20 Things to Do in Boston with Kids: A Family-Friendly Guide
Boston is a treasure trove of family-friendly activities that provide a mix of historical, cultural, educational, and recreational experiences — making it an ideal destination for a wide range of ages. From toddlers to teens, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. Home to parks, museums, nature trails, and hands-on exhibits, Boston invites visitors to explore its storied paths, engage in learning-filled experiences, and most importantly, have fun as a family.
Whether you’re a local family looking for a weekend adventure, or visiting for a few days, we’ve pulled together 20 things you can do in Boston with kids. The city’s compact size makes traveling around relatively easy, and many attractions are within walking distance of each other. Let’s dive into the ultimate guide for family fun in Boston.
1. Explore the Boston Children’s Museum
Located on Congress Street near Boston’s waterfront, the Boston Children’s Museum is one of the nation’s oldest and largest children’s museums. Focused on hands-on learning, the museum offers interactive exhibits for toddlers through to tweens, making it a must-visit for families.
Highlights:
- New Balance Climb: A three-story climbing structure where kids can channel their inner adventurer.
- PlaySpace: Tailored specifically for toddlers, this area provides a safe and playful environment.
- Peep’s World: Based on the beloved PBS series, this exhibit has interactive water tables, perfect for splashing and playing.
Tips for Visiting:
- Admission is $22, but children under the age of 12 months get in for free.
- The museum tends to be less crowded in the mornings, especially on weekday mornings.
Nearby Attraction: Martin’s Park & Playground (featured later in this list) is located conveniently close for a playground break.
2. Visit the New England Aquarium
Situated on Central Wharf, the New England Aquarium is home to over 20,000 marine animals. The main attraction is the Giant Ocean Tank, which winds four stories high in the center of the aquarium. Your kids can watch hundreds of marine creatures swim, including sharks, sea turtles, and colorful reef fish.
Highlights:
- Giant Ocean Tank: View divers feeding marine life inside this massive, cylindrical tank.
- Penguin Exhibits: Admire playful African and rockhopper penguins as they waddle and swim about.
- Touch Tanks: Let your kids interact with rays and small sharks—an unforgettable first-hand marine experience.
Tips for Visiting:
- Admission is $34 for adults and $25 for children.
- Check out whale-watching tours that depart from near the aquarium in warmer months.
Nearby Attractions: Simons IMAX Theatre, located beside the aquarium and featuring ocean-themed 3D movies.
3. Take a Ride on the Swan Boats in Boston Public Garden
A quintessential Boston experience, the Swan Boats have been charming families since the 1870s. Glide peacefully across the lagoon of the Boston Public Garden on these iconic pedal-powered boats, which are decorated with larger-than-life swan structures at the back.
Highlights:
- History: This tradition dates back over 140 years and is still one of Boston’s most beloved family activities.
- Familiar Faces: During the boat ride, you might spot familiar creatures such as Romeo and Juliet—the park’s resident swans.
Ideal Time to Visit:
- The boats operate seasonally from mid-April through mid-September, making it a great summer activity.
Admission is affordable at around $4.50 for adults and $3 for children ages 2-15 (children under 2 ride for free).
4. Walk the Freedom Trail (Boston by Little Feet Tour)
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile red-brick path that winds through 16 of Boston’s most significant historical sites. This trail makes American history come alive for children, teaching them about the country’s revolutionary past while exploring key landmarks.
Highlights:
- Boston by Little Feet Tour: Tailored for young children ages 6-12, this interactive tour focuses on stories and facts that engage younger audiences. It’s educational and fun.
- Historical Stops: Engage your kids with visits to iconic locations like Paul Revere House, Boston Common, and Old State House.
Admission to the Boston by Little Feet tour is $8 per person, with tours lasting about an hour, making it perfect for smaller attention spans.
Tips for Families: To avoid overwhelming younger children, divide the trail into sections, and focus on a few stops at a time.
5. Enjoy Martin’s Park & Playground
Adjacent to the Boston Children’s Museum, Martin’s Park offers a safe, inclusive playground that every child can enjoy. With its modern design and proximity to the waterfront, this park provides a serene, relaxing break for both parents and kids.
Highlights:
- Inclusive Playground: Children of all abilities can explore the many structures like slides, bridges, and swings.
- Park View: The park offers a lovely skyline view of downtown Boston, perfect for a family picture!
Admission: Free! This park complements a visit to other nearby attractions.
6. Go on a Boston Duck Tour
If your kids love adventure, they’ll be thrilled with the Boston Duck Tour! These amphibious vehicles traverse both land and water, offering a unique way to see Boston’s landmarks. The 80-minute tours blend fun with learning, as guides share historical anecdotes while driving through the city and dipping into the calm waters of the Charles River.
Highlights:
- Charles River Splash: The most exciting part of the tour for kids is when your duck tour splashes down into the Charles River.
- Interactive: For kids who love to take the wheel, they’ll get a chance to captain the boat on the river!
Tips for Visiting:
- Tickets range from $52.99 for adults and $39.99 for children. Book your tickets in advance to save!
7. Discover Legoland Discovery Center
A short ride away in Somerville at Assembly Row, the Legoland Discovery Center is a paradise for any LEGO enthusiast. With multiple interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, it caters to children of different age groups, where imagination meets creativity.
Highlights:
- Miniland: Your kids will love spotting Boston landmarks, such as Fenway Park and Boston Harbor, made entirely out of LEGOs.
- 4D Cinema: Shows featuring LEGO-themed adventures that come with sensory effects—like wind and rain—for a fully immersive experience.
Admission starts at $28.99 for walk-ups, though buying tickets online may save you money.
8. Visit Fenway Park and Catch a Red Sox Game (Family-Friendly Sections)
Nothing says Boston like a trip to Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. Even if your kids aren’t sports enthusiasts, Fenway has family-friendly sections and game-day activities that make it an iconic outing.
Highlights:
- Kid Nation: This program offers free Red Sox tickets for members aged 14 and under. There are also special activities like face painting and balloon making.
- Tours: If you’re visiting in the off-season, you can still see Fenway! Daily tours offer behind-the-scenes looks inside the park.
Family-Friendly Sections: During games, opt for seats in the Kid Zone, located in the right field bleachers, which offers family-focused amenities such as a wider concourse for strollers.
9. Explore the Museum of Science
Boston’s Museum of Science is packed with interactive displays, hands-on demonstrations, and exhibits designed to ignite curiosity in minds both young and old. One of the greatest museum attractions is its Lightning Show, where children can learn the science behind electricity in spectacular fashion.
Highlights:
- Lightning Show: The Theater of Electricity provides a hair-raising experience as massive bolts of lightning crash down during this live demonstration.
- Planetarium: The Charles Hayden Planetarium offers fun and educational space-themed shows that both young children and teens will love.
Admission is $29 for adults and $24 for children. Keep an eye out for special exhibits like the annual Butterfly Garden.
10. Take a Ferry to Boston Harbor Islands (Georges Island & Fort Warren)
One of the best ways to enjoy summer with your kids is by taking the ferry to one of the Boston Harbor Islands, particularly Georges Island. Besides enjoying a boat ride, you and your family can explore the historic Georges Island and the spooky Fort Warren, which has tunnels and turrets that evoke an air of mystery perfect for older adventure-seekers.
Highlights:
- Georges Island: Take your kids through Fort Warren’s underground passageways, complete with turrets and canons.
- Picnicking: After a day of exploration, relax with a family picnic while gazing at the Boston skyline in the distance.
The ferry departs from Long Wharf, and round-trip tickets are $24 for adults and $17 for children.
11. Visit the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum (Interactive Experience)
Step back in time at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, an experience perfect for both history buffs and energetic youngsters. The museum allows kids to transform into colonists and get involved in the reenactment of the famous Tea Party revolt.
Highlights:
- Throw Tea: Encourage your kids to participate in the interactive demo by throwing crates of “tea” overboard into Boston Harbor!
- Costumed Actors: Meet colonial actors who bring history to life with fun stories and interactive questions.
Admission is $32 for adults and $19 for children.
12. Play at Castle Island & Fort Independence
For families with energetic kids in need of outdoor run-around space, Castle Island offers plenty of green space along with playgrounds. This historic park not only gives you access to brilliant views but also provides the opportunity to explore Fort Independence.
Highlights:
- Playground: Simple but fun for younger children, with soft-ground areas and climbing structures.
- Fort Independence: On weekends, explore the history of this impressive star-shaped fort, and enjoy a guided tour to learn about its importance in Boston’s defense system.
Admission is free, making this a no-brainer for a breezy, cost-effective excursion.
13. Ride the Carousel at Rose Kennedy Greenway & Splash Fountains
The Rose Kennedy Greenway is one of Boston’s newest parks and families flock to it in the warmer months for the splash fountains and the uniquely designed carousel.
Highlights:
- Creative Animals: The carousel animals are based on children’s drawings of local species, so your kids can ride anything from a grasshopper to a fabulous fish!
- Splash in the Fountains: Cooled by water? Check! Let your children splash in the Greenway fountains available during the warmer months.
14. Explore the Harvard Museum of Natural History
A bit farther afield in Cambridge, the Harvard Museum of Natural History is a wonderland for kids fascinated by nature, animals, and science.
Highlights:
- Glass Flowers: Marvel at this world-renowned collection of intricately crafted glass flowers.
- Dinosaur Fossils: Always a favorite for kids, the dinosaur fossil exhibit will have them standing in awe of these prehistoric beasts.
Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children, with free admissions on weekends for residents.
15. Visit Franklin Park Zoo
Nestled within the Franklin Park neighborhood, the Franklin Park Zoo offers a more intimate experience than larger zoos but is equally exciting, particularly for younger children.
Highlights:
- Tropical Forest Pavilion: An indoor exhibit featuring gorillas, capybaras, and even free-flying birds.
- Giraffe Encounters: Get close and feed giraffes in this top-rated attraction.
Admission is typically $22 for adults and $15 for children, but special discounts are available for residents.
16. Spend Time at Frog Pond in Boston Common
A trip to Boston Common with kids isn’t complete without visiting the Frog Pond, where both summer and winter offer plenty of fun.
Seasonal Highlights:
- Summer: Splash around in the shallow wading pool, which is a refreshing free activity that caregivers will appreciate.
- Winter: If you’re visiting during the colder months, Frog Pond turns into an ice skating rink.
Rental skates are available for winter visitors, and during summer months, the splash pad is open to the public for free.
17. Explore Arnold Arboretum
The urban oasis of Arnold Arboretum offers vast green spaces, diverse plants, tree-climbing opportunities, and peaceful nature trails, perfect for leisurely family explorations.
Highlights:
- Tree Climbing: For older, energetic children, the park offers specific areas where tree climbing is encouraged.
- Picnic Spots: Several spots lend themselves to laid-back family picnics under the open sky.
Admission is free, providing the perfect setting for a calm day exploring nature.
18. Visit USS Constitution Museum & Ship (“Old Ironsides”)
Located near Charlestown Navy Yard, this historic military vessel is the oldest commissioned U.S. warship, affectionately known as “Old Ironsides.” The adjacent museum offers interactive exhibits which teach kids about life in the Navy.
Highlights:
- Interactive Museum: Practice knot-tying, learn about sailors’ quarters, and participate in hands-on demonstrations.
- Climb Aboard: Board the USS Constitution and explore every corner of this legendary warship.
Admission to the museum is free, although donations are encouraged.
19. Take a Stroll through North End’s Italian Heritage Sites & Mike’s Pastry
A visit to Boston wouldn’t be complete without wandering through the historic North End, the city’s Italian district. Alongside its rich history, North End is famous for its food.
Highlights:
- Family-Friendly Restaurants: Many North End restaurants welcome families, offering kid-sized dishes and casual dining experiences.
- Mike’s Pastry: End your culinary stroll with a sweet treat from Mike’s Pastry, home to some of the city’s best cannoli.
20. Experience Boda Borg Questing Adventure
Families with older children (7 and up) should head to Boda Borg in Malden for an unparalleled adventure. Combining mental and physical challenges, the quest rooms test your problem-solving abilities as you work together to complete tasks.
Highlights:
- Quest Concept: Imagine an escape room-meets-dynamic challenge, requiring your family to solve puzzles and work cooperatively before time runs out!
- Family-Friendly Quests: Several quest rooms are designed with younger audiences in mind, ensuring everyone gets a fair shot at fun.
Admission is $25, with team-building activities available over various difficulty levels.
FAQs Section
What are some free things to do in Boston with kids?
Boston offers plenty of free, family-friendly activities, even for budget-conscious visitors. Popular options include exploring Boston Common, playing at Martin’s Park or Castle Island, and taking a self-guided walk on a portion of the Freedom Trail.
What is there to do indoors with kids in Boston?
For indoor fun, Boston is packed with exciting locations like the Boston Children’s Museum, New England Aquarium, or spending a magical afternoon at Legoland Discovery Center. During colder months, the Museum of Science and Franklin Park Zoo’s indoor tropical forest exhibit are great alternatives to outdoor activities.
What is there to do in Boston with toddlers?
Boston offers secure, enriching experiences for toddlers including PlaySpace at the Boston Children’s Museum, Swan Boat rides at Boston Public Garden, and North Point Park, where water features keep toddlers occupied in warmer months.
Is Boston good for family vacations?
Boston is a fantastic city for family vacations. Its diverse mix of kid-friendly museums, historical landmarks, interactive exhibits, beautiful parks, and delicious food offerings make it an ideal destination that promises both fun and education for families of all ages.
Conclusion
Boston is a city that blends the past with the present. Its rich history, coupled with an abundance of modern, interactive, and outdoor offerings, make it a gem for families traveling with kids. Whether it’s wandering the city’s historic Freedom Trail, engaging in hands-on learning at the Children’s Museum, or simply enjoying a ferry ride to the Boston Harbor Islands—you’ll find a little something for everyone.
With such a wide array of family-friendly activities, Boston stands out as a perfect destination for your next family adventure.
