Boston, the state capital and the state’s most populous city, has plenty to offer families with children of all ages, whether they are old enough to appreciate the significance of the Boston Tea Party or just want to run wild.
Boston is a fantastic destination for a family vacation thanks to its many family-friendly sights and activities.
Taking the kids to Boston? What follows is a list of recommended destinations.
- Legoland Discovery Center
The reason you can’t stay: Kids (and grownups) of all ages will have a blast at the indoor Legoland, where they can play with Lego bricks to their hearts’ content, from building replicas of famous Boston landmarks to racing Lego cars.
Things to do include participating in workshops at the Model Builder Academy and riding the entertaining and engaging Kingdom Quest Laser Rider and Merlin’s Apprentice attractions.
Those with young children will appreciate the two designated play areas.
Target Audience: Older Children and Adults
- Boston Museum of Science
Why you should go: It’s the perfect place to unleash your inner child prodigy, with activities like indoor lightning bolt watching and Design Challenge sample tasting.
Here’s what you should do: give the Investigation Station’s puzzles a try and see if you can solve any mysteries there.
Visiting the planetarium, the live animal exhibits, and the butterflies in the garden are all highlights.
Children of all ages will enjoy the daily storytime with real animals.
Ages: Everyone
Related: Boston’s Best Tourist Spots
- New England Aquarium
The aquarium is a four-story building overlooking Boston Harbor, where visitors can experience urban life while getting up close to marine life from the Caribbean.
The aquarium is home to over 8,000 marine animals and features numerous engaging exhibits designed with education and fun.
Penguin feedings, seal training, and other animal interactions are all available to observe daily.
Watch an animal-related film on the city’s giant I-Max screen.
Ages: Everyone
- Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum
The reason you can’t stay: Follow in the footsteps of a historical event in America!
What to do: Participate in the historical event and learn about the protest by watching actors reenact it.
Gather at the Meeting House, don a Mohawk disguise, and march with the Sons of Liberty to Griffin’s Wharf, where you can join the protest by throwing your tea over the side.
Ages: Everyone
- Charles River Esplanade
Reasons to visit include miles of scenic walking paths, passing sailboats, and a calm, summery atmosphere perfect for families.
Activities Go to the park and let the kids run around in the playground.
More attractions, such as the Community Boating and Sailing center, playgrounds, public docks, trees, scenic vistas, and lovely eateries like the Owl’s Nest beer garden, await you as you continue your stroll.
- Paul Revere House and Old North Church
The Old North Church, built in 1723 and boasting Boston’s tallest steeple, is next to Boston’s oldest still-standing private home, the former home of Paul Revere and now a museum.
To see the original colonial-style rooms, you should tour the house.
Visit the crypt and bell-ringing chamber at the church famous for its “2 lanterns” and the Clough House’s ever-changing exhibition space.
Ages: Everyone
- Boston’s Children’s Museum
The reason you can’t stay: This museum, one of the oldest and largest in the world, was dedicated in 1913 and is a must-see for families visiting Boston.
There is a wide variety of events, workshops, and activities, as well as a three-story vertical maze, the Japanese House (the former home of a silk merchant), and much more to keep guests occupied.
Ages: Everyone
- Boston Common
The reason you can’t stay: This 50-acre green oasis in the middle of the city is the nation’s first public park and a great place to relax and learn about the local past.
The beautiful Frog Pond, which becomes an ice skating rink in the winter, the ball fields, and the Parkman Bandstand can all be seen on a stroll through the park.
The spray pond, carousel, and exciting playground are all great options for children during the warm summer.
Ages: Everyone
- Martin’s Park and Playground
The reason you can’t stay: This park, named after Martin Richard, is an idyllic outdoor play area with panoramic views of the water, refreshing breezes, and a lush playscape.
Relax on the benches or stroll through the grounds to stunning vistas.
A puppet show for toddlers is performed in the miniature amphitheater on special days.
The marooned ship replica, swing set, and slides are all great fun for the little ones.
Ages: Everyone
- Boston Public Garden
The reason you can’t stay: This park, which serves as the backdrop for the classic children’s book “Make Way for Ducklings,” is a must-see for any reader of the book.
Things to do include visiting the beautiful lagoon at this Victorian-era botanical garden, which is home to many different species of waterfowl.
Take a stroll through the park with Mrs. Mallard and her brood and snap some pictures.
Ages: Everyone
- Swan Boat Ride in the Public Garden
The reason you can’t stay: As part of a tradition over a century old in Boston, hop aboard a graceful swan boat and glide through the Public Garden.
The ‘Lohengrin opera served as inspiration for these one-of-a-kind swan boats.
Things to do include taking a 20-minute ride around the lagoon in a swan boat, where you can observe some of the many ducks and swans that live there.
Ages: Everyone
- Fort Independence
A must-see because it is both a historic fortification and the beginning of Edgar Allan Poe’s military career in defense of the Boston area.
Locals refer to the island as Castle Island, and you can tour the fort for free.
Because of the large playground, it is popular with joggers, walkers, and families.
The causeway goes around Pleasure Bay and dead ends at Sullivan’s, one of the best restaurants in town.
Ages: Everyone
- Museum of Fine Arts
The reason you can’t stay: The museum has a great collection of American, Asian, and Impressionist works, and it is one of the oldest in the country.
Activities for children of all ages can be found in the free Family Activity Totes, which can be picked up at the gallery’s information desk.
Children can practice observational skills by using an Art Connections sheet.
Appropriate for visitors of all ages.
- Carson Beach
The reason you can’t stay: Carson Beach, which can be found in South Boston, is a popular destination for locals and visitors.
The three miles of Carson Beach are great for activities like volleyball, shell hunting, strolling along the waves, and sunbathing, but the water is too cold for swimming.
Appropriate for visitors of all ages.
- Harvard Museum of Natural History
Why you can’t stay: The Harvard Museum of Natural History houses over 12,000 specimens from Harvard’s vast research collection.
What to Do: Check out the Dinosaur Fossil Exhibit, Gemstone Exhibit, Meteorite Exhibit, and other Exotic Animal Exhibits!
Skeletons of enormous mammals, including blue whales, are among the hundreds of animal and bird species that call this place home.
- Thomas Menino Park and Playground
Your inability to remain is due to: Just ten minutes from the dock, the historic Thomas Menino Park was the Navy Yard’s first dry dock during World War II.
What to Do: The park has been transformed into a playground, complete with a variety of exciting structures for children to climb on while their parents take in the breathtaking views of the sky and water from the park’s elevated lawns and viewing decks or along the harbor walk.
Appropriate for visitors of all ages.
- Old Ironsides and USS Constitution Museum
Reasons Why You Must Leave: The USS Constitution, also known as “Old Ironsides,” was launched in 1797 and is the oldest commissioned warship.
Activities include touring the USS Constitution, open to the public, and the adjacent museum, which features several tours and interactive exhibits that give visitors a taste of life on the high seas 200 years ago, complete with the opportunity for children to unfurl sails and swing in hammocks.
Appropriate for visitors of all ages.
- The Lawn on D
The reason you can’t stay: The Lawn on D is one of the newer parks in Boston, and it’s already become a popular destination thanks to its live music, interactive artwork and installations, and ultra-cool LED-illuminated glowing swings that kids and their parents will love.
What to do: Guests can either relax in one of the many comfortable seating areas or participate in one of the many fun public events held here, such as watching a Red Sox game or attending the Pumpkin Palooza.
- Fort Warren
Why you can’t stay: Fort Warren, located on Georges Island, is a relic of the Civil War era; construction began in 1833 to defend Boston, but it wasn’t finished for another two decades.
What to do: Explore Boston’s past at the fort and hear tales of the enigmatic “Lady in Black”!
Following a ranger-led hike, pack a picnic to enjoy as you relax and recharge.
For people of all ages.
- The Freedom Trail
The reason you can’t stay: The Freedom Trail in Boston’s north end is a great way to learn about the city’s past as it winds past critical historical sites along a distance of 2.5 miles.
Explore Boston’s past by walking (or being guided) along the brick trail.
A hop-on, hop-off tour, and a special Little Feet walking tour for families with young children lasts an hour.
For people of all ages.
- Bunker Hill Monument
The reason you can’t stay: The 294 steps up to the top of the monument honoring the Battle of Bunker Hill are a great way to challenge the kids (and get some exercise for yourself) while learning about history.
The ascent is well worth it for the viewpoints, and once you get to the top, you can check out Old Ironsides.
Return to the Charlestown pier on a ferry and take in the picturesque skyline as you ride back.
For people of all ages.
- Boston Harbor Islands
You can’t hang out here for too long because taking the kids on a day trip to the Islands is one of the most popular summer activities in Boston, thanks to the picturesque ferry ride and the plethora of entertaining options once you reach the Islands.
Plan your trip by catching a ferry to Spectacle or Georges Island from Atlantic Wharf.
In the summertime, the parks across the islands host various exciting events for children, complete with live performances and other fun activities.
All Ages
- Codzilla
Because it’s not just a historical tour of Boston but also the only high-speed boat ride in the city, Codzilla is off-limits. Its turbocharged diesel engines allow it to reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour.
What to do: Despite the incredible photos you’ll get at the end of the ride against the Boston skyline, you shouldn’t dress the kids up in their Sunday best because they’re going to get wet on this ride.
For people of all ages.
- Boston Segway Tours
The reason you can’t stay: Taking a Segway tour of Boston is a great way to see the sights and is especially enjoyable for kids a little older.
With a fun segway, the trip to all those museums won’t be met with as much complaint.
Activities: In addition to visiting the city’s top attractions, you’ll also stop at photogenic locations that are sure to win over the city’s teen population.
Ages 15 and up.
- The Rose Kennedy Greenway
The reason you can’t stay: The Rose Kennedy Greenway is a great place to spend a sunny day in Boston, as it is a park that is always bustling with activity.
You can begin your journey from Dewey Park, close to South Station or Chinatown, and walk to the North End, taking in the sights and smells along the way.
Dewey Park is home to several vibrant murals and iconic red Adirondack chairs.
- Rings Fountain
Why you should go: Running through the Rings Fountain and cooling off is a great way to spend a sunny day in Boston, and kids will especially enjoy this opportunity to play in the water.
In addition to the fountain, there are well-kept flower beds, pleasant green areas, and an entertaining Greenway carousel to enjoy.
Visitors interested in photography will enjoy viewing the various works of art.
People of all ages
- Mugar Omni Theater
The reason you can’t stay: Watching exciting documentaries in the Boston Museum of Science’s dome-shaped IMAX theater is a fantastic activity for kids of all ages.
Here’s What to Do The Star Market Stephen Mugar–Mugar Omni is adjacent to the planetarium.
With the 5-story domed screen, families can enjoy a variety of entertaining and informative presentations and timed shows.
People of all ages
- Greenway Carousel
The reason you can’t stay: The people of the air, sea, and land around Boston Harbor served as inspiration for the hand-carved characters on this one-of-a-kind carousel.
And they’re the brainchild of Boston’s youth, who were asked by the Conservancy to draw the fictional characters they’d most like to see on the backs of the city’s buses.
What to do: ride the back of a green sea turtle, a mythical sea serpent, or a Peregrine Falcon for a thrilling adventure.
People of all ages
- Labyrinth at the Armenian Heritage Park
Is it a good place for families to visit?
This attraction is favorable, as it offers various activities for all ages.
Things to Do: The park’s labyrinth is a beautiful stone-inlaid, a grass-paved path that celebrates life’s journey, and children will love the challenge of figuring it out.
You can spend the day unwinding in the park’s beautiful surroundings, which include gardens, plazas, open spaces, and tree-lined pathways.
- Boston Harborwalk
Why You Can’t-Miss the Boston Harborwalk One of the best places to take in breathtaking vistas of Boston Harbor is from the Harborwalk, a seemingly endless walkway that stretches along the harbor’s edge.
One possible activity is to observe the arrival and departure of planes at nearby Logan International Airport.
Moreover, there are many exciting places to visit along the way.
Take the greenway through the city and stroll along the harbor to see both sides of Boston.
- Fenway Park
The reason you can’t stay: A trip to Fenway Park is a must if you have a young Babe Ruth on your hands.
Even if you don’t plan on seeing the park, your trip to Boston won’t be complete without it.
Do something like touring Fenway Park, the Boston Red Sox home, to see the field, dugout, and press box.
The Jersey Way Souvenir Shop is the starting point for numerous daily tours.
People of all ages
- Castle Island
Why you can’t stay: Castle Island, a waterfront park with Pleasure Bay, Independence Fort, lovely views, and spacious walking areas, is often overlooked but well worth the trip.
What to do: Sullivan’s is known for its fried clams, hot dogs, and ice cream, and its large playground area is a big draw for families.
People of all ages
- Mapparium
Visitor favorites at the Mary Baker Eddy Library include the Mapparium, a three-story stained-glass globe that guests can walk through.
Tours must be scheduled in advance, but the wait is worth it for the 20-minute, fully immersive, three-dimensional look at the world that the Mapparium provided in 1935.
For people of all ages
- Christian Science Plaza
The Christian Science Plaza, located near the Mary Baker Eddy Library, is a great place to take a break from the summer heat, thanks to its many entertaining fountains.
The Mother Church can be found on this 13.5-acre plaza at the corner of Huntington and Massachusetts avenues.
- Kings Bowling
The reason you can’t stay: The Kings Bowling Lanes in Boston are popular hangouts, whether you visit the 24,000 square-foot location in the Back Bay or the 8,000 square-foot one in the Seaport District.
The bowling alley, arcade games, and big-screen TVs mean that you can relax and enjoy your time in Boston without worrying about what to do with the kids.
Ages: Everyone
- New England Aquarium Whale Watching
This tour, which leaves Central Wharf, provides an excellent opportunity to observe one of nature’s most fascinating works.
Don’t miss out on this captivating experience if you’re visiting Boston for the weekend or on a more extended vacation.
What to do: Take a three- or four-hour trip aboard a boat outfitted with amenities such as a snack bar, restrooms, whale-related trivia, and coloring pages for the kids.
For: Everyone
