Boston Parents Kids Heart Museums by Parenting Media

2019/2020

Boston Parents Paper | Kids ď &#x2122;

Museums

CONTENTS

Kids

Museums

It’s essential to expose children to culture and the arts, and especially to find ways to do that when they’re young and incredibly open to all different perspectives and ways of expressing oneself. —Anna Housley Juster,

Ways to Up the Fun Factor 4 5Enjoying Museums, Zoos and Aquariums

the senior director of child development and community engagement at the Boston Children’s Museum

American Exhibits to Explore 5 Native Teepees, Totem Poles and Tribal Music at the Museum 6 Overnight What Happens in a Museum After Dark? Kids 8 Cultured Exposing Children to Art in Engaging Ways Inclusivity Programs 11 Museum Programs to make the visiting experience more pleasurable for all who want to participate.

Museums 12 Featured Check out what these family friendly museums have to offer. TM

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PUBLISHERS | Robert and Tracy McKean ART DIRECTOR | Debbi Murzyn ASSOCIATE EDITOR | Jean Abernathy MUSEUM PROFILES | Alyson Gregory ADVERTISING SALES Holly Castro, David Morney

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5 Ways

By Cheryl Maguire

to Up the Fun Factor at Museums, Zoos, and Aquariums

information you can use to create an appropriate scavenger hunt based on your child’s age and interests. Write a list of items your child needs to find while visiting the spot. For example, the Plimoth Plantation website has historical information and pictures. An item on the list could be as simple as “find a baby cradle.”

ho wants to go to a museum? If your family is

2 | PASSPORT STAMPS

like mine, you might get a mixed reaction to this question. One child may jump up and down shouting, “ME, ME!” while the other child says, “Okay,” and another child says, “No thanks.” Visiting a museum, zoo, or aquarium is a fun, educational way to entertain your children. However, it can be challenging if they are different ages and interests. Once you get there, you may encounter long lines or crowds which can cause your kids to lose interest or become frustrated. One way to engage all of your children with different personalities and developmental levels is to play a game. Here are a few games that I have found helpful to use in museums, zoos and aquariums:

Everyone loves to get their passport stamped, right? I have seen this idea used at the Boston Harbor Islands and Disney World. My kids love getting a stamp and they feel a sense of accomplishment when their book is filled with stamps at the end. Similar to creating the scavenger hunt, you can visit the places’ websites before you visit. Create a passport book by stapling together some white pages of paper. On each page write either a place to visit such as “the lions at the zoo” or a challenge or question such as, “Who is the mayor of the 17th Century Village in Plimoth Plantation?” When your child has completed the task on the page, give them a stamp (you can bring one with you).

1 | SCAVENGER HUNTS

3 | BINGO

A great way to involve all your kids at a destination is to offer them a scavenger hunt. I first saw this used when I volunteered to go on my child’s school field trip to Plimoth Plantation. The teacher gave a scavenger hunt list to all the students. Even though I had visited Plimoth Plantation many times, I learned new things from participating in the scavenger hunt and the kids loved it. It was a way for them to learn and have fun at the same time. To design your own scavenger hunt, you should visit the website of the museum, zoo, or aquarium before you visit. Most websites have

My kids love playing Bingo and they play it almost everywhere. This game is easy enough for young children to play and also entertaining for older children. By using the game at an educational location, you are helping your child to interact with her surroundings. Before you go to the site, create Bingo game boards for the whole family. Each square could be either a picture or a written word of something you plan to see during your visit. For example, if you are going to the aquarium you could have pictures (even printed pictures from the website or online) of a shark,

Boston Parents Paper | Kids 

Museums

octopus, and sea turtle. The first person to spot the shark marks off the square with the shark in it using a pencil. You win Bingo when you get five squares in a row.

4 | THE ABC GAME The ABC game is when you write down all the things you can think of that start with a particular letter in one minute. If two people have the same word, that word gets crossed out. You move consecutively through the alphabet and whoever gets the most words wins. This is a fun, easy game you can play anywhere, you only need some pens and paper (or the note pad on your electronic device). You can play this game in the car if you’re driving a long distance to the place you’re visiting and try to think of topics related to the place for each letter. You could also modify the game at the location by saying whoever first sees something that starts with the letter A wins one point and then continues to B, etc.

5 | I SPY Even though my twins are twelveyear-olds, they still like to play “I Spy.” The great thing about this game is young children are able to play it as well. This is a fun waiting game if there are long lines or if you have to wait to get into an exhibit. You can also play “I Spy” while you’re at the museum, zoo, or aquarium. This game will increase your child’s observation skills while still being fun. How do you help make places fun? What are some games you play? Let us know in the comments section below. Cheryl Maguire is a mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessings,” Parent Co., Mothers Always Write, Twins Magazine, and It’s Twins. You can find her at Twitter @CherylMaguire05

Native American By Alyson Gregory

Exhibits to Explore

ew England offers several wonderful Native American exhibits at museums and living history sites. Here are four to explore.

Teepees, Totem Poles, Tribal Music

The Peabody Museum of Archeology and Ethnology at Harvard University in Cambridge exudes a feeling of reverence. Perhaps it’s the tribal music playing softly in the background, or the filtered light. As you venture forth, there’s a sense that the past is a mystery to explore and respect. Kids are attracted to the dioramas of long houses, round houses, pueblos, teepees and igloos. The Legacy of Penobscot Canoes: A View from the River, explores the importance of rivers and canoes in Penobscot tribal life and the relationships they had with non-Indians. As you step deeper into one room, massive totem poles with carved wooden faces light up on automatic light sensors, representing stories or events from Native American culture. Peabody Museum of Archeology and Ethnology (Harvard University), 11 Divinity Ave., Cambridge. 617-496-1027; peabody.harvard.edu

Meeting a Native

Following the trail at Plimoth Plantation, you can search for the Wampanoag Homesite. At a clearing, a cooking fire crackles near a traditional wetu (house). A man dressed in 17th-century deerskin clothing uses fire and tools to carve out the insides of a canoe. He invites us to look inside the wetu, to touch the woven bulrush mats and furs. Unlike the Plantation’s 1627 English Village, this man is not an actor re-enacting history. He’s a native Wampanoag living nearby and working at Plimoth Plantation to share his culture.

Mateo Romero, Cochiti pueblo Self-Portrait as a Pojoaque Buffalo Dancer, 1999 acrylic on canvas, Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Massachusetts

Plimoth Plantation, 137 Warren Ave., Plymouth. 508-746-1622; plimoth.org

Connect the Circle

Well to the north is the unexpected treasure of the Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum, 20 minutes northwest of Concord, N.H. The museum is divided into galleries showcasing Native Americans of the Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, the Plains and the Northwest Coast. Each highlights the diverse lifestyles of the tribes, from their shelters, tools and clothing to their craft s and ceremonial artifacts. Take the Connect the Circle Tour and go on a guided walk of Medicine Woods Nature Trail, where you’ll learn about native plants that the Indians used for food, medicine and shelter. During the year, the museum offers special events and celebrations that include Native American

craft demonstrations and traditional performances. Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum, Kearsarge Mountain Road, Warner, N.H. 603-456-3244; indianmuseum.org

Past and Present

The Peabody Essex Museum in Salem is known for its maritime and East India trade collections. Since its founding in 1799, the museum has also amassed thousands of Native American artifacts, from headdresses, beaded moccasins, spear points and clay pipes to contemporary paintings, sculpture and crafts. After viewing the Native American Art gallery, the Contemporary Native American Art gallery allows you to see how today’s natives view the past, present and future through their artwork. Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, Salem. 978-745-9500; pem.org

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By Alyson Gregory

Battleship Cove

ave you ever wondered what really happens inside a museum after dark? How about at a zoo or aquarium? Chances are your kids have, and thanks to the popular trend of museum sleepovers, you can turn your next day at the museum into an unforgettable night at the museum! From slumbering beside a space capsule to waking with the Wampanoags, these local venues host overnights that include special events and exhibit access for the ultimate family outing. Looking for your Scout’s next stellar troop activity and badge? Some programs will even provide a custom program patch! So power up your flashlights, take a vote and make your own history overnight! 6

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Museums

Battleship Cove Maritime Museum Nautical Nights overnight camping program is an exciting way to experience a sailor’s life with activities such as Plane and Ship Spotting and Navy Lingo Bingo followed by a night in an authentic sailor’s bunk. Climb aboard with your Girl Scout or Boy Scout troop—the more, the merrier and pack your seabag! Fall River, www.battleshipcove.org

Tall Ships Boston

The Liberty Fleet offers a truly unique opportunity to come aboard a working tall ship and spend the night in Boston Harbor from June through September. Each shipboard cabin is double-bunk style to simulate a sailor’s life on a schooner or “camping on the water” as they call it. Great hotel alternative and home base for exploring Boston as a family and getting your sea legs! Children must be 8 years old.

Boston, www.libertyfleet.com

Museum of Science

This popular Boston museum sleepover is open to groups of ten or more for students and scout troops in grades 1-7. Spark a love of science in kids from dusk until dawn with hands-on science discovery, interactive demonstrations, a latenight indoor Theater of Electricity Lightning show, a Sky Tonight Planetarium show and much more. Here’s your chance to sleep under a life-size T-Rex or journey to the moon in your dreams beside a model of the Apollo space capsule.

Boston, www.mos.org

EcoTarium Museum of Science and Nature

Night Journeys provides a night of hands-on thematic programming and exploration and focuses on the wonder and discovery of nature. Kids will learn about Leave No Trace principles, practice life skills such as knot tying and go on a guided

van der Graaf Generator, Museum of Science, Boston nighttime nature hike. After sleeping indoor among the exhibits or pitching a tent outside if you’d prefer, there will be a sunrise wildlife tour in the morning—following breakfast of course!

Worcester, www.ecotarium.org

Franklin Park Zoo

Get wild with your favorite animals at the Snorin’ Roarin’ Sleepover program accepting groups of ten or more on Friday and Saturday nights year-round. Choose from the Tropical Forest or African Savannah theme, and go behind the scenes with zookeeper presentations and games, live animal encounters and more. Perfect for parties, Scout troops and youth groups, all guests receive one day of free Zoo admission.

Boston, www.zoonewengland.org

Plimoth Plantation

Plymouth’s famed living history museum’s Overnight Program invites groups of twenty or more from March through November to explore 17thcentury life through a multisensory experience. Choose between the Wampanoag and Colonial Overnights, and learn about different cultures through native people and role players, hands-on activities, and authentic games and craft techniques. Share a traditional and educational feast with your group for dinner featuring items such as Naussump and Shrewsbury Cakes!

Plymouth, www.plimoth.org

Out-of-State Museum Sleepovers THE MARITIME AQUARIUM

Norwalk, CT www.maritimeaquarium.org JOSEPH CONRAD SHIP Mystic, CT www.mysticseaport.org MONTSHIRE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE Norwich, VT, www.montshire.org CHILDREN’S MUSEUM & THEATRE OF MAINE Portland, Maine, www.kitetails.org AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY New York, NY, www.amnh.org INTREPID MUSEUM New York, NY www.intrepidmuseum.org Kids  Museums | BostonParentsPaper.com 7

Cultured Kids Exposing Children to Art in Age Appropriate and Engaging Ways “They develop social skills because they’re interacting with other children. They learn how to see, develop that creativity, the imagination – even literacy skills, like when we’re looking at an art object and they’re learning how to talk about it. There are myriad benefits,”

Boston Parents Paper | Kids 

Museums

By Brian Spero

n a study conducted by the institute for innovation in social policy, 84 percent of parents surveyed said they strongly value arts in their children’s lives, and for good reason. Research has demonstrated exposure to culture, such as fine arts, theater, music and dance, can play a critical role in the full and all-sided development of a child that reaches far beyond identifying and cultivating artistic talent and appreciation. From improved cognitive abilities,

language development and motor skills to a deeper sense of self, cultural awareness and inventiveness, there are an abundance of reasons to ensure kids are provided the opportunity to learn and participate in the arts. Past-President Barack Obama once said, “The future belongs to young people with an education and the imagination to create.” As perpetual budget cuts continue to threaten the existence of quality in-school art education, it’s increasingly necessary

WHEN IT COMES TO CHOOSING CULTURAL VENUES AND EVENTS FOR CHILDREN, IT’S VERY MUCH ABOUT BEING AWARE OF WHAT’S DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE ACROSS DIFFERENT AGES. FOR KIDS UNDER 5 YEARS OLD, THE EXPERIENCE ABSOLUTELY HAS TO BE HANDS ON. for families to seek out on their own the meaningful cultural experiences that spur creativity. While we’re lucky to live in a metropolitan area where a wealth of resources exist, it’s crucial to understand the factors involved in making early experiences engaging, age-appropriate and, most importantly, fun.

Why Art? Why Early?

According to Anna Housley Juster, the senior director of child development and community engagement at the Boston Children’s Museum, in a society in which kids are often inundated with testing and chronically overscheduled, it’s art that provides the balance that’s so important for healthy development. “It’s essential to expose children to culture and the arts, and especially to find ways to do that when they’re young and incredibly open to all different perspectives and ways of expressing oneself,” she explains. While some question what a child under the age of 2 is really capable of when it comes to fine art, Housley Juster argues the toddler stage is the perfect time to be introduced to the creative process. “For decades at Boston Children’s Museum, we’ve had a really strong focus on just the messing about with a wide range of materials and developing fine motor skills, so eventually they could be using tools like narrow brushes and fine tipped pens and pencils and all of these things,” she says, adding that at young ages the focus should always be on the process and never the final product. Abby McBride, manager of family programs at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, also stresses the value in having young children experience art and culture. “They develop social skills because they’re interacting with other children. They learn how to see, develop that creativity, the imagination – even literacy skills, like when we’re looking at an art object and they’re learning how to talk about it. There are myriad benefits,” she says.

Lloyd Woodcock, director of education at North Shore Music Theatre, believes early lessons should also be about providing an understanding of art as a natural human expression. “We are art,” he says. “We’re an artistic expression ourselves, every time we speak, every time we draw or dance or sing, that’s an expression of our inner selves.”

The Importance of First Impressions

Whether it’s the excitement of witnessing Peter Pan flying across the stage at your local theater or the feeling of connecting with the emotional story of an artist who painted a picture hundreds of years ago, the right first experience can set a future art lover up for life. The wrong one, however, such as standing and listening to someone talk about art or sitting through a long and complex musical performance, can have the opposite effect. “Particularly with an art museum that’s not geared toward children,

kids could come on a tour and be completely bored and form a picture about what the museum is like and not want to come back,” says McBride. “It’s really important to get children feeling comfortable in this kind of a space at an early age, because once they feel comfortable and know this is a place where they can come, have fun and learn, and it’s a space for them, they’ll want to return.” Housley Juster explains when exposing kids to art and culture, there are two basic categories to consider. The hands-on activities, such as exploring materials, feeling the quality of different types of paint, singing songs and dancing, provide a foundation for children to identify themselves as creators. Then there’s the appreciation side and paying attention to the art in the world around them. That helps establish the ability to distinguish between art forms and understand the perspective of the artist that might be different from their own.

Kids  Museums | BostonParentsPaper.com 9

THE HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS EXPLORING MATERIALS, FEELING THE QUALITY OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF PAINT, SINGING SONGS AND DANCING, PROVIDE A FOUNDATION FOR CHILDREN TO IDENTIFY THEMSELVES AS CREATORS.

Finding the Right Experience

When it comes to choosing cultural venues and events for children, it’s very much about being aware of what’s developmentally appropriate across different ages. For kids under 5 years old, the experience absolutely has to be hands on. “Beyond toddlerhood, you can get into appreciation by asking questions that draw children’s attention to art,” says Housley Juster. “That might be an introduction, and then you would really want to get back to allowing children to explore the creative process.” At the age of 5 or 6, when kids are in school and have been exposed to a range of materials in the process of getting messy and creative in self-directed ways, you can begin to introduce some of the basics and become a bit more analytical. “One of the things we strive to do is teach adults how to facilitate meaningful conversations about the art with their children. And to feel comfortable,” says McBride. “What I would suggest is just asking questions – having children explain what they’re seeing, what they’re looking at, comparing and contrasting artworks that are side by side or in the same galleries. And connecting it to what they do at home or do in school if they draw or if they dance. Connecting it to real life.” Equally important as picking out shows and exhibits that are tailored for kids, is providing context to the experience that makes it more en-

riching. At Wheelock Family Theatre, for instance, there are free pre- and post-show workshops that might feature anything from members of the cast teaching a piece of choreography from the play to demonstrations on how the set or props were made. It also offers a study guide that parents can use for ideas on how to start a larger conversation about the art. While the Boston Children’s Museum naturally offers a host of award-winning programs and exhibits designed to educate and entertain kids, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, also has developed family and education programs ranging from a specialized Kid’s Tour to A Guide to Family Fun at the MFA containing helpful tips for engaging young visitors. From taking pictures (non-flash photography is allowed at MFA) for a collage or flip book to buying a collection of postcards from the gift shop and creating your own in-museum scavenger hunt, whatever you can do to make things fun while keeping the focus on the art enhances the experience.

Planning the Perfect Outing

When it comes to the logistics of taking the family to the museum or a show, Housley Juster advises parents to try not to think of children as miniature adults. “Their brains and bodies are fundamentally different. They have different needs for their physical activity and their engagement with the world around them.”

She recommends limiting the amount young ones are standing, especially 5-year-olds and younger, and factoring travel, walking around and waiting-inline times in planning your journey. Be realistic about attention spans and break the day up by stopping for something to eat and including opportunities for kids to move their bodies and be hands on. “I’m just a proponent of giving your child the space and the freedom to experience things. Particularly with young children, because you don’t necessarily know what they are going to gravitate toward once they get into the space,” says McBride. “So not overscheduling, but also not having all these goals in your mind of what needs to happen or needs to get done or they need to get out of an experience, because sometimes that can totally stifle a child’s creativity.” Woodcock believes in taking the experience as far as you can go with it, dressing up, going out for a sit-down meal and using the time together to talk about the show and build anticipation. It’s a great idea to get to the venue early, allowing time to use the restroom, find your seats and take in an environment that’s often as interesting as the show itself. Then stick around after to get an autograph from a cast member on your Playbill. “Having that experience of dinner, talk, questions, see the show, more talk, more questions, is really important … making it more of an event rather than just something that you’re just coming to.” Whether you’re a dyed-in-the-wool art lover or would rather visit the dentist than the ballet or a museum (you might have had a bad early experience), you’re likely equally enthusiastic to provide experiences that not only promote healthy development, but that your kids are going to love and remember for the rest of their lives. Just choose something interesting, confirm it’s developmentally appropriate and go all in on making the activity as fun and enjoyable as possible for the entire family. Brian Spero is a father and frequent contributor to Boston Parents Paper.

Boston Parents Paper | Kids 

Museums

Museum Inclusivity Programs

ocal area museums are becoming more attuned to the need of making the experience pleasurable for all who want to participate. The following programs are some of what local area museums are offering. These programs are constantly changing and evolving. Always check the museum’s website prior to attending for helpful guides and suggestions.

Boston Children’s Museum Wonderful Online Exhibit Accessibility Guide! ASL Interpreted Programs; Deaf and Hard of Hearing Family Events; Morningstar Access afternoon and evening programs limited guest museum visits, Preregistration required: Iwamoto@ BostonChildrensMuseum.org or 617-986-3697. Cape Ann Museum Museum is completely accessible for all mobility devices except for the historical homes; CAM welcomes personal mobility devices and offers one manual wheelchair and walker with wheels on a FCFS basis; Assistive Listening System for up to 10 people available at Reception; For general access information, call 978-2830455 x10. Concord Museum Fully accessible and climatecontrolled museum; Strollers Welcome and strollers available on a FCFS basis free of charge in the coat room; Service dogs welcome; Accessible seating available for auditorium events by reservation: 413-559-6301. deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum DeCordova provides accessibility and universal design across campus and welcomes wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, and strollers; Service dogs welcome inside and outside; Touch Tours for blind or low-vision visitors; ASL tours; ARTZ tours for those with Alzheimer’s or Dementia and caregivers; www.decordova. org/visit/accessibility.

Discovery Museum The entire campus, including the museum and treehouse, is accessible and was built based on Universal Design principles. Autism and sensory-friendly afternoons and evenings, Mornings for deaf or hard of hearing families, and Visually impaired family evenings. Sensory guide available to download or borrow from Admissions Desk along with noise reducing headphones. www.discoveryacton.org/visit/accessibilityinclusionespecially-me EcoTarium Committed to making the museum as accessible as possible for guests of all abilities. Designated accessible parking; Explorer Express Train includes custom built coach that accommodates two passengers in wheelchairs and their companions; Walking trails include paved portions and access the Lower Pond Pier; Accessible Alden Digital Planetarium; Wheelchairs, ECV scooters, and strollers available for rent. The Eric Carle Museum The entire one level campus, including the outdoor pathway to Bobbie’s Meadow is wheelchair accessible and features power assist doors; Wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers available on a FCFS basis free of charge in the coat room; Service dogs welcome; Accessible seating available for auditorium events by reservation: 413559-6301. Franklin Park Zoo Handicap Accessible, Wheelchair rental with advance

Strawbery Banke Provides a welcoming and engaging experience for all guests, regardless of age, gender identity, religion, ICA Boston mobility or income. Strawbery Museum galleries, program Banke makes every space as spaces and theatre all acaccessible as the restrictions cessible for visitors using of historic house architecture mobility devices and strollers; and preservation allow, with Manual wheelchairs availramps and flat walkways able on a FCFS basis, free of wherever possible and staff charge; Service animals welinterpreters where not. Strawcome; Assistive-listening debery Banke tells the stories vices and ASL interpretation of an original Portsmouth available by advance request; NH waterfront “neighborFor questions about acceshood of newcomers” from sibility, email accessibility@ 1695 to 1955, interpreting icaboston.org. Accessible actual people who lived in the seating available for auditoneighbourhood to present the rium events by reservation: personal histories of men, 413-559-6301. women, and children of different races, ethnic backgrounds JFK Library and Museum and economic circumstances. The Library and Museum is ADA compliant. Manual Tea Party Museum wheelchairs available at Handicap Accessible, FCFS the Visitor Admission Desk Stroller & Wheelchair; Service on a FCFS basis; Personal dogs welcome. Tours on the walkers, wheelchairs, and East Side are a bit easier for scooters welcome; Video people with limited mobility presentations feature open due to the gangway. Going captions; ASL interpretabelow deck is difficult for tion available with advanced notice; Call 617-514-1575 for people with limited mobility but a video on the top deck is more information. available which people can New England Aquarium watch that shows what is Visitors using wheelchairs below. The tour is extensive, or with visual impairments one hour and much of it is welcome free of charge; ser- walking, onsite wheelchairs vice dogs welcome; Sensory are available. Processing Needs kits available at the Information Desk; USS Constitution Museum Committed to providing an Sensory Inclusive Morning inclusive and engaging experiAccess: check website for ence to visitors of all abilities schedule neaq.org/visit/acand backgrounds. The admiscessibility sion policy, exhibits and proMuseum of Science grams are designed to spark Assistive Listening System, excitement about maritime Sighted Guide Tours, ASL In- heritage, naval service and terpreters, and Quiet Hours. the American experience to as Accessibility Coordinator many people as possible. available. reservation, Service dogs welcome, Sensory-Friendly Guide download available online.

Kids  Museums | BostonParentsPaper.com 11

BOSTON PARENT’S PAPER

Museums

BOSTON CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOEL HASKELL

Kids

Museum Info

Why Kids  It What kid wouldn’t love a 3D vertical maze they can challenge themselves on while climbing up up and away from their parents? The massive three-story climbing structure just past the museum entrance gives an impressive welcome and a way for kids to safely plan their next moves and take some independent risks. Don’t worry parents—you can trail alongside the sculpture and cheer your kids on!

Why Parents  It Interactive multi-sensory and hands-on activities and exhibits spaciously laid out across three floors for busy minds and bodies of all ages and stages make this a favorite for engaging kids in the power of play! STEAM family workshops allow children and parents to take on challenges and work together on projects like Screen Printing and Soldering!

PHOTO BY CLIVE GRAINGER

SCAVENGER HUNT

ADDRESS: 308 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210 WEBSITE: bostonchildrensmuseum.org • PHONE: 617-426-6500 HOURS: Daily, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fridays open until 9:00 pm. ADMISSION: Adults: $18.00; Children (1-15): $18.00 (Free under 12 months); TJX Fridays: $1 admission from 5 pm to 9 pm; Ways to Save: Public library discount coupons available, Last Hour discount half price admission (Saturday-Thursday); $2 admission for EBT and WIC cardholders up to 4 people; Free admission for New England teachers of grades K-8; Military discounts. CAFÉ: Outdoor plaza seating during summer months; Many nearby family-friendly dining options with hand stamp museum re-entry! SPECIAL GROUP PROGRAMS: School field trips, afterschool programs, childcare centers, and community groups welcome! Self-directed or 1 hour educator-run programs include Explore-A-Saurus (Grades 2 & 3), Kinder Keva (K-1), Money Matters (K-2), Balls and Tracks (1-3). Beyond the Chalkboard free activities to teach in afterschool programs: beyondthechalkboard.org. SPECIAL EVENTS FOR FAMILIES/KIDS: All ages daily activity calendar featuring KidStage live plays, STEAM and Visiting Artist family workshops, Sing-alongs, Magic shows, Pint Sized Science, Tech Kitchen, summertime outdoor tent projects and more; Themed birthday party packages include décor, photo props, dress-up costumes and catering! INCLUSIVITY INFO: Wonderful Online Exhibit Accessibility Guide! ASL Interpreted Programs; Deaf and Hard of Hearing Family Events; Morningstar Access afternoon and evening programs limited guest museum visits, Preregistration required: Iwamoto@ BostonChildrensMuseum.org (617) 986-3697.

Can you find these treasures?

Construction Zone

Japanese House

Bubbles

What kid isn’t fascinated by construction and demolition sites? In this kid-sized building zone, children can ride a Bobcat, walk and balance on a steel beam teetering above a city, and even do some jackhammering! They’ll love putting on a hard hat and being part of their very own city in motion as they build, excavate, and explore the tunnels and tools.

Kids will love leaving their shoes at the door and getting a glimpse inside a real Japanese silk merchant’s home from 100 years ago. How did it get here? Discover the special story and childhood memories of Kiyoko as you imagine what life would be like in this two-story beloved exhibit. japanesehouse.bostonchildrensmuseum.org

Want to try and blow the most giant bubble in the universe? Want to see how long you can hold one in your hands before it pops? Think you can make a double bubble? A favorite for all ages, this investigative bubble room blends fun and science with plenty of gizmos and surfaces for creating and discovering the magic of bubbles!

BRIAN PHILLIPS PHOTOGRAPHY

BOSTON PARENT’S PAPER

Kids

Museums

CAPE ANN MUSEUM

Why Kids  It

Museum Info

The CAM Activity Center is meant for play! Crawl into a little house, sit in a dory, and set your nets! Steer the ship’s wheel to safety then cozy-up on a giant beanbag in the reading nook. Art-making and hands-on activities set up at circular tables make closer connections to the art and artifacts on display in the galleries, and kids love to start or end their visit here!

ADDRESS: 27 Pleasant Street, Gloucester, MA 01930

Why Parents  It

MUSEUM CAFÉ: No onsite café; Outdoor courtyard and Museum Sculpture Park provide an ideal picnic area in enjoyable weather. Nearby dining options: www.gloucesterma.com.

Serpents, ships, and seas Oh My! Art and history weave together Cape Ann’s colorful story through larger than life artifacts and maritime artwork in perfect, giant brushstrokes. Think your child is too young to appreciate art? No way! Kids love learning surprising facts from the docents and being part of a true gallery experience in a museum where the oil paintings mesmerize and inspire all ages!

SPECIAL GROUP PROGRAMS: School field trips from preschool to university offer customdesigned tours centered around direct curriculum connections and individual teachers’ goals for the ultimate visit! Tailor-made programs and tours for Troop leaders and Homeschool groups! Classroom resource offerings include Timeship for Kids, CAM’s history magazine for children. For more info: Education Department at 978-283-0455.

WEBSITE: capeannmuseum.org • PHONE: 978-283-0455 HOURS: Tuesday-Saturday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm; Sunday: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm; Weekends open until 5:00 pm; Check calendar for major holiday closings and exceptions. ADMISSION: Adult: $12.00; Cape Ann residents, Seniors, and Students: $10.00; Museum members and Youth (18 and under): Free; Ways to Save Admissions: MTA members, Active duty military & family, ENHA Volunteers, NEMA & NARM members, EBT/SNAP cardholders: Free; Public library discount pass program. Historic Captain Elias Davis House tour included with Museum admission.

SPECIAL EVENTS FOR FAMILIES/KIDS: Check the calendar for family and children’s events including Family Tours & Museum Activity Center, Young at Art, and Watercolor Wednesdays. CAM Kids Second Saturdays: Free museum admission for families with school age children on the second Saturday morning of every month; Special events and workshops from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm!

SCAVENGER HUNT

INCLUSIVITY INFO: Museum is completely accessible for all mobility devices except for the historical homes; CAM welcomes personal mobility devices and offers one manual wheelchair and walker with wheels on a FCFS basis; Assistive Listening System for up to 10 people available at Reception; For general access information, call 978-283-0455 x10.

Gloucester Sea Serpent

Little House

Fresnel Lens

What’s 200 years old, nine feet tall, used to swim in Gloucester harbor? See this legendary sea creature come to life through local artist Chris William’s giant sculpture. Once you’re through the doors, read through newspaper headlines and citizens’ documented testimonies of local sightings through the years.

Do you know what the Caldecott Medal is? It was awarded to beloved children’s book author and illustrator Virginia Lee Burton. Her winning book, The Little House recently celebrated its 75th anniversary, and a reconstructed little house in the CAM Activity Center is waiting for you to come home!

View one of only 39 original first-order Fresnel Lenses in the country, as you learn about local lighthouses that have kept sailors safe for centuries. The fascinating lens on display was once on top of the south tower of Thacher Island off of Rockport and Gloucester.

Can you find these treasures?

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BOSTON PARENT’S PAPER

Kids

Museums

Why Kids  It What kid wouldn’t love to try their hand at writing with a quill pen? Or learn how to make their own Patriot Portrait? Children delight in the privilege of examining historic artifacts like the 1775 Paul Revere lantern, and learning about daily life for Native children who sewed and played with deerskin balls! Check the schedule for community mural contribution and Sculptures Alive programming!

Why Parents  It A museum that covers thousands of years of history in an intimate, cozy atmosphere? Whether it is learning about the roots of American democracy, the power of independent thinking, the preservation of the environment, or the intricacies of craftsmanship, the Concord Museum brings history into the lives of learners of all ages! Your kids will love seeing your excitement!

SCAVENGER HUNT

Can you find these treasures?

CONCORD MUSEUM

Museum Info ADDRESS: 53 Cambridge Turnpike, Concord, MA 01742 Two Entrances: also accessible via 200 Lexington Road WEBSITE: concordmuseum.org • PHONE: 978-369-9763 HOURS: Grand Reopening October 11th! Fall/Winter Hours thru January 12th: Daily 10:00 am - 4:00 pm; Summer Hours: Daily; Check website for current seasonal hours; Open February and April school vacation weeks; New museum shop! ADMISSION: Adult: $10.00; Child (5-17): $6.00; Children under 5: Free; Student & Senior: $8.00; Ways to Save: Military discounts; Teacher discount; MTA discount; EBT Cardholder & family discount; Area Public Library Pass Program; NARM (North American Reciprocal Museum) Reciprocal Admissions honored. Learn more: narmassociation.org CAFÉ: Lovely open-air courtyard for outdoor enjoyment of packed food & picnics. Abundant nearby dining options available in Concord center ¼ mile down the road. SPECIAL GROUP PROGRAMS: School field trips for all ages feature programs connecting students to the Revolutionary War, Native American life, the Colonies, and Concord authors: Colonial Cooking, Relive 1775, Colonial Samplers; Revolutionary Traveling Trunk School Deliveries; Colonial Winter Workshop (Dec-Feb); Afterschool and Youth Organization visits; Traveling Classroom Outreach Programs. SPECIAL EVENTS FOR FAMILIES/KIDS: Year-round, hands-on family programming; Holiday tours, crafts, and activities schedule; Online Parents; Favorite annual events like Patriots Day, Celebrate the Apple Day, and the month-long, beloved Family Trees: A Celebration of Children’s Literature, featuring 40 trees and wreaths, each decorated in the theme of a favorite children’s book. And much more... INCLUSIVITY INFO: Fully accessible and climate-controlled museum; Strollers welcome and strollers available on a FCFS basis free of charge in the coat room; Service dogs welcome; Accessible seating available for auditorium events by reservation: 413-559-6301.

Henry David Thoreau Gallery

People of Musketaquid Gallery

Center of Revolution Gallery

Go on a special Treasure Hunt in the Henry David Thoreau Gallery! What did Henry see in his spyglass? Can you find Henry’s flute? Match the pictures to all the artifacts in this exhibit including Henry’s desk where he wrote Walden. 14 Boston Parents Paper | Kids  Museums

Basketry, pottery, and quillwork oh my! Step back in time again to explore the amazing works of Native artists and artisans, past and present. What next art project of yours will this fascinating crafting inspire? Visit the hands-on touch station to learn more about the history of Musketaquid.

Here lie the museum collections’ oldest objects — can you find the Native stone tool from 10,000 years ago? Kids love to see the muskets and powder horns from the Revolution and imagine themselves as a minuteman or a rider like Paul Revere! Can you find the lantern from Revere’s famous ride?

BOSTON PARENT’S PAPER

Kids

Museums

Why Kids  It Kids love the school vacation week programs, interactive gallery spaces, being encouraged to touch the hands-on works in the Park with their families, and drop-in programs like Artfull Explorations.

Why Parents  It The 30 acres of rolling lawns, hills, and fields that kids can run around in to their heart’s content make every parent smile! Also, where else can you find 60 internationally recognized contemporary outdoor sculptures? This is world-class inspiration at its finest!

SCAVENGER HUNT

Can you find these treasures? The Lab Put on a little lab coat, and get ready to investigate nature and art in this hands-on learning space where touching is absolutely allowed! With changing activities throughout the year to match the museum’s current exhibits and floor-to-ceiling windowed reading lab overlooking Flint Pond equipped with binoculars, kids will love this themed experience.

deCORDOVA SCULPTURE PARK AND MUSEUM

Museum Info ADDRESS: 51 Sandy Pond Rd., Lincoln, MA 01773 WEBSITE: decordova.org • PHONE: 781-259-8355 HOURS: Summer Hours: Daily, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm; Winter Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Weekends open until 5:00 pm; Check calendar for holiday schedules. ADMISSION: Adult: $14.00; Children 12 and under: Free; Student: $10.00; Senior: $12.00; IMAX Tickets: +$8-$10; Lincoln residents, Active duty military personnel & their families, and cyclists who pedal to the museum: Free; Ways to Save Admissions: $5/public library pass, $1/EBT, $2/AAA card, $2/MTA card, $2/Zipcar card; Reciprocal ½ price admission with Gropius House for one full price admission at either museum; Last Thursday of the month free w/ WGBH card. CAFÉ: DeCordova café offers indoor and beautiful outdoor courtyard and sculpture terrace seating, a wide selection of healthy menu and snack items, and bag lunches to advance order and take onto the grounds for groups of 5 or more. Picnics and blankets from home welcome! SUMMER COURSES: The Hive summer camp for ages 5-12 connects campers to art and nature using real world ideas, unbounded creativity, and four weekly themes like Marvelous Inventions and Illusions and Inside Out Architecture. There is even an adult Hive welcoming parents, adults, and teen family members! SPECIAL EVENTS FOR FAMILIES/KIDS: Check the calendar for family and youth programs like the zany and popular MAKEmobile cruising the park, Kid’s Outdoor Yoga, and Play in the Park where kids construct large scale temporary art structures! Family activity kits available at front desk. INCLUSIVITY INFO: DeCordova provides accessibility and universal design across campus and welcomes wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, and strollers; Service dogs welcome inside and outside; Touch Tours for blind or low-vision visitors; ASL tours; ARTZ tours for those with Alzheimer’s or Dementia and caregivers; www.decordova.org/visit/ accessibility.

Musical Fence

The Process Gallery

Can you find the most iconic inter– active work in the park? Kids will love making melodies by hitting these pipes with a stick! Families also love the funky reflections in Crazy Spheroid: Two Entrances.

Do you see what I see? This multi-sensory museum space inspires ideas of how to think about art using immersive activities and illusion artwork for kids and families to discover side by side.

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BOSTON PARENT’S PAPER

Kids

Museums

DISCOVERY MUSEUM

Museum Info

Why Kids  It Discovery Treehouse (built by DIY Network’s The Treehouse Guys) allows kids to magically experience nature and a birds-eye view of the woods 19 feet in the air! Quirky windows, binoculars, activities, and even a cozy book nook will have their imaginations soaring and give them an experience they will not soon forget!

Why Parents  It Discovery Woods outdoor museum exhibit complete with a nature playscape is just the place parents imagine for getting their kids outdoors! Bounce the wiggly bridge, sway in the nest swing with friends, and explore the rain garden, gravel pit, beaver lodges, and acres of adjoining conservation land (orienteering maps available). And the entire space, including the treehouse, is inclusive, fully accessible, and open year-round!

SCAVENGER HUNT

Can you find these treasures?

ADDRESS: 177 Main Street (Route 27), Acton, MA 01720 WEBSITE: discoveryacton.org • PHONE: 978-264-4200 HOURS: Daily, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm (Summer Free Fridays 4:30-8:00pm); School Year Hours: Closed most Mondays (First Free Friday Evenings of the month 4:30-8:00pm); Check calendar for holiday and vacation schedules. ADMISSION: ONE price for Discovery Museum and Discovery Woods! Adult and Child: $14.50; Senior: 13.50; Under 1 year old: Free; Teachers always free!; Military discount; Ways to Save: $2 AAA discount up to 4 people; $1 EBT or WIC card holders up to 5 family members; Local library passes offer ½ price admission up to 3 people: https://www.discoveryacton.org/ member-libraries. EATING/BRING YOUR OWN: Picnic tables on the patio and designated areas for eating in the lobby welcome home-packed picnics and snacks. Healthy snack and drink vending machines also available in the gift shop; nearby family-friendly eateries. SPECIAL GROUP PROGRAMS: School field trips K-8, Preschool and Kindergarten Early Childhood field trips, Traveling Science Workshops (more than 20 affordable STEM delivered museum to classroom workshops available!); Bubble Printing Birthday Parties, themed goody bags and more! Scout, Community, and Family group pricing available for 15 or more. SPECIAL EVENTS FOR FAMILIES/KIDS: Daily programs range from therapy dog visits to taking apart electronics to experimenting with 300 lb. blocks of ice to exploring the infinite possibilities of mud! Programs free with admission. INCLUSIVITY INFO: The entire campus, including the museum and treehouse, is accessible and was built based on Universal Design principles. Autism and sensory-friendly afternoons and evenings, Mornings for deaf or hard of hearing families, and Visually impaired family evenings. Sensory guide available to download or borrow from Admissions Desk along with noise reducing headphones. https://www.discoveryacton.org/visit/accessibility-inclusionespecially-me.

Water Gallery

da Vinci Workshop

Bessie’s Diner

Can a stream of water suspend an object in mid-air? Can you change the shape of water? Can you stand inside a bubble? How do water vortexes move? Control, move, divert, and explore the properties of water—you may get a little wet, but it’s all in the name of science exploration!

Step into your very own workshop to tinker, design, build, and invent just like the artist, scientist, engineer, and inventor Leonardo da Vinci! Recycled materials, off-the-shelf supplies, and super cool technology like electronic circuits and conductive thread will help create your masterpiece. Before you leave, test your da Vinci-inspired flying machine prototype on a vertical air stream table!

What kid doesn’t love to play restaurant? Wear an apron, hand out some menus, then cook, create, and serve your hungry customers. There’s even a cash register to ring them up (after they’ve had dessert of course)! Can you find the miniature diner booth designed just for Teddy the stuffed bear? What do you think he’ll want to eat?

Boston Parents Paper | Kids 

Museums

BOSTON PARENT’S PAPER

Kids

ECOTARIUM

Museums

Why Kids  It Live, up-close encounters with animals, plenty of messy spaces featuring water and mud in the huge outdoor play area, and getting “hands-on” with so many exhibits make this a memorable destination for kids. The out of this world, cutting-edge Planetarium seals the deal!

Why Parents  It Engaging children’s brains and bodies at the same time? Yes! Getting the wiggles and giggles out has never been easier to do on this 45+acre property with scenic trails and landscapes just waiting to be explored as a family. Parents love the prospect of a Night Journey family sleepover, and the All-weather indoor and outdoor experiences and school holiday programming make this a go-to destination for parents!

SCAVENGER HUNT

Can you find these treasures? City Science Ready to solve a nature crime, identify mystery dust sources, and use infrared technology? Uncover the science stories hiding all around us in the streets, cities, and neighborhoods we live in! This acclaimed 2,500 square foot immersive exhibit will have you designing, engineering, and discovering things you never imagined!

Museum Info ADDRESS: 222 Harrington Way, Worcester, MA 01604 WEBSITE: ecotarium.org • PHONE: 508-929-2700 HOURS: Tues-Sat: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm; Sun: 12:00 – 5:00 pm; Check website for Daylight Savings schedule change (Nov-March); Open holiday & vacation week Mon: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. ADMISSION: Adult: $18.00; Children 2-18, Seniors, College Students: $14.00; 2 and under: Free; Ways to Save Admissions: Area public library discount passes, $2/EBT & WIC, Military family discounts, Bank of America Museums On Us: free admission during first full weekend of every month for BOA cardholders.. CAFÉ: Edible Creations by Gerry onsite food vendor offers a varied family-friendly menu during business hours. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the sunny Food Pavilion during warmer months, or eat indoors year-round. Vending machines available for drinks and snacks. SPECIAL GROUP PROGRAMS: School field trips connecting students hands-on to science curriculums; Add-on Education Programs include National Geographic Partner full-dome cutting edge Planetarium Presentations and Explorer Express Train; Night Journeys Overnight Adventures; Inspirational Scout Badge Programs; Traveling educator-led programs; Discounted admission for groups of 10 or more. SPECIAL EVENTS FOR FAMILIES/KIDS: Animal & Science Discoveries and signature events: Earth Day, Science Tricks and Animal Treats, and Noon Years Eve; Ticketed experience Early Learning Programs include Preschool Wednesdays and Budding Scientists for ages 4-6; Preschool Discovery Area; Family Sleepovers, Indoor winter sock skating, and more! INCLUSIVITY INFO: Committed to making the museum as accessible as possible for guests of all abilities. Designated accessible parking; Explorer Express Train includes custombuilt coach that accommodates two passengers in wheelchairs and their companions; Walking trails include paved portions and access the Lower Pond Pier; Accessible Alden Digital Planetarium; Wheelchairs, ECV scooters, and strollers available for rent.

Wild Cat Station See these sibling cats in one of the largest mountain lion exhibits in the U.S. Where did these brother and sister lions come from, and how in the world did they re-create their mountainous terrain?

Daisy and Slydell Can you make friends with the two mischievous river otter besties that love to play and interact with guests?

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Kids

THE ERIC CARLE MUSEUM OF PICTURE BOOK ART

Museums

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF ERIC CARLE MUSEUM VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR DAY BY SETH KAYE PHOTOGRAPHY

Museum Info

Why Kids  It Children delight in discovering and pointing out their favorite and familiar picture book illustrations from bedtime come to life in this joyful, creative space! Free reign in the Art Studio, a theatre schedule featuring short, animated films and improv comedy, and a reading library they’ll cozy right up to with thousands of books to explore promise a special adventure for the whole family anytime of year.

ADDRESS: 125 West Bay Road, Amherst, MA 01002

Why Parents  It

CAFÉ: Spacious eating area for enjoying packed lunches, or to picnic outside; Berkshire Naturals healthy snack vending machine, complimentary coffee; Atkins Farms Country Market offers salads, soups, and sandwiches ¼ mile from the museum.

What better way for book-loving parents to inspire a love of art and reading in their kids by way of an open, richly colorful space? Interactive galleries and workshops devoted to all ages, a museum shop known as “the very best bookstore for children’s literature and picture books in the world”, and plenty of inspiring classroom material for educators make this a top destination!

WEBSITE: carlemuseum.org • PHONE: 413-559-6300 HOURS: School Year Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm; Saturday, 10:00 am-5:00 pm; Sunday, Noon-5:00 pm; Summer Hours: Open daily July & August; Open Mondays during MA February and April school vacation weeks. Check calendar for holiday closures. ADMISSION: Adult: $9; Youth (1-18), Student, Teacher and Senior: $6; Family (2 adults & 2 youth): $22.50; Ways to Save: EBT Card free admission up to four people; MA teachers free admission; AAA discount; Military discounts; Fallon Health Discount; GSCVB WOW! One adult, get one youth free coupon; Iconic Illustrator’s Trail Combined Ticket: Eric Carle, Norman Rockwell, Dr. Seuss; carlemuseum.org/content/iconic-illustrators-trail-release.

SPECIAL GROUP PROGRAMS: School field trips designed to support core curriculum for art education guided by a museum educator for ages 3-18! Minimum 10 students; MA schools refer to the Big Yellow Bus Grant for help with transportation costs. Guided group programs for adults; Professional development programs for educators interested in cultivating visual arts and “the art of the book.” SPECIAL EVENTS FOR FAMILIES/KIDS: The Every Day Art Program opens The Art Studio to guests of all ages with a daily schedule for art making and appreciation with changing activities and materials; Storytime programs; Amazing daily film schedule! Check website for special school vacation week events. All programs free with admission.

SCAVENGER HUNT

INCLUSIVITY INFO: The entire one level campus, including the outdoor pathway to Bobbie’s Meadow is wheelchair accessible and features power assist doors; Wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers available on a FCFS basis free of charge in the coat room; Service dogs welcome; Accessible seating available for auditorium events by reservation: 413-559-6301.

Art Studio

Scavenger Hunt

Bobbie’s Meadow

Choose from the Eric Carle gallery or museum-wide focused worksheets and start sleuthing! Explore the museum that celebrates picture books, artists, and the surprising stories they tell. Did you find the smiling sun? The duck taking a snack break in the café? Turn in your completed paper for a temporary tattoo before you leave!

Delightfully located in the museum’s 100-year-old apple orchard is the outdoor extension of the Carle. Kids can let loose among native wildflowers, look for live critters, enjoy a story and a picnic, and play musical instruments. Not surprisingly, there’s even a small, outdoor library. Visiting during harvest season? Bring a little tote for gathering some apples to take home! PHOTO BY JIM GIPE

Can you find these treasures?

PHOTO BY MEGHAN BURCH

Ever tried your hand at making a Collagimal? How about painting in 3-D or jumping into a collaborative large-scale mural? Materials and projects change every few weeks and thoughtfully link to current gallery exhibits.

Boston Parents Paper | Kids 

Museums

PHOTO BY SETH KAYE PHOTOGRAPHY

BOSTON PARENT’S PAPER

Kids

Museums

FRANKLIN PARK ZOO

Why Kids  It

Museum Info

The epic 10,000-square-foot playground inspired by Zoo wildlife is a main attraction for kids of all ages and an essential part of every FPZ visit! The giraffe-like tube slide is worth the climb every time, and rubberized ground cover keeps the ground soft. The Nature Play area on the pathway between the Hyena and Baird’s Tapir exhibits is another hit with the kids and brings nature and landscape to some more outdoor play.

ADDRESS: 1 Franklin Park Road, Boston, MA 02121

Why Parents  It

SPECIAL GROUP PROGRAMS: Grades K-12: free school field trips, Homeschool Classes, Scout Badge Programs, Sleepovers & After Dark Programs, School Vacation Week, Birthday Parties, and community-oriented nonprofit Organization Passes. Group discounts available. zoonewengland.org/visit/group-reservations.

Parents love the ease of this zoo and being able to take year-round trips. The warm indoor Tropical Forest building is an instant escape to the tropics on the chilliest of days. At the petting zoo at Franklin Farm, learn about the animals and print games and scavenger hunts ahead of your visit at Kid’s Corner on the FPZ website.

SCAVENGER HUNT

Can you find these treasures? Aussie Aviary Kids will love standing still with their feed stick in hopes one of the budgies will make a landing in this exciting free-flight exhibit where hundreds of vibrantly colored birds flutter overhead!

WEBSITE: zoonewengland.org • PHONE: 617-541-LION HOURS: Open year-round! Summer (April 1-September 30) 10:00 am-5:00 pm weekdays, 10:00 am-6:00 pm weekends & holidays; winter (October 1-March 30) daily, 10:00 am4:00 pm; Teacher and Military discounts, Library Pass Program, buy online and save up to 15% or more! ADMISSION: Adult: $21.95; Child (ages 2-12) $14.95; Senior: $19.95 MUSEUM CAFÉ: Giddy-Up Grill; Seasonal: Kalahari Kitchen (outdoor grill) CAMPS/CLASSES: See website for the many camps and classes offered.

SPECIAL EVENTS FOR FAMILIES/KIDS: Check the schedule for Special Events like ArtWeek and daily programs & events featuring Zookeeper Chats and Mystery Animal Encounters! Pre-registration Programs: Wild Adventure Education Programs for families & their young cubs, Breakfast with the Animals, and Behind-the-Scenes Tours. SUMMER ZOOCAMP: Campers, ages 6-11, can go wild for one-week sessions at ZooCamp featuring animal, science, and conservation-based educational games and activities, while older kids, ages 12-13, interested in the professional field of animals and science can join the Junior Zookeeping Program and discover firsthand what it feels like to be a zookeeper! INCLUSIVITY INFO: Handicap Accessible, Wheelchair rental with advance reservation, Service dogs welcome, Sensory-Friendly Guide download available online.

Gorillas Galore

Kalahari Kingdom

Stand face-to-face with a Lowland Gorilla family at this up-close-and-personal exhibit with five glass viewing stations for an unforgettable experience! You never know what you might see as you observe this active and charming family watching you watching them!

Always wanted to hear the unmistakable roar of an African lion? This king of the jungle’s habitat is made even more exciting with a mock “crashed” safari vehicle kids can climb into and peer at these majestic beasts through the glass viewing area at eye level!

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BOSTON PARENT’S PAPER

Kids

ICA BOSTON

Museums

Why Kids  It Kids love the impressive entrance and stopping off at the Visitor’s Center to grab a free Gallery Games art pack filled with activities and tips for looking at the art on view. Sketching supplies including colored pencils and markers can be taken outside to the Grandstand in warmer months.

Why Parents  It

Museum Info ADDRESS: 25 Harbor Shore Drive, Boston, MA 022102 WEBSITE: icaboston.org • PHONE: 617-478-3100 HOURS: Tues - Sat: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, Thurs & Fri: Open until 9:00 pm, first Friday of every month exception closes at 5:00 pm; National holiday open days with free admission! ADMISSION: Adult: $15.00; Senior: $13.00; Student: $10.00; Youth 17 and under: Free; Ways to Save Admissions Discounts: American Federation of Teachers, MTA, Blue Star Families, EBT, and Federal disability recipients, and public library pass program; Free admission Thursday Nights 5 to 9; Free admission last Saturday of the month for 2 adults accompanied by children under 12 during Play Dates.

Parents love introducing their kids to the striking architecture of the ICA and views of the harbor—and hopping on the complimentary Water Shuttle in season for transport to the ICA Watershed where they can experience large-scale art and family-friendly programming.

CAFÉ: The outdoor SunBar pop-up snack bar offers waterfront beverages, snacks, and small bites from June through September on the Plaza. Visitors are welcome to bring food and drink into the Common Room on the museum’s first floor for year-round indoor eating.

SCAVENGER HUNT

SPECIAL EVENTS FOR FAMILIES/KIDS: Play Dates all-day family programming featured on the last Saturday of each month (except December) offers activities, performances, family gallery tours, hands-on art making, and other kid-centric events; Family library in the Poss Family Mediatheque offer plenty of books for children 3-8; Weekend Books and Looks staffled readings of picture books and activities related to art on view.

Can you find these treasures? Art Making: Shapes + Patterns Ever used an interactive magnet-wall installation? Experiment with the possibilities of shapes and patterns you’ve never imagined and create multimedia collages and artworks of your own on Saturday and Sunday afternoons in The Art Lab. Do you know what contemporary art is? Pick a favorite exhibit, then make hands-on connections to the art on view, and go home inspired!

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SPECIAL GROUP PROGRAMS: School field trip guided visits for K-12 groups offer thematic tour topics including: Artist as Storyteller, Methods + Materials, and The Art of Now. Add an Art Lab session to any tour; Bank of America Art Lab school workshops; Self-guided high school group visits; email Education Department for on- and off-site resources for educators.

INCLUSIVITY INFO: Museum galleries, program spaces and theatre all accessible for visitors using mobility devices and strollers; Manual wheelchairs available on a FCFS basis, free of charge; Service animals welcome; Assistive-listening devices and ASL interpretation available by advance request; For questions about accessibility, email accessibility@icaboston.org. Accessible seating available for auditorium events by reservation: 413-559-6301.

Vacation Week Activities

Play Dates

Get out and get artsy during school vacation! Explore the galleries and create art together with art-making activities for visitors of all ages—kids and adults! How many new friends will you make?

Kids’ open-mic anyone? How about an interactive story time? Kids rule the ICA the last Saturday of every month, when the museum fills up with fun, creative, and even zany activities for kids and adults to do together! This is family time at its finest.

BOSTON PARENT’S PAPER

Kids

Museums

JOHN F. KENNEDY PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

Why Kids  It

Museum Info

What kid wouldn’t love to see a former president’s actual school report card and Freedom 7 spacecraft? They’ll also love seeing Kennedy family home movies and the hands-on “Cart” programs like Stranded at Sea: The PT-109 story” and The Race for Space. Most important, from President Kennedy’s inauguration speech to his landmark address on civil rights, his words will inspire young people.

ADDRESS: Columbia Point, Boston, MA 02125

Why Parents  It Parents will appreciate the Museum layout, and how visiting “Main Street” in 1960 transports them to another time and place! They will be fascinated by sections highlighting President Kennedy’s career, including the first televised debates between JFK and Richard Nixon, a short documentary on the Cuban Missile Crisis, highlights of JFK’s press conferences and his private thoughts on the future of Vietnam. See website for schedule of family-friendly docent tours.

SCAVENGER HUNT

Can you find these treasures? Coconut Husk Can you learn how a coconut husk helped save JFK’s life? How do you think that’s possible?

WEBSITE: jfklibrary.org • PHONE: 617-514-1600 HOURS: Open seven days: 9:00 am- 5:00 pm; Final introductory film begins at 3:55 pm; Check website for holiday closings. ADMISSION: Adult: $14.00; Senior: $12.00; College Student with ID: $12.00; Youth/Teen (1317): $10.00; US Armed Forces Veterans: $4.00 off Adult or Senior admission; Children 12 and under: Free; Ways to Save: Members of JFK Library, any Presidential Library operated by the National Archives, CAC carriers of the US Armed Forces: Free; Edward M. Kennedy Institute visitors same day $2 discount; EBT Cardholder: $4 (up to 4 guests); Mass college students with ID: $6...see website for more ways to save. CAFÉ: JFK Café offers panoramic views of the Boston skyline and Boston Harbor. A complete menu selection includes continental and full breakfast options as well as a daily hot lunch special in addition to salads, soups, and sandwiches. Just looking for a cappuccino or a snack? The all day service has you covered! Open daily 9:00 am-5:00 pm. SPECIAL GROUP PROGRAMS: School field trips offered for grades 3-8 in American history, Civics, and English Language Arts; Guided program topics include: Who was John F. Kennedy?, Presidential Campaigns and Elections, Report Card for the President, The Civil Rights Movement:1960-1963, and The Cold War Heats Up; more information at 617-514-1589. SPECIAL EVENTS FOR FAMILIES/KIDS: Celebrate! Family programming series for family audiences and children 5 and up highlights America’s cultural diversity through the arts. Check website for upcoming event schedule: Free, reservations required. February vacation week offers several family activities and programs. INCLUSIVITY INFO: The Library and Museum is ADA compliant. Manual wheelchairs available at the Visitor Admission Desk on a FCFS basis; Personal walkers, wheelchairs, and scooters welcome; Video presentations feature open captions; ASL interpretation available with advanced notice; Call 617-514-1575 for more information.

JFK’s Choate Report Card How do you think President Kennedy fared on his high school report card? Do you think it was all A’s? Can you find the C-, and talk about why that is so fascinating?

Freedom 7 Spacecraft Visit the Space Race exhibit and learn about Freedom 7’s mission charted by President Kennedy. Can you find out who the first American to travel in space was?

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BOSTON PARENT’S PAPER

Kids

MIT MUSEUM

Museums

Museum Info

Why Kids  It One word: Robots! Beyond that, the progressive programs designed especially for young adults and connecting participants with MIT research are unmatched in both opportunity and inspiration!

ADDRESS: 265 Massachusetts Avenue, Building N51, Cambridge, MA 02139 WEBSITE: mitmuseum.mit.edu • PHONE: 617-253-5927 HOURS: Open seven days a week: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm except major holidays; Check calendar for exceptions. ADMISSION: Adult: $10.00; Youth under 18, Students with ID, and Seniors: $5.00; Children under 5, MIT ID holders (students, faculty, staff, spouses), and alumni (with one guest): Free; See website for ways to save on admission.

Why Parents  It Have a teen with a growing interest in STEM-related fields? Right-brained and left-brained parents are equally grateful for this local, powerful resource to make a difference in their lives! Need to do some novelty gift shopping? MIT Museum Store is a hit for unusual gifts and décor, and also favorite for childrens’electronic toys and scientist puppets!

CAFÉ: No designated dining areas or facilities on site. Visitors may eat at the cafeterias located in the MIT Student Center or Stata Center, both walkable from the Museum. See link for more on-campus and nearby dining options: http://institute-events.mit.edu/visit/ where-to-eat.

SCAVENGER HUNT

SPECIAL EVENTS FOR FAMILIES/KIDS: Exhibitions and installations at MIT Museum are geared toward middle school and high school audiences; Activity guides for gallery-based learning available for download; Idea Hub drop-in activity schedule features: exploring design & engineering, tinkering topics in 3D Printing and Design, App Inventor, Chain Reaction, Paper Circuits, and Dream, Design, Build. Free with museum admission, check upcoming weekend sessions online!

Can you find these treasures? In Motion Check out the movements of In Motion which explores the step-by-step movement of people as they engage in activity, and then creates a video which transforms the activity into 3D sculpture. See the physics of a fencer lung or a basketball player slam dunk a ball.

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Museums

SPECIAL GROUP PROGRAMS: Educational Workshops offered for grades 6-12, up to 25 students. Two-hour science, technology, engineering, and art, instructor-led and exhibit-related activities. Choose from Robotics, DNA workshop, Physics & Photography, Structural Engineering, and more; College, adult, senior, and corporate groups welcome! Reservations must be made for groups of 8 or more, at least two weeks in advance.

INCLUSIVITY INFO: All museum sites are wheelchair accessible. Lockers and coat racks available.

Idea Hub

Slide Rules

Want to invent an App, design a boat or your own simple video game animation? Weekends are all about exploration at the Idea Hub—a dedicated maker space where you can explore, create, and design. Check schedule for upcoming weekend sessions.

Check out the display of different slide rules and explain to your kids what life was like before calculators and how engineers would use the slide rules to do their calculations.

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Museums

METROPOLITAN WATERWORKS MUSEUM

Museum Info PROFILE: The Waterworks Museum interprets unique stories of one of the country’s first metropolitan water systems through exhibitions and educational programs on engineering, architecture, social history, and public health. ADDRESS: 2450 Beacon St, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 WEBSITE: waterworksmuseum.org • PHONE: 617-277-0065

Why Kids  It Giant Steam Engines and Pumps tower over kids and adults alike. Most kids have never seen this kind of massive machinery before and it can be quite a breath taking experience! There are also lots of video kiosks from which to learn more information about how the machines work and hands on activities in the overlook gallery related to water and engineering. There is an immersive three-screen introductory film set in the early 1900s that enthralls kids, and even features one!

Why Parents  It The Waterworks Museum makes it easy to get excited about science and engineering. Examining the big machines in the great engines hall and attempting to build your own upstairs in the overlook gallery can engage kids for hours. There are a variety of community events throughout the year so there is always something new to check out. On a nice day, you can couple your visit to the museum around the scenic Chestnut Hill Reservoir Walking Trail right across the street. And of course, general admission is always free!”

HOURS: Wednesday - Sunday: 11am - 4pm ADMISSION: General Admission is always free. Some special programs may incur fees. CAFÉ: No food venues on site but many restaurants within a ten minute walk from the museum. PROGRAMS FOR SCHOOL TOURS: https://waterworksmuseum.org/education PROGRAMS FOR HOMESCHOOLERS: https://waterworksmuseum.org/education SPECIAL EVENTS: https://waterworksmuseum.org/events/

SCAVENGER HUNT

Can you find these treasures?

Allis Pumps

Wooden Water Pipe

The water pumps connected to the Allis engine are so big that they had to put underground. There is one area of museum where you can look through the floor and see them!

Before Boston had a city water supply, private companies would pipe water into the homes of people who could afford to pay for it. They used wooden pipes like this one in our collection.

Governor The governor would help regulate the speed of the steam engine. You can find a governor on two of the machines in the great engine hall, and one on a table that you can touch!

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Museums

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE

PHOTO BY CANDY KENNEDY

Kids

Why Kids  It

Museum Info

Where else can you see a full-size Tyrannosaurus rex model and fossils including footprints and even dinosaur dung? Younger kids will delight in the free-fluttering tropical Butterfly Garden and Discovery Center experiments, while elementary-aged children will gaze in awe in the Hall of Human Life and at the stars in the Planetarium!

ADDRESS: 1 Science Park, Boston, MA 02114

The extraordinary view of the Charles River, Boston and Cambridge, from the bright and airy first-floor dining area makes refueling and rests a breeze. Bring your own brown bag lunches or choose from the healthy food options at the Riverview Café.

HOURS: Daily, 9:00 am-5:00 pm (Friday 9:00 am-9:00 pm) ADMISSION: : Adult: $29.00; Child: $25.00; Senior: $24.00; Add-On Tickets: + $10 Omni Theater IMAX, Planetarium, Butterfly Garden, 4-D Theater Public libraries offer free or discounted Exhibit Hall passes. MUSEUM CAFÉ: Riverview Café SPECIAL GROUP PROGRAMS: School field trips, Homeschoolers, Girl Scout & Boy Scout Troops, birthday outings, and Overnights at the Museum. Group pricing available. SPECIAL EVENTS FOR FAMILIES/KIDS: Live Presentations daily schedule features animals, science, technology, and Lightning demonstrations! SUMMER COURSES: From bugs and dinosaurs to space explorers and mini-mini med school, students in grades 1-8 can choose from science themes that will keep them inspired all summer long. INCLUSIVITY INFO: Assistive Listening System, Sighted Guide Tours, ASL Interpreters, and Quiet Hours. Accessibility Coordinator available.

SCAVENGER HUNT

To the Moon PHOTO BY NICOLAUS CZARNECKI

Can you find these treasures? Hands-On Laboratory

PHOTO BY CANDY KENNEDY

Kids will love to be the scientist as they explore the lab’s interactive learning programs using real science lab research tools and techniques to make discoveries and investigate mysteries!

Boston Parents Paper | Kids 

Museums

Charles River Field Station Discover what really lives in the Charles River as you explore the ecosystem’s organisms under a microscope with a Museum educator. Did you know you could tell what foods birds can eat by examining their beaks? Other activities test out your naturalist skills by examining Predator or Prey skulls of New England animals!

Wonder what it feels like to be an astronaut? Climb into the full-size Apollo Command Module and watch the first moon landing from the cockpit. Can you find the moon rock fragments and model of Skylab, the first space station launched by NASA to orbit Earth?

PHOTO BY NICOLAUS CZARNECKI

Why Parents  It

WEBSITE: mos.org • PHONE: 617-723-2500

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Museums

Why Kids  It The Whaling Museum has something for the whole family! From fun interactives for kids to interact with throughout the Whaling Museum, a 46-foot whale skeleton, and dedicated space for children, the Discovery Center with a fun photobooth!

Why Parents  It The Whaling Museum is a funfilled musuem for everyone from interactives and a Discovery Center for the kids, there is plenty to keep the whole family entertained while everyone explores!

SCAVENGER HUNT

Can you find these treasures? Candle Factory Lever Press An integral component of the museum, the 1847 spermaceti candle factory has been carefully restored to reveal significant elements of the original factory, including the two-story lever press—the only original whaleoil lever press still in place in the world— and the foundation of the oil-processing tryworks.

NANTUCKET HISTORIAL ASSOCIATION

THE WHALING MUSEUM

Museum Info ADDRESS: 15 Broad Street, NANTUCKET, Massachusetts 02554 WEBSITE: nha.org • PHONE: 508-228-1894 HOURS: Hours are subject to change, please visit NHA.org ADMISSION: Please visit NHA.org for pricing info or call 508-228-1894. CAFÉ: No cafes on site. Many restaurants available nearby. In and out privileges available. SPECIAL EVENTS FOR FAMILIES/KIDS: The Discovery Center includes the 25-foot long and masterfully detailed Nantucket Railroad model. Families and children of all ages are invited to explore Nantucket history through activities and crafts programs in this dedicated indoor and outdoor space, daily!

Scimshaw Scrimshaw is the art of engraving images on ivory—whale teeth and bone and walrus tusks—a folk art practiced by men aboard whaleships during the nineteenth century. During long voyages, whalers would often turn to scrimshanding as a way to pass time and as an outlet for their creative energies. Sailors made scrimshaw in an amazing variety, including decorative objects, utilitarian devices, and jewelry. It is one of the earliest recognized American crafts and remains one of the most highly desired forms of folk art for collectors of Americana.

Whale Skeleton Diving from the ceiling— mouth open, teeth menacing—is the skeleton of a 46-foot male sperm whale, perhaps the most dramatic installation of a whale skeleton ever displayed. The beauty and wonder of being this close to the skeleton is breathtaking, in the words of many of our visitors. Kids  Museums | BostonParentsPaper.com 25

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Museums

NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM

PHOTO BY NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM

Kids

Why Kids  It

Museum Info

The penguins have it at this busy colony that several species call home surrounding the Giant Ocean tank. At a count of almost 100, kids simply love peering at these little guys hopping around their easy-to-view habitat. Can you find the one with the punk-rock hairdo and donkey’s bray?

ADDRESS: 1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110

Why Parents  It The umbrella-stroller-friendly indoor/outdoor venue easily accommodates families of all ages. The massive four-story ocean tank the aquarium was built around holds hundreds of vibrantly colored Caribbean reef animals sure to delight wherever you may be standing. The leave and return hand stamp makes connecting with friends and family in the area a breeze

SCAVENGER HUNT

Can you find these treasures? Marine Mammal Center Have you ever seen a seal “fly” through the water? How about a California sea lion “walk” on land? Discover what these mammals do for fun at this expansive open-air exhibit space designed especially for their play and enjoyment! Don’t forget to check the daily schedule for training sessions.

Boston Parents Paper | Kids 

Museums

WEBSITE: neaq.org • PHONE: 617-973-5200 HOURS: Daily, 9:00 am-5:00 pm (open weekends until 6:00 pm); Summer Hours (July 1-August 31) 9:00 am-6:00 pm daily ADMISSION: Adult: $31.00; Child: $22.00; Senior: $29.00; IMAX Tickets: +$8-$10; Combo Tickets available for value package! Military discounts; public libraries offer discounted admission of $10 per person. MUSEUM CAFÉ: Harbor View Café; Seasonally: The Reef; refreshment carts and picnic tables on the Aquarium Plaza SPECIAL GROUP PROGRAMS: School field trips, Traveling Education Outreach Programs, Homeschooling Program, IMAX birthday parties, On-the-Road birthday parties (they come to you!), Behind-the-Scenes Tours. Group pricing available for 10 or more. SPECIAL EVENTS FOR FAMILIES/KIDS: Check the schedule daily for Seal Training, Live Animal Presentations, Giant Ocean Tank Divers, and Climate Change Activities. Marine science programs for families with young children; Teen Programs: Marine Biologist in Training (MBIT), live blue Ambassadors; Animal Encounter Program: Advance reservations required. SUMMER COURSES: Grades 4+ combine marine science with traditional camp fun at the Harbor Discoveries Summer Camp weeks, while grades 8+ work alongside aquarium professionals in the Advanced Aquarium Summer Institute program; Summer Teen Internships available; neaq.org/get-involved/internship-programs/teen-internships INCLUSIVITY INFO: Visitors using wheelchairs or with visual impairments welcome free of charge; service dogs welcome; Sensory Processing Needs kits available at the Information Desk; Sensory Inclusive Morning Access: check website for schedule neaq.org/visit/accessibility.

Indo-Pacific Coral Reef

Shark and Ray Touch Tank

Wonder what 9,000 gallons of water looks like? The aquarium’s handmade and painted floor-to-ceiling exhibit will make you feel like you’re immersed on the reef and teaches all about these “rainforests of the sea.” Discover thousands of species of fish, turtles, and marine life in the reef habitat. Can you find the Clownfish, Butterflyfish, and Unicornfish that live here?

Kids will love getting as close as they want to a variety of rays and epaulette sharks at this crystal-clear-water, mangrove-themed exhibit where close

viewing is just as much fun as reaching out and touching them in the tank!

PHOTO BY SAM CHENGE

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Museums

PLIMOTH PLANTATION

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PLIMOTH PLANTATION

Why Kids  It Children delight at the rare glimpse into someone else’s life at this authentically portrayed 17th – Century English Village re-creation where costumed role players engage visitors on all aspects of a Pilgrim’s life. Peek into kitchens to see what’s cooking, explore the nooks and crannies of families’ bedrooms, and walk through homes and gardens all while pondering what life would have been like in this bustling Village.

Why Parents  It We enjoy the great outdoors and a living history museum that makes learning fun and exciting. We love the excitement of being immersed in this chapter of America’s history and imagining what life would have been like for a family in the 1600s. Enjoying a picnic overlooking the vista of the Eel River and Cape Cod Bay and sample a 17th-century menu item from the café makes a great memory.

SCAVENGER HUNT

Can you find these treasures? Wampanoag Homesite

Have you ever been invited inside a wetu? Take a seat in a Wampanoag home and learn all about Native heritage in this outdoor living history exhibit staffed by Native People. Don’t forget to learn what the word “Wampanoag” means.

Museum Info ADDRESS: 137 Warren Avenue, Plymouth, MA, 02360 WEBSITE: plimoth.org • PHONE: 508-746-1622 HOURS: March 16th – December 1st: Daily 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (including holidays). Plimoth Cinema showing first run, foreign, & independent films: open year round. ADMISSION: Plimoth Plantation Single Site: Adult: $30.00; Child (ages 5-12): $18.00; Children 4 and under: Free; Senior: 28.00; Heritage Pass Combination and Single Site tickets available for all three site exhibits: Plimoth Plantation, Plimoth Grist Mill, and Waterfront Exhibit: Should I Stay Or Should I Go?; Mayflower returns to Plymouth May 2020! Public library passes available for discounted admission. CAFÉ: The Plentiful Café located in the Visitor Center offers an abundant selection of hot and cold sandwiches, soups, salads, snacks, and even 17th century fare from Colonial and Native inspired traditions. Indoor & outdoor seating; Pushcart located outside of the Craft Center sells snacks and drinks in the summer. SPECIAL GROUP PROGRAMS: One of the most popular field trip destinations in New England! School field trips pre-K-12 offer programs taught by Native and Colonial teachers; Interactive, enhancement workshop add-ons; Colonial Winter Workshop (DecemberFebruary); Overnight Programs; Traveling Classroom Workshops featuring 17th century entertainment; Scout Visits; Homeschool Days & Visits; Group pricing available for 15 or more. SPECIAL EVENTS FOR FAMILIES/KIDS: Daily Programming at the Wampanoag Homesite, 17th-Century English Village, and Craft Center; Family Overnights inside a Pilgrim Home; School vacation week programs; Online Parents’ guide & activities for kids; New England Harvest Feast & Thanksgiving Dining events. INCLUSIVITY INFO: Daily golf cart transport assistance for guests with mobility issues; Most pathways re-graded and wheelchair accessible, however some recreated dirt/sand pathways and steep grades effect accessibility. Mayflower II is not wheelchair accessible.

Craft Center

Rare Breed Animals

Step back in time and learn about historic, preindustrial crafts and technologies through live demonstrations by staff. Have you ever seen a porcupine headdress being made? One of the last Native artisans in the country showcases this technique along with others baking, weaving, and candle dipping.

Visit the pastures at Nye Barn to see the Plantation’s rare breed cows and goats, and learn what “heritage” breeds of livestock are. Can you guess what animals the Pilgrims brought on the Mayflower in 1620? Check the daily listings in the Visitor Center for interactive Nye Barn programs.

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Museums

Museum Info

Why Kids  It In addition to visits with fascinating animals, children may experience the joy of being outside in Hasbro’s Our Big Backyard. The Explore and Soar area offers kids of all ages a camel ride, train ride through the woods and the exhilarating Soaring Eagle Zip ride. Not enough, everyone will enjoy Wild Bunch shows in the Alex and Ani Farmyard. Watch some of the Zoo’s animals as they interact with guests and teach us all about the world we live in.

Why Parents  It The Zoo is a great place to learn about animals and the world they inhabit. While visiting kids have the opportunity to chat with animal keepers and learn the specifics of their favorite animal. Material throughout the Zoo offers information on specific animals. Additionally, weather permitting, some of the ambassador animals may be out and on grounds with a human to meet guests.

SCAVENGER HUNT

Can you find these treasures? Find the Red Wolf One of the most critically endangered animals in the world, the red wolves live on the North American trail.

Boston Parents Paper | Kids 

ROGER WILLIAMS PARK ZOO

Museums

ADDRESS: 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island 02907 WEBSITE: www.rwpzoo.org • PHONE: 401-785-3510 HOURS: April 1 - Sept. 30 10 am - 5 pm; October 1 - March 31 10 am - 4 pm; Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day. ADMISSION: Last admission is 30 minutes before closing. Admission is $17.95 for adults, $12.95 for children (ages 2 – 12) and $15.95 for seniors (ages 62+); toddlers age one and younger as well as Zoo members get in free. Free/Discounted Days: First Sat. of each month is free admission for Providence, RI residents with proof of residency. CAFÉ: Produce is locally farmed and hamburgers are made with all natural, vegetarianfed, certified-humane 100% U.S. Angus beef. Restaurants in Fabric of Africa and Wilderness Plaza. Various food carts throughout the Zoo during the summer. SUMMER COURSES: Zoo-Cation camp on one day holidays when kids are off from school. ZooCamp is available during the February and April public school vacations, and from June through August. Campers explore specific animals, animal habitats, feed the animals in the farmyard, and spend time learning about the world around them. For more information rwpzoo.org/zoocamps. SPECIAL EVENTS FOR FAMILIES/KIDS: All events at rwpzoo.org/events; Party for the Planet - April; Animal Encounters - feed giraffes, pet the armadillo late spring and early summer; Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular - rwpzoo.org/jols every year first Thursday of October through first Sunday of November; Spooky Zoo - last weekend of October; Santa Claus at the Carousel. INCLUSIVITY INFO: Rise and Play Sensory Friendly Mornings: An hour of nature play before the zoo opens: designed for families who have a child with sensory sensitivities, play in Hasbro’s Our Big Backyard from 9 to 10 a.m. Build mud pies, watch boats float downstream and climb high in a tree-house. Limited to 70 participants, this hour will allow families to spend time playing in nature, in a smaller group of guests.

Find the Komodo Dragon

Red Panda

The Komodo dragon has an interesting personality and is very intelligent. The Komodo dragon is a fascinating creature with its massive, flat head, bowed legs, and long, thick tail. Also known as the Komodo monitor the animal originates from the Indonesian Islands of Komodo. They can reproduce through both sexual and asexual reproduction.

Marco Polo may have seen one of the cute animals in his travels. Visit the Marco Polo trail, especially in winter, to meet Rusty.and Sha-lei.

BOSTON PARENT’S PAPER

Kids

STONE ZOO

Museums

PHOTO COURTESY OF ZOO NEW ENGLAND

Why Kids  It Can you say Barnyard Petting Zoo? Now can you say Pygmy Zebu? Make new acquaintances and visit your old barnyard favorites at this friendly exhibit! Next, head to the Animal Discovery Center for the mystery encounter of the day to get up close with your favorite shelled and scaly friends.

Why Parents  It Parents love being able to visit a zoo with children of all ages without being left exhausted. An easy couple of hours that offers a short drive from Boston, plenty of parking, and fascinating animals makes for a perfect family outing. Take your youngest for a ride on the children’s train before waving goodbye, be sure and check out the ZooLights celebration during the holiday season, and remember to ask about the Zoodopt proram if you’re an animal loving family!

ADDRESS: 149 Pond Street, Stoneham, MA, 02180 WEBSITE: stonezoo.org • PHONE: 617-541-5466 HOURS: Open year-round! Summer: (April 1- September 30) 10:00 am - 5:00 pm weekdays; 10:00 am - 6:00 pm weekends & holidays; Winter: (October1-March 31) Daily, 10:00 am - 4:00pm. ADMISSION: $19.95; Child (ages 2-12) $12.95; Children under 2: Free; Senior: $17.95; Ways to Save: $4 EBT/WIC cardholders, Teacher and Military discounts, Public Library Pass Program, Buy online and save up to 15% or more! CAFÉ: The Safari Grill serves full grill, sandwich, and kid-friendly menu items. Closed November-February; Remains open during ZooLights. The year-round Trading Post Gift Shop sells snacks and beverages. Plenty of picnic areas to unpack and enjoy your own food from home! SPECIAL GROUP PROGRAMS: Roarin’ Sleepovers & “After Dark” Programs, Jungle Safari Birthday Party Packages, On-Site & Outreach hands-on Zoo New England educational programs, Community-oriented nonprofit organization passes. SPECIAL EVENTS FOR FAMILIES/KIDS: Free school field trips grades K-12, Homeschool classes educational programming ages 7-12, On and Off-Site Scout Badge Programs, Snorin’. Groups of 10 or more receive 20% discount. SUMMER ZOOCAMP: For ages 3-13! Zoo educators lead campers through an exciting week of animal adventures, education with hands-on activities and animal-related games and crafts. Weeklong sessions include daily themes like Animalympics and Eat or Be Eaten! For kids ages 11-13: Junior Zookeeping Program, learn what’s it like to be a zookeeper!

SCAVENGER HUNT

INCLUSIVITY INFO: Handicap Accessible, FCFS Stroller & Wheelchair; Service dogs welcome.

Caribbean Coast

Yukon Creek

Snow Leopards

Who exactly are Smoky and Bubba? Head to the wild, Canadian woods to find out and for a visit you’ll never forget with these black bear brothers. Can you follow the path of footprints and tracks to the recreated abandoned logger’s cabin? What wildlife do you think they encountered? Finally, can you guess what animal famous for pulling Santa’s sleigh lives here also? PHOTO BY BILL MARQUARDT

Head to the Himalayan Highlands for a rare chance to see these two beautiful and powerful predators that live high atop wintry mountains. Do you know if they are endangered? Can you discover the reasons they have such long, thick, furry, and flexible tails?

Can you find these treasures? PHOTOS COURTESY ZOO NEW ENGLAND

Museum Info

Kids will love being greeted by this feathered flock and getting up close to the colorful, pink flamingoes in the walkthrough aviary, Flamingo Flats. Keep the party going as you rock and roll on down the coast to the Calypso Trail where you can try out some Caribbean percussion instruments.

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BOSTON PARENT’S PAPER

Museums

STRAWBERY BANKE

PHOTO COURTESY OF STRAWBERY BANKE

Kids

Museum Info

Why Kids  It “If school was like Strawbery Banke camp, history would be my favorite subject.” My grandson had a blast but I must confess I had a blast as well. The people who were there provided a clear understanding of what life was like for individuals who lived in the area during the early colonial era, what an education. “… An exceptional job combining education and interesting activities. It’s always a favorite for our family.”

Why Parents  It Time travel through centuries while you meander through this village. Ordinarily we tend to lean toward 18th and 19th century history but our favorite locations at SB included the WW2 store and home as well as the the 1950s house. Take time to talk to the crafters and guides. They were so knowledgeable and enthusiastic to share their knowledge.

SCAVENGER HUNT

Can you find these treasures?

PROFILE: Through restored furnished houses, exhibits, historic landscapes and gardens, traditional crafters and costumed roleplayers, Strawbery Banke interprets the living history of generations who settled in Portsmouth, NH from 1695 to 1955. The historic houses are open May 1 through October 31, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; and November through December for guided walking tours and special events. A seasonal outdoor ice skating rink operates December through March. Holiday events take place throughout the year. ADDRESS: 14 Hancock Street, Portsmouth, New Hampshire 03801 WEBSITE: www.strawberybanke.org • PHONE: 603-433-1100 HOURS: 10 am to 5 pm (May 1-Oct 31). 9 am to 9 pm (Dec-Mar) ADMISSION: Adult $20. Child (5-17) $7.50. Family (2 adults/2 kids) $55. Children under 5, members, active duty military families, free. SKATING PEAK: All day Saturday and Sunday, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas vacation week, Winter Holidays, NH February vacation week Children (age 5-17) - $9 (under 5, FREE). Adults (18 and over) - $11. OFFPEAK: Children (age 5-17) - $6 (under 5, FREE), Adults (18 and over) - $8. CAFÉ: Figtree Kitchen Cafe and Mombo Restaurant. SPECIAL EVENTS FOR FAMILIES/KIDS: Fall Festival/Children’s Book Festival ; Ghosts on the Banke ; Candlelight Stroll; Winter Ice Show; Baby Animals: Heritage Breeds at the Banke; An American Celebration. INCLUSIVITY INFO: Provides a welcoming and engaging experience for all guests, regardless of age, gender identity, religion, mobility or income. Strawbery Banke makes every space as accessible as the restrictions of historic house architecture and preservation allow, with ramps and flat walkways wherever possible and staff interpreters where not. Strawbery Banke tells the stories of an original Portsmouth NH waterfront “neighborhood of newcomers” from 1695 to 1955, interpreting actual people who lived in the neighborhood to present the personal histories of men, women, and children of different races, ethnic backgrounds and economic circumstances.

Garden Tea Party

What does a cooper make?

Discover a tea set and fairy house, along with plants named for animals in the Goodwin Children’s Garden.

Watch Strawbery Banke’s master cooper make barrels in his workshop.

Boston Parents Paper | Kids 

Museums

Find the model of the ship on the NH state flag. The Port of Portsmouth exhibit in the WinnYeaton house has a model of the Raleigh and of the shipyard where she was built.

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Kids

TEA PARTY MUSEUM

Museums

Why Kids  It What kid wouldn’t love being able to throw tea into the Boston Harbor just like the Sons of Liberty did on December 16, 1773. Plus, the actors, high-tech interactive exhibits and the virtual tours do a wonderful job of reliving the events of the Boston Tea Party.

Why Parents  It Parents love that of one of the most defining moments in American history is being taught and that kids don’t even realise they are learning because they are having so much fun.

SCAVENGER HUNT

Can you find these treasures? Original Tea Chest that was thrown from the boat. Look for the only known original chest still in existence from the Boston Tea Party.

Cast Cards Pick up your cast card as you enter the meeting room. Learn what role you will have in the happenings of the Boston Tea Party.

Museum Info ADDRESS: 306 Congress St, Boston WEBSITE: bostonteapartyship.com• PHONE: 617-338-1773 HOURS: The museum is open 7 days a week. The museum is only available to be explored through tours. First Tour: 10am, Last Tour: 5pm, Off Season: First Tour: 10am, Last Tour: 4pm. ADMISSION: Adult $29.95, Child (ages 5-12) $21.95. CAFÉ: Abigal’s Tea Room and Terrace, the comfortable charm of another era, wonderful waterfront and skyline views, a friendly welcome from colonial tea ladies and reasonably priced menu choices. Sample up to five different teas with a historic twist, a glass of refreshing lemonade or cool iced tea, a mug of hot or cold apple cider, and hard-to-resist tasty treats: assorted scones, cookies, brownies, muffins and pies. SPECIAL GROUP PROGRAMS: Join Samuel Adams as he leads a recreation of the historic town meeting held prior to marching on Griffin’s Wharf. Everyone will get a chance to participate in this rebellion by tossing the Crown’s tea into the same body of water where this brave act took place nearly 250 years ago. As you enter the museum, you will encounter the last remaining tea crate from the destruction. Finally, get a chance to see how the Boston Tea Party ignited the road to the American Revolution through the acclaimed film, Let it Begin Here. Special rates for group programs. SPECIAL EVENTS FOR FAMILIES/KIDS: On December 16, celebrate and re-enact the Boston Tea Party! Re-enactors from across New England tell the story of the Boston Tea Party and dramatize the evening of December 16, 1773. INCLUSIVITY INFO: Handicap Accessible, FCFS Stroller & Wheelchair; Service dogs welcome. Tours on the East Side are a bit easier for people with limited mobility due to the gangway. Going below deck is difficult for people with limited mobility but a video on the top deck is available which people can watch that shows what is below. The tour is extensive, one hour and much of it is walking, onsite wheelchairs are available. Hearing impaired: Some components of the experience require listening to a voice over, a video and films. Some scripted materials are available. ASL interpreters can be made available, however a two week advance notice is required to secure those from an outside agency. Please email or call ahead of time.

Figurehead of the Eleanor Marvel at the details of the rebuilt ship replication of the “Eleanor” with period details of the captain’s quarters, full rigging and the beautiful figurehead on the bow of the ship.

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Museums

Museum Info

Why Kids  It This museum offers hands-on exhibits and programs that engage and excite kids about maritime culture, naval service and the American experience. “This is way better than Disney,” said one child. “If school were like this,” said another on a field trip, “I wouldn’t stay home sick.”

Why Parents  It The museum provides a handson, minds-on environment where inter-generational groups seeking an enjoyable, educational experience can have fun and learn as they explore history together. “This is a great museum because it appeals to multiages,” said a visitor. “We have kids from ages twenty down to six and this museum would be fun for all of them.”

SCAVENGER HUNT

Can you find these treasures? Ship’s Hammocks Sailors in 1812 slept in hammocks, squeezed together on the berth deck of USS Constitution. How would you like to sleep next to 400 of your friends, many whom are badly in need of a bath? See for yourself by finding the hammocks in our All Hands on Deck exhibit.

Boston Parents Paper | Kids 

USS CONSTITUTION MUSEUM

Museums

ADDRESS: Building 22, Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, Massachusetts 02129 WEBSITE: ussconstitutionmuseum.org • PHONE: 617-426-1812 HOURS: April 1– October 31: Open Daily, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., November 1 – March 31: Open Daily, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. ADMISSION: We strive to make history accessible to all with our admission by donation policy. While any amount is greatly appreciated, our suggested ranges are: Adults $10 - $15; Children $5 - $10; Families $25 - $45; Groups $75 - $250. PROGRAMS FOR SCHOOL TOURS: There are several K-12 school programs available. Museum + Ship Programs: Includes time in the Museum and on board USS Constitution. Topics from ship design to life aboard a historic vessel are cofacilitated by a Museum Teacher and active-duty U.S. Navy crew member. Museum Programs: With a facilitated program at the Museum, students can engage in hands-on activities and practice analytical skills as they discover the stories of USS Constitution and her crew. Self-Guided Visit: Independently explore the Museum’s two floors of interactive and award-winning exhibits . SPECIAL EVENTS FOR FAMILIES/KIDS: School Vacation Weeks: Be sure to visit the USS Constitution Museum during Massachusetts School Vacation Weeks for special activities and programs. Seasonal programming offers fun for the whole family. See our website for details and hours. INCLUSIVITY INFO: The USS Constitution Museum is committed to providing an inclusive and engaging experience to visitors of all abilities and backgrounds. Our admission policy, exhibits, and programs are designed to spark excitement about maritime heritage, naval service, and the American experience to as many people as possible.

Furl a Sail Are you afraid of heights? If you were a sailor on USS Constitution, you would have to face your fear. Every day, sailors climbed high up the masts to furl (roll) the sails with only a narrow rope to stand on. Give it a try by finding this activity in our All Hands on Deck exhibit.

Guerriere the Terrier Guerriere was USS Constitution’s beloved ship dog during the War of 1812. Often, he helped the sailors with their chores and even spied an enemy ship! Follow his paw prints throughout the museum to catch a glimpse of this feisty dog.

A hands-on museum for families that blends

Art by Dominic Killiany, an artist living with autism

science, nature, and play.

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Whether your loved one with special needs is an adult or a child, we can help with: Special Needs Planning • Guardianship & Alternatives Advocacy • Transition Planning & Adult Services

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Magic Wings

Open 7 days a week All year round.

Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens

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Looking for something amazing to do with your Visit Magic family and friends? VisitWings! Magic Wings and marvel at the beauty of nearly 4,000 butterflies, Marvel the beautyyou of nearly butterflies, as theyat fly around in our4,000 tropical indoor conservatory. Openyou daily 9-5.tropical Gift shop, food as they fly around in our indoor court and Monarchs Restaurant on site. conservatory. Open daily 9-5. Gift shop, and 413-665-2805 www.magicwings.com food court on site 281 Greenfield Rd. South Deerfield MA 01373

413-665-2805 www.magicwings.com 281 Greenfield Rd. , South Deerfield MA 01373

177 Main Street, Acton MA 978-264-4200 • discoveryacton.org

2018

2019

TOP 5

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Boston Parents Paper | Kids 

Museums