On a rainy summer day you are probably looking for a place where your kids can run around like crazy and blow off some steam. In Greater Boston, your first choice may be the Children's Museum on Boston's waterfront. But if you live south of the city and are looking for a closer alternative at a lesser price, you could try the Children's Museum in Easton.
I just did. My seven-year old and three-year old had a great couple of hours running around inside the museum.
Open since 1991, the museum is located in an historic old fire station in North Easton, Massachusetts. It has three floors of play space with a primary focus on children ages 1-8.
As you enter, there is a play fishing boat, train, performance stage, and cabin. They were a perfect start for my kids to run around after being penned inside by the rain. For more focused playing, there is a train table full of wooden trains tracks and engines. For feats of strength, the old firepole is still in place, but re-designed for kids to climb up and ring a bell.
Upstairs, there is the new Dinosaur Den. You won't confuse it with the Dinosaur exhibit at Boston's Museum of Science. There are fewer educational materials, but much more stuff to grab. The Kidsclinic gives them a doctor's office, where you can view x-rays, or try out crutches. There is also huge arts and crafts room to produce projects.
The basement contains the FETCH! Lab, featuring activities seen on the FETCH! with Ruff Ruffman. You can create a maze or participate in several science and math activities.
Outside is the Wild Place, an outdoor learning center. It looked like it would be a great place for kids to play. Since I was there on a rainy day, we didn't get to enjoy this lovely outdoor space.
For more pictures of the museum and its activities check out the Children's Museum In Easton's photostream in Flickr.
