Museum of Science
We all want our kids to like STEM education, but this museum makes it downright irresistible: Enjoy story time for preschoolers featuring live animals, lightning presentations using a Van de Graaff generator, and even fun "magic" shows explained through science. One Science Park, Boston, MA 02114, mos.org.
The Catered Affair
This culinary juggernaut is the in-house caterer for a slew of the city’s high-end venues, including the Boston Public Library, Harvard Art Museums, and the Boston Athenaeum (where it also runs a brand-new café open to the public). Which begs the question: If they trust the Catered Affair to handle their cuisine, shouldn’t you? The answer: Yes, you absolutely should. With the goal of creating unforgettable dining experiences, the team here can curate a personalized menu for your big day — think king-crab tostadas and broiled oysters with sea urchin and black lime — that looks as good as it tastes. thecateredaffair.com.
The Boston Athenaeum
This venerable institution reopened last November after a thorough $17 million renovation at the hands of Annum Architects’ Ann Beha, with a mission to shed its stuffy reputation as a Brahmin redoubt and to become a resource that’s inclusive and welcoming to all. Now even the hoi polloi can entertain at one of the country’s oldest independent libraries and art museums: The elegant space is available to rent for first-class events like private dinners, weddings, and other celebrations. Everybody’s welcome on the guest list — just don’t bump into that priceless marble bust. 10½ Beacon St., Boston, MA 02108, bostonathenaeum.org.
Museum of Science
The perfect fun summer day with the kiddos isn’t complete without standing in the shadows of a life-size T-Rex or a journey through space at the planetarium, all ready and waiting at the Museum of Science. One Science Park, Boston, MA 02114, mos.org.
Discovery Museum
You know you’ve arrived when you spot the big green dinosaur, Bessie, on the front lawn. But this Acton landmark is no fossil: An $8.8 million renovation and expansion has brought loads of STEAM exhibits, not to mention Discovery Woods, a rambling forest play area where mini adventurers can visit a beaver lodge, climb into a treehouse (built by DIY Network stars the Treehouse Guys), and ride in nest-shaped swings adjacent to 182 acres of conservation land. 177 Main St., Acton, MA 01720, discoveryacton.org.
Children's Museum
Very hands-on. And the hands can be dirty. 300 Congress St., Boston, MA .
Sparrow House
The 17th and 21st centuries merge seamlessly in this part-museum, part-gallery that sits inside a Colonial-era landmark. Three times each season, Sparrow House holds free shows featuring American artists such as oil painter Marlee Brewster Brockmann and pastel artist Anne Heywood; available year-round are unique handicrafts—ceramic bowls, silver jewelry, polished wooden utensils—by contemporary American craftsmen. 42 Summer St., Plymouth, MA 2360, sparrowhouse.com.
Koo de Kir
Seems that lately almost every home accessories shop is big on minimalism—in presentation and selection, anyway. (Price is another matter.) Shoppers who are tired of wandering through spartan stores with items and price tags that belong in the Museum of Modern Art can take refuge at Koo de Kir, where the stock is fresh and edgy, yet approachable in both style and cost. Phonetically named for the French phrase coup de coeur, which means "a strike to the heart," Koo endears itself to those searching for such stylish, of-the-moment accents as magnetic spice racks and sheepskin runners. Need help getting your dwelling up to speed? Take advantage of Koo's free design consultations, at the able hands of the store's interior designers. 34 Charles St., Boston, MA koodekir.com.
deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum
At this 30-acre outdoor sculpture garden, kids can touch, and, in some cases, interact with the mega-scaled artwork, such as Paul Matissse's Musical Fence, a low wall of aluminum pipes that "sing" when struck gently with sticks. Kids under 12 get in free and enjoy a roster of exhibit-inspired activities in a spacious children's room adjacent to the gift shop. 51 Sandy Pond Rd., Lincoln, MA 01773, decordova.org.
Peabody Essex Museum
As any kid might confess, museums can often be dull. Not this one. Younger visitors might push one of Theo Jansen’s kinetic Strandbeest sculptures across the gallery, learn about design by prototyping a product, or simply lounge on a beanbag chair. 161 Essex St., Salem, MA 01970, pem.org.
"Goya and the Spirit of the Enlightenment"
One hundred thirty of the artist's most painterly paintings, drawings, and prints revealed a Goya we hardly knew and couldn't help but admire. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA .
Fruitlands
Bronson Alcott's utopia here failed, but the idyllic setting won't fail to please.
Eliza Dushku and Peter Palandjian
The hush-hush August wedding of Buffy the Vampire Slayer actress Eliza Dushku, a Watertown native, and local real estate exec Peter Palandjian started with the bride and groom joining the Boston Bike Party and ended with a bash (and this sweet photo) at deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum in Lincoln. The dreamiest part of the festivities, though? Their intimate ceremony in the courtyard of the Boston Public Library, where the couple swapped vows.
Boston Children's Museum
Sure, it’s dominated by rowdy little ones most days, but keep an eye out for nights when the place rebrands as the “Grown-Ups Museum” and the spiked slushies start flowing. bostonchildrensmuseum.org.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
There’s always something new to discover at this Venetian palazzo in the Fens, whether it’s the nasturtiums blooming in the courtyard or the Rembrandt hanging in the Dutch Room you somehow overlooked last time. That is to say: Get a pass, because you’ll want to return again and again. 25 Evans Way, Boston, MA 02115, gardnermuseum.org.