Family-Friendly Things to Do in Boston

Museums and Educational Attractions

Boston’s colorful history and proximity to world-renowned institutions like Harvard University make it a beacon for learning. It, therefore, shouldn’t come as a surprise that many of the best things to do with kids in Boston involve museums and other educational attractions.

The Boston Museum of Science is home to hundreds of exhibits, many of which are interactive, covering fields like math, engineering, and biology. Unique experiences like the Planetarium and Omni Theater offer additional immersion, while the rotating exhibits keep things fresh and promise something new to even the most exhausted of parents.

Boston FIFA fans traveling with younger kids will also want to check out the city’s Children’s Museum. Ideal for kids under nine (although slightly older children can still have fun), the museum is a highly interactive space with a bubble room, a tennis ball launcher, and a dinosaur dig, among other exhibits. Adjacent to the Children’s Museum is Martin’s Park, an inclusive, climate-resilient space with a play ship, a climbing hill, and a wood amphitheater. Both sites, together, can easily occupy three hours of a morning before a World Cup match.

Once you’ve had your fill of history, the New England Aquarium offers an incredible look at hundreds of species of marine life. With penguin exhibits, a massive central tank, and immersive tunnels that allow travelers to get up close and personal with aquatic life, the aquarium makes for a fun and educational experience for kids and adults alike.

Outdoor Activities for Families

Positioned on both the Atlantic Ocean and the Charles River, Boston makes it easy for families to enjoy the city’s stunning surroundings.

Dating back over 400 years, the Boston Common is the oldest park in the United States. Throughout its hundreds of years, it’s served as a grazing space for livestock, a mustering ground for soldiers, and a space for abolitionist arguments to be heard. Today, however, the park is an ideal spot to stroll, coffee in hand, while watching your kids play at the Tadpole Playground at its center.

Right next to the Boston Common is the Public Garden. Established in 1837, the space was the first public botanical garden in the United States and features beautifully manicured grounds and colorful flower displays. When you visit, make sure to sign up for a historic swan boat ride. Pedalled by a driver with six rows of benches, the boats remain a constant—even as the city evolves and changes everywhere else.

The Charles River Esplanade is another excellent spot for outdoor activities. The park offers stunning views of Boston and MIT, as well as access to the river. Kayaking and sailing are options, on certain days during the summer, while renting a bike with a company like Bluebikes lets you cycle around the three-mile-long stretch. All of that makes it one of the best things to do in Boston with kids.

Fun Day Trips With Kids

While the city itself is home to enough attractions to keep you busy for days, Boston’s surrounding region is also worth exploring. If you have the opportunity, taking a day trip out of the city can offer additional family-friendly fun.

Famous for its witchy past, Salem is just 20 miles away from the city and is easily reachable without driving by riding the MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority). Once in the city, families can explore Salem’s charming streets, as well as tap into the area’s history. Locations like Corwin House and Proctor’s Ledge Memorial had direct ties to the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, while the Salem Maritime National Historic Site showcases the city’s naval past.

Boston FIFA fans looking for additional Revolutionary War history will want to check out nearby Lexington and Concord. The towns served as the birthplaces of the revolution, with the first military engagements taking place at local sites. Besides boasting historic significance, places like Battle Road Trail and Old North Bridge also offer rich scenic beauty and biodiversity. Outside of revolutionary history, Concord, specifically, also has a rich literary past—the homes of authors like Emerson and Thoreau are now museums, allowing visitors to learn about their daily lives. Like Salem, both Lexington and Concord are accessible by riding the MBTA.

In the summer months, the New England coast offers an idyllic escape for locals and travelers alike looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The Cape Cod peninsula is 70 miles southeast of Boston, and the Provincetown Fast Ferry makes getting there a breeze. Upon arrival, travelers can explore the peninsula’s postcard-perfect beaches, see historic lighthouses, and eat and shop around the area’s charming towns.

If you have even just one extra day in Boston after the June 13th Haiti vs. Scotland match or another World Cup moment, consider day tripping out of the city to enjoy New England’s unforgettable summer beauty.

Getting Around With Children

Most travelers find navigating Boston with children manageable, even if they’re younger, thanks to the city’s walkability and extensive transit connections.

The MBTA serves most major attractions by subway, bus, and commuter rail, and many central locations have elevators that make traveling with strollers easier. Boston neighborhoods like the Seaport District, Back Bay, and Cambridge are particularly family-friendly, as they feature wide sidewalks, flat terrain, and high concentrations of parks and cafes.

To avoid Boston’s infamous traffic, try to take advantage of routes like the Charles River Esplanade and the Rose Kennedy Greenway—both of which allow you to pause at playgrounds and other rest stops without worrying about cars zooming around you. Ferries can also offer both convenience and entertainment, letting you navigate Boston Harbor and the surrounding region while enjoying a scenic and memorable experience. As a general rule, if you are driving, try to avoid doing so in the morning or evening rush hours, particularly on match days.

Through a bit of planning and the utilization of the MBTA, Boston FIFA fans will find the city easy to navigate.