Of course, there are always the obvious recommendations, such as the Museum of Science and the Aquarium. But they tend to be pricey, so here are a few alternatives:
2. Arnold’s Arboretum (Free, http://www.arboretum.harvard.edu/): Though it may not be the prime season for visiting this place, it’s still lovely all the same. There’s ample picnic space (256 acres to be exact) and plenty of botany to learn, as all of the plant species are labeled and free tours are available with highly knowledgeable folk. Additionally, it provides a great rest spot if you wish to enjoy a brisk bike along the whole of Boston’s seven mile Emerald Necklace, as it is considered the second largest link (second to Jamaica Pond, another worthy location to visit).
3. Harvard Museum of Natural History ($7 w/ ID, free to MA residents on certain days, http://www.hmnh.harvard.edu/)– What first greets you as you enter the main building are Professor Goodale’s anatomically perfect and utterly gorgeous glass gardens, which were created by the famous glassblowers Leopold and Rudolph Blaschka from 1887 through 1936. Goodale commissioned their production so he could have immortal plant models for analytical and teaching purposes, and currently the museum holds a collection of over 830 plant species. Along with this stunning gallery, the museum also offers permanent zoological, mineralogical and geological exhibitions, as well as rotating special exhibits. Like the MIT museum, it is fascinating without being overwhelming.
4. Battleship Cove in Boston ($15 with military discount, http://www.battleshipcove.org/)– A marvel to engineers, marine scientists, historians and military buffs, this place is totally rad. Normally not my scene (reminds me too much of somewhere you’d go for a middle school field trip), I went with my dad a few months back and was completely blown away. Battleship Cove boasts as the world’s largest naval ship museum, and visitors may explore inside and out the giant USS Massachusetts (affectionately known as “Big Mamie”, who is famously believed to have fired the US Navy’s first and last sixteen 410 mm shells in WWII), USS Lionfish submarine, and various PT boats, destroyers, military equipment and artillery.
5. Breweries!– Somewhat broadly under the science category, I say they count because the tours undoubtedly give you a synopsis of the beer making process, which features some really cool chemistry. With this knowledge, you may enjoy your tasty beer just that much more. A few possibilities: Harpoon (http://www.harpoonbrewery.com/), Sam Adams (http://www.samueladams.com/), etc., to name a few.
6. The Warren Anatomical Museum in the Harvard’s Countway Medical Library (Free, https://www.countway.harvard.edu/menuNavigation/historicalResources/warrenAnatomicalMuseum.html)– Covering two floors, this small museum is also free, local, and fascinating to check out. Some noteworthy specimens include the fractured skull, tamping iron and several wax renditions of one neuropsychology’s most famous subjects, Phineas Gage. Siamese twin skeletons, antique medical equipment, and nearly 15,000 other related items are featured here as well.
7. Axiom Gallery (http://www.axiomart.org/)– A neat little art gallery near JP that focuses on experimental, technology-based art. I’ve never visited personally, but really want to as it comes highly recommended (thanks Laura!). They also seem to have a lot of interesting sessions, workshops, and talks for public participation.
Enjoy!
I HIGHLY recommend Arnold’s Arboretum!