New Hampshire
Children’s Museum of NH (Dover, NH): Hours exploring can be hand at this local favorite. If the rain happens to stop while you’re there visiting you must check out their new outdoor Play Patio exhibit. It is designed with so much fun in mind. Children can engage with materials that are challenging to offer inside the Museum, such as water, sand, paint and clay. Be sure to reserve your timed visit to the museum ahead online. The current days/open times are: Tuesdays – Saturdays, 9am-Noon or 1-4pm and Sundays, 9am-Noon. Masks are still required for everyone over the age of 24 months regardless of vaccination status.
Seacoast Science Center, (Rye, NH): open for so much summertime exploration fun! This treasured spot is the place for families to engage, discover and connect with NH’s salty seacoast nature. Enjoy the center’s exhibits including the new restoring reefs, touch tanks, discovery dock, working underwater and so much more! If the weather breaks be sure to check out the walking the paths, have a picnic and of course bring a pail to collect sea glass and other finds from the beach! Open Wednesdays – Sundays 10am-4pm. Before you go it’s best to pre-register for your tickets but walk-ins are always welcome before they reach limited capacity. Masks are required for ages 3+.
Maine
NEW LOCATION! Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine (Portland, Maine): Have you been to the all new location? This museum & theatre exists to inspire discovery and imagination through exploration and play. When you visit you’ll find the fun focus is offering play-based experiences in: STEM (science, technology, engineering and math); Arts and culture; Performing and visual arts; and Early childhood education. Every exhibit at the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine is designed to let kids lead the way. Reserve your timed ticket ahead of time here and know that the theatre performances are ticketed separately.
Boston Area
The Boston Children’s Museum We are excited to see that BCM has finally reopened its doors with reservations required for two available time slots (9-12 or 1:30-4:30). “Bubbles” and “Raceway” were the two exhibits that were a big hit when we last visited this amazing facility. We’re also incredibly impressed with their Playspace for 0-3 year olds. We’re looking forward to bringing our kiddos back this summer for more exploration. Covid Policies: Museum visitors will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter the Museum. See here for more details
The New England Aquarium is always a fun and worth the trip visit. We enjoy the giant central tank and finding the sea turtles and visiting the seals out back. Exhibits are open but touch tanks are view only – no touching allowed. Lockers & stroller room are unavailable at this time. Covid Policies: Guests aged 12 and over must provide proof of full vaccination for Covid-19 to enter the Aquarium. Face coverings are also required. More details here!
Museum of Science, Boston Check out their fun current featured exhibits. Their permanent exhibits on dinosaurs are always a great hit with kids too. Covid Policies: Timed tickets are required. Members do not need a timed ticket. Planetarium & 4-D shows are open. The Museum requires that all visitors 2 years of age and older wear a face covering/mask. In accordance with City-wide vaccine requirements, visitors 12 years of age and older are required to present proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. More details here!
Central MA
Discovery Museum (Acton, MA): this museum boasts a beautiful new indoor space with STEM experiences for all ages. The train, diner & ship room are our favorite spaces for the littles while the older ones may especially enjoy spaces that allow for creating their own designs and crafts. If the rain lets up at all during your visit, be sure to go outside and play in their amazing treehouse. Covid Policies: Visitors ages 2 and up must wear a mask or appropriate facial covering inside the Museum at all times. Masks required indoors and encouraged outdoors for 2+ (vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals). Plan your visit & read all covid policies here.
EcoTarium (Worcester, MA): While we love to visit the outdoor animals and playground, the inside has lots to offer as well including their current traveling exhibits. Covid Policies: Timed reservations required, masks required indoors for 2+ (vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals). Face coverings required outdoors at certain animal exhibits. For a complete set of policies, read more here. Get your timed tickets here.
Other Museums in MA & RI
Springfield Museums (Springfield, MA): Families get to enjoy the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss. Covid Policies: Advance tickets are encouraged, timed tickets are recommended. Masks are required for visitors 2+.
Providence Children’s Museum (Providence, RI). Worth the trip? We loved our visit to PCM a couple years ago. Kids enjoyed the water play, the innovation lab and Littlewoods for the youngest child in the group. Covid Policies: reservations required with the two available time slots (9-12 or 1:30-4:30) with a limited schedule. Masks are required for all guests 2+. Gaiters and bandanas are not an accepted substitute.
Looking for other ways to have fun indoors this winter? We have a great list of indoor play spaces for you and your littles. Be sure to always check the calendar too!
