Boston Children's Museum, Boston - A group of people sitting on the floor in front of a mural
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Boston Children's Museum Boston

4.7
·6k reviews·Boston, United States

A vibrant, hands-on museum sparking curiosity and learning through interactive exhibits for children aged 11 and under.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to play

CrowdLow
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Boston Children's Museum, Boston - A group of people sitting on the floor in front of a mural

Boston Children's Museum Boston

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to play

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant, hands-on museum sparking curiosity and learning through interactive exhibits for children aged 11 and under.

4.7
(6k reviews)

"An absolute gem for families visiting Boston, offering a perfect mix of fun, creativity, and hands-on learning."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Highly recommended, especially for weekends, to guarantee entry and avoid queues .

🅿️ Parking Validation

Check the museum's website for details on discounted parking at nearby Seaport garages .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Climber

The Grand Climber

Central Atrium

A massive, multi-story climbing structure that sparks adventure and exploration for active kids.

Countdown to Kindergarten

Countdown to Kindergarten

Upper Level

Interactive exhibits designed to prepare preschoolers for the school experience with fun, engaging activities.

Peep's World

Peep's World

Upper Level

Features a large water table that winds through the entire room, offering endless splashing fun.

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood

Various Locations

Step into the familiar world of Daniel Tiger with exhibits replicating beloved locations from the show.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds

Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. Consider visiting after lunch to avoid the morning rush of school groups, as suggested by locals.Reddit Weekends can get very busy, especially during school holidays.TikTok

Parking & Transit

The museum offers parking validation for select Seaport garages, check their website for details.Reddit Alternatively, the MBTA is a convenient option, with the museum a short walk from South Station.Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more space to play
Crowd
Low
When
Sunday Afternoons
Why
$1 ticket special for families
Crowd
Medium
When
After Lunch (Weekdays)
Why
Avoids morning field trip groups
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Adult’s Night at the Boston Children’s Museum #boston #childrensmuseum
@m.fran106
9.5K likes • 74.9K views

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Highly recommended, especially for weekends, to guarantee entry and avoid queues.Reddit

🅿️ Parking Validation

Check the museum's website for details on discounted parking at nearby Seaport garages.Reddit

Always such a nice treat day for the kids #bostonchildrensmuseum #bostonwithkids #kidsinboston #momof2 #mumof2 #ukmum #ukmumsoftiktok #motherhood #parenting #bostonfamily #pregnancy #pregnant #january2024baby
@mummysflippinhouse
9.2K likes • 158.1K views
Boston Children’s Museum is definitely worth the trip into town. It’s a lovely quick walk across the river from South Station if you want to let the kids experience the train, @thembta, and you can get deeply discounted tickets to @bostonchildrensmuseum from most libraries! #bostonchildrensmuseum #boston #bostonmom #bostonmoms #mbta #communitykangaroo
communitykangaroo
199 likes • 10.9K views

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking and playing, so comfortable footwear is a must!

💧 Water Play Fun

Bring a change of clothes for the water exhibits, especially Peep's World.Instagram

Boston Children's Museum 📍308 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210 ⏰ Hours Wednesday-Sunday 9:00am-4:00pm **On the first Saturday of each month, the Museum opens at 10:00am. 🎟️ Tickets adults: $22
children (1 – 15): $22
infants (under 12 months): FREE
members: FREE The museum is now offering $1 tickets on Sunday afternoons from 1:00 -4:00 pm!! #preschoolactivities #toddleractivities #newenglandkid...
home.withlittles
0 likes • 2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Highly recommended, especially for weekends, to guarantee entry and avoid queues.Reddit

🅿️ Parking Validation

Check the museum's website for details on discounted parking at nearby Seaport garages.Reddit

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking and playing, so comfortable footwear is a must!

💧 Water Play Fun

Bring a change of clothes for the water exhibits, especially Peep's World.Instagram

📚 Library Passes

Many libraries offer discounted or free admission tickets, check your local library.Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Boston Children's Museum as a top-tier destination for families, offering hours of engaging, hands-on fun across multiple floors. Many highlight the variety of exhibits catering to different age groups, from toddlers to older children, and appreciate the educational value woven into the play. While generally a hit, some mention it can get quite crowded, especially on weekends.

"Our family lives (and loves) this museum! We visit about once a month and we can't recommend any more than we do. My toddler has been attending this place well before he turned 2 years old!!! Highly recommend. It's an easy way to spend 3 hours before or after nap time!"

Yvonne Sun

"Greatest museum for children I’ve ever experienced! Three floors of epic play and discovery time with so much to see, to do, to learn, to experience. One could spent the entire day there and there would still be so much left to do. It is great for kids and adults alike - cause I also went to other children’s museums that were a little … dull. This one is highly educating and entertaining at the same time. So if you have kids and in Boston: go there and be there early!"

Dominic Possoch

"An absolute gem for families visiting Boston! The Boston Children’s Museum offers a perfect mix of fun, creativity, and hands-on learning. Every floor has something unique from building zones and water play areas to art rooms and climbing structures.
We spent hours here and still didn’t get through everything. My 8 and 12-year-olds both found plenty to do, which is rare! The exhibits are clean, well organized, and thoughtfully designed for different age groups.
Highly recommend buying tickets in advance, especially on weekends. A must do if you’re visiting Boston with kids!"

Andrey

What People Like

Engaging hands-on exhibits
Great for all ages
Educational and fun

What People Dislike

Can get very crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is easily accessible via public transportation. Take the MBTA Commuter Rail or subway to South Station, which is a short walk away.Instagram If driving, several parking garages in the Seaport district offer validation for museum visitors; check the museum's website for specifics.Reddit

Yes, there are several parking garages in the Seaport area. The museum offers validation for some of these, which can provide discounted rates.Reddit It's best to check their official website for the most current parking information and participating garages.

Absolutely! The closest major transit hub is South Station, served by multiple MBTA subway lines and commuter rail lines. From South Station, it's a pleasant walk to the museum.Instagram

Yes, public transit is a viable option, though driving and parking might be more convenient with a toddler, especially if you can secure validated parking.Reddit The walk from South Station is manageable.

If coming from Rhode Island, the Commuter Rail is an option, but can be a long journey with a toddler. Driving and utilizing the validated parking in Seaport might be more practical.Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

General admission is $22 for both adults and children aged 1-15. Infants under 12 months are free. Members also receive free admission.Instagram Look out for special $1 ticket afternoons on Sundays from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.Instagram

It is highly recommended to buy tickets in advance, especially for weekend visits, to ensure entry and avoid long lines.Reddit This is a common tip from visitors.Reddit

Yes, discounted tickets can often be obtained through local libraries.Instagram Additionally, the museum offers $1 tickets on Sunday afternoons from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.Instagram

The museum is typically open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. On the first Saturday of each month, it opens at 10:00 AM. Always check their official website for the most up-to-date hours.Instagram

Yes, the museum occasionally hosts 'Adults' Night' events, offering a unique opportunity for adults to experience the museum without children.TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Highlights include the giant central climber, the 'Countdown to Kindergarten' room, the water-filled 'Peep's World,' and exhibits like 'Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood' and 'Arthur's World'.Instagram+1 The construction zone and art studio are also popular.

Yes, the museum has dedicated areas for younger children, including a 'baby/tot retreat' on the upper level and exhibits like 'Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood' which are engaging for toddlers.Instagram The entire museum is designed for hands-on exploration.

While geared towards younger children, older kids (up to 11 or even 12) can still find plenty to enjoy, such as the climbing structures, art studios, woodworking stations, and interactive exhibits like bubble making.Reddit

The museum has a cafe offering snacks and light meals. There are also many dining options in the surrounding Seaport district.

Martin's Park is an excellent outdoor playground located right next to the Boston Children's Museum, offering additional play space and fun for children.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. However, always be mindful of other visitors and children's privacy. Some exhibits might have specific restrictions.

The central climber offers dynamic shots, and the colorful, interactive exhibits provide plenty of opportunities. Capturing kids' genuine reactions to the play spaces is always a winner.Instagram

While not explicitly stated, it's good practice to avoid intrusive photography, especially of other families' children without permission. Focus on your own family's experience.

Staff often share fun, behind-the-scenes glimpses, like finding random objects in pockets or showcasing the art kids create.Instagram

It can be challenging as kids are often on the move! Patience and a willingness to capture candid moments are key. The vibrant exhibits provide great backdrops.Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Young Children

The Boston Children's Museum is a paradise for families with young children, especially toddlers and preschoolers. The 'baby/tot retreat' area provides a safe and engaging space for the youngest visitors, while exhibits like 'Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood' are perfectly tailored to their interests.Instagram The museum's design encourages hands-on exploration, allowing little ones to touch, play, and learn at their own pace. Remember to bring a change of clothes for the popular water play areas.Instagram

💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers

For families looking to save, the Boston Children's Museum offers several budget-friendly options. Check your local library for discounted or free admission passes.Instagram Furthermore, the museum offers a fantastic $1 ticket special on Sunday afternoons from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.Instagram Utilizing public transportation via the MBTA can also be more economical than driving and paying for parking, especially if you don't secure validated parking.Instagram

📚 Educational Explorers

This museum is an educational powerhouse disguised as a playground. Exhibits like 'Countdown to Kindergarten' are specifically designed to foster early learning skills and prepare children for school.Instagram The hands-on nature of all exhibits encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Even older children (up to 11) find the interactive elements stimulating, making it a place where learning is an adventure, not a chore.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Exhibits

The Boston Children's Museum is renowned for its diverse and engaging exhibits, spread across three floors. A central feature is the impressive multi-story climber, a thrilling space for active kids to explore and challenge themselves.Instagram For preschoolers, the 'Countdown to Kindergarten' exhibit offers a gentle introduction to school routines and learning through play.Instagram

Water play is a major draw, particularly in 'Peep's World,' which boasts a large water table that extends throughout the room, providing hours of splashing fun. Younger visitors will appreciate the 'baby/tot retreat' area, offering a safe and stimulating environment. The museum also features beloved characters with exhibits like 'Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood' and 'Arthur's World,' allowing children to step into familiar storybook settings.Instagram Other popular areas include the art studio, woodworking station, and construction zone, ensuring there's something to spark every child's curiosity.

Planning Your Visit: Tips from the Community

Visitors consistently emphasize the importance of booking tickets in advance, especially for weekend visits, to avoid disappointment and long queues.Reddit For those driving, the museum offers parking validation at select Seaport garages, which can significantly reduce parking costs; checking their official website for current details is crucial.Reddit Many families find the MBTA a convenient and cost-effective way to reach the museum, with South Station being a short walk away.Instagram

Several Redditors suggest that weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. If a weekday visit isn't possible, aiming for after lunch on any day might help you avoid the peak morning rush of school field trips.Reddit For budget-conscious families, keep an eye out for the $1 ticket special on Sunday afternoons (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM).Instagram Don't forget to bring a change of clothes if your children plan to fully engage with the water exhibits.Instagram

Beyond the Museum Walls

Adjacent to the Boston Children's Museum is Martin's Park, an exceptional outdoor playground that offers a fantastic extension to your visit.Reddit This vibrant park provides ample space for children to run, climb, and play, making it a perfect spot for some fresh air after exploring the museum's indoor exhibits. It's a highly recommended addition for families looking to maximize their outdoor time in the Seaport area.

The surrounding Seaport District also offers numerous dining options, from casual cafes to more upscale restaurants, catering to various tastes and budgets. This makes it easy to plan a full day of activities and meals without needing to travel far. The proximity to other attractions like the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum also makes the Children's Museum a great starting point for a broader exploration of Boston's waterfront.

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