Page 171 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide 2017 - Boston

CHILDREN ’ S BOST ON  169

Museums organized throughout
Known as a pioneer of hands- the galleries.
on interactive learning, Boston The unique history
Children’s Museum (see p77) of Boston’s African-
calls itself “Boston’s Best Place for American community
Kids,” offering four floors of fun- is presented at two
filled education for toddlers to sites. The centerpiece
pre-teens in one building and of the Museum of
three stories of exhibits in African American
a new adjoining structure. History (see p51) is the
Children can explore a 170-year- oldest black church
old house transplanted from in the U.S., and the
Tokyo, create giant bubbles or Abiel Smith School
conduct experiments in the (see p51) was the first
Science Playground, and learn schoolhouse for black
about healthy, active lifestyles children in America.
in the KidPower exhibition. The schoolhouse has
Children aged under three interactive computer Having fun, Boston Museum of Science
have their own Playspace, a stations where chil dren
stimulating second-floor area can learn about slavery, the mini-presentations, and a vast
designed especially for them. American abolitionist move- collection of sports memora-
The Museum of Science (see ment, and the Underground bilia chronicle the region’s
p55) could be another Railroad (see p51), as well as sporting history. Children will
full-day stop, housing over more contemporary issues be fascinated by the life-size
700 permanent exhibits affecting African- wooden statues of Larry Bird,
exploring astronomy, Americans in New Carl Yastrzemski, and Bobby
energy, industry, England. Older Orr, and enthusiastically take
anthro pology, and children may be the chance to try out a variety
nature. Younger interested in the of sports equipment.
children will enjoy Black Heritage Trail
the Human Body (see p51), a 1.5-mile DIRECTORY
Connection Animal (2.5-km) guided
Care Center, while walking tour that Practical Advice
older kids can visits 14 sites Parents in a Pinch
explore basic significant to Tel (855) 781-1303.
scientific principles the history of free ∑ parentsinapinch.com
in Investigate. All African-Americans.
will be impressed The Boston Tea Party Tours and
by the life-sized Playspace activity, Ships & Museum Historical Sights
Tyrannosaurus Rex and Children’s Museum (see p76), with models
the To The Moon of the two brigantine Boston by Foot
exhibit, with full-size models ships involved in the infamous 87 Mount Vernon Street.
of the Apollo and Mercury rebellion, features several Map 1 B4.
space capsules. Attached to the interactive attractions after an Tel (617) 367-2345.
museum there is also a Planet- extensive renovation. ∑ bostonbyfoot.com
arium and an Omni IMAX Sports enthusiasts will want Boston Harbor Cruises
film theater. to take a trip to the Sports Long Wharf.
Few art museums have made Museum of New England, Map 2 E3.
their collections so accessible to where interactive exhibits, Tel (617) 227-4321.
families as the Museum of Fine ∑ bostonharborcruises.com
Arts, Boston (see pp106–9).
Multi-session art classes and Fenway Park
workshops are offered for kids 4 Yawkey Way.
and adults in several media, Tel (617) 226-6666.
including drawing, painting, ∑ redsox.com
sculpture, and weaving. For Museums
more casual visitors, the
MFA schedules children’s Sports Museum of
art activities in the galleries New England
and provides tote bags with TD Garden.
suggested activities for families. Map 1 C2.
During February and April Tel (617) 624-1234.
school vaca tions, performances Hands-on exhibit at Boston’s Museum ∑ sportsmuseum.org
and art-making activities are of Science

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