Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Museum of Fine Arts, Boston?
What makes it 86% Kids-Friendly: Kids get discounted tickets, scavenger-style family labels, weekend drop-in art making, and discovery carts, but fragile art and quiet rooms require close supervision and limit running.
Positives:
- Free admission for little ones: Kids under 7 enter free (ticket still required); pick up child tickets online to save time.
- Stroller-friendly galleries: You can push strollers through most exhibits; use the coat check for extra bags.
Challenges:
- Large building layout: The two wings span several floors; bring a stroller or plan frequent rest stops.
- Timed entry for special exhibits: Some special shows close strollers or limit numbers; ask staff for folding or parking instructions.
What is Museum of Fine Arts, Boston?
- A museum that unites Neoclassical and modern architectural wings on Boston’s Fenway campus
- A repository housing hundreds of thousands of works, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary American paintings
- An institution that maintains specialized collections in Asian art, textiles, decorative arts and works on paper
What is so special about Museum of Fine Arts, Boston for with kids?
- Interactive art hunts keep kids engaged.
- Free, hands-on workshops let children create.
- Monthly Family Days add story times and carts.
- Mobile audio tours entertain older kids.
- Under-7s enter free and strollers are allowed.
Recommended visit duration: 3–5 hours
Why 3–5 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for highlights, hands-on activities, and breaks for young children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Family Labels Adventure:
Pick up illustrated prompts in the Shapiro Family Courtyard that guide kids to spot animals, crowns, and colors in the galleries.
Tip: Grab labels at the Sharf Visitor Center before your tour and let each child choose their own prompt.
Drop-In Art Making:
Join free, themed art sessions and use provided supplies to create sculptures or paintings.
Tip: Check the MFA calendar online, arrive 10 minutes early, and plan for a 30-minute session.
Boston Family Days:
Attend special Sunday programs like Story Hour, Discovery Carts, and guided gallery explorations.
Tip: Register in advance through the City of Boston site; arrive at least 15 minutes before the first activity.
MFA Mobile Audio Tours:
Use the free Bloomberg Connects app for kid-friendly multimedia tours, such as “MFA in an Hour.”
Tip: Download the app and audio packs before your visit and bring headphones for each child.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
- Visit early: Arrive at opening to enjoy quieter galleries and secure seats in busy family programs.
- Use coat check: Drop off coats and large bags to move freely and keep kids from getting tired carrying items.
Reviews of Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Ashley Perez
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston is one of the best museums I’ve visited on the East Coast. There are so many incredible exhibits, with a great mix of classic and modern art that keeps the experience engaging from start to finish. The museum is super clean, well organized, and really beautiful inside. The outdoor gardens add an extra layer to the visit and make the overall experience even better. ...
Bard Suverkrop
A wonderful place to visit on a rainy day - or anytime! The BMFA is a beautifully laid out museum with art from ancient Egypt and Asia to the contemporary. I visited in January, 2026, while they are showing a beautiful collection of watercolors and paintings by Winslow Homer. The crowd was not to large, the food at the coffee shop was excellent, and the layout of the museum itself made it easy to ...
Shadobie
Definitely one of the best fine arts museums we’ve visited. It’s full of rich and vibrant history for all your interests. Music, US history, greece, contemporary… (that is to name a few). I highly recommend a quiet weekday and the audio tour to elevate your experience and walk away with a deeper understanding of what you came to see.
Csaba Csaki
Excellent general art museum. The impressionist collect is wonderful, there is a whole room of Monet's. They also have one of the best paintings of Gauging, which is also quite big and excellent, definitely don't miss that. Some good van Gogh's as well. The collection of American painting is excellent. I would like to also point you to the Egyptian and Mexican rooms. Harvard and MFA have conducted...
Srdan Dokovic
The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston is a breathtaking cultural gem that masterfully combines timeless elegance with bold artistic innovation. As you step through its majestic neoclassical entrance, you’re instantly immersed in a vibrant world where centuries of creativity come to life. Inside, you'll discover an extraordinary array of art, from ancient Egyptian relics and classical European masterp...
When is the best time to visit Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (Boston, United States)?
Look for winter holiday art workshops in December, spring-break studio classes in March, and extra summer hours. Always check the MFA online calendar for family program dates.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult general admission (2 × $30) | USD 60 |
| Child general admission (2 × $14) | USD 28 |
| Snacks and drinks at café | USD 20 |
| Total Estimated | USD 108 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Address: 465 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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About Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+1 617-267-930010 BEST nearby Activities
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