Gretchen Stuppy Carlson
We love exploring New England and over the years have done so many of the best kids activities in MA, NH and VT. In this post we’ll share a complete list of some of the best things to do in MA with kids to help you plan your visit.
Putting Together the Best Massachusetts Family Vacation
Whether you have a week or a day, spending time on a MA family vacation is a great idea. While you can find fun family activities in MA all year long, you will find the most things to do in Massachusetts with kids during the warm season. Summer is also the busiest time to visit many of the places listed below. If you have flexibility, visiting in the spring and fall is a good option. There are still plenty of things to do in Massachusetts in winter, you should just be prepared for colder temperatures outside and plan accordingly.
You can easily spend a week or longer in the state, especially if you are planning to rent a house and enjoy one place for a few days at a time. If you only have a short time, you will want to choose one or two locations to focus your time. There are many family attractions in MA located in Boston or on the coast which makes this a natural place to find a family resort or book a hotel. From Boston there are many beaches within a few hours drive. Don’t overlook the Berkshires as there are many great options for family vacations and things to do in western Massachusetts.
30 of the Best Kids Activities in MA
New England Aquarium
The New England Aquarium right on the harbor in Boston, is full of under the water exhibits. Our favorite part of the aquarium is the penguins, but we also love the seals, and Freya the octopus. With a strong focus on promoting sustainability and protecting our oceans, the aquarium is fun and the perfect place to learn more about our oceans. If you’ve never been to the Aquarium put this on the top of your list of kids activities in MA.
Whaling Museum, Nantucket
Explore the history of the Nantucket whaling industry at this museum. For years, Nantucket was the center of the whaling industry and this museum tells the story of the people and animals of this part of our history. This is not only a great stop, but Nantucket makes a great weekend trips from Boston with kids.
Museum of Science, Boston
This is a large museum with exhibits for the whole family. I’ve probably visited this museum over 12 times and always find something new to learn and my kids love spending the day here. With rotating exhibits, theatre shows, butterflies and more this is a top notch science museum and one of the best indoor activities in Massachusetts. You will want to plan at least a few hours to visit the museum.
Salem Witch Museum
If you’re looking for things to do in Massachusetts in the fall, then visiting the Salem Witch museum is a fun activity. Telling the story of the 1692 Salem Witch trials, this museum also tells the story of perceptions of witches around the world and how these events took place.
Boston Pizza Tours
There are so many fun food tours around Boston, and kids will love one of their favorite foods – Pizza. Our family loves to make our own ice cream tours when we travel, and taking a pizza tour is incredibly fun. This is one of the more different and fun kids activities in MA.
Visit a Zoo
There are several zoos in the state that are worth visiting and these are great places to take kids in MA. Check out the Buttonwood Zoo, the Zoo in Forest Park and Education Center, WWI Memorial Park and Zoo, Capron Park Zoo, and Southwick’s Zoo. Visiting a zoo is one of the more fun kids activities in MA for the whole family.
Take in a Sporting Event: Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins, Celtics and More
Taking in one New New England’s classic sporting events is definitely one of the best kids activities in MA. There is nothing like spending the day at Fenway park to make it feel like a day in New England. Luckily for people living here, the Red Sox are just one of the many sports teams that we watch and celebrate. Head to a Celtics, Bruins or Patriots game with your family.
Take a Whale Watch
Whales are common visitors to the offshore waters of Massachusetts. There are many options for taking a whale watch. Operating seasonally, you can get a whale watch from right near the the Boston Aquarium or check out Cape Ann Whale Watch. While you aren’t guaranteed to see a whale, spending the day out on the water is fun for the whole family.
Walk Around Boston Common
Boston is a great place to explore on foot (especially in the summer). Any visit of Boston should include time in Boston Commons. This green space in the heart of Boston includes the famous duck pond. Walk across the famous footbridge and hop aboard one of the swam boats for a float.
Visit the Normal Rockwell Museum
Located out in the Western, MA in Stockbridge, this museum is home to engaging and ever-changing exhibits that highlight this famous artists and others as well. This 36 acre campus is full of art and the artistic story.
Take a Train Ride on the Berkshire Scenic Railroad
Another fun activity to try in the Berkshires is to take a train ride on the Berkshire Scenic railroad. This is a one of the best things to do in the fall in Massachusetts when the leaves are changing colors. You can also visit the train museum here to learn more about transportation in this part of the state.
Zoar Outdoor for Family Adventures
Located in Charlemont, MA, the Zoar outdoor center offers zip lining, kayaking, white water rafting and more. This is a fun outdoor center and you can stay right on location, making it one of the best things to do in western Mass with kids. Stay the Warfield House Inn or camp right on the property.
Visit One of the Islands and Take a Bike Ride
Massachusetts is known for it’s amazing Island Destinations. Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard are both easy to reach via ferry or plane and are well worth the visit for their charm and beaches. Take your bike or rent one out there and check out the island under your own power. You can do either island as a long day trip, or spend a night or week out on these iconic islands. Explore the islands makes a great week long activities and they are plenty more kids activities in MA in these beautiful places.
Walk Around Walden Pond
Connect with nature the same way as Henry David Thoreau did when he spent time at Walden. Hike, boat or swim during your time at Walden Pond and make sure to scope out the replica of Thoreau’s cabin.
Check out Plimouth Plantation
Step back into history to see the early ‘Plymouth Colony and the Indigenous homeland.’ Explore the museum and the 17th Century English Village and learn about the Historic Patuxet and the people who lived here for 12,000 years.
Walk the Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is a Boston Treasure. You can walk this trail on your own or go with a guide. During the walking tour, you will visit the historic and important sites during the Revolutionary War. The 2.5 mile trail include 16 historic sites. The kids in our family enjoyed the trail and being active while learning a bit about the history.
Ski in the Berkshires
While Massachusetts is not as well known as it’s northern neighbors for skiing, the Berkshires are home to several smaller ski mountains that make excellent family destinations. You can also find plenty of cross country skiing destinations as well. See more at Visit MA.
Old Sturbridge Village
Old Sturbridge Village makes history come alive. Walk through the historic village and farm and see people in action tending animals, showcasing traditional skills and more. This should definitely be on your list of fun places for kids in Massachusetts.
Take a Sail
Massachusetts has a strong tie to seafaring and the ocean. For hundreds of year, the main transportation in the are was via ships. There are several places to take a boat ride in the state and enjoy fun of being out on the water. Check out the options below.
Hike in the Berkshires
If you’re looking for family fun in the Berkshires, make sure to add a family hike to the list. There are so many beautiful places to hike across the entire state and the Berkshires have some amazing and special places. Check out All Trails or search for Cascades Trail, Mount Tom, or the Ashley Reservoir trail.
Animagic Museum of Animation
This is a fun little museum that highlights the talent that has come out of the Berkshires. If your kids are interested in special effects and movies, this is an inspiring and interesting place to stop.
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History
This museum in Brewster, MA is a small natural history museum with a nature education center, all on 400 acres of conserved land. With lots of exhibits and some live animals this is a great and educational place to bring the family. You can also find nature trails and a wildflower garden on the grounds.
Boston Children’s Museum
This is a fun stop in Boston and kids will love the varied and interactive exhibits. The first thing you see when you walk in is a giant climbing structure, and if that doesn’t get the kids excited, they will love the other STEM focused activities. The museum is best for kids 12 and under.
Duck Boat Tour
These highly entertaining and fun tours are part of land and part in the water. These multi-purpose driving boats take you on a tour of the city and then roll right into the water to keep the tour going on the water.
Hit the Beach
If you are looking for free things to do in Massachusetts in summer, then hitting the beach should be at the top of your list. There are so many amazing beaches to visit including Cape Ann, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard and of course Cape Cod. Spend a day, a week or a month at the beach.
Berkshire Museum
The Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, MA has something for everyone. From the hall of innovation to rocks and minerals this museum has plenty to explore and there are also lots of scheduled activities, so check out their calendar.
Cape Cod Children’s Museum
This fun children’s museum is in Mashpee, MA and is a great fun places for kids in MA if the weather isn’t cooperated. You will find play based activities and plenty of fun things for younger kids.
Ecotarium
This is a jewel of a museum located in Worcester, MA with both indoor and outdoor activities. There are plenty of interactive exhibits that have live animals, a planetarium, a train ride and plenty of walking trails outside. You can also check out the schedule of programs and events.
Mass MoCA
A visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art is a great one of the best things to do in MA with kids of all ages. Older kids will enjoy the art itself and younger kids will enjoy Kidspace inside the museum. In addition to exhibit you will also find a large variety of performing arts on one of their stages.
A Few Last Fun Kids’ Activities in Massachusetts
There are so many other other amazing things for kids to do in Massachusetts: go apple picking or berry picking, visit parks and playgrounds, visit lighthouses, go leaf peeping, check out Faneuil Hall, go to a festival or fair, and so much more! Do you have other ideas for kid’s activities in MA? Leave your idea in the comments.
