12 top activities to enjoy in Boston with kids

Boston serves as an amazing outdoor interactive museum, ideal for explorers of all ages.

From exploring historic locations where patriots fought for American independence to enjoying Boston's eclectic art collections—both inside and outside—there's no shortage of quirky, creepy, funny, and funky elements that will ignite children's creativity. Plus, there are numerous active, family-friendly ways to experience the city, whether it's through trail walking, biking, or boating.

Here are the ultimate family-friendly activities in Boston.

Is Boston a kid-friendly destination?

Families form a significant part of Boston's audience, whether they are local children or visitors, prompting most venues to make extra efforts to cater to them. At Boston Logan Airport, family restrooms are conveniently available, and those traveling with kids are often granted (though not always) expedited access through immigration and security lines.

Most establishments embrace families with amenities like kids’ menus at restaurants and discounted admission for children at museums. Many museums also host special events and provide activity kits to engage their youngest visitors. The city boasts ample green spaces, complete with climbing structures and water features—even in Downtown. While public restrooms are available throughout the city, they typically lack changing facilities and may not accommodate strollers. For more information, check the city’s interactive map of public toilets.

What are the best places in Boston for kids?

Downtown serves as an ideal neighborhood base, offering numerous hotels and easy access to public transportation. Boston Common and the Rose Kennedy Greenway are within walking distance, along with many other family-friendly attractions. The nearby Seaport District is also a vibrant spot: while transportation may be slightly less convenient, it features plenty of activities for kids, including the Children’s Museum, Lawn on D (an outdoor area with seasonal events and games), and the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. If you seek a less bustling urban setting, consider Back Bay, which offers easy access to the Charles River Esplanade and the Boston Public Library.

Top activities in Boston for babies and toddlers

Public Garden

Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey is a beloved tale about a family of ducks living in the Public Garden. Share the story with your toddlers beforehand, then visit the bronze statues that celebrate the duck family.

Afterward, enjoy a ride on the Swan Boats, a cherished Boston tradition since 1877, when they first glided across the lagoon in the Public Garden. These pedal-powered boats provide a calm experience for your little ones, along with a chance to spot the lagoon's resident (live) swans.

Rose Kennedy Greenway

There's endless fun to discover along the Rose Kennedy Greenway—perfect for little ones and kids of all ages. The highlight for toddlers is the Greenway Carousel, featuring rides on lobsters, whales, harbor seals, and other local wildlife, all inspired by children's artwork. Kids can also explore the vast grassy areas, navigate the walkable labyrinth at Armenian Heritage Park, or splash around in the playful Ring Fountain.

Pro tip: Food trucks are lined up along the Greenway, making it easy for parents to grab affordable lunches or snacks.

Boston Children’s Museum

Bring your youngest to the Boston Museum’s dedicated PlaySpace, designed for toddlers under three, offering a wealth of sensory activities, imaginative play, and age-appropriate physical challenges. There's even a special area for crawlers, ensuring that older children are kept out so the little ones have plenty of room to roam.

Northpoint Park

Do your little ones have a fascination with trains? (As if we even need to ask!) This charming park in Cambridge boasts a climbing structure perfect for toddlers and an exciting water feature. The highlight is a pedestrian bridge offering a direct view of the tracks, where trains come and go from North Station, ensuring hours of entertainment.

Top activities for school-age kids in Boston

Freedom Trail

The Freedom Trail stands out as one of Boston’s top attractions and is often a family favorite. This walking path links 16 significant sites, showcasing both colonial and revolutionary history. While kids might lose interest in museums, they’ll be captivated here at pivotal locations like the Boston Massacre site and the Battle of Bunker Hill. Engaging guides in period costumes and hands-on exhibits bring history alive. When your little explorers need a breather, let them run around at Boston Common.

Top tip: Avoid attempting to cover the entire Freedom Trail in a single outing. Instead, concentrate on one section to allow your kids to explore it thoroughly. If you prefer a guided experience, Boston by Little Feet offers tours tailored for children aged 6 to 12.

Boston Harbor Islands

Around Boston Harbor, 34 islands beckon kids of all ages for an extraordinary urban adventure. Hop on the ferry at Long Wharf and embark on your journey! The main highlight of the Boston Harbor Islands is on Georges Island, where the historic Fort Warren boasts turrets to climb, hidden passages to discover, and rich history to uncover. Spectacle Island features swimming, hiking, and stunning views. For those adventurous enough to venture to the outer islands, expect secluded beaches, wild berries, and untamed trails. During summer weekends, you’ll often find free concerts and family-friendly events. Remember, don’t overextend yourself: one island is plenty, and two is the maximum for a day trip.

Museum of Fine Arts

The expansive Museum of Fine Arts offers something for everyone, even the youngest art lovers. Do your kids have a passion for animals? They'll be enchanted by the whimsical weather vanes and carousel figures featured in Decorative Arts. Are ships more their style? The intimate Model Ship Gallery is a must-visit. For children intrigued by mummies, the Egyptian Art displays will fascinate them, and don't overlook the stunning bronze statues of the Indian Hunter and Pronghorn Antelope at the Fenway entrance.

Top tip: Bring along a sketchbook and encourage your kids to replicate their favorite pieces or let their creativity flow. The MFA’s Art Connections activity cards are also a fantastic tool for engaging kids with the art, focusing on various themes (like dogs, chocolate, and mythical creatures) and suggesting artworks to discover along with activities to enhance their experience.

Lawn on D

If your kids enjoy playing games, they'll love Lawn on D, an innovative park filled with quirky swings, pickleball courts, and a variety of lawn games, including cornhole, ping-pong, and lawn checkers. Enjoy food and drinks (including options for adults) along with live music on weekends for a lively atmosphere. Lawn on D can get quite crowded, so arriving early is advisable, with weekdays being less busy than weekends.

Top activities for tweens and teenagers in Boston

ICA Boston

ICA Boston offers an impressive program for teens, showcasing the institute’s dedication to nurturing future artists. While the primary focus is on long-term initiatives for local youth, there’s plenty for visitors to explore as well. The exhibits are constantly evolving and often push the limits of what we consider art. (And let's be honest, teens are experts at challenging boundaries.) Expect a blend of interactive and multimedia experiences that resonate with this iGeneration. A standout feature is Art Lab (open on weekends), where teens can team up with artists to create contemporary art pieces.

Admission to the ICA is completely free for anyone under 18. After exploring the main museum, be sure to visit the nearby Seaport Studios, where you can check out the ICA Teen Gallery showcasing artwork created by local Boston youth.

Tea Party Ships & Museum

Challenge your teens to channel their inner rebels (if you’re brave enough) by participating in a reenactment of the Boston Tea Party at the Tea Party Ships & Museum. Guests take on the roles of historical figures and engage in a spirited discussion about the Tea Act of 1773 before boarding British ships to dramatically toss crates of tea into the harbor. Following the reenactment, innovative multimedia exhibits reveal how this significant event was viewed at the time and the severe repercussions that followed. You’ll even see one of the original tea crates—though this one is definitely off-limits for tossing into Boston Harbor.

Urban AdvenTours

One of the best ways to experience Boston is by bike, offering just the right pace to capture your teen's interest while allowing them to soak in the sights. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, navigating the safest and most scenic routes can be tricky, so let Urban AdvenTours guide you. Their family-friendly Tour de Boston steers clear of busy streets and mainly follows bike paths along the Charles River (bike seats and trailers are available for younger kids). For more seasoned riders, the longer City View Tour covers six different neighborhoods and many historical landmarks. Both tours offer a fantastic overview of the city while keeping your teen active and engaged.

If you're experienced cyclists, you might opt to skip the tour and explore on your own. Urban AdvenTours provides bike rentals, urban riding tips, and recommended routes; alternatively, consider getting an Adventure Pass through Boston’s bike-share service, Bluebikes.

Charles River Canoe & Kayak

For the active family, another option is to rent kayaks and view the city from the water. Charles River Canoe & Kayak has two locations, each offering a unique paddling experience. Rent from the Kendall Square location to enjoy the Charles River Esplanade, the iconic Citgo sign, Boston University, MIT, and other notable city sights. From the Allston/Brighton location, you’ll paddle past Harvard University and beautiful parks on either shore, with rowers navigating the waters. Adventurous paddlers can embark on a one-way five-mile journey to take in all the scenery. If you'd prefer guidance, Charles River Canoe & Kayak also provides guided tours.

Planning tips for traveling with kids in Boston

• No need for a car in Boston: the city is compact, and public transportation is efficient, user-friendly, and enjoyable for kids. Children aged 11 and under ride public transport for free.

• Generally, all buses and trains accommodate strollers, although it might feel less so during peak commuting times. Keep in mind that some subway platforms—especially on the green line—lack elevator access.

• Expect to do plenty of walking. Take care on the charming brick sidewalks, which can be tricky to navigate with strollers.

• Backpack-style baby carriers aren’t permitted in art museums.

• Many upscale hotels provide delightful amenities to enhance your kids’ stay, such as books, toys, special snacks, Nintendos for rent, and complimentary cooking classes. The Fairmont Copley Plaza even features a resident dog named Cori Copley, a friendly black lab who welcomes pets in the lobby and joins walks around town!