Massachusetts turned out to be the kind of trip where curiosity led the way. From pirates and dinosaurs to hands-on art and science, every stop made the kids look closer, ask more, and dive deeper. The experiences weren’t just educational—they were immersive and full of wonder. And as a parent, I found myself just as engaged.
Here are some of our favorite spots across the state that mixed learning with laughter and gave us a whole new appreciation for Massachusetts—through the eyes of our kids.
Best Things to Do in Massachusetts with Kids
Exploring Tidal Wonders at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History
At the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, it felt like the line between indoors and outdoors completely disappeared—in the best way. We wandered through touch tanks filled with sea stars, watched osprey nests on live cam, and then stepped right onto a boardwalk leading through marshland to the bay. I remember thinking, "This is exactly how science should feel—alive and all around us."
The museum itself is small but packed with hands-on exhibits that kept the kids moving and thinking. They learned about whales and coastal erosion, got up close with local shells and skeletons, and spent forever watching bees in the glass observation hive. Outside, the trails offered a nature walk we didn’t know we needed—quiet, breezy, and full of birdsong.
After all that exploring, we had lunch at The Marshside in Dennis. I ordered a lobster roll (because Cape Cod), and the kids got chicken tenders and fries with lemonade. We sat by the window watching the marsh sway in the breeze—still in that nature-fueled state of calm.
Where We Stayed: We stayed at Sesuit Harbor House, a charming inn with space to stretch out, a pool, and a fire pit that made the perfect end to our day.
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History At a Glance
- Location: 869 Main St (Route 6A), Brewster, MA 02631
- Vibe: Interactive, coastal, peaceful
- Highlights: Touch tanks, trails to Cape Cod Bay, bird-watching exhibits
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or early afternoon, especially on sunny days
- Cost: $15 adults, $10 children (3–12), under 3 free
- Hours: Daily 10am–4pm (seasonal)
- Tip: Bring walking shoes for the marsh trail—it’s worth every step
Stepping into Pirate Legends at Real Pirates Salem
From the moment we walked into Real Pirates Salem, the kids were hooked. Dramatic lighting, the sound of waves, and real artifacts from the pirate ship Whydah made it feel like we were boarding a ghost ship rather than a museum. I stood in front of a glass case filled with recovered gold coins and thought, "This is the kind of history you can feel in your bones."
The museum tells the story of the Whydah—the only authenticated pirate shipwreck ever discovered—through interactive displays, audio narration, and ship models. The kids got to hoist a pirate flag, examine treasures, and try out their best “arrrr!” in a recording booth. The storytelling was immersive and surprisingly emotional, balancing the myths of piracy with the harsh truths behind it.
Afterward, we grabbed lunch at Gulu-Gulu Café nearby. I had the Mediterranean wrap with feta and olives, and the kids shared crepes with Nutella and bananas. We lingered over iced drinks and talked about treasure maps and shipwrecks, the way only pirate adventures can inspire.
Where We Stayed: We stayed at The Salem Inn, a charming historic property that added a little extra magic to our Salem stay—creaky wood floors, antique beds, and all.
Real Pirates Salem At a Glance
- Location: 285 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970
- Vibe: Dramatic, adventurous, story-driven
- Highlights: Real shipwreck artifacts, interactive pirate history, family-friendly storytelling
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning before the crowds roll in
- Cost: $17 adults, $13 kids (ages 5–14), under 5 free
- Hours: Daily 10am–6pm
- Tip: Ask the staff questions—they’re full of extra pirate trivia
Touching Everything at the Berkshire Museum
The Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield had a little bit of everything—and that’s exactly what made it so great for kids. We went from natural history to art to a hands-on science lab all under one roof. At one point, I watched the kids measuring minerals with digital scales and thought, "This place is a curiosity cabinet come to life."
They loved the aquarium downstairs—turtles, frogs, and fish native to the region—plus the sparkly geodes and fossils. Upstairs, they got to build structures, spin gears, and try their hand at simple machines in the Feigenbaum Hall of Innovation. The art galleries were bite-sized and approachable, and the layout made it easy to jump between subjects without ever losing their attention.
We grabbed lunch at Dottie’s Coffee Lounge, just a few blocks away. I had the smoked salmon bagel and a cold brew, and the kids happily munched on grilled cheese and cinnamon toast. We left with full bellies and brains buzzing.
Where We Stayed: We booked a stay at Hotel on North, a boutique hotel with cozy rooms and fun design touches that made it feel both elegant and family-friendly.
Berkshire Museum At a Glance
- Location: 39 South St, Pittsfield, MA 01201
- Vibe: Eclectic, educational, hands-on
- Highlights: Mini aquarium, science lab, art and artifact mash-up
- Best Time to Visit: Early afternoons—after lunch, before closing
- Cost: $15 adults, $8 kids (4–17), under 4 free
- Hours: Thursday–Monday, 10am–5pm (closed Tuesday & Wednesday)
- Tip: Don’t miss the Innovation Lab—it’s easy to overlook but full of creative fun
Science and Nature in Motion at the EcoTarium
We arrived at the EcoTarium in Worcester and immediately spotted the zipline, the tree canopy walk, and the life-sized dinosaur statue out front. The kids looked at me wide-eyed and said, "Can we do it all?" Honestly, I was asking myself the same thing.
This indoor-outdoor science and nature museum was packed with discovery zones. Inside, we explored exhibits on weather, space, and wildlife. Outside, we walked nature trails, watched river otters play, and rode the Explorer Express train through the grounds. It felt more like a science playground than a museum—and we loved that.
We stopped at the on-site café for lunch. I had a turkey and cranberry wrap, and the kids shared PB&Js with apple slices and yogurt. Simple, but just right for a midday science break before we headed back out to climb ropes and learn about ecosystems.
Where We Stayed: We stayed at AC Hotel by Marriott Worcester, which offered clean modern rooms and easy access to downtown restaurants once the kids were ready to crash.
EcoTarium At a Glance
- Location: 222 Harrington Way, Worcester, MA 01604
- Vibe: Energetic, exploratory, indoor-outdoor fun
- Highlights: Zipline, Explorer train, hands-on science exhibits, river otters
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall, when the outdoor areas shine
- Cost: $18 adults, $14 children (2–18), under 2 free
- Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 10am–5pm
- Tip: Bring sneakers and weather-appropriate clothes—there’s a lot to do outside
Making Big Feelings at MASS MoCA
Walking into MASS MoCA felt like stepping into a dream made of color and sound. Housed in an old factory complex in North Adams, the museum’s massive spaces gave contemporary art room to breathe—and the kids room to move. I stood under an installation of spinning mirrors and thought, "This place makes you feel art with your whole body."
The kids loved the Kidspace gallery—a dedicated area with creative prompts, hands-on materials, and comfy spots to curl up and draw. Around every corner, there was something unexpected: a room filled with light and fog, giant sculptures you could walk through, and sound installations that turned listening into an adventure.
We had lunch at Gramercy Bistro on-site. I ordered the grilled chicken sandwich with apple slaw, and the kids split a burger and fries. The food was locally sourced and beautifully plated, which somehow made our museum break feel a little fancy—in the best way.
Where We Stayed: We stayed at Tourists, a stylish boutique motel that blended retro charm with nature-loving vibes. The kids played by the river and we ended the night under string lights and stars.
MASS MoCA At a Glance
- Location: 1040 MASS MoCA Way, North Adams, MA 01247
- Vibe: Immersive, artistic, boldly modern
- Highlights: Giant installations, Kidspace, sound and light exhibits
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings for quiet galleries
- Cost: $20 adults, free for kids under 16
- Hours: Daily 10am–5pm (closed Tuesdays)
- Tip: Visit Kidspace first to warm up their creative energy
Conclusion
Massachusetts turned out to be a playground for curious minds and wild imaginations. Whether we were digging into pirate legends, watching otters splash, or wandering through surreal art installations, each stop had a little magic all its own. And what made it all click? These places didn’t just entertain the kids—they sparked questions, creativity, and joy for all of us.
If you’re looking for a family getaway that blends learning, laughter, and a sense of wonder, Massachusetts delivers—with something new around every corner.
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