Things to do with kids in Boston

Things to do with kids in Boston

1. BuySouth Boston

   Baltic Deli & Cafe

   Freshly baked goods, smoked meats, and a variety of imported items for sale. Patrons from around the metro area shop here to find extremely authentic Polish and eastern European delicacies. Owned by the same family that runs Cafe Polonia across the street. The very same pierogies can be found for sale here, sealed in hand labeled freezer bags. Gets a bit crowded on Sundays after church.

   Mon Tue 9AM-8PM, Wed-Fri 8:30AM-8PM, Sat 8AM-8PM, Sun 8AM-4PM

2. EatDorchester

   Banh Mi Ba Le

   Ba Le Bakery

   Great little Vietnamese carry out restaurant and grocery store. Specializing in banh mi sandwiches and bubble tea. You can find many other delicacies for takeaway too. Friendly family business with good customer service.

   5AM–8PM daily·$

3. SeeSouth Boston

   Boston Children's Museum

   Look for the iconic milk bottle out front. The Children's Museum is the best place in the city to go with kids ranging from newborn to about 9. Featuring many interactive exhibits designed for kids, as well as the Kyoto House—a real traditional Japanese home moved from Japan to Boston. Kids love the three story climbing structure, it allows them to move around without using the boring elevator or stairs. The museum also supports fitness and environmental sustainability programs, and they even have a green roof! Definitely worthwhile if you're bringing the kids with you to Boston.

   Sat-Thu 10AM-5PM, Fri 10AM-9PM·$16

4. DoDowntown

   Boston Duck Tours

   An institution in their own right, these modified World War II DUKWs give a great, breezy, 80-minute tour of the city by land and sea, all in the same vehicle. One of the most famous, or at least most visible, tours in Boston. Visitors will sing songs, quack like a duck, and irritate passing Bostonians going about their business. It doesn't get any more touristy than this. Tours also depart from the Prudential Center and the Museum of Science.

   Mar-Nov 9AM-sunset·$40 adult, $33 seniors, $27 kids 3-11, $11 infants & toddlers. Add $2 per ticket if you book online and $4 if you book over the phone

5. DoDowntown

   Boston Harbor Cruises

   Boston Harbor Cruises is the only real seagoing commercial compliment to the MBTA. They partnered with the New England Aquarium to offer a 90-minute whale watch cruise for $53. If that sounds too tame, they also have something called Codzilla. It's kind of a harbor tour, except you're on a jet engine with seats. Go fast and get wet for $29. Finally they offer a bunch of different harbor cruises. Check out the USS Constitution from the water, investigate a few of Boston's lighthouses, or just watch the sun go down. Costs range anywhere from $23-66 depending on which one piques your interest. Special events are usually a bit fancier and more expensive, in 2017 some cruises touring the Tall Ships cost over $300!

   5AM-midnight, varies

6. SeeEast Boston

   Bremen Street Community Park

   This sprawling 18-acre park in the heart of the neighborhood has bocce courts, Asian themed public gardens, playgrounds for the kids, as well as walking and bike paths.

   8AM-8PM daily·Free

7. SeeCharlestown

   Bunker Hill Monument

   For the history buffs in the family there is the Bunker Hill Monument. Even for those who are unfamiliar with history that dates back to 1775 will enjoy the history lesson given on the site of this revolutionary war landmark. Climbing to the top of the monument is free, but during the months of April, May, and June, a pass must first be obtained from the nearby Bunker Hill Museum, which are issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

   Mid-Mar to Nov: 9AM-5PM daily; Dec to mid-Mar: Mon-Fri 1PM-5PM, Sat-Sun 9AM-5PM·Free

8. SeeBack Bay-Beacon Hill

   Christian Science Center

   Christian Science Plaza

   This strikingly beautiful site stretches out over almost 15 of the most expensive acres of land Boston has to offer. Functioning as the center of Christian Science in America, which is a metaphysical belief system professing "sickness is an illusion that can be corrected by prayer alone". The Mother Church (1894) and its enormous extension (1906), are architecturally significant, seeming to flow into one another with fantastic detail. The long reflecting pool is great to stroll around and people watch. You'll also find a giant water fountain to the north end of the pool, a real hit with the kids during sweltering summer days.

   24 hours daily·Free

9. SeeNorth End

   Copp's Hill Burying Ground

   The city's second cemetery founded in 1659, Copp's Hill Burying Ground contains more than 1200 marked graves. The remains of notable early Bostonians are interred here, including much of the Mather family; Samuel, Increase, and Cotton. During the Revolutionary war occupying British forces would use the headstones of particularly hated patriots for target practice. Visitors can still see the impressions made by musket fire in the gravestones today.

   9AM-5PM daily·Free

10. SeeSouth Boston

    Fort Independence

    A star fort built around 1850 to provide defenses for Boston harbor. Today, the guns are long gone, and it's a great place to go exploring. Fantastic views are rewarded to those who scale its granite walls. Even if the fort is closed, the grounds are always open. It's a great place to see families picnicking, going for a stroll around Pleasure Bay, or out flying kites in the brisk wind blowing in from the water. Kids love seeing (and hearing!) the planes up close, as they make their final approach to Logan Airport.

    Thu 7PM-dusk, Sat Sun noon-3:30PM·Free

11. SeeRoxbury

    Franklin Park

    The crown jewel in Frederick Law Olmstead's Emerald Necklace system of parks, Franklin Park brings together rural scenery, a woodland preserve, and areas for recreation and sports. Although funding for upkeep has been inconsistent over the years, the park's 485 acres provide thousands of city dwellers with unmatched green space. Take your time and investigate the old stone bridges and ruins scattered along the 15+ miles of rustic walking/hiking paths. Urban explorers shouldn't miss the Long Crouch Woods, site of Boston's first zoo, or the historic White Stadium, built in 1949, home of nearby public high school Boston Latin School's football team, and host of a large Black Panther rally back in 1969. A grand staircase, deteriorating for a century, arcs up to reveal a long arcade lined with giant bear cages built of iron. If you're looking for a more focused undertaking, check out the entries for the golf course and modern zoo below.

    24 hours daily·Free

12. DoRoxbury

    Franklin Park Zoo

    Franklin Park Zoo, founded in 1912, is a 72-acre site nestled in Boston’s historic Franklin Park. This zoo contains a combined 10,000 sq ft of playground area and uses play to teach children about conservation and wildlife. In addition, it has an Australian bird aviary, a bird world's exhibit, an African lions exhibit, a tigers exhibit, a tropical forest environment, an outback trail, a butterfly tent, barn houses with farm animals, expansive giraffe and zebra savannah, a camel trek, a carousel, a train ride, a stationary jeep ride, picnic areas, a southwestern-themed grill concession stand, and a children's zoo!

    Summer: Mon-Fri 10AM-5PM, Sat-Sun 10AM-6PM; Winter: 10AM-4PM daily·Adult $20, senior: $17, child $14. Members and children under 2, free

13. DoBack Bay-Beacon Hill

    Frog Pond

    A great place for the kids, and open year round. In the wintertime an ice skating rink is set up, and children and adults skate around in circles all day. During the warmer months, the Frog Pond expands beyond the rink, providing ankle deep water perfect for toddlers to wade around in. Right next door is the "Tadpole Playground" with all manner of slides and other activities for the little ones. Stroller city.

    Mon 10AM-3:45PM, Tue-Thu 10AM-9PM, Fri-Sat 10AM-10PM, Sun 10AM-9PM·Skate rental $6, humans shorter than 58 inches free

14. SeeBack Bay-Beacon Hill

    Gibson House Museum

    The Gibson House was one of the first to be built in Back Bay, and has an unparalleled state of preservation that includes wallpaper, textiles, furnishings, and family artifacts and collections. A nice reminder that no matter how rich you were in 1860, you couldn't buy air conditioning!

    Wed-Sun 1-3PM·$9, students and seniors $6, kids $3. Cash only

15. EatFenway-Kenmore

    Hojoko

    The Verb Hotel

    Get full and drunk at this loud and hip space frequented by cool kids who have a little money that night. Try the fun sushi roulette dish (one of the six pieces is loaded with spices). Served with a little baby's bottle filled with a cooling tonic to sooth your burning mouth.

    5PM-2AM daily·Around $25-40 for a full meal

16. SeeDowntown

    Irish Famine Memorial

    Two statues commemorate the 1845 Irish Famine, depicting a starving Irish family on their knees, and a well fed family walking away. The natural rise of the land here is used to great effect by the sculptor. As you walk up or down from the statues, it's easy to empathize with the predicament of either family. The physical pain of starvation and the emotional pain of leaving loved ones behind are each masterfully rendered in bronze.

    24 hours daily·Free

17. SeeDorchester

    JFK Presidential Library and Museum

    The JFK Presidential Library and Museum opened in 1979, designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei who called it "the most important commission in my life". Visitors walk through exhibits in roughly chronological order. Starting with Kennedy on the campaign trail, and moving through the Cuban missile crisis, the space race, and civil rights issues. A dark claustrophobic hallway shows the events on the day of his assassination, before delivering you to a massive glass atrium of light and air. It's really quite moving. A more than worthwhile visit for those with an appreciation of American history, the museum can be toured in half a day.

    9AM–5PM daily·Adults $18, seniors and students $12, teens $10, kids free

18. SeeDorchester

    James Blake House

    Most locals drive right on by the James Blake House, the oldest house in Boston. Built circa 1661 and owned by the Dorchester Historical Society, the house is one of the only remaining examples of post-Medieval timber-frame construction in the United States. The home remained in the Blake family until being sold in 1825. The next family held on to the property for 70 years until selling it to the city. Shortly thereafter, the house was moved 400 yards to its current location to save it from demolition.

    3rd Sun of Each Month: 11AM–4PM·Free

19. DrinkEast Boston

    Kelly's Pub

    Kelley Square Pub

    The small windows don't make this place look particularly inviting, but stepping inside revals a bright family restaurant. Filled with locals, it could be the best, non-dive bar to watch the Sox game. A friendly waitstaff serves up standard bar fare with very large portions. Stop in Wednesday for half-price pizza day (pretty good, especially the garlic pizza).

    11:30AM-1AM daily

20. EatNorth End

    Modern Pastry

    Modern pastry is a seventy-year-old family run business that is one of the most popular bakeries in the North End. Narrowly piped in popularity by Mike's, but not by quality. Only you can judge who has the best cannoli. If you go here, be prepared to wait. If you manage to score a table, relax and soak in the atmosphere and great people-watching views. Modern pastry presents a wide variety of fresh Italian pastries like cannoli (which are made upon order), cakes, chocolate ganache, and torrone. But that’s not all, they also sell imported Italian goods like pasta, olive oil, fresh breads, coffee beans, and Nutella. Cash only.

    Sun-Thu 8AM-10PM, Fri 8AM-11PM, Sat 8AM-midnight·$2-6 per item

21. SeeNorth End

    Museum of Science

    The Museum of Science is colossal—easily one of the biggest in North America. It has IMAX theaters, 3D theaters, and a separate planetarium. The museum not only has an enormous permanent collection spanning several stories, but it has the largest Van de Graff generator in the world, which produces frequent electricity shows, a weather generator, many multimedia presentation areas, and at least 2 temporary exhibitions at any given time. A few exhibits remain that were designed by Charles and Ray Eames, but they are showing their age. The roster of events changes daily, and is distributed upon entry. It's worth a visit as long as you are all right with the possibility of getting a migraine.

    9AM-5PM daily (Summer until 7PM)·Adults $25, seniors $21, children $20. Plus another $8-10 for the Omni Theater and Planetarium

22. SeeDowntown

    New England Aquarium

    Home of a 200,000-gallon (757,000-L) fish tank, the New England Aquarium offers a riveting museum experience which showcases an incredible variety of fish and other types of animals. It has a humongous IMAX theatre, whale-watching tours operating from its pier, and a marine mammal arena out back. It also is known for its penguins, which are a fascinating experience even on their own. It's well worth a visit.

    Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM, Sat Sun 9AM-6PM·$27.95, Senior 60+ $25.95, Ages 3–11 $18.95

23. SeeNorth End

    Old North Church

    Christ Church in the City of Boston

    Old North Church was Boston’s second Anglican church. It is most famous for sending the message from Paul Revere that the British were coming by lighting the steeple with lanterns. "One if by land, two if by sea." Paul Revere had convinced congregant Robert Newman to alert the American militia in Concord, Massachusetts to British troop movements. Newman placed two lanterns in the church steeple and alerted the militia to the approaching British army as Paul Revere began his ride to warn John Handcock and Samuel Adams. By taking a more in-depth behind-the-scenes tour of the church, its history is revealed while exploring the bell tower, and its crypt.

    Jan-Feb: 10AM-4PM daily, Mar-May: 9AM-5PM daily, Jun-Oct: 9AM-6PM daily, Nov-Dec: 9AM-5PM daily·$3 donation; behind-the-scenes tours are $6 adults, $5 students/seniors/military, $4 children under 12

24. SeeDowntown

    Old State House

    Construction financed by the King of England in 1713, this was the longtime seat of government in Boston, and remains its oldest public building. The Boston Massacre took place just in front of the State House, and in 1776 the Declaration of Independence was first read to Bostonians from the balcony. Saved from demolition in 1882, the building has housed numerous tenants and seen many faithful restorations over the years. For example the lion and unicorn statues—symbols of the monarchy—were replaced after being burned during a period of revolutionary zeal in 1776. Every 4th of July, the Declaration of Independence is read aloud once more from the same balcony.

    9AM-5PM daily·$10, seniors and students $8.50. Kids, US Military, and veterans free

25. SeeBack Bay-Beacon Hill

    Park Street Church

    Founded in 1809, this Park Street Church is on the Freedom Trail and known for a number of historical firsts. Among other things, William Lloyd Garrison delivered his first anti-slavery address here, and "My Country Tis of Thee" was first sung on the front steps. Very much still an active pro-life parish, it hosts many classes teaching English as a second language, ministers to the homeless, and assists low income families within the city of Boston. Fun fact: this was the tallest building in America for almost two decades!

    24 hours daily; services Sun 8:30AM, 11AM, 4PM·Free

26. SeeNorth End

    Paul Revere House

    Paul Revere is known for his midnight ride from Boston to Lexington, warning all the people along the way that the British were coming. He owned this home for over three decades and it's downtown Boston’s oldest building, dating from somewhere around the 1680s. The average visit is 30 minutes depending on the time of year.

    Apr 15-Oct 31 9:30AM-5:15PM daily, Nov 1-Apr 14 9:30AM-4:15PM daily. Closed Mondays Jan-Mar·$5, $4.50 seniors/students, $1 children 5-17

27. SeeEast Boston

    Piers Park

    7-acre beautifully landscaped waterfront park with many amenities. Playground for the kids, fitness center, and professional sailing center renting boats and offering classes. Great views of downtown Boston, and when its warm there are concerts and public events weekly.

    7AM-9PM daily·Free, harbor cruise $85, five-day sailing pass $325

28. SeeDorchester

    Pope John Paul II Park Reservation

    Neponset River Reservation

    A large park on the shores of the Neponset River, it has walking trails, soccer fields, and playgrounds for kids. Several miles of scenic bike trails run along the river (and away from traffic) all the way to Mattapan square. In the summer you can see people walking their dogs, flying kites, or kayaking in the river. It's a good place to relax or take a picnic under the shelters. Birdwatchers take note, the city has restored a large salt marsh and the area is now much more attractive to wildlife. Today it isn't uncommon to see snowy egrets and great blue herons taking advantage of the "new" native trees and shrubs.

    24 hours daily·Free

29. DoOuter Neighborhoods

    Ron's Gourmet Ice Cream and Twentieth Century Bowling Alley

    Grab a cone, a rickey, and get in some candlepin bowling at this stalwart bastion of New England traditions. Ice cream is made with high quality ingredients and can be enjoyed by connoisseurs. Tons of kids in here all the time, so the staff knows how to handle them.

    Mon-Thu 7:30AM-10PM, Fri 7:30AM-11PM, Sat 8AM-11PM, Sun 9AM-10PM·Bowling $4 per person per game, shoe rental $2.50. Ice cream $3-6

30. SeeDowntown

    Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway

    The Greenway

    The Greenway is a public park running along the route of the former Central Artery, the road that was buried during the big dig. Instead of developing the land freed up by the new tunnel, the city turned it into a public park running in an arc around Downtown. There are numerous art installations and seating areas, fountains for kids to play in, and even a carousel.

    24 hours daily·Free

31. SeeBack Bay-Beacon Hill

    Rose Nichols House Museum

    Built in 1804, the four-story Nichols House Museum showcases how the better half lived atop Beacon Hill around 1900. Kept in the family for generations, it was opened to the public in 1961.

    Tue-Sat 11AM-4PM·Adults $10, children under 12 free

32. DoBack Bay-Beacon Hill

    Swan Boats

    Located in the Lagoon, a 4-acre pond in the center of the Public Garden, the Swan Boats are one of the most famous and traditional icons of the city of Boston. Founded in 1877 by British immigrant and engineer Robert Paget, the boats have been preserved for over the years by the Paget family for tourist pleasure and enjoyment. Each of the six human powered boats is shaped like a white swan and carries around 20 adults. Enjoy a relaxing 15-minute trip around the pond and take in a beautiful tour of the Boston Public Garden.

    Spring 10AM-4PM daily, Summer 10AM-5PM daily, Fall Mon-Fri noon-4PM, Sat Sun 10AM-4PM·$3.50, seniors $3, children $2, toddlers free

33. EatDowntown

    The Black Rose

    Despite its proximity to Faneuil Hall, tourists sometimes overlook this location. Try the seared scallops–plump, juicy, very fresh. Excellent deals on lobster too. Live acoustic Irish music with authentic Irish musicians. Much appreciated by the local crowd early on a Sunday evening; fathers dancing with small children and regulars calling for their favorite songs. Waitstaff efficient and friendly.

    9AM-2AM daily·Mains $12-18, pints $7

34. SeeBack Bay-Beacon Hill

    The Boston Public Garden

    Established in 1837 by Horace Gray, the Boston Public Garden, formerly an enormous swampy salt marsh, is the largest and oldest botanical garden in the United States. The Garden features a plethora of diverse plant life, including a wide variety of native and foreign trees, and a rotating arrangement of flowers that change with the seasons. It also features numerous statues and fountains dedicated to Boston's heroes throughout the ages. The park is centered on a four acre pond, which is crossed by the world's smallest suspension bridge, and teems with wildlife during the warmer months. During this time the Swan Boats are also in operation, a famous Boston Tourist attraction since 1877. In the northeast corner of the park, tourists can view the wildly popular duckling statues, based on Robert McCloskey's famous children's book "Make Way For Ducklings.".

    7AM-9PM daily·Free

35. SeeBack Bay-Beacon Hill

    The Museum of African American History

    African Meeting House, Abiel Smith School

    Dedicated to preserving the historically accurate contributions of African-Americans during America's colonial period. The perfect point to begin walking Boston's Black Heritage Trail.

    Mon-Sat 10AM-4PM·$5, children under 12 free

36. SeeDorchester

    The Pierce House

    Ten generations of the Pierce family called this house a home, from its construction in 1683 until it was turned into a museum in 1968. This is not the house of a wealthy merchant, this is where working class colonists (and later Americans) lived out their lives. Touring the home today offers a unique journey through centuries of American history. You can see how the home was adapted over time to fit the needs of each new generation of occupants. Some original features remain, much of it wooden, surprisingly. On street parking available.

    Rarely available hour long tours, check their calendar·$5, students $3

37. DoDowntown

    Urban AdvenTours

    Bicycle tours of Boston for families, students and visitors. Also offers a bicycle shop for repairs and sells various necessities for your two-wheeled vehicle.

    Tue-Sat 9AM-6PM

38. SeeDorchester

    William Clapp House

    Dorchester Historical Society

    This stately home was built in 1806 for William Clapp, son of Captain Lemuel Clapp, whose (1767) house still stands just around the corner. The William Clapp house is also the headquarters for the Dorchester Historical Society, it's open to the public once a month for tours. Fun fact: the Clapp family were prolific pear cultivators in their day, it's actually where much of their wealth came from. If you're into pears, you may have even eaten one of their creations; "Clapp's Favorite Pear" is still in production today. In 2007, a giant bronze pear statue was installed just south of here to commemorate the areas history as an orchard. So if you happen to notice it, now you know.

    every 3rd Sun 11AM-4PM

39. EatAllston-Brighton

    YoMa

    Offers inexpensive, delicious Burmese food. Full vegetarian menu. Appetizers $5, salads/entrees $7-10, and family combo meals start at $25 for two. Free refills on jasmine rice. Try the hot tea and the complimentary palm sugars for dessert.

    4PM-9PM daily

40. DrinkCharlestown

    Zume's Coffee House

    Another local hangout (pronounced "zoo-meez") with good espresso, pastry, and sandwiches, and big easy chairs to hang out in. Coffee cakes are really popular.

    Mon-Fri 6AM-4PM, Sat Sun 7AM-4PM

Browse all 621 places in Boston

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Boston (CC BY-SA 4.0).