Top 15 Things to Do in Boston with Kids for a Fun Family Adventure

Are you seeking things to do in Boston with kids on your next family trip? Look no further. Boston marries rich American history with modern attractions that children adore. You’ll find interactive museums, lush parks, and engaging tours that spark curiosity in young minds. Satisfy your family’s thirst for learning and adventure while exploring iconic landmarks, scenic waterfronts, and vibrant neighborhoods. Below, we’ve curated the top 15 activities that ensure your Boston getaway is both educational and fun.

Explore the Best Family-Friendly Museums in Boston

1. Boston Children’s Museum

The Boston Children’s Museum offers a treasure trove of hands-on fun. Kid-focused exhibits let little ones climb, build, and discover through play. Highlights include the Construction Zone, where they can move foam bricks around with pulleys, and the bubble room for creating giant soapy orbs.

• Why Kids Love It
  • Interactive exhibits, from a full-size fire truck to a Japanese house
  • Daily programs like storytelling or live demonstrations
• Admission
  • Around $20 per person (kids under 1 often free)
• Tip
  • Visit on weekday mornings to avoid weekend rush

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2. Museum of Science Boston

The Museum of Science blends imaginative displays with serious science. Children can watch a lightning show in the Theater of Electricity or get hands-on in the Engineering Design Workshop. Don’t miss the planetarium ($10–$12 add-on), which showcases starry skies and cosmic journeys.

• Top Exhibits
  • Live animal shows featuring reptiles or small mammals
  • The “Hall of Human Life,” exploring biology and health
• Costs
  • General admission around $29 for adults, $24 for kids. Some combos with Omni Theater
• Pro Tip
  • Plan 3–4 hours or more; the museum is extensive

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3. Harvard Museum of Natural History

Harvard’s Museum of Natural History beckons dinosaur enthusiasts and budding botanists alike. You’ll see real T-Rex skeleton parts, exotic gemstones, and the famous Glass Flowers—life-sized plant models so realistic they fool many visitors. Children often marvel at the interactive biodiversity exhibits, discovering how animals adapt to different environments.

• Location
  • Near Harvard Square in Cambridge (a quick T ride from downtown Boston)
• Prices
  • About $15 for adults, $10 for kids (3–18). Under 3 are free
• Time
  • 1–2 hours usually suffices. Younger kids may zip through quickly

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Outdoor Activities and Parks for Kids in Boston

4. Boston Public Garden and Swan Boats

Boston Public Garden appeals to families seeking scenic greenery and leisurely rides. Stroll among vibrant flower beds, spot duck families in the pond, and snap photos of the “Make Way for Ducklings” statues. The highlight for many kids: the Swan Boats ($4 for adults, $2.50 for children), which gently glide across the lagoon under the watchful eye of a tour guide.

• Why It’s Great
  • Perfect for picnic lunches, close to downtown
  • Kids love the whimsical swan-shaped paddle boat design
• Nearby
  • Common Playground in Boston Common (across the street)
• Best Season
  • Spring through early fall for the fullest blooms and boat rides

5. Franklin Park Zoo

Franklin Park Zoo is home to giraffes, zebras, and gorillas, among many other species. The Tropical Forest exhibit features free-roaming lemurs and birds, while the Children’s Zoo area lets kids pet friendly barnyard animals. For an unforgettable treat, feed a giraffe or watch the lions bask in the sun.

• Ticket Price
  • Around $22 for adults, $16 for kids (2–12)
• Must-See
  • The Gorilla Grove habitat, offering an up-close look at these majestic primates
• Picnics
  • Allowed in designated areas. Strollers recommended for younger kids

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6. Charles River Esplanade

The Charles River Esplanade weaves along the water’s edge, creating a scenic path for walking, biking, or rollerblading. Families rent kayaks ($20–$25 per hour) for a peaceful paddle with city skyline views. Playgrounds dot the route, letting kids burn off energy. In warmer months, free concerts or outdoor movie nights liven the Hatch Shell amphitheater.

• Why Kids Enjoy It
  • Open space to run around, feed ducks, or watch rowers race by
• Parking
  • Limited street spots, consider the T or a rideshare
• Tip
  • Combine with a trip to Beacon Hill or MIT’s campus for a day of exploration

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Iconic Attractions That Kids Will Love

7. New England Aquarium

The New England Aquarium boasts a colossal ocean tank with sea turtles, sharks, and rays circling a spiral walkway. Penguins greet you near the entrance, and interactive touch pools let kids feel small sea creatures, such as starfish or crabs. The IMAX theater ( $10–$12 add-on) screens marine-themed 3D films. It’s a favorite for families seeking an immersive underwater journey.

• Highlights
  • Giant Pacific octopus exhibit, known for intelligence and color-changing abilities
  • Harbor seal training sessions outside the main building
• Pricing
  • Around $34 for adults, $25 for kids (3–11). Discounts available online
• Crowds
  • Visit early or late afternoon on weekends to beat midday rush

8. Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

Step back to 1773 at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. Costumed interpreters reenact the famed protest against British tea taxes. Kids can toss (fake) tea crates into the harbor, exploring interactive exhibits that detail colonial life. The on-site café serves historically inspired treats, like old-fashioned scones or cider.

• Experience
  • Board a replica ship, hoist tea crates, and shout “No taxation without representation!”
• Costs
  • Tickets run $30–$40 for adults, $20–$25 for children (4–12)
• Bonus
  • The final film offers a stirring retelling of the rebellion’s impact

9. USS Constitution Museum

Known as “Old Ironsides,” the USS Constitution stands as the oldest commissioned warship still afloat. Next door, the USS Constitution Museum features hands-on naval exhibits: kids can explore a mock gun deck, learn how sailors slept in hammocks, and see old maps. Admission is donation-based ( $10–$15 suggested). For added excitement, walk aboard the actual ship at the Navy Yard, though a valid ID is needed for security checks.

• Family Fun
  • Pull ropes, tie knots, or imagine battling on the high seas
• Time
  • 1–2 hours. Combine with a stroll to the Bunker Hill Monument (about 15 minutes away)
• Hours
  • Check the schedule, as the ship or museum might close for events

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Unique Experiences and Entertainment for Families

10. Boston Duck Tours

Boston Duck Tours rank among the most iconic things to do in Boston with kids. Your amphibious vehicle—shaped like a WWII-era landing craft—rolls across city streets, passing top landmarks like the State House, Boston Common, and Quincy Market. Then it splashes into the Charles River for a short cruise with skyline panoramas. Guides keep the commentary lively, peppered with local trivia.

• Route
  • Typically 80 minutes, departing from spots like the Museum of Science or Prudential Center
• Cost
  • $40–$50 for adults, $30–$35 for kids
• Kid Appeal
  • Driving from road to water is a big thrill, plus they often let kids steer briefly on the water

11. Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Faneuil Hall Marketplace merges shopping, dining, and street performances in a historic setting. The Quincy Market food hall brims with stalls selling clam chowder ( $5–$7), lobster rolls ( $20–$25), pizza, and international fare. Street performers juggle or do acrobatics in the central promenade. Kids love the swirling energy, plus novelty candy shops and souvenirs.

• Recommended
  • Try free samples at local fudge or cookie stands
• Time
  • 2–3 hours to eat, watch shows, and browse shops
• Nearby
  • A short walk to the New England Aquarium or the Rose Kennedy Greenway

12. Legoland Discovery Center (Nearby)

Though in Somerville (about 20–30 minutes from central Boston), Legoland Discovery Center enthralls LEGO fans. Attractions include a LEGO-themed ride, a 4D cinema, and Miniland—a miniature Boston cityscape constructed from LEGO bricks. Hands-on building areas invite kids to create race cars for mini test tracks. Adult admission is about $27–$30; child tickets often cost slightly less.

• Why Visit
  • Weatherproof fun, perfect for rainy days
• Pro Tip
  • Save by booking online in advance or bundling with local attractions
• Best Age Range
  • Usually 3–10, though older siblings might enjoy the advanced building challenges

Day Trips and Educational Adventures Around Boston

13. Freedom Trail for Families

The Freedom Trail strings together 16 historic sites, from the Massachusetts State House to Paul Revere’s House. Download a free map or join a guided family tour ( $10–$15 for kids). Each stop reveals America’s founding stories, turned interactive with costumed rangers or engaging plaques. Younger kids may lose interest if you attempt all 16 at once, so pick highlights like the Old North Church or the USS Constitution if time is short.

• Route
  • 2.5 miles, marked by a red line along sidewalks
• Tips
  • Bring water, comfortable shoes, and maybe period-appropriate hats for fun photos
• Why It’s Great
  • Merges fitness, fresh air, and American history in one go

14. Plimoth Patuxet Museums (Day Trip)

Plimoth Patuxet, about an hour’s drive from Boston, reenacts 17th-century colonial life and Wampanoag culture. Kids can watch costumed interpreters cook over open fires, build thatched homes, or demonstrate historical crafts. The Wampanoag Homesite reveals indigenous traditions, while the English Village contrasts with its wooden fort and farmland. Tickets range from $15–$32, depending on age and site combos.

• Add-On
  • The Mayflower II (docked in Plymouth) for a quick maritime history fix
• Why Kids Love It
  • Hands-on experiences like writing with quill pens or grinding corn
• Dining
  • On-site café serves colonial-inspired dishes and modern favorites

15. Fenway Park Family Tours

Fenway Park, America’s oldest MLB stadium, hosts guided tours ( $25–$30) that highlight behind-the-scenes baseball magic. Children can peek into the press box, see the famed “Green Monster,” and learn about legendary Red Sox heroes. If your trip overlaps with a game day, a live sporting event brings electric energy. Basic tickets start around $20–$40, though prime matchups can cost more.

• Time
  • Tours run about 50–60 minutes. Arrive 15 minutes early
• Kid Perks
  • Some tours let you stand on the warning track or check out the dugout
• Nearby
  • Kenmore Square has quick dining options (pizza slices about $3) for a post-tour snack

FAQ Section

Is Boston worth visiting with kids?

Absolutely. Boston blends interactive museums, scenic parks, and a deep historical backdrop. Whether it’s building robots at the Museum of Science, riding Swan Boats at the Public Garden, or exploring the USS Constitution, kids learn while having fun.

What is the number one tourist attraction in Boston?

Many consider the Freedom Trail as Boston’s top attraction, as it narrates America’s revolutionary roots. But for families, the New England Aquarium, Children’s Museum, or Fenway Park can easily rival it in kid appeal.

What is the best area of Boston to stay in with kids?

Back Bay and the Waterfront are popular for families. Both areas offer easy access to major sites, plus scenic walks. You’ll find family-friendly hotels near the Prudential Center or along the harbor, with dining options fit for all ages.

Is Massachusetts kid-friendly?

Yes. Beyond Boston, the state boasts Salem’s spooky charm, Cape Cod’s beaches, and Springfield’s Basketball Hall of Fame. Massachusetts overflows with educational yet entertaining pursuits for families.

Conclusion

Boston wraps American history, green parks, cultural hotspots, and a dash of New England coastal charm into one city. Your children can roam museum halls brimming with dinosaur skeletons, explore centuries-old warships, and sample fresh seafood all in the same day. This handy list of things to do in Boston with kids ensures a perfect mix of learning, laughter, and local flavor. Plan your itinerary around their interests, whether it’s interactive science exhibits, duck boat tours, or scenic strolls around Harvard Square.

Pack comfortable shoes and perhaps a sense of wonder: each corner of Boston reveals new stories to share. Don’t forget a camera for capturing those giggles at the aquarium or the first time they spot the Green Monster at Fenway. By balancing structured activities with free exploration, you’ll craft a family trip brimming with cherished memories.

For official updates on city attractions, schedules, and travel tips, you can visit the official Boston USA website directly. There, you’ll find details on seasonal events, ticket info, and local dining recommendations to enhance your family’s adventure in this historic city.