Museum of Ice Cream Boston Review: What to Expect With a Toddler + Baby
New Year’s Day, we decided to do something spontaneous (which is honestly how I roll most of the time) we took our 3.5 year-old and 9-month-old to the Museum of Ice Cream in Boston. I had no idea what to expect, and since this is definitely one of those attractions you Google before booking, I wanted to share a full, honest review — especially if you’re considering going with kids.
If you’re looking for fun indoor things to do in Boston with toddlers, especially during the winter, this could definitely be an option — but here’s what you should know before you go.
🎟️ Tickets: Should You Buy VIP for the Museum of Ice Cream Boston?
We bought tickets in the hotel right before leaving. I was annoyed in the moment (trying to get two kids out the door in winter gear is not for the weak 😅), but my husband Paul insisted we pre-buy our tickets.
And honestly… I’m so glad he did.
When we arrived, the general admission line was LONG, and waiting in that line with two kids would’ve been a miserable start to the day. So if you’re going during a weekend, holiday, or peak season, buy your tickets ahead of time — no question.
We purchased VIP tickets, and while they were definitely pricey, the benefits were worth considering — especially in the middle of winter in Boston.
✅ VIP Ticket Perks:
Skip the long general line (defiantly a plus with kids)
Faster entry
Free specialty drinks at the “ice cream bar”
Free T-shirt at the end
Would I do VIP again? Probably yes if it’s cold and crowded, because standing outside with kids in Boston winter weather is not my idea of fun.
👶 Is the Museum of Ice Cream Boston Stroller-Friendly?
I honestly didn’t even think of this until we got there and no one else had strollers. We arrived with our Nuna double stroller. Good news: it was totally stroller-friendly. It was laid out over multiple levels, but everything was easily accessible with lots of space. However if it were to be any busier it would have been a bit cumbersome. There’s an elevator that takes you from floor to floor, and the exhibits were easy to navigate. That was a major relief — because folding and storing that stroller would’ve been impossible for us. With that being said, our 9 month old I did baby wear him through the museum so that he could see the colors and be a part of the fun, also it wasn’t his nap time or else he would have been in the stroller throughout. A part of on the go parenting is adapting to the journey and going with the flow.
So if you're looking for stroller-friendly attractions in Boston, this one checks that box.
🌰 Allergy Information (Important!)
When you check in, they do ask about allergies (including nut allergies). They said they don’t serve nut-based ice creams in the facility, but they also can’t guarantee no cross-contamination.
So if your child has severe allergies, that’s a key detail to know before going.
🍦 What the Experience Is Like (With Kids)
The beginning of the experience at Museum of Ice Cream Boston starts in groups. Once they gather enough people, they move you into the first room, and then the second room before entering the museum. Sort of building up the anticipation for the tour.
At check-in you:
create an “ice cream name”
get your entry instructions
begin the tour
The experience is essentially walking through a series of smaller themed rooms and exhibits, with quirky facts about ice cream flavors and fun photo ops along the way.
And yes — you get free ice cream samples throughout the experience (randomly placed at different stations). That part felt really fun and kept our toddler excited.
🎉 The Sprinkle Pit + Slide (Kids LOVE This)
The Ice Cream Museum experience ends with a slide that takes you down into a huge sprinkle pit — and there’s a height requirement to go down the slide that most younger kiddos wont meet.
This sprinkle pit was Max’s favorite part, and leaving the sprinkle room was… a struggle 😅. If your child loves sensory play and big excitement moments, they’re going to be obsessed. Have the hand sanitizer after this one!
⭐ My Honest Review: Is the Museum of Ice Cream Boston Worth It?
Overall, I’d give the Museum of Ice Cream Boston a 7/10 experience.
✅ Worth it if:
you want a fun indoor activity on a cold day
you have toddlers who love interactive exhibits (and Ice Cream!)
you’re visiting Boston and want something unique + kid-friendly
❌ Maybe skip it if:
you don’t want to spend extra on tickets (especially VIP)
your kids are sensitive to crowds
you’re expecting a true “museum” experience (it’s more of an interactive exhibit)
Would I go again? Probably not — but I’m glad we did it once.
🍽️ Where to Eat Nearby: Flour Bakery (Our Favorite!)
After the museum, there are lots of places nearby to grab food. Our favorite spot close by is Flour Bakery — everything is so yummy, and it’s an easy family stop after a high-energy activity like this.
✅ Final Tips Before You Go
Here’s what I’d recommend if you’re planning a visit:
Buy tickets ahead of time
Consider VIP if it’s cold or crowded
Bring a stroller — it’s totally manageable inside
Expect crowds on weekends/holidays
The sprinkle pit will probably be the highlight for kids
I hope you found this helpful!
