A new water table mesmerizes splash-loving kids year round. 

What's New at the Boston Children's Museum PlaySpace

The remodeled PlaySpace is across from Kid Power, the exercise space for slightly older children, on the second floor of the Museum. You'll see strollers lined up outside. The area is staffed and they will enforce the age limit, as only children three years old and under can enter with their caregivers. At the entrance of the new PlaySpace, you'll see an exhibit that is specifically for non-walking babies, with everyone taking their shoes off to enter the infant area.

With toddlers and preschoolers, continue on into the exhibit and check out the wind tunnel. The wind tunnel was my son's favorite part of the PlaySpace, and he spent many happy minutes launching and watching colorful scarves fly up to the ceiling.

The train table will attract little transportation lovers and mini engineers.

We all know that toddlers take to water tables like ducks to...you know. Luckily, there's a terrific water play area with mini waterfalls, colorful boats, and plenty of ramps, among other features. This well-designed space has bright yellow smocks to protect clothing, and drains on the floors, so kids can splash to their hearts delight. Speaking of tables, transportation lovers won't miss a whistle stop at the train track routes that snake across several platforms in the PlaySpace.

Indoor climbing structures with slides and stairs round out the exhibit, allowing kids to get out some energy while exploring. On the way out of the museum, stop at Science Playground for some play with bubbles, and have your little one climb underneath the turtle tank for a unique view.

The day we went was a Tuesday, and there was a Stories Aloud program at the PlaySpace at 10:30am. Even if you miss a scheduled activity, there is plenty to keep the three-year-old-and-under crowd very well entertained for the day. We spent about an hour and a half in the new exhibit and another half-hour exploring other parts of the museum.

The enclosed infant area is fun for babies and a break for parents.

Know Before You Go to the Boston Children's Museum PlaySpace

• If you are driving in to the museum, spend some time looking at the map before you go, as there is not parking right at the museum.  We parked at the Farnsworth garage and with validation, paid about $25 for the over two hours we were there. It was a pleasant short walk to the museum from there. Validate your parking at the information desk.
• New parents rejoice! In the back of the PlaySpace there is a bottle feeding and nursing room.
• Be sure to bring some snacks or lunch to eat as well, since the museum does not serve food but the exhibit has a spacious eating area and—what a great idea— a kitchen! The kitchen is a welcome change, with a sink, hand soap, refrigerator, and an area to prepare food with microwaves. 
• On your way out, look for the Boston Fire Museum. It has limited hours, so it may not be open, but it's worth a peek at the engines through the massive glass doors. 

Photos by author