9 Best Things to Do with Kids in New Bedford, Massachusetts

There are many great things you can do with kids in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Here is our shortlist.

Take a whale-watching cruise

Whale watching cruises are a great way to see some of the world’s largest animals up close.

These majestic creatures are often seen breaching and spouting water high into the air. On a whale watching cruise, you’ll have the opportunity to see these amazing animals in their natural habitat and learn more about them from the onboard naturalist.

Visit the New Bedford Whaling Museum

The New Bedford Whaling Museum is a great place for families to learn about the city’s rich history in the whaling industry.

The museum has interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and a research library. Visitors can also tour the former home of author Herman Melville.

Stroll through Buttonwood Park Zoo

The Buttonwood Park Zoo is a great place to take kids in New Bedford.

The zoo has a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, and bears. There are also plenty of opportunities for kids to learn about the animals and their habitats. The zoo also has a playground and a picnic area for families to enjoy.

Play at Fort Taber Park

Fort Taber Park is a great place for families to play in New Bedford.

There are plenty of open spaces to run around, a playground for the kids, and picnic tables for a family picnic. The views of the harbor are also beautiful from this park.

Visit the New Bedford Children’s Museum

The New Bedford Children’s Museum is a great place to take your family for a day of fun and learning.

The museum has interactive exhibits that focus on science, technology, engineering, and math. There are also art stations where children can create their own masterpieces. The museum staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they offer a variety of programs for families to participate in.

The New Bedford Children’s Museum is an affordable option for a day of fun and education for your family.

Walk the Waterfront Promenade

The New Bedford Waterfront Promenade is a great place to take a walk with kids.

It is a safe and scenic place to walk, with plenty of things to see and do along the way. There are also several restaurants and cafes along the promenade, so you can stop for a bite to eat if you get hungry.

Ride the Clifford Carousel at Buttonwood Park Zoo

The Clifford Carousel at Buttonwood Park Zoo is a family-friendly destination near New Bedford.

The carousel features 28 hand-painted animals, including lions, tigers, bears, and elephants. Riders can control the speed of their ride with a joystick, and the carousel is wheelchair accessible. The zoo also offers a variety of other attractions, including a playground, picnic area, and petting zoo.

Visit the Seaman’s Bethel

The Seaman’s Bethel is a historic Christian chapel in New Bedford.

The Bethel was built in 1834 by maritime entrepreneur Captain William Rotch as a place where sailors could worship and receive religious instruction. The Bethel became known as the “Whaleman’s Chapel” and was used as a scene in the classic novel Moby-Dick. Today, the Seaman’s Bethel is operated as a museum by the New Bedford Whaling Museum and is open to the public.

Visitors can explore the chapel, learn about its history, and see artifacts from the whaling era.

Take a harbor cruise

The New Bedford Harbor Cruise is a great way to see the city from the water.

The cruise takes you past all of the major landmarks in the city, including Fort Phoenix, the New Bedford Whaling Museum, and the Seaman’s Bethel. You’ll also get a great view of the fishing boats and other vessels that make up the busy harbor.