Children's Museum of Boston
300 Congress St
(at Dorchester Ave)
Boston, MA 02210 (617) 426-5466
- Nearest Transit:
Courthouse (Silver)
South Station (Silver, Red)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Fri 10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Sat-Sun 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. - Good for Kids: Yes
37 Reviews for Children's Museum of Boston
I went here recently and discovered that the music room was GONE, replaced by an exhibit about China. The China exhibit was extremely boring and nobody was even remotely interested in anything in there.
Also, a lady kicked us out of the recycling store before it was supposed to close because she was "hawngry", and there were lots of broken tools in the area with hand saws and screwdrivers and the like. That's flat out dangerous, dude.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
05/12/2008
I take the kids I nanny and babysit for here a few times a year. I always have a good time; they… Read more »
My 16 month old son absolutely loved it here, and he would've loved it even more if he had gotten his nap before we arrived. He spent most of his time in the toddler and boat areas on the 2nd floor (he loved the bubbles area on the 1st floor as well), as well as the Johnny's Workbench area with all the tools and neat gadgets.
If I was a Boston native we'd take him here all the time as he grows up because there's just that much to explore here for kids.
This place also gets 5 stars because of their "green" commitment to the environment (vegetation on the roof, recycling, energy saving lighting, etc).
Only downside is the Au Bon Pain next door. Next time we visit, we'll pack a lunch and eat at one of the benches by the scenic waterfront. I wish we had something like this in L.A.
If you ask my daughter to rate this place she'd give it 10 stars plus an asteroid. I give it 3 because it appeared to be in need of renovation, it was missing a bunch of props, noticed especially in the Berenstain Bears section. This could be a destination of greatness with just a little care, but like I said if the kids love it what business do I have reviewing it?
Highlights:
*The climbing monstrosity at the entrance. Be prepared to spend some time with your neck craned as you watch your flesh and blood climb higher, and higher, and higher.....kids love this thing.
*The bubble "wet" room with its surface tension experiments - be sure to pack a change of clothing or at least a towel.
*The carpentry workshop - build a boat with real tools.
Was here last weekend with my wife, brother-in-law, his daughter (1 yr), and his sister.
Mostly awesome, except for a couple things:
1.) The area with the hand tools was totally unsupervised by staff. Some hand tools were missing, some were missing parts, and some were broken.
2.) Some of the golf ball loop-de-loop machinery was busted.
3.) The recycle room doesn't have as many weird industrial artifacts as it used to.
4.) The Au Bon Pain inside SUUUUUUUUUUUUCKS.
Just took my cousin here today and he was wild. At first I was kind of worried that he'd be a little too old and didn't think blowing bubbles would be fun. But he really enjoyed himself. I think he liked blowing bubbles and Boats Afloat the most. On the other hand, I liked looking at the Japanese house. The kimono on display was gorgeous! And I'm impressed by how they assembled the house in the museum.
We had lunch at Au Bon Pain which happens to be inside the museum. Think twice about going there. The lines are crazy and a lot of people were confused as to where they're supposed to order their sandwiches (There are signs that say 'Please order here' but people don't read them...) but they've got a kids menu.
Check out the museum shop too. Pretty cute stuff inside!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
I'm going to be in the minority here, but I hate the Children's Museum. Why? you ask. It's so much fun! It brings back all my memories of childish whimsy!
That's sort of the point. I've noticed that quite a few of the reviews talk about how great it was to be a kid here back in the day. But as a parent bringing your kid here today...well, the museum has a long way to go.
Pros:
Bubble room and water room are pretty cool. But the Providence CM has a water room that's even better.
Admission is usually pretty cheap.
The new addition to the building has definitely opened things up from the awful layout of yesteryear.
Cons:
The awful layout has just been added onto, not changed.
Too many stairs for little kids.
Roaming hordes of children locked in hierarchical tribal warfare make for difficult passage among exhibits and keeps a constant screaming wail of noise. Honestly, it's like the end of "Lord of the Flies" in there. If you are a migraine sufferer like yours truly, AVOID.
THERE'S NOWHERE TO BUY FOOD IN HERE. Shocking. Little kids need to eat.
Seating area for eating (...of that food you brought in yourself) is awful and crowded.
Too many stairs, not enough elevators.
Lastly, this is not a good place to bring a small child around toddler age. I would wait until junior is at least 4 or 5 so s/he doesn't get trampled, hit, or pushed into the bubble tub.
Never again...at least, not for a few years.
And somehow, with less funding, the Providence CM does such a better job. It all comes down to crowd control. The Boston CM will always be an overcrowded zoo. I don't intend on coming back here unless I'm forced at gunpoint.
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Funny (3)
Cool (3)
I took my nephews here last October. Not impressed. Everything seemed dirty and not well maintained at all. There was little supervision at the different tasks so that when something was not working, there was really no one to notify. We went to the Springfield Children's museum a week later and were even less impressed. Perhaps when it comes to children, people assume that low age number can also equal low expectations? I honestly expected much more from our fare city especially for the price.
We took the kids here during a visit to Grandma's house and it was GREAT! Even my biggest kid (meaning my husband) enjoyed himself. I really liked how well-rounded the exhibits in this museum were. Not only was it possible for kids to explore science, gravity and art as they do at our local children's museum, Boston's version also offered opportunities to explore other cultures. Children learn about diversity in the "Boston Black" exhibit and about Japanese culture in the museum's 100-year-old Japanese house, a gift from Boston's sister city, Kyoto. The place sparks imagination like nobody's business, take your kids today!
To plan your visit, go to:
http://www.bostonchild...
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (2)
I came here all the time when I was a kid. I have a lot of fond memories of getting my Happy Meal at McDonald's & playing for hours with my cousin. Remember the giant eye glasses? the giant telephone? I loved the 'grandma's house' and the Japanese house that you had to take your shoes off to go into. The little shopping market was a fave, too. It was like playing 'house'....what little girl doesn't like that?
Well, it has been remodeled. All of the thigs from my childhood are GONE!! How dare they?!?!?!
The Museum is just as good as it ever was. We go pretty frequently with my daughter and son. Lots of activities to have fun with: bubble room, raceways (tracks to run golf balls on), gigantic water tables...that's just the tip of the iceberg. There is a Berenstain Bears exhibit there until April 2008. If you were ever a fan of the books as a kid like I was, you've got to check it out!!!!!!!!!
There are lockers available. Stick a quarter in the locker to activate it ....you get the quarter back when you leave.
Parking is available in the Farnsworth Garage. I was there for 3 hours yesterday. With validation, the garage fee was $10. Eh, that's Boston parking for ya....
ps- oh yeah, McDonald's has been replaced with Au Bon Pain....pack a lunch/snack like we do and save yourself some cash.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
A great museum on most fronts. Imagine the look of amazement on a four year old's face when you tell her that there is a milk bottle taller than her house. "But I only want a little cup of milk!"
Love the Children's Museum! I have so many warm and fuzzy memories about going here as a little one!
I always loved/was scared out of my mind of the huge jungle gym maze thing, but it's an awesome feature.
The Bubble Room is awesome, and I used to love the futuristic Japanese subway car that you used to be able to sit in. And I REALLY loved the whole Japanese garden and house they had there too.
I give it only a 4 star review because along with the Aquarium here in Boston, they're pretty small spaces.
Oh! And a trip to the Children's Museum was never complete without a stop at the giant Hood milk bottle outside to get some soft serve vanilla ice cream in a waffle cone!
Ahhhhh childhood, those were the days....!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
I used to come here all the time when I was a kid and had a blast, especially climbing through the giant, multi-story jungle gym. It's not quite as enjoyable when you're an adult though... SO & I came here on a Friday cuz it was cheap ($1 I think?), and thought it'd be cute to do something different. Well, it was fun for maybe 30 minutes. Or maybe I'm just a debbie downer. Anyhow, this place is FANTASTIC for kids, but not so fantastic if you're an adult fighting off little kids for the giant bubble making plastic thing.
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
I can't believe I'm writing this review. I only wish I still could write a review panning Avalon or some other overrated, "cool," "funky" club, but, alas, those days are long gone.
But, hey!!!! This place is like a rave for parents and kids!!!!!!!! That's right!!!
Okay. Not really. But I am over the age of 10 and I LOVE it...
So does my 14-month old boy. He loves it to the point of crapping in his pants he loves it so much. Wait. That's more of a biological condition at his age than emotional reaction. Regardless, I can tell he loves it - he can drool, crawl, attempt to walk, and fall down all over the place without risk of much permanent damage (you still need to watch your child - it's not a free pass). They even have free activities and classes. Wooo hoooo!!!!!!!!
Pre-renovation, this place was outdated, drab, and, frankly, depressing. Now, it's bright, friendly, and inviting. If you and your youngster are inquisitive, adventurous, and active, go here. You'll find other like-minded people. It's also a good place to "hit on" other couples. Not the swinging type of "hit on," either. I'm talking about more of a friendly, new-parents-let-us-and-our-kids-have-a-playdate-ki nda-thing. If you don't know about it, you will when you have kids....
Here's a tip - become a member. It'll cost you up front, but when there's a line out the door, you get the Presidential treatment with access to the express "Members Only" line and your own private visiting hours. You'll vacillate on this point next time you're waiting on line - don't. Just get it. It's worth it - particularly when all of the little humans run around screaming and crying because they can't emote the excitement and anticipation they're feeling. Think of it as an investment in your sanity. Matter of fact - when you are expecting, put this membership on your registry.
People thought this was:
Useful (7)
Funny (8)
Cool (10)
This was wonderful! We had so much fun here. They have lots of activities for children of different ages, so they can play while learning how certain things work. I have two daughters, ages 8 and 1 1/2, so it's difficult to find things they both enjoy; It was nice to find a place where both of them could have fun, touch things, play, run around, climb and learn new things without anyone freaking out. We spend almost 4 hours in the museum and really had a great time! And because they have an Au Bon Pain right there it was easy to get a snack and then go back in for more fun.
By the time we left they were both exhausted but happy, had a snack quickly fell asleep in the car on our way home. The perfect end to our weekend in Boston :-)
This place was great before the renovation, but now it's even better. The bubble & ball rooms are now on the first floor, and are always packed. The rooms on the upper levels are still in the same place but have much better access. The climbing structure is improved, but just as freaky for parents whose younger children are inside! If you plan on going on any kind of regular basis, go ahead and get the year's membership. It's worth every penny!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Solid Children's Museum. The $1 Fridays are a good deal. There's so much to play with! We always run out of time/steam, but the little ones love it. I haven't been since it's been renovated, but it's supposed to be even bigger and better than ever. Will update this review once we've been back.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
I dont have any kids, but met up with my neice and nephew and had a great time. The way to look for the museum is to look for the giant hood bottle outside it. And here's another tip, after 5pm, the enrtance fees is reduced signifcantly , like $2 or $5 to get in. Cant remember what $ figure excatly. Beware : You are entering a kids zone. Those little rascals are everywhere.They do a show too, for which you have to get a ticket, its still free so they can get a headcount, where the audience, aka the kids get to participate. It is pretty cool, my little skinny neice got to play big bad wolf, in the 3 little piggy show,it was hilarious. There is everything here from lighted dancing floors to rope climbing, driving an airplane. Fun, Fun, Fun. You can try it out even as an adult, as long as you can tolerate the mini me's!
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
Great place for kids 3-9 I think. I took my Little Bro from the Big Bro Little Bro program. He had a great time. Not sure if he learned a whole lot but the toys do make an attempt at teaching something.
The parking was in a precarious lockation.
BofA did pass out some free entry passes. Also, check for event calendars where free cihil
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
I went to the Children's Museum for their $1 Friday nights deal with the bf this past Friday, and we had fun. Little kids ran up and knocked over our chess pieces on the giant chessboard while we were trying to play, but it was cute. The soap bubbles could use a little more glycerine in the bubble mix to make them hold together better, but they were still fun. The Blue Man Group exhibits with the theremin and other weird musical instruments were also cool. Everything seemed slightly broken, but they are in the process of remodeling, and everything in there is continuously mauled by children, so I'll overlook that. I just wish I was small enough to climb around in the tunnels and stuff.
The Recycle Shop was also really neat; it made me wish I was more crafty. I may go back if I find myself in need of a huge bag of ribbon pieces and upholstery samples.
All in all, not the best museum I've been to, or even the best children's museum I've been to, but it was cheaper than a T token, so you gotta love that. A fun diversion on a night when all our friends were out of town.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (1)
The Museum of Children has a long way to go. Instead of learning about the history of children like I was expecting, I walked into this maze of malfunctioning audio-animatronic mannequins running around in circles, putting things in their mouths, and -- get this -- asking me, the visitor, all kinds of questions.
And they weren't at all even relevant questions to the study of children, but rather some random rapid-fire jumble of topics like "How come, um, your shirt's green?," "Are we going to go potty soon? 'Cause I have to go," and "What's, um, can we go to the playground after this?"
I went to a museum for this?
Suggestions:
* Fix the displays so they scream less.
* Post interpretive text. One of the exhibits threw a cup at me. I guess this was a demonstration of some kind, but of what?
* All the examples they had looked like 21st-century Boston children. What, they didn't have children in ancient Rome, or the ice age? Not a single mastodon toy was in evidence.
If you're looking for a museum about children, I'm not sure where to tell you to go. All I know is, I left this one not having learned very much at all.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (11)
Cool (2)
I was thoroughly unimpressed by the Children's Museum last time I went. The exhibits are old and uninspiring. The layout is difficult for little kids, too many stairs! The whole place seems run down. My 3 year old princess liked it well enough, but not any better than any playground, and this is a pretty expensive playground. For rainy days, if you've run out of other ideas, it might be worth going with the kids, but other than that, take them to a park.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
On Friday nights its only $1 to visit the museum. Lots of hands on and educational exhibits. Play dress up, visit China and make your own music video all in one night. Good for the kid in those of us who are not so much kids anymore.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (1)
my dad followed my sister and i into the climbing maze and got stuck. it was one of those things you just don't forget about. when i was young i was fond of the recycling exhibit and the japanese house.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
I have fond memories of going to the Boston Children's Museum as a child, but don't be fooled - it's defintiely not just for kids. When I took a boyfriend for the $1 admission on Friday nights, we had a great time exploring the classical music exhibit, reliving the joys of Arthur and seeing the Japanese house. A fun, if unconventional date (and you definitely won't be the only young couple there on a Friday night).
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
We spent a few hours between trains, as it's near the railway station, and enjoyed it immensely.
Our son was then around 10.
We got in for free, too, as it was an hour before closing time.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Great Museum To visit with your kids under 6. After that age they may get a little bored and I would take them at the Science Museum. Lots of entertainment and great learning experience.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Again i will point out that when you get free museum passes from BPL opens up a world of great museum opportunities. I visited this museum last summer and it was full of kids running around and screaming. i could relate, the children's museum is so cool, even though i was about 15 years too late to crawl around the huge construction zone and make huge bubbles, i watched gleefully. well i got in the action too, who am i kidding? there was a cool hispanic market - you could hang out in el salon, or buy some arroz y frijoles in el mercado.
it's very interactive and satisfies diverse interests - whether you're joven or viejo you'll find something that sparks your inner nino.
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
I've been going here since it was appropriate to do so. Now that it may not be, I still go.
Blow bubbles, get into a giant coffee mug, play electronic instruments, see yourself represented in flashing lazer-like lights on a big screen. This place has it all. If you are an adult and feeling a little weird about going, no looks at you twice, so don't. If you have a kid or a little cousin in town, bring them here. Unlike a Barney video it's something everyone will enjoy.
$1 admissioon on fridays!
I used to work in the building on the upper floors that are office space - if you are considering making the trip, I wouldn't recomend going during school vacation week. It is chaos!!!
This place is a great for kids (and kids at heart!). There are so many hands on activities! They can make giant bubbles, do art projects, run through the huge playscape, and so much more. The Arthur show is a bit "young" and definately does not appeal to the older kids (7 and up). The famous Hood bottle is out in front where you can grab a bite to eat. I definately recommend a trip down to the museum!
This place hasn't changed a bit since I was a little kid, and I love that! Great cage that kids can climb around in. Lots of different exhibits. You can dress up, make giant bubbles, and there are lots of things to climb on. The gift shop here is pretty good as well. Basically, a really educational experience for kids- but well disguised as lots of playing.
A great place for all ages but ever better for the kids. This is a must do especially on a rainy day. They have great updated hands on exhibits that the kids can have fun with as well as learn on. This place is great for very active kids with a big climbing cage structure or the quiet type that just likes to pretend and use their imagination.
This is a great place for children and families. Children can have fun, but also learn about different topics. The Children's Museum has a huge monkey bar cage that the children can go through. This place is a very cultural place. Each exhibit teaches the children about different cultures such as Indians, Japanese, etc. The Children's Museum has a Japanese house where the children have to take off their shoes when stepping into the house which teaches them that Japanese people have to do this in their homeland, has a table that the children sit on the floor to pretend eat, and shows the inside of a typical Japanese house. This is a fun place for all.
I really don't care if you are 5 or 45, the Children's Museum of Boston is a must see on any visit to the city. With many everchanging exhibits, there is somehting new to see every time you go. Be sure to catch a duck tour on your way out too, because hey leave from right outside and are a blast!
i went here when i was ~8 and was totally bored (i liked the science museum way more). my little brother was 2 though, and he loved it (lots of hands-on stuff and distored mirrors and the like), so as anna has written, definitely a place for very young children.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Well, obviously, this is the best place in the world- just ask my kids
Learning, shmearning! The is the best place in town to take the kids during the long, grey New England winter to let them blow off steam. The dedicated, fenced-in toddler (1-3) area is great!
People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...
Related Lists
-
Play date destinations
Sometimes I've got the five year old, sometimes… -
Best First Dates
Really fun things to do on a first date, some… -
Tourist Guide to Boston
This highlights the best of boston's sights, eats… -
Bring the Kiddies
These are some fun, interesting places to bring… -
Give Into Your Wanderlust…
"One's destination is never a place, but a new way… -
kid friendly
Much to my own dismay I ended up being one of… -
Yelp finds
Places I never would have visited, if not for… -
Boston area musts
Things we should all see/do before moving out of…
Hot and New
- Cambridge Center Roof Garden
7 reviews
Neighborhood: Kendall Square/MIT
- Brown Sugar Cafe
141 reviews
Neighborhood: Fenway
- Sweet
67 reviews
Neighborhood: Back Bay
- Bon Bon
30 reviews
Boston, MA
- Cafe Rustica
30 reviews
Somerville, MA