This summer and through the end of the year I am hosting an A to Z travel series called “See the USA”. I’ve invited guest bloggers to choose a city and share their top 5 family friendly things to do in that town and you can find every letter in the alphabet here. This week we’re covering letter B and I am thrilled to have my friend Robin from Luxe Recess sharing her favorite spots in Bean Town!
*This post contains affiliate links but recommendations are 100% my own.
Top 5 Family Friendly Things to Do in Boston
Boston offers a family vacation that few cities can rival in beauty, historical significance, and family fun. There’s a reason why so many Europeans consider Boston their favorite American city. Here are five of the best, can’t miss, Boston activities for families, though the list varies based on the weather.
1. The Boston waterfront
The Boston waterfront offers a full day’s activities like the New England Aquarium and whale-watching tours, but we’re big fans of walking the new Greenway. We love its splash fountains, the food trucks like the Cookie Monstah, and its breathtaking carousel that includes sea life native to the New England waters. This greenspace is adjacent to downtown’s financial district, the North End, and Fanieul Hall (I used to work next door for years and don’t understand its appeal as a tourist destination. The shops are the national chains and the food halls are meant for tourists.)
Photo credit: Luxe Recess
2. The Institute of Contemporary Art
The Institute of Contemporary Art is Boston’s newest major museum along the waterfront. On Saturday mornings, it offers a fantastic family program of children’s crafts. Adults are admitted free when accompanied by kids, too, making this a no brainer if you find yourself downtown on a Saturday.
Photo credit: Luxe Recess
3. Charles Street
Charles Street is the main shopping and dining district of Beacon Hill, one of Boston’s oldest, most picturesque neighborhoods. It is the perfect shopping and eating itinerary in Boston for families because it is easy to do and concludes at the Boston Common and Public Garden. Savenors at the far North end is a tiny gourmet grocer that was made famous by one if its most loyal shoppers, Julia Child. Grab picnic items for a stop in the Common later. Gift and novelty stores like Black Inn will entrance tweens, and two of Boston’s best clothing stores are on Charles: The Red Wagon and NRO Kids. Tatte Bakery offers high end treats and sandwiches, and JP Licks, a local chain, serves ice cream and coffees though there are two Starbucks on this street, too. Take a quick detour up the hill to see Mount Vernon Square, one of Boston’s most prestigious addresses, to savor the beauty of the architecture.
4. Boston Common and Boston Public Garden
Boston Common and Boston Public Garden are a must do, and provide seasonal activities and a charming walk in what is much like the Central Park of Boston. The Common offers an ice-skating rink in the winter months at the Frog Pond, which becomes a massive wading pool in the summer time next to a carousel. There is also a playground at the Northeastern corner approaching the gold-domed State House of Massachusetts.
Photo credit: Luxe Recess
Boston Public Garden is the site of the Swan Boat Rides and a bronze sculptural installation paying homage to the classic Make Way for Ducklings. Both should be on your Boston vacation photo bucket list. The Public Garden’s entrance faces the beginning of Commonwealth Avenue along Arlington Street. There are many performers and balloon artists scattered around the garden in good weather, and you’ll catch both locals and tourists pushing strollers and setting up picnics.
Photo credit: Luxe Recess
5. The Museum of Science
The Museum of Science is one of my favorite Boston Institutions. If the weather is less than favorable during your visit, head here. I can easily spend a full day exploring the exhibits with my kids. There is a higher quality cafeteria with a nice salad bar, and the movies at the Planetarium and the simulator ride are wonderful, too. There is a play area for children that even has something educational for infants, and a playground exhibit set up to educate about the laws of physics. A combination of the physical and educational work well for a full-day’s outing in rain or cold weather.
If your children are older and have the attention span to learn and physical stamina, there are Freedom Trail tours for children as well as those led by guides in historic costumes, and the Boston Tea Party Museum. Once my youngest is old enough, I’ll report back on these, too.
I loved reading all of Robin’s Boston recommendations and found some new ideas for our next visit to the city. Have you been to Boston? What’s your favorite thing to see and do?
Looking for Boston hotel recommendations? Check out Trip Advisor’s Best Hotels of Boston HERE.
About Robin: I launched Luxe Recess: For Parents Who Like Really Nice Hotels as a luxury hotel magazine for family travel. I am happiest with a Canon around my neck snapping hotels, sunrises, and architecture or helping friends and readers plan their next adventure.
