11 Fun Things to Do in Massachusetts with Kids
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Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there are a lot of fun things to do in Massachusetts with kids.
New England is full of culture and history, and Massachusetts offers many tourist attractions that will entertain the whole family. There’s something fun, from amusement parks and zoos to nature preserves and museums.
Boston gets all the attention, but there are amazing things to do in every corner of Massachusetts. These are just some of the top must-see attractions and activities for exploring this beautiful state, but they barely scratch the surface.
1. Enjoy the Thrill Rides at Six Flags New England
You’re never too old to enjoy Six Flags New England in Agawam. If you’re a thrill-seeker, this park is the one for you.
Enjoying this large amusement park with various rides for all ages will take the whole day.
Among the many rides for the more daring are Time Warp, Double Trouble, Scream, Mind Eraser, and Superman Ride of Steel. Of course, there are also more appropriate rides for younger kids, such as Shipwreck, Colossus, Blizzard River, Tomahawk, and kiddie rides for the little ones.
Between riding all of the rides, there are a lot of games and places to eat available throughout the park. Special events, such as concerts, shows, and festivals, occur regularly to add to the fun.
2. Explore the Exhibits at the Boston Museum of Science
The Boston Museum of Science in Boston is one of the largest museums in the United States and is a great place to learn about science and have fun at the same time.
The museum has exhibits dedicated to different science areas, including biology, chemistry, astronomy, and mathematics. There are exhibits on human anatomy and genetics, Earth and space science, technology, and more.
In addition to the exhibits, the museum has several educational programs, special events, and films shown in its IMAX theater. The museum also has a planetarium and some interactive displays.
The Boston Museum of Science is one of the most popular attractions in Boston, and it is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages.
3. Take in the History at the Titanic Museum
The Titanic Museum, located in Indian Orchard, is dedicated to sharing the ill-fated luxury liner’s history through various exhibits and related collections.
Some of the many displays that you’ll see include:
- An intricately detailed model of the ship, which rises to nearly 9 feet in height
- A variety of artifacts belonging to the ship’s passengers
- A bronze bell from the MacKay-Bennett, which was the ship that recovered most of Titanic’s victims
- A menu from the ship’s dining room
- Letters and postcards that passengers wrote during the journey
- A rivet punching from the hull of the Titanic, and a great deal more.
Special events are also offered. Please note that cameras are not allowed in the museum.
4. Catch a Red Sox Game at Fenway Park
Fenway Park is located in Boston and has been the home of the Boston Red Sox since 1912. It is the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Fenway Park is one of the most iconic stadiums in baseball, and it is a must-see for any baseball fan. The park is located in the historic Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood. If you happen to be in the Boston area during baseball season, going to Fenway for a baseball game is a must.
There is plenty to do at Fenway for kids in Concourse K and at the Gate, A entrance before the game, so get there early and enjoy the day at Fenway.
5. Visit the Exotic Animals at Southwick’s Zoo
Southwick’s Zoo is a zoo located in Mendon. The zoo is home to various animals, including elephants, tigers, lions, gorillas, and more. In addition to the animals, the zoo has exhibits that teach about the animals and their habitats.
The zoo also has some educational programs, and it offers a variety of events throughout the year. They even have a carousel for younger kids.
Southwick’s Zoo is a great place to learn about animals and their habitats and is a lot of fun for the whole family.
If you happen to be in central Massachusetts during the holidays, Southwick’s Zoo Lights is a spectacular holiday light display that isn’t to be missed.
If you’re in the Boston area, you could visit the Franklin Park Zoo and the New England Aquarium in Boston.
6. Take a Stroll Down the Bridge of Flowers
The Bridge of Flowers is the #1 attraction of Shelburne Falls. This unique floral display was originally used as a trolley bridge from 1908 to 1928 but was revamped into a literal bridge garden in the ensuing years.
There is no charge to stroll across the bridge. Still, donation boxes are located at the ends to aid in its care and upkeep, which is currently the responsibility of a paid gardener and assistant, as well as several volunteers.
A casual stroll across this beautiful structure will offer many photo opportunities. If you’re interested in the varieties of plants that inhabit the bridge, there are some markers along the way that name particular plantings.
You’ll find flowers from spring through fall appropriate to the season, inspiring visitors to return again and again.
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7. Go Back to the 1830s at Old Sturbridge Village
Old Sturbridge Village is a living history museum located in Sturbridge. The museum is dedicated to preserving the history of New England from the 17th through the 19th centuries.
At Old Sturbridge Village, visitors can experience what life was like in early New England. The village has many buildings that have been restored to their original appearance, including a meetinghouse, a tavern, a blacksmith shop, and more.
In addition to the buildings, the village has some historical interpreters who dress in period clothing and perform tasks such as carpentry, cooking, candle-making, and more.
Old Sturbridge Village is a great place to learn about the history of New England that the whole family will enjoy.
8. Have Some Witchy Fun in Salem
Salem has long been known for the infamous Witch Trials, which took place in 1692, but this seaport town is that and so much more.
A visit to Salem with kids wouldn’t is complete without a visit to the Salem Wax Museum of Witches & Seafarers. Among the notable Boston figures you’ll see as you tour the museums are Col. John Hawthorne (the Witch Trials judge) and Tituba (one of the accused witches of Salem).
In addition to the more conventional museum sights, there are also walking tours, interactive activities for visitors, a pirate museum, trolley tours, the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, and even an arcade.
During the month of October, the museum is one of many members of Haunted Neighborhood, a spooky Halloween tour that includes several witch-related sites and activities. There is a gift shop if you want to purchase a local souvenir.
9. Learn About The Pilgrims at Plimoth Plantation
Step foot on the same land the first Pilgrims did when they arrived on the Mayflower. In Plymouth, MA, you can see such iconic American symbols as Plymouth Rock, tour The Mayflower, and explore Plimoth Plantation.
Additionally, there are a variety of family-friendly restaurants and shops in the area that visitors can enjoy.
- Plymouth Rock is a historic landmark where the Mayflower landed when the Pilgrims arrived in America.
- The Mayflower is a popular tourist attraction in Plymouth, MA. This ship transported the Pilgrims to the New World in 1620.
- Plimoth Plantation is a living history museum that provides visitors with an immersive life experience of the Pilgrims in the 1600s.
10. Learn About NBA History at the Basketball Hall of Fame
The Basketball Hall of Fame located in Springfield has three floors of exhibits that are dedicated to the game and its notable players, teams, and coaches. In the Hall of Fame, you’ll see items related to several inductees dating from the 1950s to the present day.
Among the Hall of Famers are Chuck Hyatt, Pat Page, Red Auerbach, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Bobby McDermott, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and James Worthy, among others who have joined the ranks through the years.
Special events are regularly scheduled, and there are two specialty gift stores on the premises; The Basketball Hall of Fame Specialty Gift Shop and The Reebok Theme Store.
It will take about two hours to tour the Basketball Hall of Fame, which makes it a perfect day trip when you’re looking for something to do in Western Mass with the family.
11. Go on a Real Battleship at Battleship Cove
Battleship Cove is a maritime museum in Fall River, located on the banks of the Taunton River. The museum is home to real retired battleships you can tour and explore.
The main attraction at Battleship Cove is the USS Massachusetts, a World War II-era battleship. The ship is open for tours; visitors can explore the decks, turrets, and engine room.
In addition to the USS Massachusetts, Battleship Cove also has other ships on-site, including the WWII submarine Lionfish, the destroyer Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., the PT boat 796, and the frigate Hancock.
The museum also has some exhibits that tell the story of the US Navy, as well as the history of Fall River. Don’t forget to ride the carousel on your visit.
More Fun Things To Do With Kids In Massachusetts
Final Thoughts
These fun things to do in Massachusetts with kids are just the tip of the iceberg. Massachusetts is chock-full of attractions and special activities that are perfect for the whole family.
In addition to the many attractions, museums, beaches, and special tours such as the Freedom Trail in Boston and walking tours in Salem that can be in this beautiful state.
Also, you haven’t had a true New England vacation until you’ve been to Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod.
Now that you know just some of the great family-friendly activities there are from Boston to the Berkshires and everything in between, pack up the family and visit Massachusetts.
Excellent post, Massachusetts is definitely a great place to visit! We visited the Boston Museum of Science, it was awesome! Thank you for sharing!