15 Best Family-Friendly Attractions in Massachusetts!
Whether you’re looking to bring the kids on a historical adventure, a close-up encounter with wildlife, or a day at the water park, Massachusetts is home to an abundance of activities for the whole family to enjoy. You won’t have to travel far to find some good, old-fashioned family fun in the Bay State. Here are our favorite attractions for families.
Battleship Cove, Fall River, MA
Treat your family to some exciting, hands-on learning about America’s naval history at Battleship Cove. Explore the USS Massachusetts and the USS Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Special exhibits honor servicemen and women in history, as well as those of today.
Franklin Park Zoo, Boston, MA
Boston’s largest park sits on 72 acres, and is home to Franklin Park Zoo. Special programs turn fun into learning for children. The whole family will marvel at the lemurs, lions, giraffes, zebras and more.
Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth, MA
Take the family back in time to our nation’s origins at Plimoth Plantation. Costumed interpreters stay in character as they interact with guests, providing an amazing look at what life was like when the pilgrims arrived on the Mayflower and set up residence in what is now Massachusetts.
Southwick’s Zoo, Mendon, MA
Check out the largest zoo in New England at Southwick’s Zoo. Visit sloths, cheetahs, and a new home for prairie dogs. There’s also a petting zoo, an aviary, and daily shows that all ages will truly enjoy.
Water Park of New England, Danvers, MA
There’s nothing like an indoor water park to bring the whole family together for some splashing-good fun. Water Park of New England affords exactly that. Make it a getaway and check in at the Doubletree that is adjacent to the park.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston, MA
An indoor/outdoor marketplace that features shopping, dining and history all wrapped into one neat package, Faneuil Hall Marketplace has something for every member of the family. The original structure is where colonists opposed 1764’s Sugar Act.
Edaville Family Theme Park, Carver, MA
Show the family what amusement parks used to be like, by riding some vintage rides at Edaville Family Theme Park. Created in the 1940s on a cranberry bog, guests can ride the train, go fishing, and yes, even ride some new rides in addition to those of old.
Seekonk Grand Prix, Seekonk, MA
Featuring the longest go-kart track in all of New England, Seekonk Grand Prix treats families to an exciting pastime that in some states is nothing but a memory. There’s even a rookie track for the little ones.
Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge, MA
Go back more than 200 years in time while visiting Old Sturbridge Village. See shop owners create their wares and visit homes as they were in the 1800s. Make sure to sample some of the wares along the way and enjoy the gift shops before you leave.
Look Park, Florence, MA
Featuring a miniature train, a zoo for rescued animals, and the perfect spot for a picnic, Look Park is an excellent place for families to have fun. Ride the bumper boats and play mini golf, too.
Stone Zoo, Stoneham, MA
Where in Massachusetts can you see flamingos, jaguars, snow leopards and monkeys? At Stone Zoo. There are elephants, hippopotami (yes, that’s more than one hippopotamus), and both black and polar bears.
Cape Ann Whale Watch, Gloucester, MA
Treat your family to the ultimate nature experience, by taking them on a Cape Ann Whale Watch. Featuring a furnished and heated cabin, the Hurricane II is the largest and most family-friendly whale watch vessel in town.
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA
With exhibits the whole family will enjoy, a trip to the Museum of Fine Arts has something for everyone. Check the website for helpful hints on planning your visit, and tips for visiting with children, in order to make the most of your visit.
It at Beantown Adventure Ropes Course, Reading, MA
Make your way across sky ropes and climb up 12 or 24-foot rope ladders at Beantown Adventure Ropes Course. Located in the Jordan’s Furniture megaplex, the course is just one more thing the furniture moguls have done to attract visitors—but it works. The ropes course is an excellent way for the whole family to have active fun together.
Museum of Science, Boston, MA
Boston’s Museum of Science has long been one of the best family-friendly attractions in the whole state. A family can easily spend the entire day seeing exhibits, taking part in hands-on science, watching an IMAX film and more. Families will enjoy some unique experiences at each of these attractions. Better still, family members will learn while having fun at every single one.
