daring visitors can explore in search of treasure and 17th-century pirates. The museum is open between May and October, and tours take approximately half an hour.
Real Pirates Salem, 274 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970, Phone: 978-741-2800
Berkshire Museum
Established in 1903 by a local businessman, the Berkshire Museum features a wonderful collection of art and historic artifacts. The collection is constantly growing, but highlights include a genuine Egyptian mummy, an assortment of ancient Mediterranean jewelry, and a room full of specimen of local animals and insects. Kids will particularly love the Curiosity Incubator exhibit, which tells the story of the human experience through immersive, interactive exhibits like a multicultural dining table and a photobooth. The museum also often hosts special children's programs and events, including hands-on aquarium discovery programs, pop-up play days, and pajama nights with storytelling.
Berkshire Museum, 39 South St, Pittsfield, MA 01201, Phone: 413-443-7171
Boston Duck Tours
With its fleet of replica WWII amphibious vehicles, Boston Duck Tours is the only tour company in Boston that can take visitors on a journey through the city over both land and water.
The tours are narrated by colorful ConDUCKtors, who ensure the tour is an experience guests of all ages will enjoy, and they pass by sites like the Boston Public Market and the city's iconic Make Way for Ducklings statues before splashing into the Charles River.
Tours depart from three different locations throughout the city, and tickets can be purchased online or at the departure sites.
Boston Duck Tours, 4 Copley Pl #4155, Boston, MA 02116, Phone: 617-267-3825, Map
Cape Cod Children’s Museum
Operated by a non-profit organization, the Cape Cod Children’s Museum is an 8,000-square-foot museum that was created to encourage hands-on learning.
There are approximately 20 interactive exhibits for kids to enjoy, including a play castle, a life-size tree house, and a pirate ship, and a music room full of instruments to play.
A variety of programs are held throughout the week, including sing-along sessions, art classes, and STEM-related crafts.
There are also party rooms that can be rented for birthdays and other special events, and one of the packages includes exclusive use of the museum for two hours.
577 Great Neck Rd S, Mashpee, MA 02649, Phone: 508-539-8788, Map
Eco Tarium
Formerly the New England Science Center, the Eco Tarium in Worcester is an indoor-outdoor nature and science museum that offers plenty of opportunities for kids to explore, play, and learn.
The City Science exhibit features hands-on activities and live animal displays designed to interest kids in the wonders of the natural world, while the Mount Washington exhibit allows visitors to experience some of the state's craziest weather.
Other popular attractions include the planetarium and a model 19th-century steam train. If the weather is good, your kids will also love playing in the Nature Explore Outdoor Exhibit, where they can climb, dig, and built to their hearts' content.
Eco Tarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester, MA 01604, Phone: 508-929-2700, Map
Kidspace at Mass MoCa
Located inside one of the country's biggest contemporary art centers, Kidspace at Mass MoCa is an art museum specifically designed for children to enjoy.
Two exhibits are mounted every year, featuring artists from all over the world, and each artist is carefully chosen for their ability to connect and resonate with children.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the galleries on their own, but a variety of hour-long tours are available for groups. On the weekends, kids can also visit the hands-on studio space known as the Art Bar, where they can make their own creative masterpieces.
Kidspace at Mass MoCa, 1040 Mass Moca Way, North Adams, Massachusetts 01247, Phone: 413-664-4481 Ext 8131
Animal Adventures Family Zoo and Rescue Center
Originally established as a small rescue center for exotic animals, the Animal Adventures Family Zoo and Rescue Center is a family-run center that prides itself on caring for exotic animals who have nowhere else to go.
Animal Adventures Family Zoo and Rescue Center, 336 Sugar Rd, Bolton, MA 01740, Phone: 978-779-8988
Berkshire Scenic Railway and Museum
Situated in the town of Lenox, the Berkshire Scenic Railway and Museum was established to preserve the railroad heritage of Massachusetts. The exhibits feature a replica "Block Station" and a wonderful collection of historic equipment, and guided tours are led by knowledgeable volunteers.
Berkshire Scenic Railway and Museum, 10 Willow Creek Rd, Lenox, MA 01240, Phone: 413-637-2210
Boston Children’s Museum
Conveniently located on the Children's Wharf, the Boston Children’s Museum is one of the oldest museums of its kind in the country.
Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210, Phone: 617-426-6500
Boston Pizza Tours
If you and your kids love pizza, Boston Pizza Tours offers the opportunity to eat your way around some of the most historic areas of the city.
Families typically choose the classic North End tour, which includes stops at some of the most historic sites in the city as well as at three incredible pizzerias.
If you're in the mood for something spooky, there's also a Haunted Pizza Walk, which takes guests into the crypts underneath a historic church.
Reservations are recommended for all tours, and dietary restrictions can often be accommodated if the company is notified in advance.
Boston Pizza Tours, 71 Commercial Street, Suite 134, Boston, MA 02109, Phone: 855-487-4992
Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum
The Boston Tea Party was one of the most important events in American history, and even though it took place more than 200 years ago, the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum is an excellent place to visit even for people who aren't very interested in museums.
After being given a role card, visitors are invited to step aboard replica ships, where they'll participate in an interactive drama featuring a talented cast of actors.
Before leaving, stop by Abigail's Tea Room to enjoy a cup of one of the same tea varieties that were unceremoniously dumped into the harbor in 1773.
Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, 306 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210, Phone: 617-338-1773
Buttonwood Park Zoo
Occupying seven acres in the middle of Buttonwood Park, the Buttonwood Park Zoo is a wonderful zoo that has been proudly accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Buttonwood Park Zoo, 425 Hawthorn St, New Bedford, MA 02740, Phone: 508-991-6178
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
Created to inspire a love of art and reading, The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art was founded by the author of the classic children's book The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 W Bay Rd, Amherst, MA 01002, Phone: 413-559-6300
Lupa Zoo
Set on a privately owned 20-acre property, the Lupa Zoo is a family-friendly attraction dedicated to animal conservation and education. The exhibits have been carefully designed to mimic the animals' natural habitats, including plenty of spaces to hide, and visitors can expect to see everything from zebras to exotic monkeys to camels. There are also several children's playgrounds, and the zoo is happy to host kids' birthday parties and other special events. Hours of operation vary according to the season, and family memberships are available for anyone planning to visit more than once a year.
Lupa Zoo, 62 Nash Hill Rd, Ludlow, MA 01056, Phone: 413-583-8370
Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
Encompassing almost 100 acres of land right next to the Bristol Blake State Reservation, the Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary is a former mill site that now serves as a haven for local wildlife. There's an excellent trail system with plenty of boardwalks that allow visitors to easily traverse the fields and wetlands, and popular family trails include the half-mile Pond Loop Trail and the 2,000-foot interpretive sensory trail, which leads through a wide range of terrain. The sanctuary also hosts a variety of programs for kids year-round, and summer day camps are offered for kids between the ages of 4 and 15.
Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 108 North St, Norfolk, MA 02056, Phone: 508-528-3140
New England Aquarium
Found at Boston's Central Wharf, the New England Aquarium is one of the city's top attractions, and it's not hard to see why.
Boston National Historic Park
Boston has played a key role in American history, particularly during the Revolution, and the Boston National Historic Park showcases this history in an exciting, informative way. The park is spread across various sites downtown, in South Boston, and in Charlestown, but the best place to start your visit is at the Downtown Visitor Center, where friendly volunteers will help you plan your day. Highlights of a self-guided tour include Faneuil Hall, the Paul Revere House, and the Old North Church, but if you'd prefer to have a guide, ranger-led tours of many sites are available on a seasonal basis.
Boston National Historic Park, Building 5, Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, MA 02109, Phone: 617-242-5601
