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Best Museums in Boston for a Family Day Out

Boston kid

Aug 27, 2025 · 4 min read

Looking for a full-day family outing that keeps kids curious, active, and smiling? Boston has three standouts that work for every age band: the Boston Children’s Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), and the Museum of Science (MoS). Each has something kids love right now, plus exciting new exhibits on the way.

At a Glance

Boston kid
  • Ages: 0–15
  • Duration: Full day (3 stops)
  • Total cost: Around $20–$30 per ticket; under 3 often free
  • MBTA/Parking: Red Line South Station (Children’s Museum), Green Line MFA, Green/Orange Science Park (MoS)
  • Bathrooms/Changing Tables: All three equipped
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller friendly, elevators available
  • Sensory-friendly times: Monthly at Children’s Museum
  • Rain backup: All indoors
  • Nearby snacks: Flour Bakery near Children’s Museum; cafés inside MFA and MoS

0–2 Years: Safe Spaces & Gentle Play

  • Children’s Museum: PlaySpace is made for this age with soft mats, low climbing, sensory tables. Parents can relax while little ones safely explore.
  • MFA: Galleries are stroller-friendly, and babies often enjoy the colors and people-watching. Nursing areas and family bathrooms are available.
  • MoS: Planetarium shows may be too much, but the Discovery Center (check availability during renovations) offers toddler-safe stations.

3–6 Years: Climbing, Colors & Stories

  • Children’s Museum: The climbing tower and bubble room are the big wins. Staff recommend mornings for lighter crowds.
  • MFA: Storytime hours and Art Connections Cards give young kids a scavenger-hunt way to see art.
  • MoS: Illusion stations at Perception Playground feel like magic tricks, and animal films in the Omni Theater grab attention spans.
Boston Childrens Museum

7–10 Years: Builders & Explorers

  • Children’s Museum: Construction Zone lets kids wear hardhats, move blocks, and “be the builder.” The dinosaur dig (Explore•a•Saurus) is another hit.
  • MFA: Kids this age enjoy the Arms and Armor collection; let’s face it, knights and swords are hard to beat.
  • MoS: Hands-on physics demos and live electricity shows keep this age group riveted.

11–15 Years: Independent Curiosity

  • Children’s Museum: May feel “little kid” by this age, but tweens often enjoy mentoring younger siblings in the more physical exhibits.
  • MFA: Teens connect with global art—photography, modern installations, or cultural collections. New exhibitions keep it fresh.
  • MoS: Robotics, engineering labs, and advanced science shows (space, genetics) are strong for middle schoolers.

Recommendations

Boston Children’s Museum — Fort Point

A bright, interactive museum where play leads the way. Younger kids climb and splash while older ones tackle dinosaurs and building zones.

  • Price: $
  • When: Best mornings, weekdays lighter crowds
  • Reservations/Wait: Timed entry online
  • MBTA/Parking: South Station (Red Line); garage on Sleeper St.
  • Accessibility: Stroller/wheelchair friendly, elevators throughout
  • Link: bostonchildrensmuseum.org
  • Last checked: Aug 26, 2025

Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) — Fenway

Boston MFA

One of Boston’s great art collections, made family-friendly with story hours, art cards, and weekend family days.

  • Price: $$
  • When: Weekend mornings, Family Days recommended
  • Reservations/Wait: Walk-in, free for kids 6 and under
  • MBTA/Parking: MFA stop (Green Line E); Museum Rd garage
  • Accessibility: Fully wheelchair/stroller accessible
  • Link: mfa.org
  • Last checked: Aug 26, 2025

Museum of Science (MoS) — West End

Interactive exhibits from illusions to robotics plus the giant Omni Theater. Some areas are under renovation, so check first.

  • Price: $$
  • When: Afternoons less crowded for Omni shows
  • Reservations/Wait: Timed entry; planetarium/Omni separate ticket
  • MBTA/Parking: Science Park (Green/Orange); onsite garage
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair/stroller accessible, elevators
  • Link: mos.org
  • Last checked: Aug 26, 2025