Family Attractions in Boston, Massachusetts

As one of America’s premier cultural cities, Boston Massachusetts is home to numerous attractions and things to do. Fortunately for the traveling family, the city also features a number of family-friendly attractions that makes it an ideal vacation destination. With something for children and adults of all ages, a trip to Boston is sure to satisfy everyone in the family.

Boston Children’s Museum

Having been in the business for over 90 years, the Boston Children’s Museum knows a great deal about entertaining and enriching the lives of its child visitors. With their focus on hand-on learning, they are a great way for children to learn about such far-ranging subjects as science, culture, environmental awareness, and the arts.

The Boston Children’s Museum is home to a number of exhibits, including Arthur and Friends (which allows children to experience the world of the popular book/television series,) Japanese House (which introduces children to Japanese culture through the use of an authentic Japanese silk merchant’s house,) and the Science Playground (which allows children to experience various aspects of science, such as the laws of gravity.)

The Boston Children’s Museum is open every day from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. and on Fridays 10 A.M. to 9 P.M. Admission for adults is $12 and $9 for seniors and children. Children younger than twelve months are free. Those who wish to contact this Massachusetts family attraction may do so at the information below:

308 Congress Street

Boston, MA 02210

(617)-426-6500

Franklin Park Zoo

With an animal collection representing over 220 species of wildlife, the Franklin Park Zoo is the ideal family attraction in Boston. The various animals in the zoo are divided by habitat, including: Serengeti Crossing (which animals like the ostrich and zebra,) the Outback Trail (with animals such as emus and kangaroos,) and Tropical Forest (with animals such as the dwarf crocodile, gorilla, and pygmy hippopotamus, a very rare species.) The zoo also houses a petting zoo, with animals such as chickens and sheep.

The Franklin Park Zoo also has a number of eateries and gift shops to round out the family trip. Restaurants at the zoo include Giddy Up Grill (which serves a number of children-friendly foods,) and the Kalahari Kitchen (which serves food such as hamburgers, hot dogs, and other grilled foods.) There are also a number of picnic tables available where families can bring their own meals.

Hours vary seasonally, so it is best to check their website before planning a visit. Admission for adults is $14, with decreasing rates for children and seniors. Although this might seem a bit expensive, the wide variety of animals housed at the zoo makes it well worth the money.

Those wishing to contact the zoo may do so at the following information:

One Franklin Park Road

Boston, MA 02121

(617)-541-5466

New England Aquarium

Featuring aquatic wildlife from all corners of the world, the New England Aquarium is a must-see for any family interested in learning about the world’s oceans. Unlike many aquariums, the New England Aquarium also exhibits wildlife from regions outside the ocean, including the Amazon Rainforest, an exhibit which includes such species as anacondas, electric eels, and piranhas. Other exhibits include the New Balance Foundation Marine Mammal Center, while other animals on display include Africna penguins, northern fur seals, and the giant Pacific octopus.

The New England Aquarium also offers a number of other activities, including an IMAX theater and the Whale Watch, which takes visitors out to sea on the Voyager III on a whale-watching tour to see such animals as the North Atlantic right whale, dolphins, and other large sea mammals (reservations are strongly recommended for this activity.)

The New England Aquarium’s hours vary by season, but they are typically open from 9 in the morning until mid-to-late afternoon. Admission to the Aquarium is $20.95, with decreasing rates for children and seniors, making it a pricier family option. Nevertheless, the sheer amount of things to do makes it well worth the extra price. The IMAX Theater and the Whale Watch require additional charges.

Those wishing to contact the New England Aquarium may do so at the information below:

90 East India Row

Boston, MA 02110

(617) 973-5281