Rainy weather in the forecast? Check out these family-focused museums to escape the rain with your children.
Central MA
Discovery Museum (Acton, MA): A favorite spot of mine since I was a child, this museum boasts a beautiful new indoor space with STEM experiences for all ages. The train, diner, bubble & ship room are my three year old’s favorite spaces while my six year old especially enjoys spaces that allow her to create her own designs and crafts. If the rain lets up at all during your visit, be sure to go outside and play in their amazing treehouse.
EcoTarium (Worcester): A Worcester staple attraction. While we love to visit the outdoor animals and nature playground, the inside has lots to offer as well including their current traveling exhibit: Advance Crew Escape Suit. The Express Train and Alden Planetarium are both open!
American Heritage Museum (Hudson, MA): We had a great recent visit to this museum and we were blown away with all it had to offer. Highly recommend taking older elementary school age kids and up to this special museum. Read about our visit here.
Worcester Art Museum: A great place to take the kids, especially on a rainy day. Kids are free admission too! See their family page for family events and how to explore the museum together!
Boston Area
The Boston Children’s Museum Advance tickets are required. “Bubbles” and “Raceways” were the two exhibits that were a big hit when we last visited this amazing facility. But I was also incredibly impressed with their Playspace for 0-3 year olds. I can’t wait to bring my daughters back for more exploration.
The New England Aquarium is always a fun visit. We enjoy the giant central tank and finding the sea turtles and visiting the seals out back. The Shark and Ray Touch Tank is open. Edge of the Sea touch tank is closed as of 8/1/2022. Lockers are available but the stroller room remains closed. Advanced tickets are highly recommended.
Museum of Science, Boston Their current featured exhibits are Electric Playhouse Travels, Gaia, Arctic Adventure and Engineering Design Workshop. Their permanent exhibits on dinosaurs are always a great hit with kids too.
Other Museums
Springfield Museums. 5 Museums in 1! Families really enjoy the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum.
Providence Children’s Museum We loved our visit to PCM a couple years ago. Kids enjoyed the water play, the innovation lab and Littlewoods for the youngest child in the group.
Mystic Aquarium – We recently visited the Mystic Aquarium for the first time and were amazed with their impressive exhibits. Purchase your tickets ahead with Plan Ahead Pricing and save on ticket cost. See our full review with tips and tricks for your visit.
Looking for other indoor spots? We have a great list of indoor play spaces for you and your littles.
