My adopted home city of Boston, Massachusetts is home to many kid-friendly museums and attractions. Filled with history, culture, and beautiful scenery, it’s definitely a place you’ll want to add to your family travel bucket list. It’s also easily accessible, by plane, train, or car.
Boston is a great destination for families with kids of all ages. Families with younger kids will appreciate the kid-friendly museums, while families with older kids will appreciate the unique history of this historic town.
Are you planning a visit to Boston? There are so many things to see and do here, you could easily spend more than a week. Some of the most popular Boston activities will appeal to the whole family. Here are our recommendations for the best things to do in Boston with kids.
Disclosure: I’ve experienced a few things at no cost over the years. Disclosure: In the past, I was a member of the Red Sox Parents Club. All opinions are my own.
All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. A purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no additional cost to you.
If you are visiting Boston with kids, you may consider purchasing a Boston CityPASS for your vacation. With the pass, you can save money if you are already planning to visit the attractions included. The Boston CityPASS includes admission to four different attractions. These include the following:
- The New England Aquarium
- The Boston Museum of Science
You’ll also be able to choose from two of the following. You won’t need to select these two when you purchase your CityPASS. These four options include:
- Boston Harbor City Cruises
- Franklin Park Zoo
- Harvard Museum of Natural History
- The View Boston Observation Deck
The Best Things to Do in Boston With Kids
Boston Children’s Museum
When my kids were young, we were members at the Boston Children’s Museum and visited often. It was one of my kids’ favorite places to go. If you are visiting Boston with young kids, you’ll definitely want to visit the Children’s Museum.
You’ll definitely want to arrive early, or during a weekday, for smaller crowds. Highlights include the New Balance Climb (which runs through the center of the museum) and the Japanese House which is unique. If you are traveling with younger kids, there’s a special Playspace dedicated to kids aged 0-3. It’s a great place to take your toddlers to get their energy out.
In addition to its regular interactive exhibits, the Boston Children’s Museum offers regular educational programming that is great for kids of all ages. You can find a schedule of these offerings on their website.
We typically spent about a half-day at the museum, but you could easily find yourself there all day if you visit everything. There are plenty of restaurants and bakeries nearby if you need a snack/meal before or after your visit.
There isn’t parking directly at the museum, but there are plenty of nearby parking options. This includes on-street, metered parking, as well as paid parking lots.
Boston Museum of Science
Ever since I visited the Boston Museum of Science numerous times as a Girl Scout, it’s been one of my favorite places to visit in Boston. With the Mugar Omni Theater and Hayden Planetarium, as well as countless fabulous interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, plan to be there for most of the day.
The museum is large, with lots of different exhibits and programs. So, it’s nearly impossible to see the whole thing in one day. If you want to create a plan, take a look at their website in advance.
Some of our favorite exhibits at the Boston Museum of Science are the Hall of Human Life, Mathematica, and Science in the Park. They also have visiting exhibits. Currently, that includes an exhibit about AI.
Parking at the adjacent garage is expensive, so consider taking public transportation if possible. When purchasing tickets to the Boston Museum of Science, you’ll be able to purchase combo tickets that include at least one of the shows. Look at the show schedule before going to the ticket desk so you know which show you want to see.
In addition to the exhibits, the Boston Museum of Science offers a large gift shop and plenty of food options for families. If you want to spend the day there, you won’t need to leave to eat. Older children will also love this museum – I loved going even as a teen and still enjoy it as an adult.
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Although on the surface, you wouldn’t necessarily think of the Museum of Fine Arts as kid-friendly, my children have loved their visits there. They offer lots of family-friendly programming, especially during school breaks, and kids always love the mummy exhibit. The MFA is located on the MBTA Green Line E Branch if you’d rather not drive.
If you are visiting with younger kids, they offer Art Connection cards that can be downloaded or printed. The cards are themed, and you’ll get information about specific art at the museum and activities related to that theme.
New England Aquarium
The New England Aquarium is located right on Boston’s beautiful waterfront. It gets very busy, especially during school vacations, so arrive early for the best experience.
Purchasing timed tickets online is a good way to skip the line. Combination tickets, which include both the aquarium and the IMAX theater, are also available. If you’d like to go on a whale watch during your Boston family vacation, you can also get a combination ticket that includes both the aquarium and a Boston Harbor Cruise Whale Watch.
The highlight is definitely the expansive penguin exhibit, but there are lots of other fun things to see during your visit. If you visit in the summer, you’ll be able to enjoy some of the outdoor exhibits as well. Don’t miss the Shark and Ray touch tank by the entrance, where you can interact with these animals.
The centerpiece of the New England Aquarium is the four-story Giant Ocean Tank, which is located right in the center of the building. You can watch feeding dives twice per day, and walk to the top to ask the aquarium educators any questions that you may have.
Like the Museum of Science, parking at the adjacent garage near the aquarium is quite expensive, so consider taking public transportation if possible.
Puppet Showplace Theater
The Puppet Showplace Theater in Brookline, right on the MBTA’s green line, is a fun place to visit with kids. My kids loved puppets when they were younger, and they really love attending the shows at the theater.
It’s so kid-friendly, and the shows change weekly. Adults are asked to sit along the sides, so all of the kids can see the action. Book your tickets in advance because the theater isn’t very big. The type of puppets used in the shows vary by production and include marionettes and hand puppets.
While the theater isn’t located right in the city of Boston, it is easily accessed by riding on the MBTA’s Green Line D branch.
Boston Common/Boston Public Garden
No visit to Boston is complete without a stop at the nation’s first public park – Boston Common, located right in downtown Boston. In the winter, the frog pond transforms into an ice skating rink, which is a really fun place to visit with kids. Even if you don’t want to skate, it’s worth walking by to see the action.
Adjacent to the Boston Common is the Boston Public Garden, where you can see the famous Make Way for Ducklings statue (from the beloved children’s book), and ride the iconic swan boats (in season). The Swan Boat ride can be very popular so visit early.
You may also want to visit a nearby deli and pack a picnic to eat outside if the weather is cooperating. When the weather is warm, you’ll see a variety of families enjoying some time outside in the fresh air.
Boston Harbor Islands
The Boston Harbor Islands, officially part of the City of Boston, is a great place to visit in the summer. Catch a ferry to one of the islands from the ferry terminal on Long Wharf, and spend the day or an afternoon.
There are several different islands that are accessible by passenger ferry, so research online before going so you can choose which one you’d like to visit. They have different amenities, which you’ll want to research before you go.
Fenway Park
America’s oldest working Major League ballpark (and its famous Green Monster) is definitely a must-see for any baseball fan. If there are no home games scheduled during your visit, you can still go on a tour of Fenway Park. It’s a great way to learn about the history of baseball and see this original ballpark.
Want to catch a game? At certain times of the year (and for a limited number of games), the Boston Red Sox offer a family 4 pax which includes 4 tickets, 4 Fenway Franks (hot dogs), and 4 drinks. Once you are in the ballpark, there are a number of great families amenities, and kids always love seeing Wally the Green Monster, the Red Sox mascot.
Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market
Although it’s filled with chain stores in addition to independent stores and kiosks, it’s still worth visiting Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Quincy Market. Various street performers can be seen outside on a nice day, and there are lots of restaurants to choose from if you’d like to grab lunch or dinner during your vacation.
For the biggest selection of food, you’ll want to go to the Food Court in the Quincy Market Colonnade. This area has some great choices, with something for every member of the family. Other popular restaurants at Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market include Wagamama, the Salty Dog, and Ned Devine’s Irish Pub.
It’s a quick walk from the North End and the Boston Harbor waterfront, so it’s a fun place to visit in the nice weather.
Theatre District
Boston is home to a vibrant arts community, so if you are interested in the arts, you’ll probably find something that you’ll want to see playing during your trip. From pre-Broadway runs of shows (recent shows include Waitress, Jagged Little Pill, and Moulin Rouge) to traveling shows, there’s usually at least one Broadway-style musical playing
Before your vacation, check the schedule because often these shows sell out quickly. You’ll probably want to purchase tickets before your visit.
Running continuously in the Boston Theatre District is the Blue Man Group, which is kid-friendly and definitely worth seeing.
The Freedom Trail
If you want to learn more about the American Revolution and US history, you’ll want to watch the famous Freedom Trail. You can walk it on your own, but I’d recommend taking one of the many walking tours offered.
A full walking tour of the Freedom Trail will take you to historic sites including the Paul Revere House, the Old North Church, the USS Constitution Museum in Charlestown, and the Bunker Hill monument. Pack comfortable shoes, because this is a nice long walk. If you are doing the Freedom Trail on your own, you can always do just part of the walk.
Boston Duck Tours
These famous boats are extremely popular in the summer. First, you’ll get a tour of the city by land, and then you’ll head into the Charles River for a boat ride.
The duck boats do book up in advance in the summer, so get your tickets early. In the summer, they leave from several locations in the city including the Museum of Science, Prudential Center and New England Aquarium.
Eataly
My kids love eating at the Boston location of this small chain, located in the Prudential Center. There are lots of different food options you can choose from, although my kids always like getting pizza and gelato.
There are a few sit down restaurant areas, as well as places where you can get food and find a table to sit at. Seating can be somewhat limited, especially in the busy summer months, so you’ll want to arrive early.
Franklin Park Zoo
If you’d like to visit a zoo during your vacation, Boston is home to the Franklin Park Zoo. This 72-acre zoo offers a number of animal exhibits and is great for kids of all ages. You can probably visit over a few hours and food is available there.
Popular exhibits at the Franklin Park Zoo include the Gorilla Grove, Tropical Forest, and the Serengeti Crossing. They also offer Behind the Scenes tours as well as animal meet and greets (for an additional fee).
It’s not easy to access through public transportation, so you’ll probably want to drive there or take a cab/rideshare.
Time Out Boston Market
If you have older kids who love food, you’ll want to visit the new Time Out Market in Boston’s Fenway neighborhood. This modern food hall features 15 booths from some of Boston’s top chefs and offers entrees, drinks, appetizers, small plates, and desserts. There are plenty of kid-friendly food options.
There are lots of other fun things to do in Boston, including these hidden Boston ideas.
Road trips from Boston
During your Boston family vacation, you may also want to get into your car and take a brief road trip to these nearby destinations. Here are some options:
Legoland Discovery Center
Lego-loving kids will enjoy building and exploring at the Legoland Discovery Center, which is located in nearby Somerville, MA.
Salem
This charming seaside town celebrates Halloween for the entire month of October. Even if you aren’t visiting during Halloween, it’s still worth visiting the area. There are lots of fun shops and great restaurants as well as activities and museums.
Plymouth
Head about an hour down Route 3 in MA for a trip to America’s Birthplace – Plymouth, MA. The Plimoth Patuxet Museums is a must-visit for families, and you can also include a trip to the reproduction of the Mayflower. If you are planning to visit Cape Cod during your vacation, Plymouth is likely to be on the way from Boston to the Cape.
Springfield
Several hours down the Massachusetts Turnpike is the Basketball Hall of Fame, located in Springfield, MA. There’s also the new Amazing World of Dr. Seuss museum.
Cape Cod
If you are traveling in the warmer months, don’t miss a visit to Cape Cod. We love Old Silver Beach in Falmouth, MA. You may consider staying on the Cape for a few days, as it can be a difficult day trip, especially with traffic.
Looking for a hotel in Boston? Here’s where to stay in Boston with kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
On a rainy day, you may consider visiting the museums in Boston, including the Boston Children’s Museum, the Boston Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.
I’d recommend visiting the New England Aquarium and the Boston Children’s Museum with very young kids.
Visiting the Freedom Trail, the Public Garden, and the Boston Common are free (although you’ll pay for extras).
