Ideas For A Rainy Day In Boston
See Also: More Ideas For a Rainy Day In Boston
Museum of Fine Arts Chihuly Exhibit
Through August 7, 2011
Mon.-Tues: 10 a.m.-4:45 p.m.
Wed.-Fri.: 10 a.m.-9:45 p.m.
Sat.-Sun.: 10 a.m.-4:45 p.m.
465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA.
Ages 6 & Under: Free Admission
Ages: 7 & Up: $7.50
www.mfa.org
Dale Chihuly's work in blown glass is breathtaking, and the Chihuly exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts will be here for just a short time – through August 7, 2011. While it wouldn't initially appear to be kid-friendly (priceless glass and kids??), the museum is billing it as a family-friendly exhibit. The kids' rates are perfect for families – kids 6 and under get in free, and kids 7-17 receive free admission during non-school hours (weekdays after 3pm, Boston school holidays, and weekends), otherwise they pay just $7.50.
Shark and Ray Touch Tank at the New England Aquarium
The New England Aquarium
Mon.-Fri.: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sat.-Sun.: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Central Wharf, Boston, MA
Ages 3-11: $15.95
Children Under 3: Free Admission
Ages 60+: $20.95
Adults: $ 22.95
www.neaq.org
The shark and ray touch tank is the newest and most exciting exhibit at the New England Aquarium. Featuring cownose rays, bonnethead sharks, Atlantic rays and epaulette sharks, the tank is a great experience for kids of all ages. My kids are so excited to check this one out – they can't believe they are actually going to be able to get up close to rays and sharks!
Puppet Showplace Theater
Check Site for Listings & Price of Event
32 Station Street , Brookline MA.
http://puppetshowplace.org/
If your kids like puppets – and which kids don't – this theater, one of the oldest continually operating puppet theaters, is a great place to see a show. There are only 95 seats, so it's small and intimate, and the kids will have a great view regardless of where you sit. There are generally shows on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday – more during school vacations.
Children's Museum of Boston
Sat.-Thurs.: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Fri.: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
308 Congress Street, Boston, MA.
Ages 1& Up: $12
www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org
The Boston Children's Museum, right on the waterfront, is one of my kids' favorite places to go. If you are planning to go frequently, I'd definitely suggest that you purchase a family membership – because you'll be able to get in early on Saturday and Sunday mornings before the crowds arrive.
There are loads of excellent permanent exhibits, including the New Balance 3-story climbing structure, where your kids can burn off their energy while you sit by and watch them. There are also temporary exhibits, including the Big and Small exhibit (leaving July 1, and featuring a pair of Shaquelle O'Neal's shoes), and the Wizard of Oz exhibit (arriving on May 23rd).
Museum of Science
Sat.-Thu.: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Fri.: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
1 Science Park, Boston, MA.
Ages 3-11: $18
Ages 12+: $21
Ages 60+: $19
www.mos.org
The Boston Museum of Science is my favorite museum in Boston, and it's actually good for kids of all ages. The recently updated Charles Hayden Planetarium is the highlight for my kids – they really enjoy hearing about and watching all of the stars. There's also the Mugar Omni Theater, a domed, 5-story screen– the best IMAX theater in the area, as well as some fun and educational exhibits.
Jodi Grundig is a travel writer and mom blogger for the review blog "Mom's Favorite Stuff. She is also co-founder of "Boston Parent Bloggers."
