STEM in Boston: A 3-Day Itinerary for Middle School Students

Day 1: Science and Innovation

Morning: Museum of Science

9:30am – 12:00pm

Begin your educational journey at Boston’s Museum of Science, a premier destination for explorers of all ages. Engage with the intriguing Hall of Human Life, experience the vast universe in the Charles Hayden Planetarium, and enjoy an educational live animal demonstration. These activities are not only informative but also interactive, making learning fun and memorable for middle school students.

Lunch: Riverview Café

12:00pm – 1:00pm

Conveniently located within the museum, the cafe offers a variety of kid-friendly options that are quick and easy for a large group. The expansive first-floor space offers panoramic views of the river — an ideal backdrop to any meal!

Afternoon: Exploration at MIT

1:30pm – 3:45pm

After lunch, make your way to the famous Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge. Take part in a guided tour around the campus, which highlights its distinctive architecture and public art while also inspiring the next generation. Follow this with a visit to the MIT Museum, where students can delve into exhibits on robotics and holography that showcase MIT’s pioneering contributions to science and technology. Workshops are available for grades 5-12 where students will explore science and engineering challenges under the guidance of a museum educator.

Evening: Harbor Cruise with Dinner

5:00pm – 9:00pm

Make this evening one to remember as your group takes in the sights of downtown Boston and the harbor along with many of the city’s most prominent landmarks. Student-friendly menu options, entertainment and all-inclusive packages can be customized to fit your budget. Show your students a new side of the city with incredible views of the Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge, the Seaport District, the historic USS Constitution and more from the Harbor! Customize your event with City Experiences.

Day 1: Distance and Travel Time Chart

From the Museum of Science to MIT

• Distance: 1.2 miles
• Walking: 28 minutes
• Public Transit: Red line from Charles/MGH to Kendall/MIT
• Car: 8 minutes

From MIT to Boston Harbor

• Distance: 2 miles
• Walking: 45 minutes
• Public Transit: Red line from Kendall/MIT to South Station
• Car: 15 minutes

Day 2: Environmental and Marine Exploration

Morning: Harvard Museum of Natural History

9:30am – 12:00pm

Begin the final day of your STEM exploration at the Harvard Museum of Natural History. This museum offers a wide array of 20+ exhibits that are perfect for engaging middle school students, particularly the Earth & Planetary Sciences Gallery and the famous Glass Flowers exhibit, which features incredibly detailed plant anatomy models. One-hour museum educator-led classes are also available and can be reserved in advance.

Lunch: Harvard Square

12:00pm – 1:00pm

Enjoy the hustle and bustle of campus life at Harvard Square, with its variety of group-friendly dining options including:

• DIG: Offering healthy fast-casual bowls, salads and comfort food.

• Clover Food Lab: A vegetarian fast-casual food chain with a seasonal menu based on what is available from local farmers, and includes a large mix of organic ingredients.

• The Friendly Toast: A creative dining experience with unique and tasty takes on brunch favorites.

Afternoon: New England Aquarium

1:30pm – 3:30pm

Spend the afternoon at the New England Aquarium, where students can observe marine life from around the world. Highlights include the Giant Ocean Tank, home to a vibrant coral reef ecosystem, as well as interactive touch tanks and educational presentations. Be sure to check out the aquarium’s incredibly valuable Field Trip Guide for lesson plans and a pre-visit checklist to help with activities, meals and more.

Evening: Dinner and View Boston

6:00pm – 10:00pm

Enjoy dinner at one of these group-friendly restaurants:

• Legal Sea Foods – Copley Place: Offering a large dining room perfect for groups, students can get a taste of famous local seafood like New England clam chowder and Atlantic cod along with a variety of meat dishes and hot sandwiches.
• Eataly: This three-flour authentic Italian experience located inside the Prudential Center features a number of quick-service cafes and four restaurants.

Then head atop the Prudential Center with a visit to View Boston, a 360 observation deck offering breathtaking views from high above the heart of Boston and exhibits to help students understand all that is going on below. Be sure to check out View Boston’s Educator Hub to help spark learning and discovery with visual context across topics such as history, immigration and engineering.

Day 2: Distance and Travel Time Chart

From the Harvard Museum of Natural History to the New England Aquarium

• Distance: 4 miles
• Walking: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Public Transit: Red line from Harvard to South Station (6 stops)
• Car: 20-25 minutes

From the New England Aquarium to View Boston

• Distance: 2.2 miles
• Walking: 50 minutes
• Public Transit: Green Line (E) from Haymarket to Prudential or Orange Line from State to Back Bay
• Car: 15-20 minutes

Day 3: Plant and Animal Science

Morning: Franklin Park Zoo

9:00am – 11:45am

Start your day at the celebrated Franklin Park Zoo, one of Boston’s top attractions. The zoo is home to more than 100 unique animals including camels, lemurs, red panda, emus and so much more. Specialized educational programs give students an opportunity to experience the zoo in a whole new way. The 30-minute classroom programs give students the opportunity to meet animals up-close and connect them to science topics. In the 60-minute Zoo Inquiries, students assume the role of conservationists, exploring ways to support animals at the zoo and in the wild.

Lunch: Farmhouse Cafe

12:00pm – 1:15pm

Located on the zoo grounds and open year round, this indoor/outdoor venue serves a selection of wraps, burgers, fries, sandwiches, salads, pizza and many other kid-friendly foods. Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free options are available. 

Afternoon: Arnold Arboretum

1:30pm – 3:00pm

The Arnold Arboretum is a living laboratory for science learning as well as a stunning natural landscape of flora and fauna. Self-guided exploration allows for educators to tailor visits to their group’s needs.Be sure to check out the School Trips page where there are a number of resources available for free download that help students understand and engage with the arboretum, discovering all the natural beauty around them.

Evening: Departure

Day 3: Distance and Travel Time Chart

From the Franklin Park Zoo to Arnold Arboretum

• Distance: 1.9 miles
• Walking: 45 minutes
• Public Transit: Bus 16 from Circuit Dr. at Glen Ln. to Forest Hills (3 stops)
• Car: 10 minutes