Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
and role-playing. A three-story-high climbing structure, the
New Balance Climb,
incorporates motor skills and problem-solving. Other favorite hands-on exhibits
include physical experiments (such as creating giant soap bubbles) in
Science Play-
ground; Johnny's Workbench,
a souped-up version of puttering in the garage; and
Boats Afloat,
which has a replica of the bridge of a working boat and an 800-gallon
play tank modeled after the Fort Point Channel, in front of the museum. You can
explore
Boston Black,
which celebrates Boston's black history and culture; the
Japanese House,
a 2-story replica of a residence in Kyoto (Boston's sister city); or,
from May 2008 through January 4, 2009, an exhibit that introduces the children of
Boston to the
Children of Hangzhou, China.
Children under 4 and their caregivers
have a special room,
Playspace,
that's packed with toys and activities.
Check ahead for information about traveling exhibitions and special programs. And
be sure to check out the excellent gift shop (as if you have a choice).
300 Congress St. (Museum Wharf).
&
617/426-8855.
www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org. Admission $10 adults, $8
children 2-15 and seniors, $2 children age 1, free for children under 1; Fri 5-9pm $1 for all. Sat-Thurs 10am-5pm;
Fri 10am-9pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Dec 25, and until noon Jan 1. T: Red Line to South Station, from South Station
walk north on Atlantic Ave. 1 block (past Federal Reserve Bank), turn right onto Congress St., then walk 2 blocks
(across bridge). Or Silver Line to Courthouse; walk toward downtown and turn left at the Fort Point Channel. Call for
information about discounted parking.
Franklin Park Zoo
This enjoyable, engaging attraction lies some distance from
downtown Boston; animal-mad families won't mind the cab ride or trek on public
transit. The centerpiece is the
Tropical Forest
exhibit, a sprawling complex that
houses more than 50 species of animals. Here you might have a close encounter with
a Western lowland gorilla (Little Joe, who made international headlines by literally
going over the wall in 2003, is secure in a redesigned enclosure) or see a pygmy hippo.
Kids find the hands-on
Franklin Farm
both entertaining and educational.
Tigers,
lions,
and
giraffes
(with their zebra friends) have their own turf, and the
Serengeti
Crossing
and
Outback Trail
exhibits assemble species from their respective conti-
nents—African zebras, ibex, and ostriches, and Australian kangaroos, emus, and cock-
atoos. From June to September, you can visit the popular, colorful
Butterfly Landing
enclosure.
Allow at least half a day for a visit, and try to budget for a cab ride in at least one
direction. Franklin Park is 40 minutes from downtown by subway and bus, and the
walk from the main gate and parking area to the entrance is fairly long.
1 Franklin Park Rd.
&
617/541-LION.
www.franklinparkzoo.org. Admission $11 adults, $9.50 seniors, $6 children
2-12, free for children under 2; first Sat of the month half-price for all. Apr-Sept Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat-Sun and
holidays 10am-6pm; Oct-Mar daily 10am-4pm. T: Orange Line to Forest Hills or Red Line to Andrew, then bus no. 16
to the main entrance, or a $15 cab ride from central Boston. Check website for driving directions and information
about winter discounts.
Kids
10 Organized Tours
ORIENTATION TOURS
GUIDED WALKING TOURS
Even if you usually prefer to explore on your own,
I heartily recommend a walking tour with
Boston By Foot
, 77 N. Washington
St. (
&
617/367-2345,
or 617/367-3766 for recorded information; www.bostonby
foot.com). From May to October, the nonprofit educational corporation conducts
historical and architectural tours that focus on particular neighborhoods or themes.
The rigorously trained guides are volunteers who encourage questions. Buy tickets
