The 10 Best Things to do Good for Kids in New Bedford, Massachusetts (MA)

The largest museum in America devoted to human interaction with whales in the world's oceans, the history of whaling and its impact, and the history of Southcoast Massachusetts, the Whaling Museum houses an extensive collection of art and artifacts relating to whaling during the age of sail, socioeconomic history of the region, whale ecology, marine mammal conservation, and ocean health. Visitors can marvel at massive whale skeletons, board the world's largest ship model - the Lagoda - see an exhibit about the world's longest painting, and explore hands-on learning activities in the Casa dos Botes Discovery Center. The Whaling Museum is a compelling destination that inspires all visitors to reflect on the complex issues that shaped the past, remain critical today, and inform a sustainable future.

Tour business offering narrated harbor cruises of historic New Bedford Harbor and its whaling and fishing history since 1999. Cruises operate mid-June through September during the day, with morning and evening charters available.

Mass Escape is New Bedfords first escape room, newly opened as of July this year. It is a hands-on mental adventure game in which players must use elements of the room to solve a series of puzzles to escape within a set time limit or complete a mission. The business was put together by four friends who had a vision to bring an immersive and exciting escape game experience to the area. It's a great activity for family, friends and coworkers as everyone needs to work together to accomplish the goals and "escape the room".

Art studio offering step-by-step classes, private parties, and more! BYOB and snacks into our Historic Downtown NBMA location.

New Bedford was the mid 19th century's preeminent whaling port and for a time the richest city in the world. Whaling, a leading 19th century enterprise, contributed to America's economic and political vitality. New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park helps to preserve, protect, and interpret certain districts, structures, and artifacts that are associated with the history of whaling and related social, economic, and environmental themes for the benefit and inspiration of this and future generations. The park encompasses 34 acres spread over 13 city blocks and includes the New Bedford Whaling Museum, the Seamen's Bethel, the schooner Ernestina, and the Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum. These efforts will be undertaken in partnership with the city of New Bedford, local and regional institutions, and the Inupiat Heritage Center in Barrow, Alaska. Address is for the National Park Visitor Center.

As the 12th oldest Zoo in the country, the Buttonwood Park Zoo has delighted and enlightened millions of visitors over its more than a century existence. We are dedicated to preserving the future of wildlife by creating engaging and educational experiences that connect the community to the natural world. The Buttonwood Park Zoo is a local treasure in the community that not only serves to create long-lasting memories, but has become a conservation-based center focused on preserving important species and the habitats they call home. We are open year-round with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Stop in for a visit and see why we are the most visited attraction in the SouthCoast.