The museum has exhibits and activities for all children, but especially for the younger set. One of the most popular exhibits is the Art Studio, where kids and their families are allowed to get messy and make art. The Construction Zone is a kid-sized play area designed to look like a construction site. Tunnels, ramps and bridges abound. There's even a real Bobcat! The Common is a play area with a maze, a life-size chess game and more. Live performances and dances are also held at The Common.
New Balance Climb is a brightly painted climbing area that is three stories tall! It rises from the main lobby of the museum. There are all kinds of learning activities for kids to experience as they climb their way through the puzzle.
Kid Stage is a kid-sized stage that introduces kids to the performing arts, including music, dance and comedy. Another interesting exhibit is the Japanese House, which is a fully-equipped traditionally built Japanese house that allows children to explore the daily life and customs of Japan. It was given to Boston by the city of Kyoto in 1979.
The museum also hosts a number of traveling exhibits. One of the best is Making America's Music: Rhythm, Roots & Rhyme. This exhibit covers 2,500 square feet of the museum and celebrates all of America's music, from country to rap. There is an actual tour bus, an old-fashioned jukebox and more. Kids can dance at a 1950's sock hop or make their own music mixes at the Street Beat. They can also take up a conductor's baton and change the tempo and volume of the Boston Pops Orchestra.
There are many more wonderful exhibits at the museum. In addition, there is a gift shop which specializes in fun and educational toys, many of which are based on museum exhibits. There is also a Recycle Shop that sells reusable paper, fabric and more for arts and crafts use. The first floor hosts a lunch room and a picnic area for lunches brought from home. There are also several nearby restaurants. The museum also hosts birthday parties and special events.