Our city is full of family-friendly museums, but only Boston Children's Museum is designed just for kids. Whether you're looking for a few hours to kill or somewhere to enjoy an entire day with your kids, there's no better destination in Boston. This three-story museum offers endless entertainment and discovery, including exhibits that focus on science, culture, social awareness, health and fitness, the arts, and more. While the museum may seem overwhelming, we've broken it down, level by level, so you can plan your visit and make sure you see all the best exhibits.

Make sure to save some extra time to head outside before or after your visit to play, slide, and explore at Martin's Park playground, and if you want to make a full day of it, explore all that the surrounding Seaport neighborhood has to offer! 

While Boston families have plenty of ways to cool down during the summer months, river tubing and white water rafting are memorable experiences. If you're ready to add a little extra adventure to a water-themed excursion, there's something for all levels—from real-life lazy rivers and wild rapids for adrenaline seekers to the not-to-be-missed Saco River tubing experience. Why not make a weekend out of river tubing and white water rafting? Head over the border to Maine or New Hampshire. Many locations have onsite campgrounds or lodging nearby.

For more fun on the water, explore our guide to the Best Swimming Lakes and Ponds Around Boston and Summer Fun Around Boston guide. 

Don't like the weather in Boston? Wait five minutes! That means summer days or winter days (and any day in between) could turn into a rainy day, but just because the weather calls for rain, it doesn't mean the day needs to be dreary. From free museums to indoor play spaces, here are 25 ways to keep kids active and entertained when showers put a damper on outdoor plans.

For even more great (dry) kids' activities, check out our indoor fun guide; and don't forget to keep tabs on our events calendar, which is packed with plenty of fun activities—inside and out—for every day of the week.