Visiting the National Basketball Hall of Fame with Kids

Visiting the Basketball Hall of Fame with kids is a treat, even for the most casual basketball fans. A family-friendly and kid-approved museum, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of fame is located in Springfield, Massachusetts. Filled with incredible artifacts from the past century and a half, the Hall also features cool interactive exhibits. Around 90 minutes from Boston—and only a half hour from Hartford—a trip to the Basketball Hall of Fame is a fun day trip for New England families. 

For more great family excursions, check out Day Trips and Weekend Getaways from Boston and our Connecticut Day Trips and Weekend Getaway Guide.

Why the Basketball Hall of Fame is an Awesome Family Destination

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame has plenty of sports history, but there are so many hands-on (and fun) activities for kids. The museum tells the story of an American sport, not just the NBA. Hall of Fame visitors learn how the game was invented right here in New England, and how basketball grew to a global phenomenon. The Hall also celebrates the sport’s female athletes, from pioneers in women’s athletics to the stars of today.

Basketball was invented in Springfield, Massachusetts by James Naismith during a cold December in 1891. Naismith was trying to create a healthy indoor activity for the long New England winters. The Hall of Fame is itself a great indoor activity for a cold winter’s day, but a trip here is worth it any time of year.

 

See the game’s greatest on display at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Photo courtesy of Western Builders

Must See Things at the Basketball Hall of Fame

The Hall has so many great things to see and do. Visitors are guided to an elevator which brings them to the top floor, allowing guests to make their way from the exhibitions near the rafters down to center court. Displays often have audio-visual components. Some are fully interactive video experiences.

Measure Up

The first exhibits let kids compare themselves to some of the more remarkable men and women of the NBA and the WNBA. See how you compare to the wingspan of some of the biggest (and even the smallest) players in the game’s history. And see some remarkable artifacts, like the jerseys and shoes of basketball legends.

Main Galleries

The second floor has some of the most remarkable exhibit spaces, such as the coaches’ gallery, 1891gallery, and more. The displays in these galleries feature priceless memorabilia and tell the story of triumph over adversity, both on and off the court.

TNT Experience

Sit down at a replica of the TNT Network’s Inside the NBA set and call the (imaginary) action. This might have been my son’s favorite part; he was more entertaining than Charles Barkley and Shaq combined.

Hall of Honor

This space honors the best of the best. These are the men and women that have made historic contributions to the game, the Hall of Famers. Over 400 male and female players, coaches, and even referees have been formally inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Because the Hall celebrates all of basketball, not just the NBA and WNBA, college athletes and coaches are celebrated alongside the professionals.

The Court

Have the little ones had enough of the mueum stuff? The lower level of the Hall is a full-size court where visitors can shoot around. It’s the perfect spot to let loose and burn off some energy. A separate Kids’ Court caters to little ones with short hoops. A series of 7- eight- and 9-foot hoops let bigger kids and adults try their dunking skills.

Know Before You Go

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is best for older kids, and those who really like basketball will have the most fun. The Hall does a great job of keeping the exhibits fun and kid-friendly, so visitors don’t need to be die-hard NBA fans.

While you don’t need a reservation in advance, it’s a good idea to book tickets online to ensure admission.

Eating or Restaurants at the Basketball Hall of Fame

There are no dining options inside the Hall, but the building has several dining options just outside the exhibition space. Subway and Plan B (burgers) offer quicker bites, while Uno Chicago Grill and Max’s Tavern are good for sit-down meals. We opted for treats from Cold Stone Creamery on our visit.

Visiting the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

The Hall is open Tuesdays through Sundays; the HOF is open on select Monday holidays. Hours are 10am to 4pm. Check the website before your visit, as the Hall is occassionally closed for private events. Admission is $29 for adults, $20 for kids age 5-15. Children 4 and under are free, and there are discounts for seniors and students.