Photo: Neeraj D
Photo: Julie's bites
Photo: Dipak Sakya
The Dorothy and Charles Mosesian Center for the Arts
★4.8(153 reviews)$Theater
🕑 1-2 hours for performances; 1-3 hours for workshops and classes👶 Best for ages 3-14. Preschoolers and elementary-aged kids will love the children's theater productions and introductory art classes, while tweens and teens can dive deeper with specialized workshops in visual arts, drama, and music.🧡 Saved by 60+ families
About
The Mosesian Center for the Arts is a welcoming community hub where families can enjoy live children's theater productions, interactive art classes, and creative workshops designed for young artists. With consistently excellent reviews from families, this intimate arts center offers age-appropriate performances and hands-on experiences that make the arts accessible and fun for kids of all skill levels.
Highlights
- ✓Professional children's theater productions with kid-friendly stories and interactive elements
- ✓Drop-in art workshops where kids can experiment with different media and techniques
- ✓Youth theater programs that teach acting, stagecraft, and performance skills
- ✓Family-friendly concerts and musical performances throughout the year
- ✓Rotating art gallery featuring local artists that kids can view for free
Pro Tips
- 1.Book theater tickets early as popular children's shows often sell out, especially weekend matinee performances
- 2.Arrive 15-20 minutes early for shows to get good seats (most performances have open seating) and let kids explore the gallery displays in the lobby
- 3.Check their website for seasonal art camps and workshop series that run during school vacations,they fill up fast
- 4.Street parking is available on Arsenal Street but can be limited; arrive early or use the Arsenal Yards parking garage nearby
- 5.Sign up for their email newsletter to get early access to family program announcements and discounted class packages
Best Time to Visit
Weekend matinee performances (typically Saturday and Sunday afternoons) are specifically geared toward families with young children. Weekday afternoon art classes work well for homeschoolers or flexible schedules, while school vacation weeks offer special all-day camps.
What to Know
Performance tickets typically range from $10-25 per person, while art classes and workshops vary by program length. Street parking is available with additional paid parking at nearby Arsenal Yards shopping complex. The center is wheelchair accessible with family-friendly restrooms.
Seasonal Notes
The center offers special programming during October (Halloween-themed performances), December (holiday shows and craft workshops), and school vacation weeks in February and April with intensive art camps. Summer features week-long theater and arts camps for various age groups. Some programs take a brief break in late August before the fall season begins.
Nearby Eats
Arsenal Yards shopping center (5-minute walk) has multiple family-friendly options including Shake Shack, Panera Bread, and Oath Pizza. For a sit-down meal, try Tavern in the Square which offers a kids menu and casual atmosphere perfect for post-show dining.
More Activities Near Watertown
Adventure
Charles River Path
Free
The Charles River Path offers families a beautiful, paved multi-use trail perfect for bike rides, stroller walks, and outdoor exploration along the scenic riverfront. Kids will love spotting ducks and geese, watching rowing crews glide by, and having plenty of safe, flat space to practice their biking skills. With multiple access points and varying distances, families can customize their adventure to match their children's energy levels.
Playground
Splash Park and Playground
★4.8Free❤️10
Located in the heart of Watertown Square, this modern playground offers the best of both worlds with its splash park and traditional play equipment. The highly-rated facility features climbing structures and swings alongside water features, making it an ideal destination for active play year-round. With plenty of benches for parents to relax, it's a welcoming community space where families can spend quality time together.
Library
Watertown Free Public Library
★4.7Free❤️19
Watertown Free Public Library is a gem for families, featuring an exceptional children's department that goes beyond just books. With regularly scheduled storytimes, hands-on educational programs, dedicated activity rooms, and an extensive collection of children's books and media, it's the perfect destination for rainy days or quiet afternoon enrichment.
Activity
Watertown Boys & Girls Club
★4.7$❤️21
The Watertown Boys & Girls Club is a trusted community hub where kids can swim, play basketball, get creative with arts and crafts, and make friends in a safe, supervised environment. With a stellar 4.7-star rating from local families, this recreation center offers affordable programming that keeps children active and engaged after school and during weeknights.