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Massachusetts is ripe with United States history and natural beauty. If you and your family want to learn about our nation’s roots, explore the coastal beaches, or take in a baseball game, you’re picking a great spot for your next vacation. Your kids are going to love these activities next time you explore the New England area. 16 Cheap Family Activities to Do in Massachusetts
1. Battleship Cove
Battleship Cove in Fall River is a world-class Naval history museum. The museum is home to the most extensive collection of U.S. Naval ships, including the USS Massachusetts, the destroyer USS Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr., and other vessels used during World War II in the South Pacific. The real draw of the facility is the outdoor re-enactment called “The Pearl Harbor Experience,” which has state-of-the-art special effects that put visitors up close and personal to the action.
2. Visit Plymouth Rock
There is much more to do in Plymouth than take a picture of Plymouth Rock, where pilgrims landed on their journey across the Atlantic. The charming 17th-century town is lined with family-friendly restaurants and ice cream parlors. Families can board a paddleboat for a harbor cruise, set off on a whale-watching excursion, or have some fun on an interactive pirate cruise. Whatever you decide to do, it will take your mind off how underwhelming Plymouth Rock actually is.
3. Plimoth Patuxet Museums
When families visit the Plimoth Patuxet Museum in Plymouth, they might feel like they stepped back in time to the 17th century. Kids can learn pioneer skills, like canoe making, quilting, cooking, and cornmeal mashing. The trip’s highlight might be the reproduction of the famous Mayflower, which visitors are encouraged to board and explore.
4. Seekonk Grand Prix
You won’t find a place with more family-friendly fun options than the Grand Prix in Seekonk. The endless fun can start on one of their multiple go-kart tracks. Afterward, you can play a round of mini golf, hit the arcade, climb a rock wall, or test your skills on the agility rope course. Of course, the center has all the snacks and sweet treats your kids crave, so you really never need to leave!
5. Tour Fenway Park
Home of the Boston Red Sox, Fenway Park is not only an iconic baseball stadium but also a Boston Landmark. I highly suggest attending a game, but if you visit in the off-season, you can tour the oldest stadium in the league. If your family is full of baseball fans, you won’t want to miss a chance to see a park where legends like Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle, and Willie Mays used to play.
6. Southwick’s Zoo
Southwick’s Zoo, located in Mendon, is the largest in New England. The facility is full of fun activities, and over 850 animals call the place home. Visitors can view lions, tigers, flamingos, chimps, zebras, kangaroos, rhinos, and giraffes. Your family could also try their zip-line, safari sky ride, and the Woodland Express Train through the park’s native wetlands.
7. Visit Concord Museum
Many towns in Massachusetts are rich in history, and Concord is definitely one of those towns. The Concord Museum has a lot of artifacts from the Revolutionary War, as well as one of Paul Revere’s lanterns he used on his famous ride. The center engages your children in learning with scavenger hunts and hands-on activities. At the same time, they learn a little bit about our nation’s history.
8. Boston’s Beacon Hill Underground Railroad Tour
Take a self-guided smartphone tour in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston to learn about the history of the Underground Railroad. History fans will love the vivid storytelling as the narrator guides you to the Charles Street Meeting House and Boston’s first integrated school.
9. Walk Freedom Trail
Take in the rich history of Boston and U.S. history on this 2.5-mile trail that makes stops at 16 historic locations. As you start in downtown Boston and wind your way to Charlestown, you will pass by landmarks like Faneuil Hall, the Paul Revere House, and the USS Constitution frigate. The trail is free, with audio guides so you can explore at your own pace, making stops along the way.
10. Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
Visitors can relive the events that led to The Revolutionary War with interactive exhibits, historical re-enactors, and full-scale replicas of 18th-century sailing ships. At the end of your tour, you can even throw a box of tea into the harbor. Congratulations, you are now all officially patriots!
11. Relax in the Boston Public Garden
This Frederick Law Olmsted-designed park is home to over 600 varieties of trees, making it a beautiful landscape when the leaves change colors in the fall. It is the country’s first free garden and is still a popular spot for a picnic, a nice walk, or a ride in its famous Swan Boats.
12. USS Constitution Museum
Do you want to experience life as a sailor 200 years ago? That’s the whole point of visiting and learning at the USS Constitution Museum. Kids can play dress up as they learn how to furl a sail and fire a cannon. Afterward, you can walk across the Charlestown Naval Ship Yard to get a look at the actual ship you just learned about.
13. Boston Museum of Science
Boston’s science museum is full of hands-on, interactive exhibits to keep kids entertained for hours. Kids will love the musical staircase and playground sets, where you can learn about momentum, harmonic motion, and mechanical movement. Be sure you check out the lineup for mind-blowing short movies in their IMAX movie theater.
14. Boston Children’s Museum
Let your kids burn off some energy while you relax at the Children’s Museum. The front entrance is home to a three-story climbing structure that acts like a maze for the little climbers. If that doesn’t wear them out, take them to the bubble room or enjoy a live performance on the kid’s stage.
15. New England Aquarium
Boston’s Aquarium is one of the most popular spots among visitors to the city. The four-story central tank houses colorful inhabitants of its Caribbean coral reef, with small sharks and many varieties of fish and sea turtles. Outside the tank, visitors can watch seals and sea lions sunbath next to diving African penguins. Families can sign up for close encounters to hand-feed these majestic sea creatures.
16. Shining Sea Bikeway
Is there any better way to spend an afternoon than cruising along the beach on a bicycle? This 11-mile strand in Cape Cod offers great views of the marshes and Vineyard Sound. Pack a lunch and stop to enjoy a beautiful evening along the New England shoreline.
18 Surprising Realities Behind Historical Facts
Image Credit: Shutterstock.[/caption]
Truth can be stranger than fiction when it comes to tales from the past. But sometimes, the fiction is what we remember. So, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of some historical myths we’ve often accepted as fact. Prepare to be surprised!
18 Surprising Realities Behind Historical Facts
18 Underrated u.s. Destinations Worth Exploring
Image Credit: Shutterstock.[/caption]
Every state in the United States has its unique charm and attractions. However, some states are often perceived as less exciting or engaging than others. This perception, which may not always reflect reality, could be based on various factors, from a state’s geography and culture to its lack of iconic landmarks or tourist hotspots. Here are 18 states that some Americans might dread visiting due to a perceived lack of exciting activities or attractions.
