I live in MA half way between Boston and Providence. Many mornings I wake up and decide to take the kids on an adventure. This has become one of my favorite and easy spots to go. I was very suprised to read the 3 year old post about area safety. There is a big free parking lot outside and I have never felt threatened. The exhibits are wonderful and clean. My favorite area is upstairs where there is a hallway through Providence/RI history. The first is a small colonial farm house, than a Mill, next a ship, and than a hispanic market. All are hand on and have costumes for the kids to play act with. My boys also love the construction area. For the littlest visitors, there is a toddler only area in the back with a great big tree, slide and cave. Bring a snack or lunch. There is no food service available but a room for snacking/eating. The price is great at 6.50 a person and the first Sunday of every month is free courtasy of Brooks Pharmacy.

My 14-mos-old twins loved this museum when we went at the beginning of the summer. There is a large water room that is great for many agse (I even saw parents having fun). There ar tables of flowing water full of balls, pipes, and other items that the kids can play with, move around, see cause and effect, etc. My twins loved a separate water tower that was easy for them to reach. They could put their hands in the water, move little balls, etc. There are smocks for the children to wear (but they will get wet!). The one downside is that the floor is wet and shoes will get wet (but I did see someone repeatedly mop the floor and pick up loose balls).
There is a play veterinarian room and pirate ship as well. Another room is just for toddlers (great for us) and made up like pioneer times.
The downside- and this major - there is nearly no parking. We parked on the street at first, where there is a 1-hr limit. I was afraid of getting a ticket. Then a spot opened in the lot, so I was lucky. But they really do need to aquire more parking or add a garage. We went for free through our library, so that was a huge plus.

There are lots of enjoyable small areas for kids 3-10 to play here. But be careful! The neighborhood is run-down, and I got robbed/mugged in the parking lot on the way out.