Four stars if you're under the age of seven and have a serious turtle fascination. Hissing…read morecockroaches aside, all of the living exhibits are those shelled wonders and rabbit race underdogs. Still, the environments created around said turtles are whimsical, educational and awe-inspiring for the little 'uns. An extra star for free admission to YMCA members, and for the enjoyable outdoor space, which includes a chicken hutch, active gardens, stone circles for pagan worship (I kid, or do I?) and about a billion chipmunks. Seriously, it's like Alvin attained Beiber status and all the teen chips are swarming for an autograph. Excellent programming and festivals throughout the year - even a Corn Fest! - and, as mentioned, completely free for YMCA members. Solid way to knock out an hour or two if your spawn is being a terror. Or obsesses over turtles. Or both.

A weekend go to in our household - is it raining? Great, come here in look at turtles! Hatchlings…read morein the fall, a mix of box turtles, snapping turtles and other shelled friends throughout the year. Is it sunny? Even better, come here and walk through their trails. They have a cute story book trail for little ones and other ways to enjoy some easy jaunts through the woods. Free admission to YMCA members, we also love their annual events like Corn Fest every summer.

It was my pleasure to visit the Eustis Estate Museum for the first time during their Open House…read morelast year. Their original furniture shall not be touched, as evidenced by the ropes gently blocking one's way. Other furniture, you could not only touch but even sit up on, as they were replications. It wasn't the largest estate I've visited - the top floor was also off limits - but it was amazing to realize that this place was a relatively recent acquisition by Historic New England portfolio.

Lovely estate that is decorated for the Christmas season. It is basically a mini version of a…read moreNewport mansion. One of the staff members was awesome and let us sit in front of the couch to take a picture with the Christmas tree. (They rent out the space for filming & photoshoots. There are bathrooms available for visitor use.) It offers both guided and self guided tours. There are two floors open for visitors and a large front porch where they have rocking chairs in the summer to see the view. There are also walking trails that go through the estate. It will look spectacular with the fall leaves.

Even as someone who isn't usually a fan of art museums, this was AWESOME…read more Things to love: - art that is really cool to look at and impressively made - admission is pay what you want with suggested donations - the front is a craft store!! - artists in residence - apparently they also have classes - gorgeous waterfront views!!

Cute place check for free days and events on site stopped here after a long walk I'd definitly go…read moreback

This is a cute concept, and since this is the reason I dropped by, I'll review this highlight…read moreinstead of the Dorchester Brewery. It is more like a collection of art around the brewery, but the signs are funny and it's interesting to note paintings that were donated vs. found in a thrift store vs. found in the garbage. It ranges from funny proportions to some truly bizarre. It's a great activity to giggle at with friends or make up fun commentary on a date. It's a fun little concept, free, and open late, so it's a funs stop in. The brewery features a full bar, arcade and board games and BBQ food as well. The owner even showed us an old cigarette dispensing machine now filled with chocolate packs. There's a lot going on and it is apparent a lot of thought and creativity went into the space. It's certainly not like a traditional "museum" but sometimes you need to see some bad art to really appreciate some good art elsewhere. You'll end up laughing at something.

Okay, so museum may not be the exact right word. This is kind of like a gallery in a brewery. I had…read moreseen an ad for this place on Instagram, and filed it away in my brain. I pulled it out of the file and went to see bad art. We walked in and the guy at the bar was very nice and pointed out the "route" of the paintings. The art was so fun--some worse than others. I really did understand what some of what the artists were thinking, and in other cases I just laughed and scratched my head It's small and we weren't there more than 20 minutes, but it was fun. Btw--it's free!!!

Very well preserved. Beautiful gardens and library. Guided tour is a must. Highly recommended for…read moreany history buff.

I'm so disappointed, I barely even know what to write…read more I'm a huge presidential history "nerd". In fact, I'm reading a biography on each president in order. Visiting the Adamses birthplaces, their home at Peace Field and their final resting places has been on my "bucket list" for YEARS! In fact, I hope to visit every president's birthplace and final resting place. My wife and I spent the last week in Boston from San Antonio (planned the trip months in advance). Honestly, no - I didn't think to check when the homes would be open for tours; I just assumed a National Historic Park would be accessible more than just a handful of months per year (silly me!). When I found out we'd be there after the season ended - I called the park - and finally got someone on the phone. They were friendly, but dismissive. Bottom line: I traveled 2,000 miles to see some of the most historic places on earth and fulfill part of my "bucket list", only to find out the homes were closed and the park refused to entertain someone willing to pay for a private tour. The main office/visitor center/gift shop was disappointing. They did not have the T-shirt I wanted in my size, and I just felt the selection of keepsakes/mementos, in general, was lacking.

If you like animals, this a really cute way to spend an hour (or more) for $5…read more We arrived at the end of the day, and saw the whole museum/zoo are in about 45 minutes - but absolutely could have spent more time. Indoors they have several educational areas and some live native animals with medical needs or with protection status - snakes, rodents, a skunk, some owls. They also have some taxidermy animals and exhibits on animal sounds. We didn't check out the gift shop this time around, but made a bee lline for the outdoor animals after we made the rounds inside. We loved the otter the best - but there were some beautiful owls, and other birds, a fox, a deer. This museum is very family friendly and wholesome - but we were not the only childless adults there to see the animals! It is also obviously very convenient to hiking and a great bonus to a hike.

Had a wonderful hike and got to see animals before the trail great hiking spot for all ages I agree…read morewith Abigail

(if you think this review is too long, just scroll to the bottom for my more "humorous"…read moreobservations) If you're driving on Adams Street towards Lower Mills or the other way towards East Milton Square, you might overlook this spot. If you're into historical sites and museums, this might be worth a look. Otherwise, you might just want to go to one of the many higher-profile museums in the area, like the Adams Historical Site the town next door. You have to reserve a spot in one of the scheduled tours to enter the museum. I went for a 1 pm tour and the next one was at 3. Trust me, the tour is really 2 hours long. The positive of this museum is that while the house is not that large in terms of square feet, you do get your bang for your buck. The tour guide was generally polite and rather informative. However, she always seemed to ask historical questions every time we entered a room and wanted us to answer - really got irritating as the tour went along. If I wanted to answer historical questions, I would've gone to a bar for stump trivia. Lastly, if you're not into this stuff, you will be bored out of your mind and will resort to utilizing the futuristic item called a smartphone. The Forbes family was involved in various historical events/periods and some of those rooms each had a theme from a time period. The family was involved in the China trade, so there's a decent collection of old Chinese furniture in the parlor. It doesn't compare to the Peabody Essex Museum, granted, but it's something. There is a room for the Forbes involvement in the Civil War and Abolition. Another room described the Forbes charitable endeavors during the Great Famine in Ireland during the mid-1800's. So you'll get some learnin' from various periods. Compared to other historical spots around the area, this one doesn't seem to be maintained well and needs better restoration. There was significant water damage in a few rooms and exhibit pieces (like beds, plates, etc.) seemed to be arranged worse than a 5-year old. The house needs a paint job in the worst way. Also compared to other historical sites, this one was rather dirty. There is a "gift shop", and by "gift shop", I mean a small glass case in the foyer containing books for sale. p.s. - you'll likely have older folks in your tour group that think "oriental" is still an acceptable way to describe Asians. p.p.s. - there's a nice Chinese junk model. It's in a glass case, and not in some sort luggage storage box or something. So you can't say there's junk in the trunk. *rim shot* :-P

Most people would drive by this historic home without paying much attention but the small staff is…read morevery friendly and often you can get a private or near-private tour of this gorgeous 1830's greek revival home which is filled with varying antiques but what is of particular interest is the vast array of objects collected by the Captain during the China trade years of the 1800's. Also, one of the previous owners was an avid collector of Abraham Lincoln memorabilia. The museum is set up more like a home and objects are easy to see and some can even be handled (kitchen area). The architecture inside and out is beautiful and the grounds keep with the feel of the home. The tour can be done on your own or guided. Great place to relax and take your time admiring the collection.

The JFK Presidential Library is one of the most impressive, inspiring museums I've visited. JFK led…read morean extraordinary life, and the library does a remarkable job showing why he remains such a compelling and influential figure. Walking through the exhibits, you really feel the weight of an era when the presidency carried a different kind of dignity and aspiration. The way Kennedy spoke, what he stood for, and the sense of public service he embodied stand in stark contrast to the tone of modern politics. Visiting the library made me appreciate that difference even more. Trump has made the United States a laughing stock. I wish we could just erase Trump from existence. The museum itself is beautifully designed, bright, and right on the water -- an amazing setting. The core exhibits are informative, moving, and very well curated. I especially loved the special exhibit on presidential pets, which added a fun and charming touch. Overall, the JFK Library is fascinating, inspiring, and absolutely worth the trip. Highly recommended.

Great museum both for its content and its architecture. I went after there was some reconstruction,…read moreso it was free entry, but it's definitely worth it to come for the entry fee. There is a fairly large parking lot, and it's right on the water which is scenic. It's a very thorough exhibit from a movie talking about JFK's early life, then the exhibits from his marriage, the election, life in the White House, the Cuban missile crisis, and then his unfortunate assassination and the aftermath. The information was well laid out and displayed, so it took a couple of hours to get through and leave in a pensive mood. Well, until I went to the Presidential Pets exhibit which lightened the mood. Well played! There are also a decent gift shop and a cafe on site. It was a great presentation and well worth visiting.

This tremendous floating Naval Museum is truly a glimpse in the past that changed the world!…read moreIt's a very powerful and moving tribute to those in the Service of their County and for all of us need to reflect on their sacrifices to make us live Free! This Quincy BUILT Heavy Cruiser is permanently docked by Fore River Bridge! In 1994 came back home to her birthplace to stay! This Shipbuilding Floating Museum should not be missed!

The Salem is a very unique museum ship as it is the only US heavy cruiser from the WW II era still…read morein existence. There is a light cruiser up in Buffalo NY but that is a different class of ship. These heavy cruisers were really attractive ships back then and Salem was brought into service soon after the war ended. Her class of cruisers had the new rapid fire 8" guns that soon went out of style as we entered into the missile age. They were at the time the peak of naval gun technology. I visited the Salem on Sunday, the day after going to Battleship Cove in Fall River. This ship is only open on Fri, Sat and Sun and I was looking forward to visiting her since I have never been on a cruiser before (obviously). It was a little difficult finding her berth as it is located in an industrial section of Quincy. Parking spaces are few in their small main lot and then they have an overflow area that is also small. I was beginning to understand that with the small parking area and being only open on weekends that Salem doesn't get many visitors. Her berthing space is deplorable next to some old beached barges on one side that are junk. Onboard she is in the same shape as the ships at Battleship Cove. That means a lot of visible rust, very poor signage, no tour markers so you are on your own with their supplied map finding your way around. Going forward on the main deck I found grass growing in many of the screw holes on the teak deck. This ship is in poor shape and not suitable for the general public to tour it in my opinion. I am sure there a well meaning group of volunteers here but the maintenance schedule is so far behind they will never catch up with it. The ship needs a large infusion of money from state and local governments and/or private foundations to pay skilled shipyard workers to bring her back to glory. Considering her location and limited visiting hours unless something is done soon this ship will be lost forever and relegated to the scrap heap like all of her predecessors from WW II. That would mean no surviving heavy cruiser from that era and they would be a shame. I wish them luck but I am not optimistic. I hate writing this review. By the way the only reason I am giving Salem a 3 score and not a 2 like I did at Battleship Cove is because below decks they have several well appointed spaces dedicated to some of the other services and their members with nice exhibits in them. That part is reasonably well done.

BEWARE - They close before posted times. The front desk woman is rude (as many reviews say), and…read morethey appear to not like humans. Currently sitting outside the museum in my car IN SHOCK at what just happened. It is exactly 2:16pm. Museum closes at 3pm. We have our 3 yr old granddaughter asleep in the car and we've been parked outside for 15 minutes giving her a few more minutes nap before going inside - since THE MUSEUM CLOSES AT 3PM. She usually only spends a half hour there (we have a membership). I then see someone (older woman, short blonde/grey hair) walk outside and then walk back in. It looked like she was locking the door!! So I get out of the car and walk up, the door is locked. I knock. No answer. I knock again. No one comes to door but I can hear people inside and I JUST SAW this woman two minutes ago come out to lock the door. So I knock again thinking surely she'll come to the door. Nope. Then I see the sign, "doors lock 45 minutes prior to closing!" My watch says 2:14...it's NOT 45 MINUTES BEFORE YET. Plus she locked the door a minute ago, so she had to have locked it at 2:13. Now, you want to close a couple minutes early? Ok, fine, I get it. But when someone walks up in time - you let them in if it's within posted hours! I look up the museum's phone # and call. The woman answers: "Hi, I'm standing outside the door and it's locked, but we have our granddaughter and I was giving her a few minutes more to sleep. I just saw you come outside. I was sitting in my car right out front. Can I bring her in, she'll only be in for half hour?" "No, I'm sorry, you can't." (WHAT??) "But it's just right this very minute 2:15!" "Yes, that's why the doors are locked" "But you locked them early!" "I'm sorry" You have got to be kidding me!! I've read the bad reviews about this museum before and still, I bought a membership. I knew about their very limited hours (aimed at closing whenever school aged children are out of school) and still I bought a membership. I've been here plenty of times and have seen the number of exhibits that are broken, missing pieces, not working and still I've come back - because their arts and crafts area is worth it. But after today - never again. I would advise against anyone joining this museum just due to the horrible attitude of (some) of their employees. I truly believe there are a few employees who are nice (art table) but I've seen this woman at the register when I've arrived and witnessed her give others a hard time before. She is working in the wrong industry. She needs to be in a non customer-facing position. CME - you should be ashamed. Locking your doors early then telling a customer standing outside at EXACTLY 2:15 (she did not dispute the timing) that they cannot come in. Unbelievable. Oh, we drove 40 minutes to get here. The town of Easton is being done a disservice to have this museum within their city limits, as the association alone gives them a bad name. A change in staff is definitely needed here.

Took my great nephew here for the first time. I never heard of it, but was looking for something to…read moredo and came across it on Google. It is a little bit of ride from Millis but worth it. So clean and my 3 1/2 year-old great nephew entertained himself for over two hours simple concept but very educational and get your child's imagination going. They do charge $12 per person. For ages one and up adults included I found a strange that adults had to pay, but that being said you can get family passes for $150 a year up to six members great value. They are also working on an outside play area. That should be ready soon. Great addition.!!