Skip to main content
Brandeis University university in Waltham, MA
Photo: Karen Auger
View of Brandeis University in Waltham, MA
Photo: RoadTrip NewEngland
View of Brandeis University in Waltham, MA
Photo: XIAOXIA LIU

Brandeis University

4.4(237 reviews)FreeActivity
🕑 1.5-2.5 hours👶 Best for ages 6 and up. School-age children and teens will appreciate the art museum and can start imagining college life, while younger kids enjoy the open green spaces for running and playing. The educational atmosphere makes it particularly engaging for curious pre-teens interested in learning environments.

About

Brandeis University offers families a peaceful escape with beautiful walking paths perfect for stroller-friendly nature walks and outdoor exploration. The Rose Art Museum provides a wonderful introduction to contemporary art for curious kids, while the spacious campus grounds are ideal for letting children run, explore, and experience a college atmosphere that can inspire future academic dreams.

Highlights

  • Rose Art Museum featuring contemporary and modern art collections
  • Scenic walking paths and green spaces perfect for picnics and outdoor play
  • Beautiful campus architecture that sparks conversations about college
  • Family-friendly cultural events and performances throughout the academic year
  • Peaceful atmosphere ideal for nature walks and bird watching

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Visit the Rose Art Museum first (free admission!) and pick up a campus map at the visitor center to help navigate the 235-acre campus
  2. 2.Park in Visitor Lot A near South Street for easiest access to main campus attractions and walking paths
  3. 3.Bring bikes or scooters,the campus paths are perfect for kids to ride while parents walk
  4. 4.Check the university events calendar before visiting for family-friendly performances, lectures, or cultural festivals that are often open to the public
  5. 5.The campus is quieter during summer and winter breaks, making it easier to explore without navigating around students

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings (9 AM-12 PM) offer the quietest experience for families. Spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October) provide beautiful weather and scenic foliage, perfect for campus walks. Avoid midday during the academic year when student activity peaks.

What to Know

Admission to campus and the Rose Art Museum is free. Visitor parking is available, and while there are campus dining options, hours vary by semester schedule. The campus is stroller and wheelchair accessible with paved pathways throughout.

Seasonal Notes

Campus is accessible year-round, but the Rose Art Museum has limited hours and may close during university breaks,call ahead to confirm. Spring brings stunning blooms and outdoor events, while fall offers gorgeous foliage. Winter visits are possible but some areas may have reduced access during holiday breaks (late December-early January).

Nearby Eats

Moody Street in downtown Waltham (5-minute drive) offers numerous family-friendly options including Watch City Brewing Company with a kids menu and relaxed atmosphere, or In a Pickle for fresh sandwiches and wraps perfect for post-visit lunches.

More Activities Near Waltham

Activity

Moody Street

Free

Moody Street in Waltham is a bustling downtown strip perfect for a leisurely family stroll with something for everyone. This walkable district offers an impressive variety of kid-friendly restaurants serving cuisines from around the world, sweet treats at local ice cream shops, and unique boutiques to explore. It's an ideal destination when you want to combine a meal out with some window shopping and people-watching in a vibrant urban setting.

Activity

Prospect Hill Tower

4.7Free

Prospect Hill Tower offers families a rewarding adventure combining a moderate hike with a tangible history lesson and spectacular 360-degree views as the prize at the top. Kids love climbing the historic stone tower and spotting landmarks across the Boston area, while parents appreciate the outdoor exercise and opportunity to discuss Revolutionary War history where George Washington once raised the first American flag in 1776.

Park

Prospect Hill Park

4.7Free

Prospect Hill Park offers families a perfect hilltop escape with sweeping views of the Boston skyline that will wow kids and parents alike. The open green spaces are ideal for running, playing catch, flying kites on breezy days, and spreading out a picnic blanket while little ones explore safely.

Library

Waltham Public Library

4.7Free

Waltham Public Library is a modern, family-friendly destination that goes far beyond books. With its highly-rated children's programs, regular story times, hands-on craft activities, and technology resources, it's a perfect free indoor activity that combines learning with fun for kids of all ages.