Massachusetts with Kids: Playful places to grow curious minds

Whether you visit Cape Cod every year or you're here for the first time, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History is a fascinating place to learn about the area's unique ecosystem and diverse wildlife.

Highlights of the exhibits include an aquarium full of marine life, a honeybee display, and a collection of taxidermized local birds.

Visitors are also welcome to enjoy the trails on the 400-acre property that surrounds the center.

During the summer, there's a special kids' summer camp with activities like guided nature walks and hands-on crafts.

869 Main Street/Route 6A, Brewster, MA 02631, Phone: 508-896-3867, Map, Facebook

Not many people know about New England's history of notorious sea-robbers, but at the Real Pirates Salem, this exciting part of the country's history comes to life. Guided tours take visitors through the museum, showing off historic treasures in the artifacts room and introducing approximately 60 of the most famous pirates from days gone by, and visitors are encouraged to ask questions.

Another highlight is the museum's 80-foot cave, which daring visitors can explore in search of treasure and 17th-century pirates. The museum is open between May and October, and tours take approximately half an hour.

Real Pirates Salem, 274 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970, Phone: 978-741-2800

Established in 1903 by a local businessman, the Berkshire Museum features a wonderful collection of art and historic artifacts. The collection is constantly growing, but highlights include a genuine Egyptian mummy, an assortment of ancient Mediterranean jewelry, and a room full of specimen of local animals and insects. Kids will particularly love the Curiosity Incubator exhibit, which tells the story of the human experience through immersive, interactive exhibits like a multicultural dining table and a photobooth. The museum also often hosts special children's programs and events, including hands-on aquarium discovery programs, pop-up play days, and pajama nights with storytelling.

Berkshire Museum, 39 South St, Pittsfield, MA 01201, Phone: 413-443-7171

With its fleet of replica WWII amphibious vehicles, Boston Duck Tours is the only tour company in Boston that can take visitors on a journey through the city over both land and water.

The tours are narrated by colorful ConDUCKtors, who ensure the tour is an experience guests of all ages will enjoy, and they pass by sites like the Boston Public Market and the city's iconic Make Way for Ducklings statues before splashing into the Charles River.

Tours depart from three different locations throughout the city, and tickets can be purchased online or at the departure sites.

Boston Duck Tours, 4 Copley Pl #4155, Boston, MA 02116, Phone: 617-267-3825, Map

Operated by a non-profit organization, the Cape Cod Children’s Museum is an 8,000-square-foot museum that was created to encourage hands-on learning.

There are approximately 20 interactive exhibits for kids to enjoy, including a play castle, a life-size tree house, and a pirate ship, and a music room full of instruments to play.

A variety of programs are held throughout the week, including sing-along sessions, art classes, and STEM-related crafts.

There are also party rooms that can be rented for birthdays and other special events, and one of the packages includes exclusive use of the museum for two hours.

577 Great Neck Rd S, Mashpee, MA 02649, Phone: 508-539-8788, Map

Formerly the New England Science Center, the Eco Tarium in Worcester is an indoor-outdoor nature and science museum that offers plenty of opportunities for kids to explore, play, and learn.

The City Science exhibit features hands-on activities and live animal displays designed to interest kids in the wonders of the natural world, while the Mount Washington exhibit allows visitors to experience some of the state's craziest weather.

Other popular attractions include the planetarium and a model 19th-century steam train. If the weather is good, your kids will also love playing in the Nature Explore Outdoor Exhibit, where they can climb, dig, and built to their hearts' content.

Eco Tarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester, MA 01604, Phone: 508-929-2700, Map

Located inside one of the country's biggest contemporary art centers, Kidspace at Mass MoCa is an art museum specifically designed for children to enjoy.

Two exhibits are mounted every year, featuring artists from all over the world, and each artist is carefully chosen for their ability to connect and resonate with children.

Visitors are encouraged to explore the galleries on their own, but a variety of hour-long tours are available for groups. On the weekends, kids can also visit the hands-on studio space known as the Art Bar, where they can make their own creative masterpieces.

Kidspace at Mass MoCa, 1040 Mass Moca Way, North Adams, Massachusetts 01247, Phone: 413-664-4481 Ext 8131