Don’t let gray skies dampen family plans; discover seven dynamic indoor escapes across Boston that cater to every age this fall.
At-a-Glance
Ages: 0–15
Duration: 2–4 hours each activity
Total cost: Free–$$ (see below)
MBTA/Parking: Red, Green, Orange lines; Commuter Rail (for Natick)
Bathrooms/changing tables: Yes (at all museums; varies at Imagine & Level99)
Accessibility: Stroller/wheelchair accessible at major museums; check individual venues
Sensory-friendly times: Boston Children’s Museum, Museum of Science, MFA often run sensory-friendly hours
Rain backup: All activities are fully indoors
Nearby snacks: Cafés or food halls at each venue
0–2 Years
Boston Children’s Museum — Fort Point/Seaport
Boston Children’s Museum is the perfect rainy-day escape for families with toddlers. Peep’s World and PlaySpace are designed with crawlers and preschoolers in mind, while older siblings can climb through the giant three-story structure or dig into the Construction Zone. The museum is highly stroller-friendly and includes family restrooms, changing tables, and nursing rooms, making it one of the easiest outings with little ones. Weekday mornings are calmer, while weekends pick up quickly.
- Price: $24 for adults & kids (1–15); infants free
- When: Wed–Mon, 9 am–4 pm (closed Tues)
- MBTA/Parking: Red Line to South Station; garage nearby
- Accessibility: Wheelchair & stroller accessible; nursing rooms
- Link: bostonchildrensmuseum.org
- Last checked: Sept 6, 2025
3–6 Years
Imagine Playspace — Cambridge
Imagine Playspace is a cozy indoor world built just for young children. Rainy days here are spent exploring pretend grocery stores, running trains through miniature towns, and playing with sensory tables that spark curiosity. The environment is scaled perfectly for little ones, so parents can relax while kids independently explore. It’s best for preschool and early elementary ages, though babies can also enjoy soft areas. Always call ahead to confirm hours, since the venue has relocated in past years.
- Price: Varies; check website
- When: Daily, 9 am–6 pm
- MBTA/Parking: Red Line to Porter; limited street parking
- Accessibility: Stroller-friendly; call ahead to confirm
- Link: imaginecambridge.com
- Last checked: Sept 6, 2025
7–10 Years
LEGOLAND Discovery Center — Somerville
LEGOLAND Discovery Center at Assembly Row is built for rainy-day magic. Families can dive into MINILAND Boston, watch LEGO bricks come alive in a 4D Cinema, or hop on the kid-friendly rides. Elementary-aged kids will stay busy for 2–3 hours building and exploring, while younger siblings still find plenty of hands-on fun. Timed entry tickets help avoid crowds, and booking online saves money. The in-house café offers sandwiches and kid-sized meals for a break mid-visit.
- Price: ~$25–37 (online vs. day-of)
- When: Daily, ~10 am–5 pm
- MBTA/Parking: Orange Line to Assembly; Assembly Row garage
- Accessibility: Stroller-friendly; family restrooms
- Link: legodiscoverycenter.com
- Last checked: Sept 6, 2025
11–15 Years
Level99 — Natick Mall
Level99 is a massive indoor adventure park built for tweens, teens, and parents who want a challenge. Think escape-room puzzles, climbing elements, arcade-style games, and team missions spread across dozens of themed rooms. Teens can roam freely in groups, while families can compete together in timed challenges. It’s especially fun on rainy afternoons when kids need an active outlet. Plan for a half-day outing and cap it with a meal at the Night Shift pizzeria next door.
- Price: Varies by game/pass
- When: Daily, ~11 am–10 pm (Fri–Sat to midnight)
- MBTA/Parking: Commuter Rail to Framingham + rideshare
- Accessibility: Wheelchair access in main mall areas; call for details
- Link: level99.com
- Last checked: Sept 6, 2025
All Ages
Boston Public Library – Central Library — Back Bay
Rainy days don’t have to be expensive, and the Boston Public Library proves it. The children’s wing is stocked with picture books, toys, and cozy corners for storytime. Older kids can explore Teen Central or use the library’s tech stations. Families often stop in just to pick up free museum passes, making this a budget-friendly hub. It’s quiet, dry, and a great reset when the weather turns.
- Price: Free
- When: Mon–Thu 9–8; Fri–Sat 9–5; Sun 11–5
- MBTA/Parking: Green Line to Copley; limited garage parking
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible; stroller-friendly
- Link: bpl.org
- Last checked: Sept 6, 2025
Museum of Science — Science Park
The Museum of Science is Boston’s ultimate STEM playground, packed with more than 700 exhibits and endless rainy-day discoveries. Kids can marvel at dinosaur fossils, stand inches away from a live lightning show, or fly through the galaxy in the Charles Hayden Planetarium. Interactive labs and animal encounters keep even short attention spans engaged. Arrive early to beat the crowds, and plan for at least 3–4 hours if you’re adding the IMAX or planetarium shows.
- Price: ~$20–30 per person
- When: Daily, 9 am–5 pm
- MBTA/Parking: Green Line to Science Park; museum garage
- Accessibility: Fully wheelchair & stroller accessible
- Link: mos.org
- Last checked: Sept 6, 2025
Museum of Fine Arts — Fenway
The MFA offers a calmer, creative outlet on stormy days. Families can borrow gallery guides, play “I Spy” among the art, or join hands-on art cart programs. Special exhibitions add fresh reasons to return, while sensory-friendly mornings make it accessible for kids who prefer quieter spaces. Parents can linger in galleries while kids get involved in discovery-based activities, creating a balanced outing for mixed ages.
- Last checked: Sept 6, 2025
- Price: Adults $27; Youth 7–17 $10; under 6 free
- When: Thurs–Mon, 10 am–5 pm (closed Tues/Wed)
- MBTA/Parking: Green Line E to MFA; nearby garage
- Accessibility: Fully accessible; sensory-friendly programs offered
- Link: mfa.org