Our Trip To The Boston Museum Of Science: #TopTenTuesday |

Last Thursday, my niece and I went to the Boston Museum ofScience. I had never been, so I didn’t know what to expect. The building waspretty big. We were there for about 6 hours and still didn’t get to see everything. When I got home and had a chance to reflect onhow the day went, I thought of a few things I would have donedifferently to make the trip go a little smoother and to save money.

1.Plan Ahead
First thing I want to say is it will be wise of you to plan ahead of time so that you have an idea about how much money you’re going to spend while there. (See Admission prices)

2. Visit Website
Before you visit any place like the Boston Museum of Science visit their website. Most places like this have one. Take the time to go to the site to check out what the current exhibits are, what’s playing at the IMAX, Planetarium, 3-DDigital Simulator, Live Presentations, andthe Coming soon attractions. Some of these things cost extra and are only open to the public atcertain times. By visiting the website you’ll get a good idea about how to plan your itinerary for the day and know what time to be where, so you won’t miss anything you’ve planned to attend.
If possible, pay for your tickets ahead of time – online if you can because that way you don’t have to worry about anything being sold out.

3. Give Yourself Plenty Of Travel Time
Give yourself at least 30 minutes for walking to your destinations and get a good seat. I remember heading to the escalator andseeing our destination, telling my niece: “Look, there isn’t anyone there.” Butby the time we got to the second floor, a line had formed and we had to wait.

4. Pick Up Your Tickets Right Away
When you first get to the museum, as you walk through the front doors into the lobby, go to the first booth on the left and pick up all the tickets you purchased for the trip. That will save you a lot of time from running back and forth between exhibitions and shows. While you’re there grab a map! Trust me you’ll find it handy; we referred to it repeatedly through out the day!

5. Get Your Hand Stamped
When you have your tickets, head to the museum entrance and show your member card or tickets. We had a member card so not sure how the ticket purchases go. She will let you through, you want to head to your left as if you’re walking back out and you’ll notice a few hand stamp machines. Get your hand stamped right away before the place gets crowded. This way you can go in and out of the museum quickly and easily if you need to go back to your car or want to go grab a bite to eat somewhere else.

6. Lunch Was Crowded
Another thing that you can do to save money, and time, is to pack a lunch. Otherwise plan on spending at least $10 a person for lunch. My niece and I spent about $20 on 2 small personal pan pizzas, and a small fry. (We had brought bottled water from home and filled those up at the drink dispenser! Haha)

7. Also, plan at least 30 minutes for lunch.
It took us about 20 minutes to order our lunch, wait in line to pay, and find seating in the very crowded cafeteria and to eat. If you pack a lunch, you can either carry it with you everywhere, (you’re not allowed to eat or drink in the museum) or you can purchase a locker. (but keep the “line” thing in mind when you’re planning and timing)

8. Cameras Are Allowed
Don’t forget to bring your camera! Luckily I had my IPhone, but I wish I had brought my camera, because it would have taken better shots with the dim lighting. I didn’t realize I was allowed to take pictures so I left my camera at home. Can’t wait to visit again and take some better photos. Each exhibit has a sign at the door letting you know if photography is allowed or if you just need to shut the flash off.

9. Know that you’re not going to be able to see and do everything in one day
If you’re visiting from a ways away, you might want to consider getting a hotel and going back the next day. There are shows that play at different times, and there’s no way you could see them all in one day. Also, each exhibit has many things to keep you drawn to them for a good amount of time. There are interactive things to check out, as well as things to read, to watch.

10. Determine Which Exhibits Will Be Crowded
While online check out each of the exhibitions, or shows to decide which ones you want to attend. Then try to determine which ones are popular because those are the ones that will be crowded and you might want to visit something else instead or change your plan to give yourself longer at an exhibition or show that really interests you. If you can’t do this online and have to do it while you’re there, don’t be afraid to ask around.

When we first arrived, we visited the lizards and geckos first because it was the most crowded. We picked the crowded ones first to get them out of the way before noon.

We would have liked to visit the butterflies also, but that was a very popular one so it was crowded and, also, it would have cost us each $5 that we needed for something else we wanted to do.

Other popular exhibits were Science in the Park and Take a closer Look.

My niece and I had a great time and can’t wait to go back!

Have you ever gone to the Boston Museum Of Science?
What was your favorite exhibit?
I had a lot of fun in ‘Take A Closer Look.’ I would love to hear about your experiences and tips! For more pictures, check out this week’s WordlessWednesday!

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This post is linked up with ManyLittleBlessings!

:: TopTenTuesday is a Top Ten post you write on your blog. It can be anything you want, long or short, but it does have to be a list of TEN. Link up with the new owner of TopTenTuesday at ManyLittleBlessings! ::