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What's Open Now in Boston: Museums, Theme Parks, Family Attractions

The Log Flume is one of more than three dozen attractions opening this season at Canobie Lake Park. Photo courtesy of the park
The Log Flume is one of more than three dozen attractions opening this season at Canobie Lake Park. Photo courtesy of the park
7/15/20 - By Kelley Heyworth

After four cooped-up months, many Boston parents are in the market for some fun family outings again. As Massachusetts moves through its Phase 3 reopening plan toward Phase 4, many Boston-area museums, zoos, and other family attractions are reopening, with social distancing, mask requirements, and other guidelines in place. Here are the kid-friendly destinations we're most excited to visit again, including tbe Boston Children's Museum, Boston Science Museum, the New England Aquarium, and, in neighborhing New Hampshire, theme parks like Canobie Lake Park—with reopening dates and special tips for visiting each.

For more ideas for safe outings with kids, check out our Ultimate Summer Staycation Planner for Boston Kids and 25 Summer Day Trips for Boston Families.

Please note that these attractions could change their policies or access at any time due to the evolving nature of COVID-19, so make sure you call ahead before heading out—and pack your kids' face masks and hand sanitizer.

 

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The EcoTarium's main exhibits and outdoor spaces are open on weekends. Photo by the EcoTarium
The EcoTarium's main exhibits and outdoor spaces are open on weekends. Photo by the EcoTarium

Boston-Area Museums and Cultural Attractions Open

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum Reopens

Reopening Friday, July 17
Experience Boston's rich history once again when the museum reopens to the public. Modified tours will be in place, and Abigail's Tea Room will be open for visitors. Social distancing markers can be found throughout the facility. READ MORE

Boston Children's Museum Reopens

Reopening Wednesday, July 22
Children can learn, create and play when the Boston Children's Museum reopens to the public. Tickets must be reserved for limited time slots, and guests over 2 must wear masks. READ MORE

Reopening: Museum of Science

Reopening Sunday, July 26
Plan to bring face coverings and check with the museum for updated guidelines and information closer to the opening date. READ MORE

Discovery Museum Reopens

Reopening Tuesday, July 28
Visit Discovery Museum for free when it reopens to the public late July. Admission is free through August 23. Safety guidelines are in place, including advance tickets and masks required for 5+. READ MORE

EcoTarium

Now open Saturdays and Sundays
The EcoTarium is an indoor/outdoor museum of science and nature. With 45-acres, the Ecotarium has a planetarium, extensive trails, wildlife zoo and tons of programming. See the Wild Cat Station, Animal Corner, Upper and Lower Pond and ride the Explorer Train around the grounds!  READ MORE

Old Sturbridge Village

Now open Wednesday to Sunday (9:30am-5pm)
Online reservations and face coverings are required. All historic interpretations will be taking place outdoors. The cafeteria and ice cream stands are open for takeout. READ MORE

Plimoth Patuxet Museums

Now open daily (9am-5pm)
Plimoth Patuxet Museums lets kids explore a recreated 17th-century Pilgrim village and learn about Native American culture. You can visit a real Plimoth Plantation home and see traditional crafts and cooking demonstrations. READ MORE

deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum

Now open Monday to Friday (10am-5pm)
Timed passes for entry to the outdoor grounds and parking are required. The Sculpture Park includes many new kid-friendly pieces; don't miss the Conservatory for Confectionary Curiosities. READ MORE

Battleship Cove

Now open daily (9am-5pm)
Advanced ticketing is strongly suggested, and face coverings are required. Most outdoor vessels are open for exploration, but the Maritime Museum is closed. READ MORE
Zoos like the Capron Park Zoo in Attleboro are open for touring. Photo by Massachusetts Office of Tourism
Zoos like the Capron Park Zoo in Attleboro are open for touring. Photo by Massachusetts Office of Tourism

Boston-Area Zoos and Aquariums Open

Reopening: New England Aquarium

Reopening Thursday, July 16
New safety measures have been implemented to protect public health, including one-way travel paths, required mask wearing and additional hand sanitizer stations. There's a timed ticketing system. READ MORE

Franklin Park Zoo

Now open weekdays (10am-5pm), weekends (10am-6pm)
Franklin Park Zoo in Boston offers an exciting adventure for visitors of all ages, featuring a diverse collection of animals from around the world. With engaging exhibits and beautiful landscapes, it's a perfect destination for a fun and educational day out. READ MORE

Stone Zoo

Now open weekdays (10am-5pm), weekends (10am-6pm)
Stone Zoo is a fantastic place where kids can see animals like the playful snow leopards and the adorable spider monkeys. The zoo also features a fun seasonal "Wild Lights" display, where you can see animals glowing in colorful lights. READ MORE

Southwick's Zoo

Now open Monday and Wednesday (10am-3:30pm); Tuesday, Thursday, Friday-Sunday (10am-5pm)
Online reservations and face coverings are required. All outdoor animal exhibits are open as well as the playground, petting zoo, and outdoor dining. READ MORE

Capron Park Zoo

Now open daily 10am-4pm
Most zoo buildings are open, but the Rainforest Building is closed. The splash pad is open with capacity restrictions. READ MORE
Photo courtesy of Story Land
Photo courtesy of Story Land

Boston-Area Theme Parks and Entertainment Centers Open

Canobie Lake Park Reopens

Reopening Thursday, July 16
Make a splash on over 85 rides and attractions when Canobie Lake Park reopens for the season. Advance ticketing and reservations will be in place, and masks are required except in "mask free rest areas." READ MORE

Story Land Reopens

Reopening Friday, July 17
New Hampshire's fun-filled theme park reopens for the season with safety guidelines in place. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and temperature will be checked upon arrival. Masks are required for all guests 3+. READ MORE

Santa's Village

Now open daily through Saturday, July 18 from 9:30am to 6pm; starting Sunday, July 19 open 9:30am to 5pm Tuesday through Sunday.
Online reservations are required. Face coverings are necessary in indoor spaces, in lines, and for some rides and attractions, including Reindeer Rendezvous. READ MORE

Apex Entertainment

Now open Monday to Thursday (11:30am-8pm); Friday (11:30am-10pm); Saturday (11am-10pm); Sunday (11am-8pm)
Birthday partties at Apex Entertainment include bowling, go-karts, bumper cars, ropes course, and more. READ MORE
Ferries are running direct from Long Wharf to Spectacle Island, Wednesday through Sunday. Photo by Boston Harbor Islands
Ferries are running direct from Long Wharf to Spectacle Island, Wednesday through Sunday. Photo by Boston Harbor Islands

Boston-Area Parks and Farms Open

Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park

Spectacle Island is now open via public ferry, Wednesday to Sunday (10am-5pm)
114-acre Spectacle Island is open for hiking, beach visits, and swimming via public ferry from Long Wharf. Concessions and visitors area is closed, and there are no lifeguards. READ MORE

Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary

Now open Saturday to Sunday (9am-5pm)
Drumlin's outdoor spaces and trails are open on weekends only, with online reservations required. Face coverings are required in animal exhibit and admissions areas. READ MORE

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About the Author

Kelley Heyworth
Kelley Heyworth is the regional editor for Mommy Poppins, covering Boston, Connecticut, and the rest of New England. She has covered parenting and health topics for nearly two decades, as an editor for Child Magazine and Fitness Magazines and a contributor to Parents Magazine, Mommy Nearest, and other national publications and websites. Previously, she was a writer and editor at Sports Illustrated and Philadelphia Magazines. A mom of three boys outside of Boston, Kelley also writes a blog, Happy Healthy Kids, and loves hiking, running, cooking, gardening, and spending time at beaches in Nantucket, Connecticut, and New Jersey with family and friends.
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