You’ve just finished exploring the wonders of the Museum of Science—your mind is buzzing, your camera roll is full, and you’re itching for more Boston excitement. Great news: The adventure doesn’t stop when you walk out those doors! The Museum of Science is perfectly placed between the Charles River, vibrant neighborhoods, lush parks, and some of Boston’s most beloved attractions. Whether you’re hungry for hands-on activities, craving artistic inspiration, or want to stroll along scenic riverbanks, there’s no shortage of ways to fill your day. Here's our guide to the best things to do near the Museum of Science, so you can keep your Boston trip on a roll.
Our favorite things to do near the Museum of Science include:
- View Boston
- The Harvard Tour
- LEGO Discovery Center
- Bike Rental by Urban AdvenTours
- Beacon Hill True Crime Tour by Top Dog Tours
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Charles River Esplanade
- Boston Public Market
View Boston: Soak Up the Best Skyline Views
Just a quick ride from the Museum of Science, View Boston puts the city at your feet—literally. Located at the top of the Prudential Tower, this three-level observation experience is the place to go for panoramic vistas that sparkle both day and night. So why should this be on your post-museum list? Because seeing the Science Museum and the Charles River from 700 feet up truly puts Boston’s patchwork of neighborhoods, historic sites, and leafy parks into jaw-dropping perspective.
View Boston is energetic and modern, with interactive touchscreens that help you spot every landmark on the horizon. Step out onto The Cloud Terrace for cocktails and snacks with unbeatable views—try a Boston Spritz for a perfectly on-theme refreshment. Whether you’re visiting with a family of explorers or chasing a peaceful sunset, View Boston blends jaw-dropping sights with Boston personality in one unforgettable, sky-high stop.
The Harvard Tour: Walk Where History and Genius Collide
Just across the river, Cambridge and its storied Harvard University are practically neighbors to the Museum of Science. The Harvard Tour is way more than a spin around campus buildings; it’s a lively, story-packed stroll led by charming student guides. Their wit, anecdotes, and a few well-timed secrets transform Harvard Yard and its brick-lined walkways into an insider experience you won’t get from just wandering around solo.
Why add this to your day? The energy is contagious—one minute you’re learning about Nobel Prize-winning professors, the next you’re hearing about quirky pranks or time-honored traditions. You’ll swing by the Widener Library, Science Center, John Harvard Statue (rub his toe for good luck!), and plenty of serene courtyards. It’s as inspiring as it is photogenic. Plus, the wealth of cool, indie coffee shops and bakeries nearby means campus exploring fuels even more tasty discoveries.
LEGO Discovery Center: The Ultimate Family Pit Stop Nearby
LEGO Discovery Center: The Ultimate Family Pit Stop Nearby
If you’re traveling with young scientists and creative minds, the LEGO Discovery Center—located just over the river in Somerville—is a must-do. Kids go wild for the hands-on brick pits, elaborate LEGO cities, and interactive rides, where every corner invites imagination and experimentation. Adults aren’t left out, either: wander through miniature recreations of Boston landmarks, snap photos of incredible LEGO architecture, or relax in the on-site café while the kids dive into workshops.
What makes the LEGO Discovery Center so special is how it blends learning, play, and creativity seamlessly. The space is bright, lively, and full of energy—you’ll hear laughter, spot towering brick creations, and watch kids light up with every new discovery. Whether it’s their first time stacking bricks or their hundredth, this hands-on world of imagination keeps the whole family engaged, curious, and thoroughly entertained for hours.
Bike Rental by Urban AdvenTours: Cycle Boston Like a Local
Step out of the Museum of Science and you’re right on Boston’s bike-friendly trails. With a rental from Urban AdvenTours, you’ve got two wheels and unlimited freedom—cruise the Charles River Esplanade or navigate the city’s bustling streets at your own pace.
Scenic stops pop up everywhere: playgrounds for the kids, colorful public art, and hidden picnic spots framed by wildflowers and willow trees. Families can grab kid-sized bikes and trailers, while experienced riders can request road bikes for a more challenging spin. For a route that hits it all, follow the Dr. Paul Dudley White Bike Path and enjoy river views, skyline sights, and city energy—all in one ride.
Beacon Hill True Crime Tour by Top Dog Tours: History with a Hint of Mystery
For a side of Boston you can’t see inside a museum, set out on the Beacon Hill True Crime Tour by Top Dog Tours. This one’s perfect if you’re ready for something offbeat after your science fix. Beacon Hill's gas-lit streets aren’t just postcard-pretty—they’re steeped in stories of intrigue, unsolved mysteries, and fascinating local legends.
Your guide sets the mood with just the right touch of drama and humor. As you wander past stunning Victorian rowhouses and secret alleyways, you’ll learn about notorious historic crimes and scandals that shaped the neighborhood—from hidden speakeasies to heists that rocked old Boston. And even if you’re not a true crime superfan, the tour’s blend of history, architecture, and witty banter offers a fresh and fun way to connect with real Boston stories.
Museum of Fine Arts: World-Class Art (and Air-Conditioning!)
Art lovers, rejoice—the Museum of Fine Arts is a must. It’s close enough for a quick ride from the Museum of Science, and with a collection ranging from Egyptian mummies to Monet’s water lilies, there’s an exhibit or gallery for every taste and age. Walk into the grand marble atrium and soak up the creative energy buzzing between centuries-old treasures and cutting-edge contemporary installations.
What do we love about it? You can tailor your visit to your mood: check out luminous Impressionist works, marvel at ancient Greek vases, or lose yourself in a splashy modern sculpture garden. Special exhibitions mean there’s always something new in the mix, and younger visitors get in on the fun with activity sheets or hands-on galleries. Even if you’ve only got an hour, the MFA guarantees a dose of inspiration and a cool, welcoming place to recharge.
Charles River Esplanade: Open Air Bliss and City Views
Charles River Esplanade: Open Air Bliss and City Views
You can’t get closer to the Museum of Science than the Charles River Esplanade—it practically hugs the museum’s back door. This leafy park stretches for miles along the river’s edge, offering a gentle escape from urban bustle right in the middle of the city.
There’s something for everyone: miles of scenic paths perfect for strolling, running, or skating; playgrounds that draw squeals of joy from kids; and riverfront benches perfectly positioned for people-watching or a peaceful lunch picnic. The breezy docks lure kayakers and rowers, while patches of lawn fill with locals reading, sunbathing, or tossing frisbees. Whether you need a breather or want to burn off energy, the Esplanade brings you the true flavor of Boston outdoors—locals mingling, students biking, ducks paddling on the river, and that unbeatable view of both city and sky.
Boston Public Market: Nibble, Shop, and Soak Up Local Flavor
Hungry after all that walking and exploring? Make your way to Boston Public Market, a short hop from the Museum of Science by foot or transit. Here, shimmering stalls are stacked with local produce, fresh seafood, and a rotating stream of New England treats that celebrate the region’s flavors and spirit.
You’ll find plenty to sample: try the lobster roll at Red’s Best, rich clam chowder, or one of Union Square Donuts’ fluffy maple bacon creations. Grab a fresh cider from Boston Harvest, or head to Mother Juice for a cold-pressed health boost. Whether you're in the mood for a casual lunch, a quick snack, or want to shop for artisan gifts to take back home, Boston Public Market delivers both flavor and local charm in every corner.
With the Museum of Science as your starting point, you’ve unlocked the best of Boston—skyline views, riverside adventures, creative eats, storied neighborhoods, and beyond. So, whether you’re chasing the sunset, strolling leafy parks, or digging into history, there’s something close by to fuel every curiosity and craving. Happy exploring!
Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do Near View Boston or Best Art Tours in Boston
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