Seacoast Science Center

A little marine center in Rye, New Hampshire is a great destination for the day.  It is set in Odiorne State Park and is a small aquarium on the coast.




The facility itself has a touch tank area, several tanks housing various sea creatures, and some hands on exhibits that include a submarine parts, and a row boat for pretend fishing.
There are hourly educational activities to join and tidal pools outside to explore.  In addition to the center itself, there is no shortage of picnic tables outside to eat a prepacked lunch (only vending machines available and no trash barrels) and a nearby playground within the park.
The setting is beautiful and bountiful rocks to climb on and places to explore.  Definitely worth a trip, just over an hour from the city of Boston.

There are two fees, one to enter the park (adults $4 and children 6-11 $2 each) and one for the Science Center (adults $7, seniors $5, and children 3-12 $3).

Click here for link to Marine Science Center

Tidal pools and rocks

deCordova Museum and Sculpture Park

A great place to go with kids to expose them to art from an early age.  The sculpture park is perfect for your active little ones who want to run and discover and enjoy the outdoors.  The sculpture park encompasses about 35 acres of land and is surrounded by trees.  Some sculptures are interactive and some integrate into the natural surroundings.  The deCordova also can be accessed with a Minuteman Library pass so that admission is free.  Additionally, in the summer they host yoga sessions for both adults and children on the weekends, as well as artist talks, and sculpture garden tours.  The museum also has workshops and is home to a nursery school.  The interior of the museum is host to changing contemporary art exhibitions.
The grounds are perfect for picnicking and enjoying a full day of exploring.
One last family-friendly point is that the restrooms all have changing tables!

deCordova Link