Family Activities
South of Boston/Plymouth offers indoor & outdoor fun for children and families
This region is cranberry country, and at Flax Pond Farms in the nearby town of Carver visitors can see the cranberry bogs, learn how the berries are farmed, and buy cranberry foods and gifts. Visitors who arrive in September and October could be rewarded with a front-row viewing of the harvesting process. The town of South Carver is home to Edaville USA, with its two-mile train ride for parents and young children. The railroad hosts Day Out With Thomas events through the summer and special activities during the National Cranberry Festival in the fall. Edaville is famous for its magnificent display of lights at Christmas.
The South of Boston region includes the city of New Bedford, where visitors from around the world marvel at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Also in this region, Battleship Cove in the city of Fall River is home to the USS Massachusetts, the submarine Lionfish, and other World War II-era fighting ships. Visitors are welcome to explore the vessels, to visit the museum, and to ride the nearby historic carousel.
3 places to visit
See Plymouth
Interactive history museums, boating excursions, kid-friendly dining and lodging make Plymouth a must for families
4 North Street Plymouth, MA 02360 508-747-0100 Check out some more great things to do while visiting Plymouth County, MA!
A walk through the streets of picturesque Plymouth will show you right away why it’s a family-favorite vacation spot. Kids love going on board the Mayflower II and leaning over the nearby barrier to get a peek at Plymouth Rock. At the Plimoth Patuxet Museums, interpreters are happy to answer questions as you explore life in a 17-century English village and a Wampanoag homesite. Sometimes children can help scrape out a dugout canoe or play with a Pilgrim child’s toy. At the Plimoth Grist Mill, you can see how corn was ground. At the harbor, go on a pirate cruise, whale-watch, or take a harbor cruise aboard a paddlewheel boat. There are arcades, ice cream shops, family-friendly restaurants and the Edaville Family Theme Park a short drive away. Please visit our website to learn more about these activities and others to prepare for your trip to Plymouth.
A walk through the streets of picturesque Plymouth will show you right away why it’s a family-favorite vacation spot. Kids love going on board the Mayflower II and leaning over the nearby barrier to get a peek at Plymouth Rock. At the Plimoth Patuxet Museums, interpreters are happy to answer questions as you explore life in a 17-century English village and a Wampanoag homesite. Sometimes children can help scrape out a dugout canoe or play with a Pilgrim child’s toy. At the Plimoth Grist Mill, you can see how corn was ground. At the harbor, go on a pirate cruise, whale-watch, or take a harbor cruise aboard a paddlewheel boat. There are arcades, ice cream shops, family-friendly restaurants and the Edaville Family Theme Park a short drive away. Please visit our website to learn more about these activities and others to prepare for your trip to Plymouth.
Plimoth Patuxet Museums
Discover Hands-On History the Whole Family Will Love!
137 Warren Avenue Plymouth, MA 02360 508-746-1622 Step inside a wetu on the Historic Patuxet Homesite and discover the history and heritage of the Indigenous People who have lived here since time immemorial. Watch Plymouth Colony come to life as you traverse the English Village and interact with historical performers portraying 17th-century residents. Climb aboard national treasure, Mayflower II, and learn about the journey of the Pilgrims. Visit the Plimoth Grist Mill to learn about the importance of corn in the 17th century and today. Ask questions, lend a hand, and jump into activities as you travel through time and our sites. Named the Best Open-Air Museum in the USA in 2024, 2025, and 2026 by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
Art Complex Museum
Art, Nature, and Hands-On Fun – Plus, Admission is Free
189 Alden Street Duxbury, MA 02332 781-934-6634 The Art Complex Museum is a cultural destination offering art, history, and natural beauty -all housed in a sleek modern space overlooking tranquil gardens. The museum hosts rotating exhibitions showcasing contemporary artists, American paintings, Works on Paper, Asian art, and Shaker furniture, along with engaging lectures, workshops, and family-friendly programs. Outdoors, the beautifully landscaped grounds invite strolls among sculptures. Free admission makes it an accessible destination for all. With year-round events and special exhibits, every visit offers something new. It's a must-stop for art lovers and anyone seeking inspiration in Plymouth County.
Admission: Free