Museums

Hours and services may have changed due to COVID-19. Please call to confirm.

Blue Hills Trailside Museum (Massachusetts Audubon Society) 1904 Canton Ave., Milton www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/blue-hills-trailside-museum Natural history museum on habitats featuring a collection of live, native animals. Well-maintained nature and hiking trails. Free under age 2.

Boston Children’s Museum

Children’s Wharf, 308 Congress St., Boston www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org Great educational and participatory activities for all ages. Toddler play area. Fabulous three-story climbing structure. Free under age 1.

DeCordova Museum & Sculpture Park

51 Sandy Pond Rd., Lincoln www.decordova.org Contemporary American art. Children’s classes. Picnic and appreciate the outdoor sculpture garden. Offers ARTfull Play and vacation week programs. Free under age 13.

The Discovery Museum

177 Main St., Route 27, Acton www.discoveryacton.org Newly renovated in 2018, the Indoor Discovery Museum houses immersive experiences for the youngest learners and new STEAM experiences for all ages. The Outdoor Discovery World has a giant treehouse with hands-on nature activities and an outdoor sensory playground to explore. Free Friday nights in the summer (4:30-8 p.m.) and the first Friday night of the month during the school year. Teachers are always free. Free under age 1.

Fruitlands Museum

102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard fruitlands.thetrustees.org Four museums of 19th century American art and history: Fruitlands Farmhouse, Shaker Museum, Native American Museum, and Art Museum. Picnic area and hiking trails. Offers concerts in summer months. Closed Tuesdays. Free under age 5.

Gore Place

52 Gore St., Waltham goreplace.org Preserved Federal-era country estate and working farm. Expansive grounds

featuring sheep and chickens. Natural playground, and trees to play in. Tot Time on the Farm includes stories, songs, and farm chores the third Wednesday of each month May-October. Free admission.

Harvard Museum of Natural History

26 Oxford St., Cambridge hmnh.harvard.edu Adjacent to the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology. Exhibits of note include: glass flowers, sea creatures, African, Zoological and Evolution galleries. Offers kids classes, clubs, and vacation programs. Free under age 3 and MA residents on Sunday mornings.

Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA)

25 Harbor Shore Dr., Boston www.icaboston.org Offers a number of ways for kids and adults to explore the creative process together. “Play dates,” best for kids 6 years and older, held the last Saturday of every month include: hands on art making, performances, gallery tours, and films. Free for two adults accompanied by children 12 and under on the last Saturday of each month during Play Dates. Free under age 17.

Museum of Fine Arts

465 Huntington Ave., Boston mfa.org Offers playdates (first and third Saturday of the month), art studio classes and workshops, drawing in the galleries, family plus activity totes, art connection cards, and art carts. Free under age 7 and free vacation week activities.

Museum of Science and Hayden Planetarium

One Museum of Science Driveway, Boston www.mos.org Unique exhibits, live presentations, and drop-in activities that cover all areas of the sciences. The Discovery Center is great for toddlers and preschoolers with an assortment of fun, hands-on activities. The planetarium and IMAX tickets can be purchased on site. Wide selection of dining options. Free under age 3.

Scottish Rite Masonic Museum and Library

33 Marrett Rd., Lexington www.srmml.org Highlights history of American Free Masonry and Fraternalism with an emphasis on Lexington around the American Revolution. Closed Saturday-Tuesday. Free admission and parking, except for special events.