Boston Museum of Science
 

We've never been, will the kids enjoy? Our daughter is 8 the boys are 6. How much time should we plan on spending at the museum? Are the other "shows" in the musuem a must? How about lunch, can we leave the building and return the same day? Thanks for your help.

Your kids will L O V E it ! My kids are 13 and 9 and we have been going there once a year for years. You could literally spend a whole entire day there between the Halls of the Museum, the Omni Theatre and the Planetarium. (they are all great too) They do have a "cafeteria" which is pretty good and pretty reasonably priced considering where it is located. (Burgers, Pizza and kid friendly food---I think about 6 $$). There is a lot of interactive stuff for the kids too--so it is really "hands on". I am not sure about leaving and returning on the same day though. Have fun !!

The Lightning Show is unique and a must-see, although it might frighten young children. This show typically runs 4 or 5 times daily. The Boston MOS has the world's largest van de Graaff generator, which is capable of discharging over 2.5 million volts of electricity. That's a pretty big lightning stroke, particularly indoors! My guess is that your little guys will be blown away and want to stay for the next show!<BR><BR>There are several other special shows each day, and may or may not appeal to your interest. Right now, there is a lot of stuff on ancient Egypt and the Louis &amp; Clark Expedition. I would plan on spending at least half a day.<BR><BR>Pamela is right, the cafeteria is above average in quality, selection, and prices. I don't see any reason to leave unless you are gourmands. There aren't many eating choices nearby - the Museum is on the river, not close to much else.

Thank you both for your information. We're getting really excited about the entire trip to Boston. Any ideas on what to do Sunday? Thought maybe the Aquarium, we're looking for more of a half day event that way we can get home at a reasonable hour.

You and your kids will love love love the Museum of Science! For Sunday, go for a tour on the Boston Duck. Sit near the tour operator and when you get in the water, he may let your kids drive the vehicle around!

The Aquarium is wonderful, and I also suggest that you take the ferry to Charlestown to see the USS Constitution. It costs $1.50 to ride the ferry each way and its about a 12 minute ride (departs from the wharf by the Aquarium). Entrance to the USS Constitution is free and the tours are run by the Navy.<BR><BR>The Ducks are hibernating for the winter on the Duck Tours, and I believe they start up again in March or April. When the Ducks are running you can catch the tour at the Prudential Center. But, you can take the trolley tours up until the Ducks are running again. They don't float down the Charles River, but you can either take it all around the city or use the hop on/hop off feature.<BR><BR>You might want to take your children to the Childrens Museum. And there is a small sports museum at the Fleet Center that your family might be interested in.