New England Museums for Children – Fun and Educational!

{my acadia at the children's museum of nh- on an archaeological dig}

Eeek, I am a bit late! I usually do some great posts on activities for spring break... and here we are 2 days in and... nothing! Thankfully, Travel New England contacted me and asked if they may guest post. Ummmm.... yeah! They are recommending every attraction I already recommend to you every year, yet saving me time writing myself. Score! So here are some ideas for this spring break:

New England Museums for Children – Fun and Educational!
By Travel New England
You’re planning a trip to New England with the kids. Wouldn’t it be great if you could include activities that are both educational and fun for the entire family? Many of New England’s museums offer great activities and experiences that never disappoint and are, for sure, enjoyed by all! Below are some attractions we recommend for you and your children:

1. Children’s Museum of New Hampshire – If you find yourself in New Hampshire, “The Granite State,” head over to the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, located in Dover. The Museum offers a wide variety of interactive, fun, and educational exhibits, as well as enriching programs that include Museum Overnights, Scout Programs, Summer Camps, and so much more. Does your little one have a birthday coming up? With their diverse birthday party options, the Museum makes it easy for the entire family to share in a very special celebration. The options are endless – just go!

2. Boston Children’s Museum – With over 100 activities for kids, a visit to the Boston Children’s Museum is a sure bet. The Museum was founded by teachers and is focused on children and their families or caregivers. So, you can be sure there is something for everyone, with exhibits ranging from science to culture to health and fitness, to the environment to the arts. Before you go, be sure to check out the tips for grown-ups when preparing for your visit.

3. Museum of Science, Boston – There is no such thing as spending a couple of hours at the Museum of Science, Boston. With over 500 interactive exhibits, live daily presentations, and special shows in the Charles Hayden Planetarium and Mugar Omni iMAX theater – New England’s only domed iMAX screen, a one-time visit isn’t enough. The fun doesn’t stop there. Your children will be truly fascinated by what they see and learn in the Museum’s Theater of Electricity that houses the world’s largest Van de Graaff generator. And, don’t forget to visit the Current Science & Technology Center and the scale community solar system model. Too many things to list here. Just go!

4. Providence Children’s Museum – If your kids are between the ages of 1 and 11, and your plans take you to southern New England, be sure to visit the Providence Children’s Museum in Providence, RI. With many hands-on, play-filled exhibits and special programs, your entire family is bound to have a great time together as you explore the wonders of culture, history, science, and the arts. When planning your visit, be sure to check out the visiting tips offered by the Museum.

5. Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine – If you’re plans take you to New England’s North Shore, be sure to stop by the Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine in Portland. This Museum combines exhibits focused on arts education with productions that include cast and crews ranging in ages from 7 to 16, delighting audiences of all kinds, as well as museum exhibits focused on science, multi-cultural, and early childhood education, providing much enjoyment and enrichment to children ranging in ages from 6 months to 10 years, as well as their families or caregivers. Be sure to check out the visitor tips when planning your trip!

6. Higgins Armory Museum – A treat for the entire family! If you’re fascinated by the history behind Medieval times, tales of knights in shining armor, and the mystery behind ancient Greek soldiers, be sure to visit the Higgins Armory Museum in Worcester, MA. Here is where you and the kids will marvel at the spectacular collection of arms and armor (including more than 35 suits of armor) and delight in the entertaining and educational demonstrations and programs that “bring to life arms and armor from around the world and across centuries!”

7. The Butterfly Place – Located in Westford, MA is an incredible indoor garden with hundreds of beautifully colored butterflies from around the world flying free. The Butterfly Place garden includes winding walkways where you and the kids can observe beautiful butterflies, as well as fish and birds, up close in the natural environment in which they live. Kids can even take home a Butterfly Hatching Kit so they can hatch and release their own butterfly or moth.

These are but a few of the many wonderful museums for children and their families in the New England area. Get ready for great fun…and education!

About the Author
This article was written exclusively for New England through Yummy Mommy’s Eyes by the editorial staff of Travel New England, a website about all of the wonderful things to see and do in the six New England states. Check out their site, blog, and photo gallery for more New England vacation ideas.

I just wanted to also add that, with the exception of the Museum of Science, all of these museums are part of the Association of Children's Museums reciprocal program. Which means if you have a Family Membership with ACM Reciprocal Program privileges at your own museum (which I DO) you can get your family into all of the rest of these museums FREE! Check the site for details, but it is a fantastic deal if you travel around New England like we do.

I can honestly say that, with the exception of Higgins and the Providence Museum, I have been to all of these destinations, and I would recommend every single one for some simple family fun.

Happy Spring Break!