Honorable Mentions: Best 5 Indoor Places to Take Kids

The next-best 5 indoor places to take kids in New England.

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM & THEATRE OF MAINE
Imaginative exhibits let kids try out a variety of identities-from fire chief to letter carrier, veterinarian to pirate. On a clear day, the views inside the camera obscura delight adults and children alike. 142 Free St., Portland, ME. 207-828-1234; kitetails.org

HARVARD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
The skeleton of the seagoing Kronosaurus dinosaur has the biggest wow factor, but there’s something to enrapture every kid-from millions of bugs to stuffed lions, tigers, and bears. Parents marvel over the vitrine botanical specimens known as the Glass Flowers. 26 Oxford St., Cambridge, MA. 617-495-3045; hmnh.harvard.edu

BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME
Hoop dreams soar high at the Hall, which chronicles the game from its peach-basket beginnings to its modern flash and glitz. Interactive exhibits let kids test their jumps, stretches, and shots. 1000 West Columbus Ave., Springfield, MA. 413-781-6500; hoophall.com

BEN & JERRY’S FACTORY TOUR
The pun-filled tale of New England’s favorite ice cream is thoroughly tongue-in-cheek, but after seeing the production room, the tour sweetly concludes with spoon in mouth. 1281 Waterbury-Stowe Road, Waterbury, VT. 866-258-6877, 802-882-1240; benjerry.com

NEW ENGLAND AIR MUSEUM
Indoor and outdoor exhibits of the museum’s 125-plus flying machines (including a B-29 Superfortress) engage everyone who ever wanted to fly, kids and parents alike. Sometimes closes in bad weather. 36 Perimeter Road, Bradley International Airport, Windsor Locks, CT. 860-623-3305; neam.org