Fun Things to Do in Massachusetts
Fun Things to Do in 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. Plus, the Japanese House, which introduces children to Japanese culture through the use of an authentic Japanese silk merchant’s house. And there’s 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 from 10 A.M. to 9 P.M. Admission is $18.
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. They include: 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 $21.95, 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.
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. And this includes 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 African penguins, northern fur seals, and the giant Pacific octopus.
