10 Things to Do in Cambridge With Kids

You’ll find endless family adventures in Cambridge, from watching indoor lightning strikes at the Museum of Science’s 700+ interactive exhibits to paddling the calm Charles River with kids as young as 10. Explore Harvard’s famous Glass Flowers collection, let children create pottery masterpieces at Made by Me Studio, and cool off at Magazine Beach’s free splash pad. Don’t miss the inclusive playground at Danehy Park or biking Fresh Pond’s scenic 2.25-mile trail—discover which activities work best for your family’s interests.

Explore the Museum of Science’s Interactive Exhibits and IMAX Dome

When you step into the Museum of Science with your kids, you’ll discover more than 700 interactive exhibits that transform learning into an adventure. Your children can explore hands-on engineering, biology, math, and technology experiences designed for wide age ranges. Don’t miss the Theater of Electricity, where the world’s largest Van de Graaff generator creates indoor lightning reaching several million volts.

The Discovery Center offers age-appropriate activities for younger children, while the Hall of Human Life features 70 interactive components exploring human biology. Your family will enjoy live science demonstrations throughout the day covering electricity, physics, and wildlife. The museum is fully accessible for visitors with disabilities, ensuring everyone can participate in the hands-on learning experiences.

Cap off your visit at the Mugar Omni Theater, New England’s only IMAX Dome. The hemispherical screen creates immersive experiences with films about space exploration, oceans, and natural phenomena.

Take a Family-Friendly Charles River Cruise or Kayak Adventure

The Charles River offers your family the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and city sightseeing, with options ranging from gentle kayak paddles to relaxing boat cruises. At Charles River Canoe & Kayak in Kendall Square, you’ll find stable recreational kayaks and canoes perfect for beginners, including 10-year-olds.

The nine-mile stretch has no current, making round trips easy while you enjoy views of the Boston skyline, Zakim Bridge, and MIT.

For a more relaxed experience, try Charles Riverboat Company’s 90-minute cruises featuring scenic city views and onboard refreshments. The company also offers sunset cruises that provide spectacular golden hour views of the city from the water.

Boston Duck Tours provides unique amphibious adventures that shift from city streets to river waters.

With pre-trip training, patient guides, and calm shallow waters, these Charles River activities create memorable family experiences.

Discover Robotics and AI at the MIT Museum in Kendall Square

Where else can your kids watch robots play ping pong, train AI models, and explore the cutting-edge technology shaping our future? The MIT Museum in Kendall Square delivers hands-on tech adventures that’ll captivate curious minds.

Your children can marvel at historical robots like the Minsky Arm and early humanoids, then jump into interactive AI exhibits where they’ll train robots and visualize neural networks in real time. The museum also showcases fascinating technology-focused artworks that blend scientific innovation with creative expression.

The museum’s STEAM-focused galleries bridge the science intimidation gap perfectly. Kids can explore gene culture art in the Life Sciences Gallery, rotate interactive platforms, and discover MIT’s groundbreaking innovations since 1861.

Located at 314 Main Street, this gateway to MIT’s campus transforms complex robotics and AI concepts into engaging, accessible experiences that inspire future innovators.

Visit Harvard’s Natural History Museum and Famous Glass Flowers

Step into Harvard’s Natural History Museum and you’ll discover one of the world’s most extraordinary scientific treasures—the famous Glass Flowers collection. Your kids will be amazed by these incredibly detailed glass models of plants created by Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka between 1886-1936.

The collection features about 4,300 individual models representing 780 plant species, all crafted using lampworking techniques with heated glass rods.

What makes this perfect for children is that these “flowers” are always in bloom, letting them study tropical and temperate plants year-round. The renovated gallery displays around 2,000 models at any time, showing everything from tiny flower parts to complete plant life cycles. The collection attracts approximately 200,000 visitors annually, making it one of Harvard’s most popular attractions.

It’s hands-on learning that combines art and science beautifully.

Play at Louis A. DePasquale Universal Design Playground

Looking for a playground where every child can play together regardless of their abilities? You’ll find exactly that at Louis A. DePasquale Universal Design Playground in Danehy Park. This award-winning space earned recognition as Cambridge’s Best Outdoor Play Space in 2024 for good reason.

Your kids will love exploring the wooden tower structure, accessed by an elevated bridge that accommodates wheelchairs and walkers. The climbing elements provide physical challenges while the unique Sensory Walk Zone offers tactile experiences through crushed stone, concrete, and granite pavers. These modern playgrounds serve as social spaces where children build relationships through communication and laughter.

Located between Field Street and Briston Arms residential complex, this inclusive playground ensures children of all abilities can play side by side. The thoughtful design creates meaningful play experiences that bring families together in Cambridge’s welcoming park environment.

Walk the Charles River Reservation Multi-Use Paths

After playground fun, stretch those little legs on the Charles River Reservation Multi-Use Paths, where 23 miles of paved trails await your family’s next adventure. You’ll discover kid-friendly highlights including the Pat and Gabriel Farren Playground near Irving Street and Soldiers Field Park Children’s Center by Harvard Stadium.

Watch rowers at Northeastern University Boathouse while enjoying river views from quiet dock sections.

The mostly paved asphalt handles strollers easily, though narrow Esplanade stretches require extra caution on busy weekends. You’ll pass MIT’s campus just two miles from Museum of Science, then reach Harvard University another 2.6 miles along the north bank. The trail offers water sports opportunities with kayaks and sailing classes visible along the route.

Create a perfect 17.1-mile loop from Museum of Science to Watertown Square using connecting bridges for an unforgettable family outing.

Cool Off at Magazine Beach Park’s Splash Pad and Pool

When summer heat becomes unbearable, Magazine Beach Park’s splash pad and Veterans Memorial Swimming Pool offer the perfect family escape along the Charles River. You’ll find this 15-acre oasis stays 10 degrees cooler thanks to shade trees and river breezes.

The splash pad operates daily from 9:30am-7pm (June 8-September 3), providing free splashing fun for all ages.

Meanwhile, the Veterans Memorial Swimming Pool welcomes families from 11:15am-6:45pm (June 21-August 17, 2025) with lifeguards on duty and shallow depths perfect for kids.

Both facilities require tight-fitting swim diapers for non-toilet trained children and mandatory cleansing showers.

You’ll appreciate the nearby playground, picnic areas, restrooms, and ample parking. As Cambridge’s second largest park, Magazine Beach Park provides plenty of space for families to spread out and enjoy various activities beyond the water features.

Children under 12 need adult supervision at all times.

Paint Your Own Pottery at Made by Me Studio

While many Cambridge activities depend on good weather, Made by Me Studio offers year-round creative fun just steps from Harvard Square. This drop-in pottery studio at 1685 Massachusetts Ave lets kids select ceramic pieces ranging from $10-150 and paint them with colorful glazes.

You’ll pay a $5 studio fee per half-hour per painter, which includes all supplies.

The process is simple: choose your pottery, paint with glazes, then return later to pick up your fired masterpiece with its awesome glaze finish. It’s perfect for birthday parties (they’ve saved celebrations on short notice), family outings, or rainy day activities.

The studio works well for all ages, though slower painters might rack up higher hourly fees. The studio is led by art teacher Bessie Blum, who focuses on helping everyone uncover their individual creativity through hands-on instruction. Check their Groupon deals for savings.

Stroll Through Harvard Square and Campus

Few places blend history, education, and entertainment as seamlessly as Harvard Square and its iconic campus. Start at Harvard Yard, the university’s oldest section featuring a central green surrounded by historic dorms and academic buildings. Don’t miss the John Harvard statue—let your kids rub his left shoe for good luck following campus tradition.

Free student-led walking tours last 45-60 minutes but require advance registration. During warmer months, grab colorful Luxembourg lawn chairs for relaxing on the grass. Ditch strollers since brick walkways and crowded sidewalks make navigation tricky.

The Plaza near Harvard Yard often hosts student activities like bean bag toss and life-sized chess. Food trucks occasionally appear for casual dining, and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream truck sometimes parks outside for perfect people-watching opportunities. Nearby, the Harvard Book Store has been serving the community since 1932 and offers excellent Harvard-themed souvenirs and merchandise.

Enjoy Fresh Pond Reservation’s Nature Loop Trail

If you’re looking for an easy outdoor adventure that works for all ages, Fresh Pond Reservation’s Nature Loop Trail delivers the perfect blend of exercise and entertainment. The 2.25-mile paved loop around the reservoir offers mostly level terrain that’s perfect for kids learning to bike or families wanting a leisurely walk.

Your children will love spotting animals along the way and playing at the on-site playground. The dog beach area provides endless entertainment as kids watch dogs swim and splash.

You’ll find water stations, restrooms near the Waterworks building, and plenty of benches for rest stops. The trail also offers beautiful fall colors during autumn months, making it especially scenic for family photos and nature appreciation.

Park along Huron Ave if you’re not a Cambridge resident, and remember bikes must travel slowly to keep everyone safe on this popular family trail.

The Sum Up

You’ll find Cambridge offers endless adventures for your family! From hands-on science experiments to splashing in the pool, there’s something to spark every kid’s curiosity. Don’t forget to pack snacks and comfortable shoes for all that exploring. Whether you’re building robots, spotting glass flowers, or paddling down the Charles River, you’re creating memories that’ll last a lifetime. Cambridge isn’t just educational—it’s pure fun waiting to be discovered with your little adventurers!