Discover the top kid-friendly activities in Boston, from interactive museums to historic tours and outdoor fun for the whole group.
By Justine Leavitt, Contributing Writer
Are you planning a kid-friendly vacation that mixes learning with entertainment? Well, hold onto your tea because you’re headed to Boston. With scenic streets, interactive museums, serene green spaces, and historic sites, Boston offers countless fun and educational activities for kids. But don’t think that enjoyment is limited to the young.
Whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teenagers, grandparents or cousins, Boston’s rich history and culture promise effortless adventure combined with meaningful moments. Interested in learning more? Here’s your guide to the best things to do in Boston with kids—and how to make it a hit with everyone in your crew.
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Boston with Kids – New England Aquarium visit with family
Top Kid-Friendly Boston Attractions & Activities
Interactive Museums & Historic Sites
Curious minds will thrive at the interactive museums in Boston. The Museum of Science allows kids to create a mini rocket launch, walk among life-sized dinosaurs, and catch a show in the planetarium. At the Boston Children’s Museum, little ones can explore bubble rooms, construction zones, and global culture exhibits—perfect for hands-on learning.
Marine lovers will see the ocean come to life at the New England Aquarium. Experience penguin feedings, sea turtle rescues, and a four-story coral reef. Don’t miss the touch tank experience, where kids can gently interact with rays and sharks.
For history with a twist, the USS Constitution Museum lets visitors swab the decks and command the world’s oldest commissioned naval ship still afloat. And these are only the very beginning. So as you can see, your group will have their pick of kid-friendly Boston attractions.
Boston with Kids–Family fun at Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
Historic Tours & Landmarks
Another ideal attraction for your multigenerational trip to Boston is the famed Freedom Trail. Kids and adults alike will enjoy following the red brick a path through 2.5 miles of American history, with engaging stops like Paul Revere’s House and the Old State House.
If you’re interested in America’s more rebellious history, consider visiting the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. Here visitors are invited to toss tea into the harbor, meet costumed actors, and tour 18th-century ships.
Outdoor Spaces & Parks
Even though it’s a reasonably large city, fresh air is never far away in Boston. The only question remaining is where to go. So let us provide a family guide to the Boston Common & Public Garden. Here you can glide across the lagoon on a swan boat ride, let kids roam the TADpole Playground, and take a photo with the “Make Way for Ducklings” statues.
Of course, you don’t want to miss the nearby Esplanade, offering the kids walking paths, river views, and a year-round playground. Once you’re here, you won’t want to leave. So pack a picnic or rent bikes to cruise along the Charles River.
Boston with Kids–Boston Duck Tours with your family
Unique Local Experiences
To have a more local experience, participate in the Duck Boat tour—a land-and-sea adventure in an amphibious vehicle that delights kids and grandparents alike. Or if you have baseball fans in your family, you need to take a Fenway Park family tour to learn the park’s legendary history.
Are you visiting between April and October? Then embark on a local whale watching cruise from the Seaport District and earn a chance to spot humpbacks in their natural habitat. Seeing a whale would undoubtedly be one of the most unforgettable family activities in Boston.
Boston with Kids–Quincy Market at Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston
Family-Friendly Dining Options
Finding spots that please picky eaters and foodie grandparents can be difficult. Fortunately and unfortunately, Boston had endless choices. So let us provide you with some of the top family-friendly dining options near Boston attractions.
For a quick bite, Quincy Market in Faneuil Hall offers everything from lobster rolls to mac and cheese in a festive, open-air setting. Grab slices from Regina Pizzeria in the North Endor treat everyone to cannoli at Mike’s Pastry.
The Seaport District offers harbor-front restaurants with kids’ menus and plenty of space for strollers. For casual, group-friendly fare, try Legal Sea Foods Harborside or Yankee Lobster Co.
Navigating Boston with Kids (and Grandparents)
If life’s about enjoying the journey, then a good vacation needs great transportation. And thanks to the city’s compact layout and easy public transportation, Boston family travel is a breeze. Consider the MBTA subway—locally known as the T—which offers stroller-accessible stations and discounted fares for seniors. Or combine travel with sight seeing by hopping aboard one of the city’s iconic trolleys or exploring via water on a harbor ferry.
Cobblestone paths like those in the North End can be tricky if you’re pushing a stroller or traveling with older relatives. So pack comfy walking shoes and plan for plenty of rest stops.
Boston with Kids–Boston Children’s Museum at the Hundred Acre Woods
Itinerary Tips & Planning Suggestions
When you visit, you’ll want to take full advantage of the family activities in Boston. Souse these tips and tricks to plan ahead.
- Mix active and relaxed activities: To maximize rest and fun, alternate high-energy outings—like museums or Duck Boat tours—with slower-paced experiences such as a Boston Common & Public Garden picnic or a scenic harbor walk.
- Choose the best time to visit: Each season offers different advantages, so you’ll want to consider what works best for your group. If you want to go whale watching, visit between April and early October.
- Plan for all ages: When planning a multigenerational trip to Boston, it’s best to have rest breaks, snacks, and comfortable shoes to avoid unnecessary discomfort. This, combined with a mix of educational and entertaining activities, will keep everyone happy.
Start Planning Your Multigenerational Trip to Boston
Once you’ve experienced some of the best things to do in Boston with kids, you’ll never want to leave. From chasing ducklings in the Boston Common to tossing tea into the harbor, Boston’s blend of education and exploration will provide your family with cherished memories you’ll be talking about years later.
Ready to take a trip that is ideal for every generation? Start planning your visit to Boston today!
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