fun things to do with kids in massachusetts   Travel for Kids
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Massachusetts

Statue of Paul Revere
Massachusetts is named for a Native American tribe called the Massachusett, or “people of the great hills.” In 1620, the first European colonists, the Pilgrims, arrived and settled at Plymouth. Boston hosted the famous Tea Party, and the American Revolution was officially launched at Lexington and Concord. Traveling with kids down the coast of Massachusetts, it’s easy to understand its nickname as the “Bay State, miles and miles of coves and rocky points to explore along the ocean.
    Boston
    Lexington & Concord
    North Shore
 
Salem
    Plymouth
 
family hotels massachusetts
Travel for Kids has plenty of fun things to do with kids in Massachusetts, but you'll need a fun place to stay.

Here's our own Travel for Kids hand-picked list of family hotel, all styles and price ranges, in neighborhoods that are comfortable for families, and near to places you'll want to explore:

 
Boston North Shore
Plymouth    
kids books massachusetts
     
the  mayflower  
The Mayflower
Libby Romero

Discover what life was like for 102 passengers on board the Mayflower, and story of first year in America. Passengers included pilgrims, servants, orphaned children, crew, and animals, the journey was difficult, living conditions were hard (cold food, seasick passengers). Upon arriving, pilgrims had to find food and build shelter for a severe winter. Excellent illustrations, diagram of the ship, maps, timeline. (Picture book)

 

     
History Smashers: The Mayflower
Kate Messner, Dylan Meconis

Classic story of the Mayflower and first Thanksgiving is only partly true. When the Pilgrims arrived, they did not land at Plymouth Rock. The area was not a "desolate wilderness" – Wampanoag people had lived here for thousands of years, they constructed longhouses, farmed crops, hunted and fished. A European explorer kidnapped Native people, sold them as slaves, so Wampanoag distrusted the colonists. First Thanksgiving had military drills, food was ducks and eels, and Pilgrims did not celebrate a first Christmas day. (Illustrated chapter book)

 

 
history smashers the mayflower
     
 
Who Was Paul Revere?
Roberta Edwards

Illustrated biography of Paul Revere, famous for his nighttime ride to Lexington, but he was also an expert silversmith and bell maker, Boston Tea Party member, delivered secret messages throughout the colonies, and was a spy for the Sons of Liberty. (Chapter book)

 

     
Midnight Rider
Joan Hiatt Harlow

It's 1775, and orphan Hannah Andrews is sent to work in the home of Thomas Gage, the British governor. There might be balls and picnics in the household, but Hannah, disguised as a boy, rides to warn the patriots. A super adventure, based on real events. (Chapter book)

 

 
Midnight Rider
     
Henry Hikes to Fitchburg kids books massachusetts  

Walden, Henry Thoreau's celebration of nature and simple living, is the inspiration for this charming story. Two bears, Henry and his friend, go to the country but Henry chooses to walk, while his friend earns money to take the train. As his friend toils, Henry hops on rocks across the river, carves a walking stick and eats his way through a blackberry patch. (Picture book)

 

     
Isabel of the Whales
Hester Velmans

Isabel goes on a whale watching trip off Cape Cod with her class, but in a surprising moment, she’s not in the boat, but under the ocean, swimming with the humpback whales. Living with the whales, Isabel learns their ways and the Song of the whale. A super story that makes you feel as if you’re right there too. (Chapter book)

 

 
childrens books massachusetts Isabel of the Whales
     
ben franklins big splash  
Ben Franklin's Big Splash
Barb Rosenstock, S.D. Schlinder

Ben Franklin grew up in Boston, and already at age 11, he had an idea for an invention – how could he swim like a fish? He made swim fins and sandals out of wood, and tried them out in the Charles River. (Picture book)

 

     
Johnny Appleseed
Jane Yolen, Jim Burke

Loves his apples,
Cakes and pies.
Johnny, Johnny Appleseed.
True story of John Chapman, called "Johnny Appleseed," the boy who grew up tending apple orchards in Massachusetts. Warm and wonderful illustrations. (Picture book)

 

 
massaschusetts childrens books Johnny Appleseed
     
celebrating massachusetts  
Celebrating Massachusetts
Marion Dane Bauer, C.B. Canga

Take a trip through the Bay State, from Boston, the state capital, to colleges in Cambridge, pilgrims and Native Americans at Plimoth Plantation, Cape Cod, plus fun facts about sports, wildlife and history. (Easy reader)

 

 
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