To select a museum, click “Details/Reserve”, then select which Pass to reserve.
Boston Children’s Museum
308 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210
617-426-6500 http://www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org/
[Details/Reserve]
Founded in 1913 by the Science Teachers’ Bureau, the Boston Children’s Museum is the second oldest children’s museum in the world and one of the few that maintain a collection. Designed for both children and families, the Museum exhibits focus on science, culture, environmental awareness, health & fitness, and the arts, emphasizing hands-on engagement and learning through experience, and employing play as a tool to spark the inherent creativity, curiosity, and imagination of children.
Categories: Children, Crafts, Family, Technology
Pass Benefits
Pass admits up to four people for half price.
Cape Ann Museum
27 Pleasant Street, Gloucester, MA 01930
978-283-0455 http://www.capeannmuseum.org/
[Details/Reserve]
Founded in 1873, the Cape Ann Museum is a cultural center that includes galleries (displaying both permanent and temporary exhibitions), an auditorium, library/archives, a children's activity center, two sculpture gardens and two historic homes. The largest collection of works by Fitz Henry Lane, renowned marine artist and native son, may be found there, as well as paintings and sculptures by artists with a connection to Cape Ann. Two historic properties maintained by the museum, The White-Ellery House (1710) and the Captain Elias Davis House (1804) may be visited. The Library & Archives is a major resource for the study of the industrial, social, maritime and art history of Cape Ann. Special events include lectures, walking tours, and youth and family programs. (See website for schedule). A museum shop is on the premises.
Categories: Architecture, Family, History
Pass Benefits
Free general admission for 2 adults (Youth 18 and under are free). Access to Museum Library and Archives.
Harvard Museums of Science and Culture
11 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138
617-496-1638 https://hmsc.harvard.edu/
[Details/Reserve]
The Harvard Museums of Science & Culture is a partnership of museums on the Harvard University Cambridge campus dedicated to the natural world, science, and human cultures. They include the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments, the Harvard Museum of Natural History (comprised of the Harvard University Herbaria, Mineralogical and Geological Museum, and Museum of Comparative Zoology), the Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East, and the Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology, all located between Oxford St./Divinity Ave area. Of particular note are the famous glass flowers, models commissioned by Harvard in 1886 to aid in the teaching of botany (and made in Germany over the course of more than eight decades), on display in the Harvard Museum of Natural History.
Categories: Children, Family, History, Nature, Science
Pass Benefits
Passes admit 4 people for 50% off regular museum admission rates. Please check their website for the individual museums days and hours that they are open.
The House of Seven Gables
115 Derby Street, Salem, MA 01970
978-744-0991 https://www.7gables.org/
[Details/Reserve]
The House of the Seven Gables, one of the oldest surviving timber-framed mansion houses in continental North America, was the setting of Nathaniel Hawthorne's famous 1851 novel of the same name. The historic site which includes the house (a National Historic Landmark District) includes a guided tour of the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion (the House of the Seven Gables) and visits to the Nathaniel Hawthorne Birthplace, the Colonial Revival seaside gardens, and the Counting House, with a maritime discovery zone called “Kids' Cove at The Gables.” (An audio tour of the gardens, grounds, and waterfront is available through the UniGuide App.) Lectures and seasonal living history labs are scheduled throughout the year, and a changing annual exhibition examines various aspects of the institution's 350 years of history. There is a gift shop on the premises. The website has virtual field trips and interactive exhibitions that can provide helpful background information before a visit.
Categories: Children, Family, Science
Pass Benefits
Pass gives patrons half price admission for up to four people.
Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston
25 Harbor Shore Drive, Boston, MA 02210
617-478-3100 https://www.icaboston.org/
[Details/Reserve]
The building that houses the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston on Fan Pier is the first in the US designed by the architectural firm of Diller Scofidio + Renfro. The museum was founded in 1936 as a sister institution to New York’s MoMA, though it had no permanent collection until starting one after moving into the new building on the waterfront in 2006. In addition to the collection, changing exhibitions, music, dance, film, talks, tours, family activities, and teen programming are offered throughout the year.
Categories: Art, Family, Music, Dance
Pass Benefits
Pass admits up to 2 visitors at the discounted price of $10 per admission. Admission is free to anyone 18 and under. The ICA is free to all on Thursday nights from 5:00-9:00pm.
Please note that Museum hours and admission are subject to change. Current information can be found on their website: https://www.icaboston.org/visit
Advance reservation strongly recommended.
Cannot be used for performances or special events.
Does not guarantee admittance to special exhibitions with timed entry.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
25 Evans Way, Boston, MA 02115
617-566-1401 http://www.gardnermuseum.org/home/
[Details/Reserve]
The Gardner Museum houses the collection of Isabella Stewart Gardner, a local patron of the arts who died in 1924, in a building she commissioned to look like a 15th century Venetian palazzo. The center of the original building showcases courtyard plantings that reflect the seasons as they evolve throughout the year. In addition to her collection, which remains displayed exactly she arranged it per her will, there are changing exhibitions, concerts, lectures, family events, and an artist-in-residence program. In 2012, the museum opened an addition designed by Renzo Piano that houses a space for their concert series.
Categories: Art, Family, Music
Pass Benefits
Pass admits 4 people for $5 a person. Children under the age of 18 are always admitted free.
When reserving Gardner Museum timed entry tickets online, you will submit the promo code, select the correct date and your chosen timed entry, and continue checking out (the discount will be applied at checkout). Tickets must be reserved at least 48 hours prior to visiting—this library pass does not guarantee a reservation to the Museum. If you have any issues reserving your tickets you can call the Gardner Museum's Box Office at 617-278-5156. Patrons must present both this library pass and Museum timed tickets for admission into the Museum. For more information, please visit: isgm.org/welcome.
John F. Kennedy Library & Museum
Columbia Point, Boston, MA 02125
617-514-1600 https://www.jfklibrary.org/
[Details/Reserve]
The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, dedicated to the memory of the nation’s thirty-fifth president, is located on a ten-acre park which overlooks the sea in an building designed by I.M. Pei. The Museum portrays the life, leadership, and legacy of President Kennedy, conveys his enthusiasm for politics and public service, and illustrates the nature of the office of the President, all through permanent and changing exhibits. The Library is available to students and scholars to conduct research using its collection of historical materials chronicling mid-20th century politics and the life and administration of the institution’s namesake.
Categories: Family, Governance, History
Pass Benefits
Pass admits 8 people for $3 a person
Mass Audubon has over 55 wildlife sanctuaries and centers throughout Massachusetts where visitors can learn about and interact with nature. More than 38,000 acres of protected land deliver inspiring hilltop views to breathtaking coastal landscapes, serene woods, and working farms. Visit their website for a list of locations.
Categories: Children, Family, Nature, Recreation
Pass Benefits
The one-day pass admits 1 vehicle OR up to 4 people to a Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuary. At some sanctuaries there is a $2 admission fee per visitor over the age of 2.
Massachusetts State Parks (Department of Conservation and Recreation)
251 Causeway Street, Suite 900, Boston, MA 02114-2104
617-626-1250 http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/
[Details/Reserve]
The Massachusetts State Parks have locations in all regions of the Commonwealth, from Pittsfield to Boston, and from Gloucester to Provincetown. They include beaches, wooded parks, parkways, and reservoirs, each with its own unique activities and amenities like hiking, biking, swimming and boating, camping, and more.
Categories: Children, Family, Nature, Recreation
Pass Benefits
Pass provides free parking for 1 car
Museum of Fine Arts
465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
617-267-9300 http://www.mfa.org/
[Details/Reserve]
The Boston Museum of Fine Arts, in existence since July 4, 1876, is one of the most comprehensive art museums in the world, with a collection of almost 500,000 works of art, ranging from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary painting, sculpture and video. In addition, there are always special exhibitions on view, opportunities to take advantage of educational programs—some right in the galleries—and a contemplative Japanese garden.
Categories: Art, Family, History
Pass Benefits
Pass admits 2 adults at $10 a person (general admission and special exhibition) and up to 4 children ages 7-17 at $10 each (special exhibition only). There is no discount for children 7-17 for general admisson, currently $10. Children under 6 are admitted free.
The Museum of Science in Boston is located on a piece of land that extends the width of the Charles River, connecting Boston and Cambridge. Dedicated to promoting and educating visitors about science and technology, the museum includes a planetarium, the world’s largest open-air Van de Graaff generator, an IMAX theatre, a butterfly garden, and permanent and changing exhibits on birds, insects and animals; space; dinosaurs; engineering; nanotechnology; math; biology; and more.
Categories: Children, Family, History, Nature, Science, Technology, Sky
Pass Benefits
1. This pass will admit up to 4 people at a 50% discount on tickets to the Museum’s Exhibit Halls. Children under the age of 3 are also free, and do not count towards the 4 visitor limit.
2. Your Library pass can only be used on the date printed on the pass.
3. Please bring your library pass confirmation (printed or displayed on a phone) when you visit.
4. When you arrive at the Museum, stop at the Box Office to exchange your library pass and purchase your Exhibit Halls tickets at the discounted rate. If you have any questions or would like to reserve your Exhibit Halls passes in advance to avoid waiting in line the day of your visit, please call 617-723-2500 (9:00am - 5:00pm daily).
5. If you are not able to show your Library confirmation on a phone, you may print out a copy using the link in the confirmation email or request a paper copy from the library.
New England Aquarium
1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110
617-973-5200 http://www.neaq.org/
[Details/Reserve]
The New England Aquarium is home to thousands of aquatic animals, from the giant Pacific octopus to Northern fur seals to little blue penguins. They offer a wide range of exhibits, including a shark and ray touch tank and the Giant Ocean Tank, a four-story coral reef featuring hundreds of Caribbean animals. In addition, they have an IMAX theatre and run whale watch boat excursions in partnership with Boston Harbor Cruises from April through November.
Categories: Children, Family, Nature, Science, Ocean
Pass Benefits
· This coupon allows 50% off admission to the New England Aquarium for up to 4 people.
· This is not a ticket.
· Redeem this coupon in the General Admission line at the Aquarium’s ticket booth for discounted admission for up to four people.
· Please visit https://www.neaq.org/visit/tickets/offers-discounts/ for details.
· Review the Aquarium’s website at www.neaq.org/safety ahead of your visit to ensure a safe and accessible experience.
· Valid only for Aquarium admission.
· This coupon does not provide any other discounts and cannot be applied to combo tickets.
· Library coupons or tickets obtained with library coupons may not be sold.
· Void if altered or copied. No cash value.
· Hours of operation are subject to change.
North Shore Children's Museum
10 Main Street, Peabody, MA 01960
978-538-5765 https://www.nschildrensmuseum.org/
[Details/Reserve]
Located in downtown Peabody, MA, the North Shore Children's Museum offers 15 hands-on exhibits geared towards explorative and imaginative play for children ages 2 to 8. A child may become a superhero in the Comic Room, a builder in the Gross Motor Room, an artist in the Makerspace, and more. All exhibits are in ADA-accessible spaces.
Categories: Children, Family, Science
Pass Benefits
50% off admission for a family of up to 5 adults/children.
Tickets may be purchased in advance by selecting the Library Museum Pass option on the museum website. An ePass can either be presented on a mobile device or as a print-out to receive the discounted admission rate in-person. If the library pass is not presented at the museum, you will be charged the difference for full price tickets.
Valid only on the date listed on the pass, subject to museum capacity.
Peabody Essex Museum
161 Essex Street, Salem, MA 01970-3783
978-745-9500 http://www.pem.org/
[Details/Reserve]
The Peabody Essex Museum grew out of the collection of East India Marine Society, an organization of Salem captains whose charter called for acquisition of “natural and artificial curiosities.” Its permanent collection contains art and artifacts of Africa, Asia, India, China (with a Qing Dynasty house brought from the Huizhou region), Japan, Korea, Pacific Islands, and features objects of maritime art and history that include paintings, drawings, ship models, marine decorative arts, tools, weapons, navigational instruments, and ship and yacht plans. It also has a thriving changing exhibition schedule that sometimes includes important traveling shows.
Categories: Art, Family, History, Ocean
Pass Benefits
Pass admits 2 people for $12 a person
Plimoth Patuxet Museums
137 Warren Avenue, Plymouth, MA 02360
508-746-1622 http://www.plimoth.org/
[Details/Reserve]
Plimoth Patuxet Museums offers a living history that tells the story of the English colonists who became known as “Pilgrims” and the Native Americans with whom they interacted. A big draw is the re-creation of the original settlement, populated with interpreters in period dress with whom one may interact that are based on actual historical figures. Native People from various nations in historically accurate dress provide information about the Wampanoag—the first tribe the Pilgrims encountered—at a home site based on how the group would have lived in the 17th century. In addition to the two settlements, the museum includes a visitor center, the Craft Center, barns that contain rare and heritage animal breeds, and a grist mill that manufactures cornmeal. Plymouth Patuxet Museums is also responsible for the replica of the Mayflower, the ship that brought the Pilgrims to the New World.
Categories: Children, Crafts, Family, History
Pass Benefits
This library pass must be presented to Plimoth Patuxet Museums guest services staff upon arrival at the Museum for Library patrons to purchase a Heritage Pass, Combination Pass, or Plimoth Patuxet Only pass for up to six individuals at the reduced rate of $16 per adult; $10 per child ages 5-17. This coupon is for one time use only by the patron.
Visit plimoth.org/plan-your-visit for up to date visitor information including new safety protocols, or call 508-746-1622 for hours, directions or other information.
The Trustees of the Reservations preserve and protect more than 100 special properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value—nearly 25,000 acres—all around Massachusetts. From Crane’s Beach in Ipswich and World’s End in Hingham to The Old Manse in Concord and Fruitlands Museum in Harvard, visitors to Trustees sites enjoy local history and nature in its various forms: beaches, meadows, forests, swamps and more.
Categories: Family, History, Nature, Recreation
Pass Benefits
Pass admits 2 adults and children under 18. Prices vary by location.
USS Constitution Museum
Charlestown Navy Yard, Building 22, Charlestown, MA 02129
617-426-1812 https://ussconstitutionmuseum.org/
[Details/Reserve]
The museum, a part of the Boston National Historical Park, is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard near the ship USS Constitution (“Old Ironsides”) at the end of Boston’s Freedom Trail. The museum provides a detailed look at the history of the ship, information about the war of 1812, and the battle between the ship and HMS Java. Stories are told through interactive exhibits, unique artifacts, archival records, and artwork. The museum also includes a research library which houses a strong collection of manuscripts, books, artifacts, and microfilm of primary source material. The ship itself is maintained by the US Navy, and may be visited free of charge on certain days.
Categories: Art, Family, History, Ocean
Pass Benefits
Pass admits 9 people for free, one pass per party.
Zoo New England
1 Franklin Park Road, Boston, MA 02121
617-541-5466 http://www.zoonewengland.org/
[Details/Reserve]
Zoo New England operates Franklin Park Zoo, a 72-acre site nestled in Boston’s historic Franklin Park, and the Stone Zoo, located on a 26-acre site near Spot Pond reservoir in Stoneham, MA. In addition to animals, both zoos are engaged in wildlife and conservation programs, research, and education.
Pass Benefits
Pass admits 6 people at $9 per adult and $6 per child. Children under 2 are free.