Fun, Low Cost Activities for KIDS In and Around Boston

Here are some family friendly options to check out:

The Mayor’s Youth Line                                                                                                                                                     617-635-2240 for the latest information on activities.
The Mayor's Youth Line

The Boston Parents’ Paper                                                                                                                                                Free and low cost activities for families.   Call 617-522-1515 to find out where to pick it up.

Boston Children’s Museum
Providing fun, learning opportunities for young children and families.
Friday Night, $1.00 admission, 5:00pm to 9:00pm
Located at 300 Congress Street, Boston, 617-426-8855.  Accessible by T.
Boston Children's Museum


Boston Public Libraries
27 Branches
Free kid-friendly movies, story hours and special activities open to all.
Provides free passes for local museums for library members (Boston Residents Only)
(call BPL 617-536-5400 or check the web site www.bpl.org for detailed information):

• Aquarium:  September to June will admit up to 4 people
• Children’s Museum:  Discounted pass $2.00 per person, up to 4 people
• Harvard Museum of Natural History:  Discounted pass $1.00 per person
• Museum of Fine Arts:  Pass will admit one adult & 1 child free
• Museum of Science:  Pass will admit up to 4 people free
• All branches Accessible by T

Boston Common
Winter: Ice skating on Frog Pond in the winter: Admission $4 (free for children 13 and under), skate rental $8.00
($5.00 for children 13 and under).  Accessible by T.                                                                                                          Summer: Fountain and large shallow wading pool filled with fun, a way to cool off and enjoy a summer day with your children.  Free of Charge.  Accessible by T.                                                                                                                                                     All Seasons:  Playground
Boston Common Frog Pond

Swan Boats at the Public Garden in the Spring and Summer: Open April through Labor Day.
$2.75 ($1.25 for children ages 2 to 15). Accessible by T.
Swan Boats

Boston Symphony Orchestra
FREE concert series  Community Chamber Concerts  All concerts Sundays 3:00pm.
310 Massachusetts Ave.  Call ticket office 617-638-9300 for schedule.  Accessible by T.

Boston By Little Feet
A Children’s Tour of Boston, Weekdays, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Child’s eye view of the famous Freedom Trail through the eyes of children ages 6 to 12.
Free map and activity sheet. Meet tour guide at the statue of Samuel Adams located at
the front end of Faneuil Hall on Congress Street, Boston. 617-637-2345. Accessible by T.
Boston by Little Feet

Mapparium
"Really cool way to see the world." 200 Massachusetts Ave., Boston.  1-888-222-3711.
Closed Mondays, Open Tues, Wed & Sat 10:00am to 5:00pm, Thu to Fri 10:00am to 9:00pm.
$6.00 for adults, $4.00 for students and youth.  Accessible by T.
Mapparium

MIT Museums
Ever see your shadow freeze?   Ever see a woman turn into a tiger?
This is a true science museum for the budding scientist in the family.
265 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, Bldg N52  617-253-4444.
Open daily, 10:00am to 5:00pm                                                                                                                                        General Admission Adults $7.50, Students w/ID, $3.00, Youth (ages 5-18) $3.00.  Accessible by T.
MIT Museums

Also at MIT
Hart Nautical Gallery - Life sized ship replicas, explore the craft of shipbuilding, FREE.
55 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, Bldg 5, Daily 10:00am to 5:00pm, 617-253-4444.

A Sailor's Life For Me?
Follow the experiences of the crew of the USS Constitution of 1812.
USS Constitution, Charlestown Navel Yard, Charlestown.  Open daily,
9:00am to 6:00pm, FREE (recommended for ages 6 and older).  Accessible by T.
USS Constitution

Borders Bookstore
Sing-a-longs and story telling for children, FREE.  Call for schedule.
10 School Street at Washington, Boston, 617-557-7188.  Accessible by T.

Girl Scouts
Boston Headquarters, 95 Berkeley Street, Boston MA.  617-482-1078.
For girls ages 6-17.  Help girls build courage, confidence and character.
$10.00 registration fee entitles girl to participate in all programs.  Call 617-482-9045                                                                      Girl Scouts

Boy Scouts
Boston Minuteman Council, email  council@bsaboston.org, 617-615-0004.
For boys, starting in first grade with Cub Scouts.
Online information for parents and youth


Franklin Park Zoo                                                                                                                                                              One Franklin Park Road, Boston  (617) 541-LION                                                                                                               Summer: weekdays 10:00am to 5:00pm, weekends 10:00am to 6:00pm.  Winter: daily 10:00am to 4:00pm                           Children (ages 2-12) $6.00, Adults $12.00                                                                                                                               Zoo 

Community Boating, Inc.                                                                                                                                                        In association with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.                                                                Boston Esplanade, Charles River, at the foot of the Mugar Bridge, (617) 523-1038.                                                                  Junior Program for youth ages 10 - 18 years old.   Sailing, windsurfing and kayaking classes and activities.                            Summer membership for youth is $1.00 (one dollar).                                                                                                    Community Boating 

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