Kids Activities In Fall River, Massachusetts

In 1875, Fall River had more than 120 textile mills in operation. In an age before child-labor laws took effect, many of these factories employed children as young as 12 years old. Today, children can enjoy their experience in Fall River a great deal more thanks to outdoor recreation and historical tours.

Water Activities

Children and adults will enjoy the South Shore of Massachusetts. Fall River is on the Taunton River and Narragansett Bay to the west, and North and South Watuppa Ponds to the east. Borden Light Marina has a pool and offers swimming lessons for children ages 3 and older during July and August. "Adopt a Kid and Go Fishing Day" is held on Father's Day. Licenses are required for adults, but children ages 14 and under do not need one. Purchase gear and bait from one of the four fish and tackle supply stores in town.

Take a Pony Ride

Let the younger kids ride a historic carousel pony on the Fall River Carousel at Battleship Cove. Built in 1920 in Philadelphia, the carousel that now lives in Fall River was once the centerpiece of the Lincoln Amusement Park in North Dartmouth, Massachusetts. Housed in a Victorian pavilion, the carousel is open daily. Rides last three minutes; challenge the kids to turn off their electronic games and imagine being a child in the 1920s going 'round and 'round.

Take a Hike

A Boardwalk Trail at the Fall River Heritage Park is a part of the state's Healthy Heart Trails program. The easy three-quarter-mile-long trail starts by the Visitor Center and is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Freetown-Fall River State Forest has a wading pool, picnic tables, restrooms and playing fields. More than 50 miles of trails and dirt/gravel roads are open for hiking, mountain biking, motorcycle and ATV use. Dress everyone in bright clothing during hunting season.

Board a Battleship

Kids of all ages will enjoy temporary deployment on the fleet at Fall River's famous Battleship Cove. A battleship, destroyer, submarine, two PT boats, Huey helicopter and Soviet missile corvette are open for touring. The kids will enjoy sounding the dive horn aboard the submarine USS Lionfish and having a go at cranking the hand-wheels on gun turrets aboard the USS Massachusetts. Lunch is served in the latter's Officers' Wardroom, with kid favorites like burgers, pizza and chicken tenders on the menu.

Go Train Spotting

The Old Colony and Fall River Railroad Museum features retired railroad cars and an impressive layout of model railroads. Ticketing is completed in a coach car that once served on the Pennsylvania Railroad line. The same car has railroad exhibits, model trains and a children's play room. The only surviving boxcar from the New Haven Railroad houses the museum's theater, which shows videos about trains and railroads. The extensive model railroad layouts will have the kids wanting to play engineer.