Boston Children's Museum

Frommer's Review

As you approach the Children's Museum, look for the 40-foot-high red-and-white milk bottle out front -- and for children and their chronological-adult companions racing each other to the entrance. The under-11 set is the target audience for this delightful museum, but it appeals to the little kid in everyone.

The museum reopened in April 2007 after an ambitious expansion project added 23,000 square feet of space and overhauled the 75,000-square-foot interior of the converted wool warehouse. As they explore, beginning in the glass-enclosed lobby, young visitors can stick with their adults or wander on their own, learning, doing, and role-playing. A three-story-high climbing structure, the New Balance Climb, incorporates motor skills and problem-solving. Other favorite hands-on exhibits include physical experiments (such as creating giant soap bubbles) in Science Playground; Johnny's Workbench, a souped-up version of puttering in the garage; and Boats Afloat, which has a replica of the bridge of a working boat and an 800-gallon play tank modeled after the Fort Point Channel, in front of the museum. You can explore Boston Black, which celebrates Boston's black history and culture; the Japanese House, a 2-story replica of a residence in Kyoto (Boston's sister city); or, from May 2008 through January 4, 2009, an exhibit that introduces the children of Boston to the Children of Hangzhou, China. Children under 4 and their caregivers have a special room, Playspace, that's packed with toys and activities.

Check ahead for information about traveling exhibitions and special programs. And be sure to check out the excellent gift shop (as if you have a choice).

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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