Indoor Activities in Boston

Three floors of hands-on exhibits for kids from infants to age 10. Features a Japanese House, construction zone, Art Studio, and water play area. Infants under 12 months are free. Open Wednesday through Monday; closed Tuesdays.

Home to thousands of aquatic animals including a four-story Giant Ocean Tank with sea turtles, sharks, and rays. Features penguin exhibits, touch tanks, and whale watch cruises (seasonal, separate ticket). Children 2 and under are free. Boston Family Days offer discounted admission on the first and second Sunday of each month.

One of the world's largest science museums with over 700 interactive exhibits. Features a planetarium, Omni theater, live animal exhibits, and the Discovery Center for kids under 8. Children under 3 are free. Timed-entry tickets are no longer required — just pick a date when purchasing.

An interactive museum telling the story of Old Ironsides, the world's oldest commissioned warship still afloat. Kids can try on sailor uniforms, practice loading a cannon, and scrub the deck. Admission is pay-what-you-wish with suggested donations. The ship itself is free to board (operated by the US Navy).

The Central Library in Copley Square has a dedicated Children's Library on the second floor with free storytime sessions, craft programs, and STEM activities. Features ToddleTown for ages 3-5, StoryScape dress-up area, a sensory wall for kids with sensory processing needs, and therapy dog programs.

Indoor LEGO attraction with rides, 4D cinema, building workshops, and MINILAND Boston built from millions of LEGO bricks. Best for ages 3-10. Online advance booking is significantly cheaper than walk-up pricing. Located at Assembly Row, accessible by Orange Line.

Amphibious WWII-style vehicles tour Boston's historic landmarks on land before splashing into the Charles River. Departures from Museum of Science, Prudential Center, and New England Aquarium. Tours run rain or shine every 30 minutes from 9am to about an hour before sunset, April through late November.

A Mass Audubon nature museum at the base of the Blue Hills Reservation with live animal exhibits (owls, snakes, turtles), interactive nature displays, and easy trails for young hikers. The outdoor exhibits are open daily. Located about 10 miles south of downtown Boston — a great half-day trip for families who want nature without leaving the metro area.

Walk across a 30-foot glass bridge inside a three-story stained-glass globe built in 1935 with 608 colored glass panels. A brief light-and-sound show keeps kids engaged. The map shows 1935 borders, making it educational for older kids to spot how the world has changed. Amazing acoustics — whisper at one end and hear clearly at the other. No photography allowed inside. Takes about 20 minutes. The adjacent church tour is free.

One of the few remaining dedicated puppet theaters in the country, offering professional puppet shows specifically for kids most weekends. Shows at 10:30am and 1:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays, plus holiday Mondays. Small intimate venue — book ahead as shows sell out. Summer shows are free or pay-what-you-can. Card to Culture pricing ($3) available for WIC/EBT/MassHealth holders.

One of the finest concert halls in the world and home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra since 1900. The acoustics are legendary -- it was one of the first halls designed using scientific acoustic principles. BSO season runs October through April, with Boston Pops taking over in spring and summer. Tickets range from $30 for rush seats to $150+ for prime orchestra seating.

Historic 1,200-seat theater in the Theater District hosting stand-up comedy, live music, and special events. Built in 1914, the intimate venue has hosted everyone from Dave Chappelle to John Mulaney. Ticket prices vary widely by performer -- expect $30-80 for most comedy shows, with bigger names commanding $60-150+.

Boston's premier improv and sketch comedy theater in the heart of the North End. The mainstage show is a mix of scripted sketches and audience-interactive improv that runs about 90 minutes. College students can get $20 tickets with valid ID at the box office on show day. Regular tickets run $48-71. Shows Thursday through Sunday with late shows on weekends.

One of the largest art museums in the country with over 500,000 works spanning ancient Egyptian to contemporary. Highlights include the Art of the Americas wing, Japanese garden, and Impressionist galleries. Adults $30, youth 7-17 $14, under 6 free. Pay-what-you-wish ($5 minimum) on the third Thursday of each month after 5pm.

Striking waterfront museum in the Seaport with a cantilevered design overlooking Boston Harbor. Features rotating contemporary art exhibitions, performance art, and film screenings. Adults $20, students $15, seniors $17, under 18 free. Free admission every Thursday 5-9pm (advance reservation recommended). The museum shop and harbor-view cafe are worth a visit on their own.

300-seat comedy club in the Seaport District featuring nationally touring stand-up comedians. Located in the lobby level of the Westin Hotel at the corner of Summer and D streets. Hosts both headliner weekends and local showcase nights. Tickets typically $20-45 depending on the performer. Full bar available. Group rates for parties of 20+.

5,000-capacity concert venue adjacent to Fenway Park that opened in 2022. Hosts major touring acts across rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic music. The multi-level venue has excellent sightlines from most seats. Ticket prices vary by artist -- expect $40-120 for most shows. Located right on Lansdowne Street, making it easy to combine with Fenway-area bars and restaurants.

Legendary 933-capacity rock club on Comm Ave that has been a launchpad for bands since 1977. U2, The Police, and Radiohead all played early shows here. Now hosts indie rock, punk, electronic, and hip-hop acts. Standing room with a balcony for a better view. Tickets typically $20-50 for most shows. The quintessential Boston music venue.

Irish pub right next to Fenway Park that doubles as a comedy venue on Wednesday and Friday nights. Live stand-up comedy shows with local and touring comics. The comedy shows are a low-cost alternative to the bigger clubs -- typically $10-20 cover. Also a solid spot for pre-game drinks and live music on other nights. Full food menu available.

2,500-capacity music venue on Lansdowne Street hosting national touring acts across all genres. Part of the Live Nation-owned House of Blues chain but retains a distinct atmosphere with its Southern-inspired decor and gospel brunch on Sundays. Tickets typically $30-80. Standing general admission floor with a seated balcony. Restaurant and bar open before shows.

Comedy night series at The Dugout Cafe near BU featuring stand-up, roasts, and open mic nights. A more underground, casual comedy experience compared to the polished clubs. Cover is usually $5-15, making it one of the cheapest comedy options in the city. Popular with the BU and college crowd. Check their social media for the weekly lineup.

Upscale bowling alley, arcade, and entertainment complex near Fenway Park. Features bowling lanes, billiards, arcade games, and a full bar and restaurant. Bowling runs $7-12 per person per game depending on time and day. A good group activity option before or after a game, or as a standalone night out. 21+ after 8pm on weekends.