Massachusetts is a historic New England state in the northeastern United States, home to world-renowned universities, revolutionary history, and stunning natural landscapes. From the cosmopolitan city of Boston to the scenic shores of Cape Cod and the Berkshire Mountains, Massachusetts offers a remarkable blend of culture, history, and outdoor adventure.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
New England Aquarium
Boston's best family attraction with a four-story Giant Ocean Tank, penguin colony, seal harbor, and shark-and-ray touch tank. Whale watch tours depart from the aquarium May-October.
Duration: 2-4 hours
Museum of Science Boston
Over 700 interactive exhibits plus a planetarium, IMAX theater, and the spectacular Theater of Electricity lightning show. Consistently ranked among America's top science museums.
Duration: 3-5 hours
Boston Children's Museum
Designed for ages 1-10 with a three-story climbing structure, bubble play, construction zone, and KidPower area. Friday evenings offer $1 admission from 5-9pm.
Duration: 2-4 hours
Plimoth Patuxent
The premier Pilgrim living history experience where costumed interpreters stay completely in character speaking 17th-century English. The Wampanoag Homesite provides genuine Indigenous perspectives.
Duration: 3-5 hours
Whale Watching from Provincetown
Stellwagen Bank offers some of the world's finest whale watching. Humpback, finback, and minke whales plus dolphins are regularly sighted May-October from Dolphin Fleet or Captain John Whale Watch.
Duration: 3.5-4 hours
Salem Witch Museum
Dramatic presentation of the 1692 witch trials using life-size stage sets and narration that genuinely captivates older children and teens. October is spectacular with additional events.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Omni Parker House
Historic Boston hotel perfect for families visiting the Freedom Trail — steps from the Old Granary Burial Ground and Park Street Church. Family rooms available; the original Boston Cream Pie is served in the dining room.
Boston Marriott Cambridge
Well-located in Kendall Square near MIT with easy Red Line access to all Boston attractions. Excellent pool and family amenities; more affordable than downtown Boston hotels.
Chatham Bars Inn
Cape Cod's most prestigious family resort since 1914 with private beach, four pools, and exceptional children's programming. The award-winning Stars restaurant uses produce from the inn's own farm.
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Boston CityPASS ($74/adult, $54/child) covers New England Aquarium, Museum of Science, and additional attractions — significant savings for families
MBTA CharlieCard rides cost $1.70 for adults; children under 11 ride free with a paying adult
Boston Children's Museum $1 admission on Friday evenings 5-9pm is the best family value in the city
Cape Cod in July-August has extreme traffic — leave Boston by 7am for beach days
Book whale watching online at least 1-2 weeks in advance for summer dates — they sell out
Bring insect repellent for outdoor activities; ticks are present in wooded areas throughout the state
North End restaurants on weekend evenings have long waits — go for an early dinner at 5:30pm with young children
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Build downtime into every day — over-scheduled kids melt down faster than tired adults.
Carry snacks, water, and a small first-aid kit at all times.
Many attractions offer discounted family tickets — ask at the ticket window.