Read on for our top picks for museums for kids in Boston and around Massachusetts. For more family fun in and around Boston, check out Boston Zoos: There's More Than just the Franklin Park Zoo!

Best Museums for Kids in Boston

1. Boston Children's Museum - Fort Point Channel

The Children's Museum in Boston is a must-visit for so many reasons. The cool exhibits and hands-on activities make this museum one of the Top Attractions in Boston for families. There's so much to do and see, with dozens of permanent exhibits, seasonal events and programs, and a collection of over 50,000 objects. The stimulating PlaySpace is exclusively for babies and toddlers up to 3 years old. The adjacent Martin's Park and Playground is a great spot for kids to add a little outdoor activity to their museum experience!

 
The Museum of Science gives Boston's children a unique perspective on the world. Museum of Science photo by Todd Vann Hoosear via Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

2. Museum of Science, Boston - West End

The Museum of Science in Boston has attractions for kids of all ages. From the life-size T-Rex, to the live animal presentations the Museum of Science, Boston, allows kids to explore all of the sciences. With lightning displays, planetarium shows, 4-D films, and 3 floors of hands-on adventures, one visit might not be enough!

3. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA) - Fenway

The MFA is for kids as well as the most discriminating art afficionados. With special events and programs geared toward kids and families, the Museum of Fine Arts goes out of its way to connect children with the world of art. The museum has modern masterpieces and treasures from around the globe in its collection, many with "family labels" to help little ones appreciate the exhibits.

4. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum - Fenway

Boston's Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum has more to offer than priceless works of art. The kids who afren't taken by the works of art (or magnificent architecture) will be thrilled to hear the story of the museum's famous art heist!

 
The U.S.S. Constitution Museum shows kids the history of Boston and the United States. Photo by Michael Blanchard, courtesy of the U.S.S. Constitution Museum

5. U.S.S. Constitution - Charlestown

How many museums for kids in Boston include a 226-year-old battleship? Well, just the one, and the ship, alongside a museum filled with hands-on experiences, is worth the trip. Best of all, admission is free for all, though the suggested donation helps keep this family-friendly Boston museum around!

6. Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) - Seaport

The Seaport's Institute of Contemporary Art is one of the coolest buildings in Boston. The view of the harbor alone is worth the trip. Kids 18 and under get free admission every day, and the ICA offers "playdates" once a month, where two adults get free admission when accompanied by kids 12 and under.

Best Museums for Kids near Boston

7. MIT Museum - Cambridge

The MIT Museum in Cambridge might be a little much for very small children. But kids interested in STEM, robotics, and all things science will be over the moon. Exhibits touch on architecture, art, photography, and (of course) science & technology!

8. deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum - Lincoln

Lincoln's deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum boasts the largest sculpture park in New England, with over 60 works of art. Just a short drive from Boston, the deCordova offers programs and special exhibits all year, providing indoor fun and outdoor activities—like yopga in the park and snowshoe tours. Children 12 and under enjoy free admission to the museum.

9. Discovery Museum - Acton

Greater Boston has some great attractions for families. The Discovery Museum in Acton is one of our favorites, with stimulating exhibits and year-round programs for kids. The STEAM-focussed environment is sure to engage kids (the AirPlay Gallery is always a hit), entertaining while educating. The outdoor playspaces are also sure to delight.The Discovery Museum also offers outdoor activities that expose kids to the natural world in the adjacent Great Hill Conservation Area.

Best Museums for Kids Worth the Drive from Boston

10. EcoTarium - Worcester

Worcester's EcoTarium features some of the coolest hands on science exhibits in Greater Boston. With great indoor exhibits, outdoor explorations, and live animals, kids will love a day at this science museum west of Boston. The Alden Planetarium, natural history collection, and preschool-friendly play zone are among our favorites at Worcester's children's museum.

 
Springfield's Dr. Seuss Museum is worth the day-trip for Boston families! Photo by the Massachusetts Office of  Travel & Tourism, via Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

11. The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum - Springfield

Springfield, Massachusetts is the home town of one of the most beloved children's authors: Dr. Seuss. His legacy is preserved with whimsical exhibits that celebrate his beloved characters. From Who-ville to the Cat's Corner, kids can feel like they've stepped into the pages of one of Dr. Seuss' classic children's books!

12. Mass MoCA - North Adams

The Berkshires is a destination for leaf-peepers and hikers; it's a haven of lake houses and B&Bs. It is also the home of one of New England's most amazing modern art museums. Mass MoCA (short for the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art) boasts a quarter-million square feet of space for exhibitions, performances, classes, and more.