Best Museums in Boston for Kids & Families

6 family-friendly museums with age ratings and parent tips.

Highest rated: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Museum of Science, Boston Children's Museum. 4 listings are indoor. Qualified listings include age fit, stroller notes, cost signals, and practical planning tips.

By Kit, KidPaths editor

Reviews family planning details across KidPaths city guides.

This Boston page currently has 6 qualified listings in museums that passed KidPaths' listing and photo checks. Start your comparison with Museum of Science, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, then use the age, cost and visit-length notes to narrow the list.

6 options work indoors or in mixed weather. 3 options have confirmed stroller access. 5 picks fit toddlers and 6 picks fit big kids.

Match the museum to attention span, not reputation alone. Toddlers need hands-on rooms and easy exits, while older kids usually want a challenge, demonstration or strong special exhibit.

Top Picks

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

4.8 stars

A family can turn the galleries into a hunt for animals, faces or crowns, copy sculpture poses and play I Spy or memory games around real artworks.

Ages 6-17; younger children can still enjoy a shorter, game-based visitIndoor$60 for two adults and two children ages 0-6, or $88 for two adults and two youths ages 7-17, before parking, dining or special exhibitions

Museum of Science

4.7 stars

Children can touch, spin, test, build and compare results instead of only reading display labels. Younger visitors have a play-based Discovery Center,

Best for ages 4-14. The Discovery Center is designed for children from birth through age 8.IndoorExhibit-hall admission for two adults and two children ages 3-11 is $122: 2 x $33 plus 2 x $28

Boston Children's Museum

4.7 stars

Children can climb a three-story structure, practice school routines, build and design, make art and use a separate infant and toddler play area desig

Ages 1-10, with a dedicated PlaySpace for children from birth through age 3Indoor$96 admission for four visitors age 1 or older

USS Constitution Museum

4.7 stars

Children can scrub a deck, balance as if working aloft, try to furl a sail, and imagine joining an 1812 crew instead of only looking through display c

Best for ages 5 to 12. Younger siblings can use the stroller-accessible galleries, while teens may enjoy the detailed history and artifacts.IndoorFor four visitors, suggested museum admission ranges from $0-$40 at the reduced tier, $60 at the standard tier, or $100 at the Pay It Forward tier