Hours
Wednesday-Monday, 9:00am-4:00pm
Closed Tuesdays
**On the first Saturday of each month, the Museum opens at 10:00am.
Admission
Boston Children's Museum
Planning Your Summer 2026 Visit
Summer 2026 is going to be an exciting season on Boston's waterfront. Here's how to plan a smooth, stress-free family visit to the Museum.
Our neighborhood will be buzzing with global and civic events all summer long.
Between the FIFA World Cup, Sail Boston, July 4 / America 250 celebrations, and major conventions and concerts, Greater Boston will welcome huge crowds throughout June and July. The Museum sits right on Fort Point Channel, steps from the harbor where much of the activity happens, so a little planning will go a long way toward a relaxed visit.
PLAN-AHEAD TIPS
- Take public transit if you can. It's the easiest and most predictable way to reach the Museum this summer.
- Allow extra travel time, whether you're driving, walking, or riding transit.
- Saturday, July 11 will be the single busiest day on the waterfront. Plan around it, or come prepared for big crowds and a fun, festive atmosphere!
- Arrive earlier in the day when possible. Afternoons and evenings will be the most crowded.
- If you're driving, expect heavier traffic, limited parking, and some street closures.
- Buy tickets in advance so you can head straight in when you arrive.
These are the dates when the neighborhood will be most crowded. You can absolutely still visit with ease; just plan ahead, consider taking transit, and allow extra time.
| Date | What's Happening Nearby | What It Means for Your Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Sat. July 11 | Sail Boston: Grand Parade of Sail & evening fireworks at Fan Pier | The busiest day of the summer right on our waterfront. Expect very large crowds, road closures, and limited parking. Transit strongly recommended, or make a festive day of it! |
| July 11–16 | Sail Boston week: tall ships & public ship boarding along the Harborwalk | A steady, multi-day stream of visitors near the Museum. Busy but family-friendly; see the "Sail Boston" section below. |
| Mon. July 13 | Parade on Seaport Boulevard (an adjacent street), noon–2pm | Seaport Boulevard will be affected midday. If you're driving to the Museum, please plan your route to avoid this road during those hours. |
| Wed. July 15 | Sail Boston closing fireworks at Fan Pier | Another big evening crowd on the waterfront. Plan for delays getting home in the evening. |
| Jun 23, 26, 29 & Jul 9 | FIFA World Cup weekday matches (afternoon kickoffs) | Heaviest transit crowds and traffic build through the afternoon and evening around South Station. Morning and midday visits will be calmer. |
| Jun 13, 16 & 19 | FIFA World Cup evening matches | Busier evenings near South Station. Daytime visits are the smoothest bet. |
The Museum is at 308 Congress Street, on Fort Point Channel. Here's the best way to reach us this summer.
Take the Red Line or Silver Line (SL1/SL2/SL3) to South Station, then it's a short, flat walk over the channel. Trains and buses will be busy this summer, so allow extra time and check the schedule before you go.
We're an easy walk from Downtown, the Seaport, and South Station. During big events, sidewalks will be crowded and there may be street closures or security checkpoints, so give yourself a few extra minutes.
Expect heavier traffic and limited parking, plus street closures on the busiest days (especially July 11). If you must drive, arrive early and leave plenty of extra time to find parking.
Make a day of it: pair your Museum visit with the tall ships.
From July 11–16, Sail Boston brings majestic tall ships from around the world right to our waterfront. Many will be open for free public boarding along the Harborwalk, and the Grand Parade of Sail on July 11 plus evening fireworks make for an unforgettable family experience just steps from the Museum.
| Resource | What It's For |
|---|---|
| MBTA Website & MBTA Go App | Live transit schedules, arrival times, and service alerts. |
| Sail Boston Events | Official tall-ships schedule, ship boarding times, and fireworks details. |
| Mass511 | Real-time traffic, road closures, and construction info if you're driving. |
| FIFA Fan Festival (Meet Boston) | Details on Boston's official FIFA Fan Festival and visitor planning for World Cup days. |
Parking
The Seaport Area has many public parking options. The Museum provides validation at four garages. We cannot validate through parking apps or QR codes, please pull a physical ticket at the gate of the garage.
11 Stillings Street
Farnsworth Street Garage
17-19 Farnsworth Street
Atlantic Wharf Parking Garage
280 Congress Street
Weekdays-Must enter garage after 10:00am
Weekends-All Day
Seaport South Garage
2 West Service Road
Weekends Only
Directions
Boston Children’s Museum is close to major highways and easily accessible by public transportation.
Please note: As of August 15th, Sleeper Street will convert from two-way to one-way, travel allowed from Seaport Boulevard to Congress Street.