One of the oldest cities in America and home to many important historical events, Boston, MA should be on every American family’s vacation wish list. While historical spots like the Freedom Trail and Plimouth Plantation are popular attractions, Boston also boasts some fabulous kid-friendly museums that are a must visit. Here are three of the best:

Boston Children’s Museum

If you are visiting the Boston area with young children, the Boston Children’s Museum should be on your list. Located in the South Boston Seaport area of Boston (right on the Boston Harbor), this hands-on museum is great for kids aged 2-9.

The museum, the second oldest children’s museum in America, offers three floors and was renovated in 2007, becoming the first green museum in Boston. You could easily spend the whole day there, but since most tourists can’t dedicate an entire day, try to arrive at opening when it’s the least crowded. Make sure you visit the Construction Zone, Science Playground, Arthur and Friends, New Balance Climb, and Kid Power exhibit, which are our favorites. For lunch, there’s an Au Bon Pain in the museum, and many delis and bakeries in the area.

The Details:

The Boston Children’s Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Fridays, when it’s open until 9 p.m. Admission is $14 per person, but on Fridays, Target sponsors a special family night where admission from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. is only $1. Members have access to the museum at 9 a.m. on the weekends.

The Boston Children’s Museum is accessible via South Station and several MBTA boat routes. Parking garages and on-street parking are also available.

Boston Museum of Science

Located on a stretch of land by the Charles River, the Boston Museum of Science is currently undergoing a $250 million five-year renovation. Save most of the day for your visit, because there’s so much to see and do at the museum.

You can choose to start your visit in either wing or floor – the whole museum is worth checking out. Popular exhibits include the Theater of Electricity, WeatherWise, Math Moves, the Butterfly Garden, and Dinosaurs. Check the schedule of events for the day because the museum offers numerous shows and live presentations. One highlight is the Lightning! Show, which features the world's largest, air-insulated Van de Graaff generator.

If you get hungry while you are there, the Museum of Science offers a food court style cafeteria with food by Wolfgang Puck Catering. The museum also has an IMAX theater and Planetarium.

The Details:

Regular hours for the Boston Museum of Science are Saturday – Thursday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm and Friday, 9:00 am – 9:00 pm. The museum is open extended hours in the summer. Exhibit hall admission is $23 for adults, $20 for kids aged 3-11, and $21 for seniors. Admission to the planetarium and IMAX theater is separate, but combo tickets are available.

New England Aquarium

The New England Aquarium was just renovated in 2013, completely updating the popular Giant Ocean Tank that sits in the center of the aquarium. The aquarium can certainly be an overwhelming experience, and is often crowded on holidays and weekends. It’s best to purchase your timed admission tickets in advance online – so make sure you plan your visit in advance.

Once you enter the aquarium, start out at the Shark and Ray touch tank. Kids will need to be quiet and hold their hands steady to touch the rays, so make sure your children are the appropriate age.

Once you enter the main section of the aquarium, you’ll pass by the huge penguin exhibit. If you watch for a while, you may be able to see the penguin feeding time, which is always popular. As you pass the penguins, you’ll enter the spiral area of the aquarium, anchored by the Giant Ocean Tank. Kids love just standing in one of the sections of the tank watching the fish swim by – especially the giant sea turtles. You can also go to the top of the tank to see the divers entering the tank.

There are exhibits along the edge of the spiral that are fun to check out, but can get crowded. Make sure you visit both the Edge of the Sea exhibit, where they can touch starfish and other little creatures, and the Marine Mammal Center, where you can see seals and sea lions, and maybe even catch some training. Time permitting; check out an ocean-themed movie at the aquarium’s IMAX theater.

The Details:

The New England Aquarium’s hours change depending on date and season, so check out the website in advance. Admission is $24.95 per adult, $17.95 for kids aged 3-17, and $22.95 for seniors. Kids under 3 are free. The IMAX Theater is a separate admission, but combo tickets are available. The aquarium is accessible via South Station, the MBTA commuter boats, and the MBTA blue line. There’s also a parking garage – but be prepared for high rates.

Jodi Grundig is the editor of Family Travel Magazine, an online magazine-style blog that has been inspiring families to travel since 2011. Our goal is to make family travel accessible – whether it’s taking a cruise with the whole family, touring National Parks, or visiting theme parks. We offer tips and reviews to make traveling with family easier and more enjoyable.

All photos courtesy and copyright Jodi Grundig, except word photo: creative commons.