As you approach the Children's Museum, don't be surprised to see adults suddenly being dragged by the hand when their young companions realize how close they are and start running. You know that the museum is near when you see the 40-foot-high red-and-white milk bottle out front. It makes both children and adults look small in comparison -- which is probably part of the point. No matter how old, everyone behaves like a little kid at this delightful museum.

Children under 11 are the museum's target audience. They can stick with their adults or wander on their own, learning, doing, and role-playing. The centerpiece of the renovated warehouse building is a two-story-high maze, the New Balance Climb, which incorporates motor skills and problem-solving. Other favorite hands-on exhibits include Grandparents' Attic, a souped-up version of playing dress-up at Grandma's; Under the Dock, an environmental exhibit that teaches about the Boston waterfront and allows youngsters to dress up in a crab suit; physical experiments (such as creating giant soap bubbles) in Science Playground; and Boats Afloat, which has an 800-gallon play tank and a replica of the bridge of a working boat. Supermercado is a marketplace that introduces Hispanic culture, and you can explore a Japanese house and subway train from Kyoto (Boston's sister city) and learn about young adults in Teen Tokyo. Children under 4 and their caregivers have a special room, Playspace, that's packed with toys and activities.

Call or surf ahead for information about traveling exhibitions, KidStage participatory plays, and special programs. And be sure to check out the excellent gift shop (as if you have a choice).