If you’re looking for something the whole family can do while you’re in Boston, look no further than the Museum of Science. Like many big museums, it’s always best to plan your day out before going, so don’t miss anything. There are so many fun things to do there that I suggest you check out the website and, as a family, decide what you want to do together. While my girls were at camp, I got to go alone and I had just as much fun as I do when they come with me, so it is also a great activity when you’re traveling to Boston solo.
Here are 10 things my family likes to do when visiting the Boston Museum of Science:
See a 4D show. While visiting, I got to see a show about sharks and it was 15 minutes of heart-pounding suspense. The 4D movie at the Science Museum is more of an experience than a film. It is a thrill for all of your senses. Waves are splashing in your face, crabs scurry under your feet, and shark tails poke you in the back at unexpected moments.
See an Imax show. Mugar Omni Theater, projects their films onto a five-story-tall dome screen. You get wrapped up in the film and loud digital sound system. I wish I had time to watch a show this time since I’ve always enjoyed them. Right now, Great Bear Rainforest, Cuba, and Great Barrier Reef are playing.
See the special exhibit. There is always a changing exhibit at the museum. Right now, Body Worlds and the Cycle of Life is showing. I’d seen it in Manhattan years ago and it has stuck with me throughout the years. It is such a powerful exhibit that I’m going to do a post devoted specifically to it…keep an eye put.
Visit the butterfly garden. This exhibit is one of the most peaceful places you can go in Boston. Butterflies flutter around you and land on colorful flowers so you get a close-up look. It’s a great place to learn about their life cycle.
See a live animal demonstration. A special treat at the museum is being introduced to live animals. The show I saw had a red-tailed hawk, an American kestrel falcon, and a tawny frogmouth.
See a lightning show. MIT gave the museum a Van de Graaff generator and they use it to put on an unforgettable demonstration all about lightning. It is loud and huge flashes of light, so you may want to prepare your kids for what to expect.
Do the stations in the Human Life exhibit. The purpose of this area is that humans are constantly changing in a changing environment. In this area you get a bracelet and can contribute your data by moving through the stations and then compare your results to others.
See the “wildlife” of New England. Get a chance to see the animals in this part of the country while exploring what they eat, their habitats, what predators they have, and their everyday life in New England.
Get your dinosaur on. I absolutely love seeing the life-size models of the triceratops, and tyrannosaurus rex. I remember when my family spent the whole day at the museum and at dinner my husband asked my then 3-year-old what her favorite part of her day was and she said, “I got to touch dinosaur poop. It was so cool!” LOL!!
Have lunch overlooking the Charles. The museum has a delicious cafeteria with food stations like La Mesita, Starbucks, Grab n’ Go, The Grill, Puck’s, and a healthy salad bar. What I like best about the cafeteria is the long table that overlooks Boston’s beautiful Charles River.
Tips for a perfect day at the museum:
Cost: Adults $29, Kids 3-11 $24, Seniors (60+) $25
Open: Saturday – Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm;
Friday: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm. year round.
There is an additional cost for the 4D theater, planetarium, Butterfly Garden, Omni theater, and special exhibits.
Boston Duck Tours depart from right outside the museum. Do one first and then spend the rest of the day in the museum!
You may want to purchase your tickets online if it is a busy day.
Parking: There is a large garage attached to the museum but if it is a weekend, summer, or a school holiday, you will want to get there early or it may be full. There is another parking garage at the Galleria Mall, which is about a block away.
There is a gift shop in the museum.
There are lockers for rent and they have a coatroom.
A big thank you to the Boston Museum of Science for having me as your guest. The museum never disappoints and it is my number one place to take my out-of-town visitors. It is a must-see when in Boston! As always, all experiences and opinions are 100% of MyTravelingKids.com.
