Kids’ museums totally rock! They take everything you really want to learn and see in a regular museum and present it in the most kid-friendly, hands-on ways.  I love visiting Children’s Museums; getting excited about neural connections is my kind of entertainment. The Boston Children’s Museum is a fantastic place to take your little ones to explore.

The museum boasts a pretty impressive past. Founded nearly 100 years ago in 1913 by Boston Public School teachers, it is the second oldest children’s museum in the world.  It was also the first museum to offer anything hands-on.  These folks really know how to connect with kids.   Spread out over 177,000 square feet and housing over 50,000 items in the museum collections, there is sure to be something for you and your child to enjoy. Themed-areas include an Art Studio space to encourage your budding artists, KidStage live professional theater, a Health and Wellness area to teach little ones about the importance of our bodies, food, and interconnectivity, and numerous Science based activities allow kids to notice, wonder, question, and play.

Innovative themed-exhibits include Countdown to Kindergarten, which is definitely in step with the museum’s educational focus.  The exhibit not only teaches kids how to get ready for Kindergarten, but also helps prepare parents for their role in this process.  It also happens to be super cute allowing kids to ride a bus to “school,” pack up their backpacks, and participate in a practice “school.” If your little one needs to get some energy out, simply head to New Balance Climb.  Described as a “3D, full body puzzle,” kids will climb 3-stories worth of magic carpet-esque structures.  PlaySpace is just perfect for the littlest set of visitors, and Peep’s World beckons preschoolers age 3-5 to investigate sand, water, and shadows –all three a perfect match for little minds and little fingers.

For your convenience, you may bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in dedicated areas of the museum.  Numerous nearby restaurants also allow you the flexibility of kid-friendly dining during your visit.