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The Boston Children's Museum

The Boston Children’s Museum has been educating and entertaining families for over 90 years. While the museum aims to educate children ages 0-10, it is sure to provide a good time for the entire family. With over 19 exhibits and a green initiative, everyone in the family is bound to learn something new.

What is there to see at the Boston’s Children’s Museum?

The exhibits at the Children’s Museum seamlessly combine fun and learning around every corner. You can catch up with old friends at the Arthur exhibit, or learn to make new friends in the Countdown to Kindergarten. Here, you can simulate the classroom experience so that your little ones can learn what it's like to be in school. Speaking of school, MIT helped develop the Playlab which stimulates cognitive development for the younger kids in the family. One of the most popular exhibits is the Japanese House which was donated by Boston’s sister city of Kyoto, Japan. Another type of culture experience can be had at the Boston Black exhibit which explores African American neighborhoods in Boston. These are just some of the many options as you explore the Boston Children's Museum.

History of the Boston Children’s Museum

Started by a group of teachers in 1913, The Boston Children’s Museum is the 2^nd oldest children’s museum in the county. The goal of the museum was, and still is, to teach children by engaging them in fun activities. In 1979 the Children’s Museum moved into its current location, in a renovated historical industrial building. Since its move, the museum has continued to grow and expand. It went on to become the first Green Museum in Boston. Be sure to check the museums website to keep current on what new exhibits may be coming to town.

Where is the Boston Children’s Museum?

The Children’s Museum is extremely easy to get to. Located just minutes from the New England Aquarium and downtown Boston, it can be accessed by public transit, boat, car or foot. Arriving by boat will provide a thrill for the kids as they arrive at their very own Children’s Wharf. The Children’s Wharf contains The Children’s Museum, The Hood Ice Cream Stand, The Computer Museum and the Tea Party Ship. If you are driving to the museum watch out for street parking; the streets are mostly residential parking only. The museum will validate parking for some garages nearby.

Going Green

Not only is the Children’s Museum LEEF Gold Certified, but they work to teach children what it means to be green and how easy it can be. When visiting the museum you can check out the Green Tour Guide and see just how this museum became the first Green Museum in Boston. Take your kids on the Green Trail to see how the museum uses water reclamation and nature to stay sustainable. Finally check out the Recycle Shop exhibit and have some fun with recycling.

Tickets and Hours at the Boston Children’s Museum

There is so much to see and do inside the Boston Children’s Museum, that you will need to set aside at least a few hours in order to make sure you get to see everything you want. The museum opens every day at 10am until at least 5pm, with some late nights. Check the website for special $1 family nights. If you plan on spending more than one day at the museum, you may want to think about a membership, depending on the size of your family.

Where to Eat

With a long day of learning, you and your children are bound to get hungry. The museum has a few specific picnic areas where you can bring your own food. If you want to buy food, there is an Au Bon Pain located in the museum. There are many other options located just outside the museum on the wharf, such as Barlow’s Restaurant and the Barking Crab. In the summer months be sure to check out the Hood Milk Bottle.

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The Boston Children's Museum