Take the kids on an art scavenger hunt through the city when you head out in search of these murals in Boston
One of the best ways to make memories with the kids is by experiencing art together. As much as we love the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and ICA, we know going to the museum isn’t the only way to see great art. You can find some amazing wall art locally just by walking down the street. If you’re in Boston or just visiting, make sure to pay these murals a visit for some Insta-worthy memories with the kids.
Rise
Silvia López Chavez
This stunning mural can be found a short walk away from Boston Harbor and is one of a collection of other ocean themed murals by the project Sea Walls. The murals aim to bring awareness to ocean pollution and how people can make a change. It shows a mestiza woman rising from the water with sea creatures and plants hindered by trash and plastic below the surface. This beautiful mural is both inspiring and educational and definitely worth the trip to see it.
218 Marginal St.
Boston
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Arsenal Yards-Ouizi Mural
Louise “Ouizi” Jones
Feel like taking a few cute pics of the kiddos before doing some shopping? Be sure to check out this fabulous floral piece in Watertown, just 20 minutes east of Boston, before heading to the Watertown Mall to get some new outfits for more Instagram family pics.
118 Arsenal Yards Blvd.
Watertown, MA
Breathe Life Together
Rob “ProBlak” Gibbs
Boston is one of the most diverse cities out there, so it only makes sense that this large-scale artwork celebrates just that. Located on Congress Street on the Greenway, a cute and confident young Black girl can be seen kneeling in front of a stereo. Take your kids to see this beautiful reminder to be proud of who we are and embrace our uniqueness.
251 Congress St.
Boston
Related: 10 Places to Learn about Black History in Boston
Nieli’ka
The Mayor’s Mural Crew
If you are in the mood to take the kids on an art adventure, you can’t go wrong with making this one of your stops. This mural was painted at the side of The Purple Cactus restaurant in Jamaica Plain, which is about 20 minutes south of Boston. This vibrant mural was actually made by a group of high school students through a program called The Mayor’s Mural Crew, which employs young Boston-area artists to help cover up graffiti throughout the city. You will definitely want to grab a few burritos for the fam after taking tons of pictures of the kiddos in front of this impressive mural.
674 Centre St.
Jamaica Plain, MA
Legacy Place Mural
Shopping with the kids and filling your Instagram feed with cute photos definitely goes hand-in-hand. If you’re planning for an all day shopping escapade, taking some pics in front of this light-hearted, pastel mural should be at the top of your list.
680 Legacy Place
Dedham, MA
Plastic Pandora
Lauren YS
Another mural that brings to light the damages of plastic pollution is this pretty, purple wall art that’s just a few minutes’ walk from East Boston Memorial Park. This painting depicts a mermaid-like being and other sea creatures imprisoned by a water bottle and some netting. This is a great moment for some cute pics of your little one in front of the mural and some discussion of the importance of recycling afterwards as you walk to the park.
62 Chelsea St.
East Boston
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Ars et Scientia
El Mac
Need some wall art to get you and your kids thinking? Check out this mural on Leon Street. It shows a Goddess-like being holding a brush in one hand and lighting bolt in the other. This mural is an instant conversation starter and will linger in your minds (and your newsfeed) for a long time.
37 Leon St.
Boston
Fox Mural
James Weinberg
The family is in for a treat with this cute wall art that looks like it came out of a children’s book. This mural can be found on the side of Za’s Pizza in Arlington and a short walk away from the Edith M. Fox Library. Take some photos, grab a pizza, and check out a few books from the library for a fun family afternoon.
138 Massachusetts Ave.
Arlington, MA
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photo: courtesy Emilia Mejia
Miss Zukie & JPO Mural
Lastly, this fun and colorful mural is one that is worth the trip to the North Shore of Boston. You’re sure to see some big smiles as your little ones stare into this vibrant, large-scale painting located in Lynn. The many cartoon faces and splotches of color captured on this canvas-turned-building are silly, and your kids will enjoy pointing out the emerging shapes.
Good to Know: This mural is found in a busy parking lot. Make plans to visit this mural on weekends when the lot is empty.
16 City Hall Square
Lynn, MA
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