While plenty of cities are home to famous museums and attractions, Boston’s walkable neighborhoods and historic sites make it more unique and easy to explore for families. And when it comes to things to do in Boston with kids, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re visiting, just had your first baby, or know the city like the back of your hand, this is a great place to start exploring the city with kids. From historic swan boats, to strolling through one of the city’s best museums, or visiting the Frog Pond at the Boston Common, this is just the tip of the family activity iceberg. Now is a great time to start exploring all the great attractions Boston has for kids and families.
Looking for things to do in Boston with kids? These are our top picks for year-round fun
photo: skeeze via Pixabay
Harvard Museum of Natural History
26 Oxford St Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 495-3045
hmnh.harvard.edu
Located on Harvard’s campus, this museum is a favorite of local families and tourists alike. And when it comes to things to do in Boston with kids, it doesn’t get any easier than this spot. Families love the glass flowers, and there is a great collection of rocks, minerals, and meteorites. It’s easy to spend a good 2-3 hours here, and kids of all ages will be entertained by the museum, which is jam-packed with exhibits. Tip: The museum can be a little hard to find if you’re just looking around the campus, so find Oxford Street.
Rose Kennedy Greenway
High Street &, Atlantic Ave Boston, MA 02110
(617) 292-0020
rosekennedygreenway.org
Built on top of the “Big Dig” and stretching a mile and a half, this park is a great outdoor destination for families. The Greenway features seven water features, public art and play structures, walking paths perfect for biking, and an incredible carousel. There are also a variety of organized activities on the Greenway; check their website for details.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston
598 Assembly Row Somerville, MA 02145
(617) 702-5593
legolanddiscoverycenter.com
If your kids love LEGO (and really, who doesn’t?!) visiting LEGOLAND is a no-brainer. Kids will be in their element, building structures from the plethora of LEGO blocks all throughout the building. If your kids are looking for inspiration, don’t miss the Master Builder, who you can see building drool-worthy structures, or the super-detailed, interactive miniature village. In addition to ample opportunities for creative play, there are two rides (a seated medieval knight ride, and a flying “Merlin’s Apprentice” ride), and a separate Star Wars experience. Tip: bring your own mini figure to trade with the staff!
Swan Boats at Boston’s Public Garden
4 Charles St S Boston, MA 02116
(617) 522-1966
swanboats.com
Uniquely Boston, the Swan Boats at Boston’s Public Garden are an unforgettable adventure your family will get a kick out of. Inexpensive ($4 for adults and $2.50 for kids), the 10-15 minute ride around the pond is beautiful and peaceful. The paddle boats are original from the 1800s and are completely human-powered.
The Mapparium at the Mary Baker Eddy Library
200 Massachusetts Ave Boston, MA 02115
(617) 450-7000
mbelibrary.org
This gorgeous, three-story globe is one of the main attractions at The Mary Baker Eddy Library. Featuring brilliant colors, LED lights, inspiring quotes and music, the Mapparium shows how ideas have changed the world.
New England Aquarium
1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110
(617) 973-5200
neaq.org
The unique New England Aquarium is Boston’s most-visited attraction, which is no surprise. The aquarium’s main feature is a huge, vertical coral reef teeming with sea life. Kids will be fascinated by the aquarium, which can be viewed from a spiral walkway which stretches from the bottom to the top of the building. At the top, you can see the staff feeding sharks and turtles. Kids will also love the seals and penguins.
Arnold Arboretum
125 Arborway, Boston, MA 02130
(617) 524-1718
arboretum.harvard.edu
If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, look no further than the Arnold Arboretum. One of Boston’s most beautiful green spaces, the Arboretum is perfect for a quiet stroll, a scavenger hunt, kite-flying and duck-feeding.
Castle Island Park & Fort Independence
2010 Day Blvd, Boston, MA 02127
(857) 250-7755
boston.gov/calendar/castle-island-and-fort-independence-tours
Another great outdoor space for young kids, Castle Island Park is the spot for little airplane-lovers ,as many airplanes land and take off above the beach. Kids will love the playground, “castle”, boats, and beach. Make it a lunch date with a tour of the Castle and a visit the hot dog stand.
Boston Common Frog Pond
38 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02108
(617) 635-2120
bostonfrogpond.com
No matter the time of year, your kids will find something fun at the Boston Common Frog Pond. In the Summer the pond is a splash pad with a wading pool and giant 70 foot spray plume, open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. from July through Labor Day. In the winter, it’s converted to an ice skating rink with skate rentals, lockers, and a warm kiosk with a snack bar.
Minuteman Bikeway
Chock full of history and gorgeous views, the Minuteman Bikeway passes through the historic area where the American Revolution began. The paved path is built on a former rail line and extends 11 miles, running through Cambridge, Arlington, Lexington, and Bedford. The path passes playing fields, ponds, neighborhoods, bakeries, bike shops, and more.
