Things to do with kids in Fall River

Things to do with kids in Fall River

1. See

   Battleship Cove

   Battleship Cove lays claim to the largest collection of preserved U.S. Navy ships in the world, from World War II to the present, which are open as historic monuments. The most famous of these boats is the USS Massachusetts ("Big Mamie"), which is said to have fired the first and last shells of WWII. Other ships include the Destroyer USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., Submarine USS Lionfish, and PT Boats 617 and 796. Visitors are welcome to board the vessels and tour their outside areas and interiors. Visitors can arrange to spend a night aboard the ships for additional charge. Ticket includes two days of access, and admission to the nearby Maritime Museum.

   museum closes at 4:30PM·$15-25, children under 3 free

2. Eat

   Caravela Family Restaurant

   Features an extensive menu of authentic Portuguese dishes and greets its customers with a friendly atmosphere. Expect rather large portions for a relatively low cost. The sangria comes recommended, and is priced attractively at $6 a pitcher.

3. See

   Children's Museum of Greater Fall River

   This small interactive museum offers children a number of exhibits to explore. Exhibits include the Lego Room and the World of Water, and there are various events that change on a regular basis.

   Admission $8, children under 12 months free

4. See

   Fall River Heritage State Park

   Fall River Heritage State Park hugs the Taunton River which provides a wonderful and relaxing views. This 8.5-acre park overlooks Battleship Cove, which houses the World War II battleship, USS Massachusetts. Heritage State Park also has a boardwalk that runs the length of the park, benches for lounging, trees, an antique carousel, sailing opportunities, tennis courts, historical statues, and a huge open area perfect for the recreational activity of your choice. This park is a great family spot for picnics, relaxing, or even just going for a leisurely walk.

5. See

   Fall River Historical Society

   Set in an 1800s Highlands mansion, the Historical Society offers guided museum tours that glimpse into the lives of New England's 19th century elite. Rotating exhibits display an extensive collection of Fall River heirlooms, including Lizzie Borden artifacts. The Victorian Christmas tour (Nov - Dec) is perhaps their most spectacular offering, with every room in the house decorated in a different traditional holiday style. A Christmas shop and a Victorian High Tea room are open year-round.

   Adults $12, children under 15 $8

6. Eat

   Leddy's Bakery & Coffee Shop

   Leddy's offers baked goods in a family-oriented atmosphere. Menu items include homemade donuts, cakes, lemon squares, and cream puffs, among other pastries. Try the items from the refrigerated case to the left of the cash register — those items are made with fresh, local cream and are especially delicious.

7. Eat

   Nick's Hot Dogs

   Nick's Hot Dogs offers affordable hot dogs ($1-2), French fries ($3-4), and stuffed quahogs ($3). Known for its Coney Island wieners, Nick's has been a staple in Fall River since 1920. It features a family-friendly atmosphere and original seats.

8. See

   Oak Grove Cemetery

   Really? Why visit a cemetery? Well, Oak Grove is the largest public urban greenspace in Fall River. It is the final resting place of Lizzie Borden and her family (just follow the painted arrows from the main entrance on Prospect Street). Its obelisks and monuments are some of the city's finest architecture. It is well-manicured and filled with tortuous paths, designed in the style of Cambridge's famous Mount Auburn. And, it is a surprisingly great place to go for a walk.

9. Eat

   Sam's Bakery

   The most beloved of Fall River's Lebanese bakeries, this small family-owned shop offers delicious triangular Lebanese pies (sfeehas), serving traditional meat and spinach pies alongside chourico-filled ones. $1.35 each, or $9 for a dozen.

10. See

    The Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast/Museum

    In 1892, Lizzie Borden was accused of killing her father and stepmother in this house. Though she was acquitted of all charges, the axe murder mystery continues to intrigue 130 years later. You can view the scene of the crime and explore the house, or spend the night and enjoy breakfast where it happened.

    Museum admission $17-22, children under 6 free

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Fall River (CC BY-SA 4.0).