Science

Cape Cod Museum of Natural History Watch the bobbing moon jellies and other native sea creatures in the aquarium; listen to whale songs; see how the weather has shaped the Cape over many years; look for crabs on the beach. 869 Main St./Route 6A, Brewster, MA; +1 508 896 3867. Fee.

Harvard Museum of Natural History Shudder at the 42-foot Kronosaurus sea monster skeleton; touch meteorites from space; roam the dinosaur gallery. 26 Oxford St., Cambridge, MA; +1 617 495 3045. Fee.

MIT Museum Chat with Kismet, the first sociable robot; view the eye-popping holography collection; enjoy the kinetic sculptures exhibit; don't miss the other branches of the museum on campus with architectural and nautical exhibits. 265 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA; +1 617 253 5927. Fee.

Museum of Science Experience 3-D nature and space documentaries; see live demonstrations of lightning, magnetism, alternative energy, and engineering; blast off into outer space at the Hayden Planetarium. 1 Science Park, Boston, MA; +1 617 723 2500. Fee.

Springfield Science Museum Touch the massive fossilized footprints of dinosaurs; go on a safari through the African Hall; interact with kid-friendly planetarium shows; see creepy-crawlies from the tropical forests of South America and fish that live on coral reefs. 21 Edwards St., Springfield, MA; +1 413 263 6800 or 800 625 7738. Fee (admission includes access to other Springfield Museums and Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, as well).