There are fun activities in Massachusetts for children of all ages. Whether they like history, science, nature, physical activity or the arts there is something for everyone and to suit every budget range. Many of these activities are very popular, and it is important during school vacation weeks, holidays and in summer to check ahead whether reservations are required or recommended.
The CoCo Key Water Park has two Massachusetts locations, one on the North Shore and one in Metro West. The main attraction is the Water Resort, where it is always a balmy 84 degrees during all four seasons, and there are water slides, activity pools, whirlpools, a tube ride and an interactive activity center for younger children. For children who do not like to swim there is an arcade with a variety of games. Birthday parties can be accommodated.
CoCo Key Water Resort
Crowne Plaza Boston North Shore
50 Ferncroft Rd.
Danvers, MA 01923
866-754-6959
CoCo Key Water Resort
Courtyard by Marriott Fitchburg
150 Royal Plaza Dr.
Fitchburg, MA 01420
866-754-6965
cocokeywaterresort.com
Children are sometimes bored by guided tours, but an adventure in an authentic World War II-style amphibious landing vehicle is a bird of a different feather. The Duck Boats take visitors around the main sites of the city on land before splashing down into the Charles River for a boat ride. The entertaining tour guides quack along with their animated commentary and overview of Boston and Massachusetts history. Ducks pass along Bunker Hill, the U.S.S. Constitution, the Swan Boats and the Granary Burying Ground. Tours last 80 minutes, but for little ones with limited patience (and attention spans) abbreviated 55-minute evening tours are available.
Boston Duck Tours
3 Copley Place, Suite 310
Boston, MA 02116
617-267-DUCK (3825)
bostonducktours.com
Families can easily spend an entire day at the Museum of Science, which has a huge exhibit hall, IMAX theater, Planetarium, 3-D Digital Cinema and Butterfly Garden. The museum displays science in an interactive way, with hands-on exhibits that let kids learn about animals, space, technology, the oceans and much more. There are live presentations from resident experts who are trained to work with children, and volunteers are often chosen from the audience to come up on stage and take part in the program. Several times a month families have the opportunity to spend an entire night at the museum.
Museum of Science
1 Science Park
Boston, MA 02114
617-723-2500
mos.org
Salem was the location of the notorious witch trials during the late 17th century. The city has captured its witch history and its maritime tradition in numerous attractions for families. The most visited museum in town is the Salem Witch Museum, where visitors learn of the history of the trials. Other spooky sites include the 40 Whacks Museum-The Lizzie Borden Story and the Salem Wax Museum, featuring Frankenstein's Library. The New England Pirate Museum has a re-created dockside village, cave and pirate ship.
Salem Witch Museum
19 N. Washington Square
Salem, MA 01970
978-744-1692
salemwitchmuseum.com
40 Whacks Museum
203 Essex St.
Salem, MA 01970
978-666-4416
40whacksmuseum.com
Salem Wax Museum
288 Derby St.
Salem, MA 01970
978-740-2929
salemwaxmuseum.com
New England Pirate Museum
274 Derby St.
Salem, MA 01970
978-741-2800
piratemuseum.com
Butterfly Place is a unique indoor garden filled with hundreds of free-flying butterflies. There are native species as well as tropical varieties. Koi fish and quail birds live inside the habitat. Butterfly Place is also available for birthdays and special events, and there is a picnic area.
Butterfly Place
120 Tyngsboro Rd.
Westford, MA 01886-1114
978-392-0955
butterflyplace-ma.com
The Cape Cod seashore is an ideal starting point for a whale-watching cruise. Guides with Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises give commentary on local ecology and history, and the captains know the best places to look for the large mammals. Families will learn about ongoing efforts to preserve marine life.
Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises
P.O. Box 254
Barnstable, MA 02630
800-287-0374
whales.net
