The South Coast of Massachusetts is packed with fantastic spots for families, offering a great mix of maritime history, outdoor adventures, wildlife, and hands-on play. Here is a curated list of family-friendly activities across the region broken down by type of fun:

Animals & Wildlife

  • Buttonwood Park Zoo (New Bedford): Often called “one of the finest small zoos” in the country, it is perfectly sized for families with younger children. It features both indoor and outdoor exhibits, a great nature play area, a train ride, and a carousel.
  • Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary (Dartmouth): Managed by Mass Audubon, this massive coastal sanctuary features miles of walking trails through salt marshes, fields, and woodlands. It’s an excellent spot for birdwatching and exploring giant, ancient boulders.

Hands-On Learning & History

  • New Bedford Whaling Museum (New Bedford): Don’t let the word “museum” fool you—kids are consistently blown away by the massive, real whale skeletons hanging from the ceiling. They also have a large, indoor, interactive kids’ play area where children can climb aboard a model whaling ship.
  • Battleship Cove (Fall River): Home to the world’s largest collection of World War II naval vessels. Families can climb aboard the massive USS Massachusetts, peer into a real submarine, and explore the decks of historic destroyers and PT boats.
  • Children’s Museum of Greater Fall River (Fall River): Ideal for toddlers and younger elementary kids. It features multiple themed, hands-on rooms (like a water room, medicine room, and lego room) designed entirely for imaginative play.
  • New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center (New Bedford): A highly interactive center dedicated to telling the story of New Bedford’s commercial fishing industry. It includes great hands-on exhibits designed specifically to keep children engaged.

Outdoor Adventure & Play

  • Noah’s Place Playground (Pope’s Island, New Bedford): A spectacular, state-of-the-art playground designed to be completely inclusive and accessible for children of all physical abilities.
  • Horseneck Beach State Reservation (Westport): Located at the western end of Buzzards Bay, this is a quintessential South Coast beach day. It offers two miles of sandy coastline, great waves, a breeze that keeps things cool, and full amenities like changing rooms and snack bars.
  • Fort Phoenix State Reservation (Fairhaven): Perfect for a casual afternoon. Kids love exploring the historic fort walls, checking out the old cannons, and looking out over the hurricane barrier. There are also walking paths, a playground, and a sandy beach area.

Unique Local Entertainment

  • Play Arcade (New Bedford): A fun, family-friendly retro spot featuring over 40 vintage arcade games, skeeball, and air hockey. (Note: It turns 21+ later in the evenings, but daytime/afternoons are open to all ages, with Sundays being entirely family-focused).
  • AHA! Nights (New Bedford): If you happen to be looking for activities around the second Thursday of the month, the city hosts a free celebration of Art, History, and Architecture downtown. It features rotating live performances, art exhibits, and specific kid-friendly activities.

Local Treat Tip: No family trip along the South Coast in the summer is complete without a stop for homemade ice cream. Acushnet Creamery (with a location right on Pier 3 in New Bedford to watch the boats) and Dairy Maid (located right on the South End hurricane barrier) are local legends.