Discover the wonders of the Boston Children’s Museum, one of the largest children’s museums in the world. Located in a former wool warehouse along Fort Point Channel, this museum offers a wealth of experiential learning areas for both kids and adults. From interactive exhibits like the bubble room and the life-size animatronic Dilophosaurus dinosaur, to rotating exhibitions featuring local artists, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Families with children under nine will particularly delight in the museum’s engaging activities, while the museum’s accessibility program ensures that all visitors can fully participate. So, come and spend a day immersed in learning, exploration, and fun at the Boston Children’s Museum.
Overview
Introduction to Boston Children’s Museum
Welcome to the Boston Children’s Museum, one of the biggest children’s museums in the world! Located in the Seaport district of Boston, this museum offers a wide range of exhibits and activities for children of all ages. From its permanent collection to its rotating exhibitions, there is always something new and exciting to explore at the Boston Children’s Museum.
Location and Facilities
The Boston Children’s Museum is conveniently located in the Seaport district of Boston, making it easily accessible for both locals and tourists. Housed in a former wool warehouse along Fort Point Channel, the museum offers ample space for its exhibits and activities. The museum’s facilities include a glass lobby with a three-story climbing sculpture, as well as three floors of interactive learning areas for children.
Accessibility
The Boston Children’s Museum is committed to making its space accessible to all visitors. The entire museum is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that everyone can participate in the exhibits and activities. Additionally, the museum provides special accommodations such as noise-reducing headphones and icons that indicate which exhibits are best suited for different learning styles.
Ticket Prices and Discounts
Admission to the Boston Children’s Museum is $18 for adults and children over the age of one. However, the museum offers $1 entry on Friday evenings from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., making it a more affordable option for families. Furthermore, the museum offers discounts for seniors, military personnel, and EBT cardholders. With these ticket prices and discounts, the Boston Children’s Museum aims to make its exhibits and activities accessible to all families.
Permanent Collection
Highlights of the collection
The Boston Children’s Museum is unique in that it boasts a permanent collection. Since its founding in 1913, the museum has been collecting a diverse range of items. The collection includes 50,000 items that span from ancient artifacts to natural history specimens, historic objects, and rare dolls. These treasures provide a rich and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
Range of items
The permanent collection at the Boston Children’s Museum is incredibly diverse, offering visitors a wide range of items to explore. From ancient artifacts that showcase different cultures and civilizations to natural history specimens that highlight the wonders of the natural world, the collection provides a comprehensive look at our history and the world around us. Additionally, the collection includes rare dolls that offer a glimpse into the past and the evolution of toys throughout the years.
Immersive learning experiences
While the Boston Children’s Museum does have a permanent collection, its exhibits are primarily focused on providing immersive learning experiences. Instead of merely showcasing objects, the museum aims to engage visitors in hands-on activities and interactive exhibits. From a bubble room that allows children to explore the properties of bubbles to an “Explore-a-Saurus” area featuring a life-size animatronic Dilophosaurus dinosaur, the museum provides opportunities for children to learn through play and exploration.
Rotating Exhibitions
Types of exhibitions
In addition to its permanent collection, the Boston Children’s Museum also features rotating exhibitions. These exhibitions showcase a variety of art forms, including paintings, videos, photography, and sculptures. Each exhibition offers a unique and immersive experience that adds to the museum’s diverse offerings.
Examples of past exhibitions
Some examples of past exhibitions at the Boston Children’s Museum include “Wish You Were Here: Greetings from the Galápagos.” This exhibition created a magical realist landscape through an immersive video that celebrated the wonder of natural habitats. The museum’s rotating exhibitions consistently bring new and exciting experiences to visitors, ensuring that there is always something fresh to explore.
Current and upcoming exhibitions
To find out more about the current and upcoming exhibitions at the Boston Children’s Museum, it is best to visit their official website. The museum frequently updates its exhibitions, so there is always something new to discover.
Visiting with Children
Age recommendations
The Boston Children’s Museum is designed to provide a fun and educational experience for children of all ages. While children under nine tend to have the best time at the museum, older kids can also enjoy specific exhibits, such as the Japanese House or the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) Lab.
Activities and areas of interest
The museum offers a wide variety of activities and areas of interest for children. From the three-story New Balance Foundation Climb, which is a must-visit attraction for children who enjoy playgrounds, to the opportunity to build engineering marvels with KEVA Planks, there is something for every child’s interest at the Boston Children’s Museum. Additionally, children can explore the immersive learning experiences throughout the museum, such as the bubble room or the “Explore-a-Saurus” area.
Special programs and events
The Boston Children’s Museum also hosts special programs and events throughout the year. These programs and events are designed to provide additional educational and entertaining experiences for children. From Kamishibai storytelling, a Japanese tradition, to family yoga, there are always exciting activities for families to participate in.
Facilities
Accessibility features
The Boston Children’s Museum is committed to ensuring that everyone can enjoy its facilities. The entire museum is wheelchair accessible, allowing individuals with mobility challenges to explore the exhibits and activities. Additionally, the museum provides noise-reducing headphones and icons that indicate which exhibits are best suited for different learning styles, ensuring that all visitors can engage in the museum’s offerings.
Guided tours and programming
While the Boston Children’s Museum does not offer public guided tours, it does provide daily programming that enhances the visitor experience. These programs include activities such as Kamishibai storytelling and family yoga, allowing families to further engage with the exhibits and learn in a fun and interactive way.
Gift shop
The museum’s gift shop offers a wide range of items, including stuffed animals, educational toys, and books. With its neon colors and selection of goofy swag, the gift shop is a popular attraction for children. Additionally, practical items like baby wipes are available for purchase, providing convenience to families during their visit.
Dining options
While the Boston Children’s Museum does not have a café, there are several family-friendly dining options in the surrounding area. One popular option is Flour Bakery & Café, known for its delicious pastries and sandwiches. Additionally, there are other fast-casual restaurants close to the museum, ensuring that families can find a convenient and enjoyable dining experience during their visit.
Tips for Time-Constrained Visits
Must-visit attractions
If you’re short on time, there are a few must-visit attractions at the Boston Children’s Museum. One of these is the three-story New Balance Foundation Climb, which offers a thrilling play experience for children. Additionally, the immersive learning experiences, such as the bubble room and the “Explore-a-Saurus” area, provide unique opportunities for children to learn while having fun.
Recommended activities for different age groups
For younger children, the special section for three-year-olds and under, reopening in fall 2019, offers age-appropriate activities and exhibits. Older children can enjoy exploring the Japanese House, building engineering marvels with KEVA Planks, and diving into the STEAM Lab. By tailoring the visit to the age group of the children, families can make the most of their time at the museum.
Location and Contact Information
Address and contact details
- Address: 308 Congress St., Boston, Massachusetts 02210
- Phone: (617) 426-6500
- Website: http://bostonchildrensmuseum.org/
Map of the area
For a map of the Seaport district and the surrounding area, it is recommended to use a reliable mapping service or the official website of the Boston Children’s Museum.
Recommended Hotels
Mandarin Oriental, Boston
The Mandarin Oriental, Boston is a favorite among visitors to the city. Known for its elegant minimalism and luxurious amenities, this hotel offers a comfortable and memorable stay.
InterContinental Boston, an IHG Hotel
For a picturesque waterfront option that combines comfort and location, the InterContinental Boston is an excellent choice. Situated on downtown Boston’s Fort Point Channel, this hotel offers beautiful views and easy access to the city’s attractions.
Other options
There are numerous other hotels in Boston to choose from, depending on your preferences and budget. It is recommended to research and compare different options to find the best fit for your stay.
Boston Travel Guide
Additional information and resources
For additional information and resources about visiting Boston, it is recommended to consult travel guides, websites, and resources dedicated to the city. These sources can provide valuable insights and tips to enhance your visit to Boston.
Other museums in Boston
Boston is home to a variety of museums that cater to different interests. Some notable museums in the city include the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Science, and the New England Aquarium. These museums offer unique experiences and opportunities for learning and exploration.
Disclaimer
Medical advice disclaimer
Please note that the information provided in this article is not intended as medical advice. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for specific medical concerns or conditions.
Contact information for Condé Nast Traveler
For any further inquiries or information about Condé Nast Traveler, please refer to the contact details provided in their official website.
