Boston Attractions and Things to Do

Boston Children's Museum

308 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210 617-426-6500

Description: SEAPORT DISTRICT. Offering several floors of hands-on exhibits, this educational museum is designed to help children understand their bodies, the nature of disabilities, science, and cultural diversity. Representative exhibits address, recycling, boats, music, construction, art, and theater. In these various displays, kids can be on TV, climb a maze, make huge bubbles, or even sing karaoke. A great source of stimulation and education.
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Harvard Museum of Natural History

26 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA 02138 617-495-3045

Description: CAMBRIDGE. This fascinating university museum houses a vast array of exhibits on things animal, vegetable, and mineral. The natural world is explored and detailed, and visitors can examine dinosaurs, fossils, gemstones, glass flower models, and displays about biological systems. You'll also get a good overview of the rise of regional cultures. Educational, informative displays make this a must-see museum, and a gift shop sells exhibit-related merchandise.
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House of the Seven Gables

115 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970 978-744-0991

Description: NORTH METRO. Built in 1678, this curious home inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel, House of the Seven Gables. On guided tours, visitors learn about many of the legends associated with the home and even get to explore its secret staircase.
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Institute of Contemporary Art

100 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02115 617-478-3103

Description: BACK BAY. Alone among museums in Boston showcasing modern art, the Institute of Contemporary Art has been home to works by major modern artists since 1936. The museum has also led the field in its support of film and new media. The waterfront building housing the museum is as much an attraction as the artwork inside, and an eclectic offering of dance, theatre and music events also draws countless visitors.
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Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum of Art

280 The Fenway, Boston, MA 02115 617-566-1401

Description: FENWAY DISTRICT. One of the most unusual Boston museums, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is housed in a Venetian-style palace with three floors of galleries surrounding a beautiful courtyard. Ms. Gardner personally acquired many of the items in the museum, and the collection includes over 2,500 pieces by artists such as Rembrandt, Whistler, Degas, Raphael and Michelangelo. The museum was originally opened in 1903, and the items reflect Ms. Gardner's admiration for rare Dutch and Italian paintings.
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John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

Columbia Point, Boston, MA 02125 617-514-1600

Description: DORCHESTER. Dedicated "to all those who through the art of politics seek a new and better world." The looming white structure, designed by I.M. Pei, overlooks Dorchester Bay. The museum/gallery contains exhibits tracing Kennedy's career from the campaign trail to his tragic death. The library is also home to the renowned Ernest Hemingway research room, whose archives include original manuscripts, hand-written correspondence and photographs.
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Larz Anderson Auto Museum

15 Newton St, Larz Anderson Park, Brookline, MA 02130 617-522-6547

Description: BROOKLINE. The majestic Carriage House was built in 1888 and is a National Historic Site. In addition, it is the former home of Larz and Isabel Anderson, noted automobile collectors. Presently, the house boasts the country's oldest car collection, showcases the Andersons' collection (which began in 1899), and also features exhibits relating to how the automotive history has influenced society and culture. Numerous lectures, events, and tours ensure informative fun for all ages.
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MIT Museum

265 Massachusetts Ave, Building N51, Cambridge, MA 02115 617-253-4444

Description: CAMBRIDGE. Art and science meet at this intriguing museum on the MIT campus. Its collections and exhibitions present the work of MIT professors and alums, and also offers a variety of miscellaneous memorabilia. Among the highlights are displays on robots, holography, ocean sciences, architecture and design, nautical engineering, and a record of technological innovation across the past two centuries. Eclectic and entertaining! NB Admission the third Sunday of every month is free.
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Museum of African American History

46 Joy St, Boston, MA 02114-4007 617-725-0022

Description: BEACON HILL. This fascinating historical museum is comprised of the African American Meeting House, one of the nation's oldest black churches, and the Abiel Smith School, the first Boston classroom for black children. The museum provides information about African Americans in New England and is the starting point for the Black Heritage Trail, a walking tour that traces the heritage of the city's African American community.
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Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

465 Huntington Ave, Avenue of the Arts, Boston, MA 02115 617-267-9300

Description: FENWAY. The city's oldest art institution is one of the finest museums in Boston and a must-see for any visitor to the area. This museum has enough art and artifacts to keep anyone busy over multiple visits. The recently added Art of the Americas wing is popular, and MFA's rotating exhibitions are among the best in the country. The museum's permanent collections cover art from photography to contemporary and European to African.
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Museum of Science

1 Science Park, Science Park, Boston, MA 02114 617-723-2500

Description: WEST END. Contains the largest "lightning machine" in the world and includes the Hayden Planetarium, which features models, lectures, films, laser and star shows. More than 400 interactive exhibits in all. Travel the world in the Mugar Omni Theater where scientific subjects show on a four-story, domed screen. The Human body connection is a permanent exhibit, as well as one about the eye and vision.
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USS Constitution Museum

28 Constitution Rd, Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, MA 02129 617-426-1812

Description: CHARLESTOWN. This museum relates the storied 200-year history of the USS Constitution, which was first launched in the late 18th century and is now recognized as the world's oldest commissioned warship. During her years at sea, the Constitution saw conflict with pirates and experienced victories during the War of 1812. Museum attractions include a documentary, hands-on exhibits, interactive programs, artworks, historic artifacts, and gift shop.
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