Learn to speak French, take a cooking class, research French history, or celebrate Bastille Day at the French Cultural Center.
Part of a network of nearly 1,500 Alliances Françaises in 138 countries, it was established in 1945 to celebrate French and American friendship, the elegant brownstone on Marlborough Street contains a language school, cultural center and the second largest French library in the country.
The collection includes 28,000 multimedia documents, stacks of books on everything form contemporary fiction, social sciences, art and history. There's more than 900 DVD's for adults and children, and 1,500 CD's of music, literature and language lessons. In addition,there's a wide selection of French newspapers and magazines, and a children's library.
French classes for both adults and children are available at all levels, and taught by native speakers. Through donors and membership support, the center also offers a free after-school program at several Boston Public Schools, teaching French to children who may not otherwise have the opportunity to learn otherwise.
Cultural programs include everything from art exhibits, to book and Scrabble clubs, to meet and greets and wine tastings. A membership includes invitations to cultural events, discounts and more. The library is free and open to the public.
Boston's Museum of Science is a favorite museum among locals for its varied, relevant, and highly interactive exhibits. There is truly something for everyone; the MoS does not feel like your typical stand-around-and-stare-at-stuff museum. In addition to the museum's ever-changing and always exciting visiting exhibits, there are many permanent exhibits; plan for anywhere from two to five hours to explore the museum. Plus, you have to see an Omni film. And play in the massive gift shop. Maybe just plan to come back again and see what you didn't get to see the first time; there's always more.
Best and worst time to go to the Museum of Science
Because the museum is especially fun for kids and has so many interactive exhibits, it will be crowded when kids are out of school. If possible, go on a weekday, and avoid school vacation weeks when possible. If you must go during a vacation week, go later on in the week. Try to get there when the museum first opens at 9 a.m. or stay until after the kids are all in bed. The museum is open until 9 p.m. on Friday nights, making for a sweet albeit geeky date night.
Must see/do at the Museum of Science
See a movie at the Mugar Omni Theater. You'll get the most out of this immersive, domed screen experience if you choose a film featuring something underwater or adrenalin-inducing.
The Hayden Planetarium is also very popular as it is one of the most technologically advanced in the country, plus it offers psychadelic laser shows for a more chill evening.
The Lightning! demonstration is one of the museum's oldest and still best shows. The world's largest air-insulated Van de Graaff generator will definitely spark your interest. Get to an early showing, as this popular demo fills up.
Admission to the Museum of Science
You'll pay just over twenty bucks to get in to the museum and only save a few for seniors and children (though kids under three are free). The Omni Theater, Planetarium, 4-D Theater, and Butterfly Garden each cost about another five dollars as an add-on to your museum entry. Each of these special tickets costs about ten dollars if purchased independently.
Parking and Public Transportation to the Museum of Science
Parking at the museum's garage is the most convenient option, though a little pricey. The garage does fill up on weekends and school vacation days; once again, get there early to find a spot and beat the museum crowds. You can also park a half a mile away at the Cambridgeside Galleria garage to save a few bucks (the shorter your museum stay, the more significant the savings, or take the T and save even more. Take the Green Line's E train to Science Park Station and then cross the Charles River over the bridge. Further details and directions from other T stops are available on the museum's website.
Food at the Museum of Science
The Riverview Cafe offers some yummy choices with a splendid view of Boston over the Charles River, but you'll pay a premium. There are a variety of other options including but not limited to burritos, a salad bar, and Starbucks, but if you're on a budget, pack a lunch and save your money for the awesome stuff at the gift shop.
Insider tip for visitors to the Museum of Science
It's certainly easy to spend hours aimlessly wandering around the museum, but you can also plan your day ahead of time to make sure you get to see the things you didn't even know you wanted to see. The museum lists daily schedules on the website including live animal demonstrations, drop-in activities and challenges, and theater showtimes. Get tickets online ahead of time for the Omni movie or Planetarium show you really want to see and plan your day accordingly while also spending less time on line at the museum buying tickets.
For Boston visitors or locals playing tourist, save money and time by purchasing a Boston CityPass or Go Boston Card, and search for discount codes for these online. For Boston area locals, check with your town library, as many offer free or discounted day passes.
Friday nights, you can also venture to the roof of the parking garage to visit the Gililand Observatory for free and see the stars with the guidance of a an astronomy expert. Weather permitting, March through November; check the website or call for more details and to see if you'll be the only one there or not.
Author's bio: Deborah Jarvis is a freelance writer who grew up and currently lives in the Greater Boston Area. She never pahks her cah in Hahvahd Yahd and tries not to drive like she's from Boston if she can help it. She still remembers spending an overnight in the museum with her Girl Scout Troop and getting a yellow t-shirt with a T-Rex on it. It was her favorite shirt until her parents went to Paris and got her a new, tres chic Eiffel Tower shirt.
