Visiting Cambridge, Massachusetts, this winter with the kids? You picked a great time to come. Cambridge is walkable, easy to get around by train, and full of warm indoor places where kids can explore, build, discover, and have a genuinely fun day. If you’re looking for visit-worthy indoor activities for kids in Cambridge, these belong at the top of your list.
Wonder: The Musical at American Repertory Theater
Looking for a winter night your family will remember long after the trip? Book tickets for “Wonder: The Musical” at the American Repertory Theater. This world-premiere show brings R.J. Palacio’s beloved story to the stage in a way that’s moving, funny, and very kid-friendly. It’s a special Cambridge experience you can’t get anywhere else.
Pro tip: Holiday weeks and school vacation dates can fill up quickly, so grabbing tickets early is a good idea.
Dig for Dinosaurs at the Harvard Museum of Natural History
If your kids love dinosaurs, rocks that sparkle, or just big “wow” displays, this stop is a must. The Harvard Museum of Natural History is a Cambridge classic, and it feels especially perfect in winter. You’ll find towering fossils, incredible animal exhibits, and the famous Glass Flowers that surprise almost everyone who walks in.
Robots and MIT Magic: MIT Museum
Step inside the MIT Museum and you can feel the Cambridge energy right away. This place is packed with robots, inventions, and interactive exhibits that invite kids to touch, try, and tinker. It’s the kind of museum where curiosity takes over fast, especially for elementary kids, tweens, and teens. Plus, it’s a playful way for families to experience MIT’s inventive side without needing a formal campus tour.
Movie Break: Landmark Kendall Square Cinema
For a cozy, local-feeling movie stop, head to Landmark Kendall Square Cinema. It’s a well-loved Cambridge theater known for a curated mix of new releases, classics, and special screenings.
Family-friendly flicks you can catch this winter include Elf, Wicked: For Good, and Zootopia 2!
“All Aboard!” the Museum of Science
The Museum of Science is a winter favorite for a reason. Sitting right on the Cambridge side of the Charles, it makes for an easy, winter-proof family highlight. Kids can spend hours bouncing between hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, and discovery zones that keep the energy up even when it’s freezing outside.
Beyond the exhibit halls, look for seasonal shows that feel extra magical this time of year. One to catch in winter is All Aboard! Trains at Science Park, a beloved Museum tradition filled with intricate miniature train displays in snowy, colorful landscapes, plus a roomy play area for little engineers.
CambridgeSide for Indoor Fun
CambridgeSide is a solid winter stop for visiting families, especially when you want something easy and fully indoors. The mall is enclosed and stroller-friendly, and it now features CanalSide Food + Drink, a modern food hall that makes lunch simple with lots of kid-pleasing options.
For families, CambridgeSide is also a fun place to walk around without bundling up again every five minutes, with stores that are especially relevant for kids, including Smart Toys and The Children’s Place.
Enjoy the short walks between stops and the cozy indoor magic once you’re inside, because a Cambridge winter with kids is all about big discoveries, warm breaks, and memories you’ll be talking about long after the snow melts.
