North Pole - various times
Virtual - various times
North Pole - various times
Virtual - various times
North Pole - various times
Virtual - various times
North Pole - various times
Virtual - various times
North Pole - various times
Virtual - various times
North Pole - various times
Virtual - various times
North Pole - various times
Virtual - various times
Mass Audubon's Blue Hills Trailside Museum: Your Ultimate Family Guide
Mass Audubon's Blue Hills Trailside Museum is a true local treasure, offering an abundance of nature exploration and low-key adventures perfect for families with young children. From interactive indoor exhibits to accessible outdoor trails, this museum provides endless opportunities for discovery. For those with older kids who can manage the hike and climb to the observation tower, the panoramic view of Boston is an absolute must-see.
This comprehensive guide will help you make the most of your visit to the Blue Hills Trailside Museum and its universally accessible trail, which is thoughtfully equipped with a rope guide and educational materials in various formats, including braille.
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Top 20 Activities for Kids at the Blue Hills Trailside Museum
Here are 20 engaging activities to enjoy with your children at the Blue Hills Trailside Museum:
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Plan Your Adventure: Begin your visit by mapping out your exploration on the large topography map located inside the museum entrance.
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Indoor Scavenger Hunt: Embark on a visual scavenger hunt within the exhibits to identify local plants, insects, and animals. You might be surprised by your kids' knowledge!
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Observation Tower Bird Spotting: Climb to the top of the tower and use binoculars to spot and identify both the taxidermy birds inside the museum and live birds outside.
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Log Slide Fun: Watch your little one delight in sliding down the inside of a "wooden" log, a guaranteed favorite that will be repeated again and again.
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Meet the Barn Owl: Discover the live barn owl residing within the museum's exhibits.
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Rodent Rendezvous: Check out the various rodents and prepare for a chorus of "aww" or "eww," depending on personal preference!
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Bird Call Identification: Listen to recorded bird calls and challenge yourselves to identify them.
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Underwater World: Observe the diverse fish swimming gracefully in the museum's tanks.
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Snowy Owl Project Insights: Learn fascinating details about the Snowy Owl Project and its unexpected connection to Logan Airport.
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Peregrine Falcon Facts: Uncover fun and interesting facts about peregrine falcons.
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Pond Views & Art: Admire the scenic view of the pond and the unique cutout art framing the windows.
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Pond Dipping Adventure: Stroll along the boardwalk and try your hand at dipping for pond creatures off the dock.
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Accessible Trail Exploration: Follow the fully accessible, interactive Red Dot Trail up to the Eliot Observation Tower and back. For a more challenging experience, hike up the rocky terrain to the tower instead.
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Picnic with a View: Pack a lunch and enjoy a relaxing break at the picnic area next to the museum or near the observation tower.
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Boston Skyline Panorama: Soak in the breathtaking view of Boston from the observation tower.
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Weekend Story Time & Animal Encounters: Visit on a weekend morning to enjoy a captivating story and meet a live animal.
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Live Animal Presentation: Attend a weekend afternoon live animal presentation to meet one of Trailside's resident creatures.
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Overnight Wilderness Experience: Explore the Blue Hills after dark and sleep in a dormitory at the top of Chickatawbut Hill during an Overnight Program.
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Family Birding Introduction: Become a birding family – the Trailside Museum is an excellent place to begin your avian adventures!
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Summer Camp Fun: Sign your child up for a memorable summer camp experience at the Trailside Museum.
Why Visit Mass Audubon's Blue Hills Trailside Museum?
The Blue Hills Trailside Museum offers a unique blend of indoor learning and outdoor exploration, making it an ideal destination for families. Its commitment to accessibility ensures that everyone can enjoy the wonders of nature. Whether you're looking for an educational outing, a scenic hike, or just a fun day outdoors, the museum delivers on all fronts.
Planning Your Visit
Location and Contact Information
Mass Audubon's Blue Hills Trailside Museum at DCR's Blue Hills Reservation
1904 Canton Ave, Milton, MA 02186
Phone: 617-333-0690
Email: bluehills@massaudubon.org
Accessibility
The museum and its Red Dot Trail are designed to be universally accessible, featuring a rope guide and educational materials in various formats, including braille, to ensure an inclusive experience for all visitors.
What to Bring
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Comfortable walking shoes
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Water bottles
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Snacks or a packed lunch
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Binoculars (optional, but great for bird spotting)
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Sunscreen and bug spray (seasonal)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is there an admission fee for the Blue Hills Trailside Museum?
A: Please check the official Mass Audubon website or call the museum directly for the most up-to-date information on admission fees.
Q: Are dogs allowed at the Blue Hills Trailside Museum?
A: Generally, dogs are not permitted inside the museum buildings or on certain protected trails. Please refer to the museum's guidelines or contact them directly for specific pet policies.
Q: How long does it take to explore the museum and trails?
A: The time needed to explore can vary. A quick visit to the museum might take an hour or two, while exploring the accessible trail and potentially hiking to the observation tower could take several hours. Plan according to your family's pace and interests.
Q: Are there restrooms available?
A: Yes, restrooms are available at the museum.
Q: Is the observation tower accessible for strollers or wheelchairs?
A: The observation tower itself has stairs. However, the universally accessible Red Dot Trail leads up to the area near the observation tower, allowing for views from the base.
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