How to spend a weekend in Boston with kids
Boston is one of our favorite East Coast cities. We love all the history, the food and all the beautiful neighborhoods.
We have visited Boston a handful of times and always find something new to discover.
On the blog, I will share our guide on how to spend a weekend in Boston with kids.
You can choose to add a few of these Boston attractions to your day trip to Boston itinerary, or spend the weekend in Boston exploring all the historic sites.
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How to get around Boston
You can easily walk to most of Boston’s main attractions on a walk along the 2.5 mile Freedom Trail. But if you want to see more of Boston, I suggest going on the Old Town Trolley tour.
This is the best way to explore the city and get around, especially with kids. We loved learning the history with the guided tours.
You can easily Uber or taxi around the city, or even take the “T”, which is Bostons public transportation. To ride the “T”, you need to purchase a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket.
These can be purchased at most subway stations at vending machines. The basic fare is $2.75 with a CharlieTicket or $2.25 if you have a Charlie Card. Kids 11 years and younger ride free!
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Top things to do in Boston with kids
Boston is Massachusetts’ capital and largest city. Founded in 1630, it’s one of the oldest cities in the U.S.
There is so much history to explore on your visit to Boston with kids!
Walking the Freedom Trail is the best way to explore all the historical places in Boston, and the role the city has played during the American Revolution, as well as several key events such as the Boston Massacre, and the Boston Tea Party.
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Walk the Freedom trail
One of the best ways to explore some of Bostons Historic attractions is a stroll along the Freedom Trail. This 2.5 mile walking route of historic sites tells the story of the nation’s founding.
There are 16 locations, marked with brick, which winds between Boston Common to the Bunker Hill Monument.
Your first stop should be at the Visitors center on the first floor of Faneuil Hall. They offer tours, provide free maps of the Freedom Trail and other historic sites.
Make sure to also get your Junior Ranger Park book stamped here, and pick up a Junior Ranger Booklet so the kiddos can earn their Junior Ranger Badge as well. You can either pick one up at Faneuil Hall or request one by mail here.
It took us a few visits to finally get to visit all the sites on the Freedom Trail, but is totally doable in one day.
Visit the Old State House
One place not to miss on your visit to Boston with kids is the Old State House.
The Old State House is an important landmark on Boston’s Freedom Trail, and is the oldest surviving public building in Boston, and the site of the Boston Massacre.
It now operates as a history museum, and you can take a self guided tour and learn more about it’s history. Hours of operation are from 10am-5pm.
Ticket costs are as follows and includes admission to the Old South Meeting House as well.
- Adults $15
- Seniors (65+) $14
- Students $14
- Children (12 and under) $8
- FREE for US Military and Veterans, Massachusetts Teachers, and EBT cardholders.
Faneuil Hall marketplace
One of Boston’s top attraction is the Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
A well known spot along the Freedom trail, Faneuil Hall is often referred to as “the home of free speech” and the “Cradle of Liberty,” and has been a marketplace, and a meeting hall during the American Revolution and remains so today.
Faneuil Hall is one of four historic buildings, which includes three historic buildings called North Market, Quincy Market, and South Market, which operates as an indoor-outdoor mall and food eatery.
Faneuil Hall operates as a visitor center and historic site by the National Park Service.
National Park Service Visitor Center is located on the market (first floor) and the lower level of the building. The Great Hall is located on the second floor.
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Explore Boston’s North End
One of our favorite places to explore in Boston is the North End, or Little Italy as they call it.
Explore the narrow streets and some of the city’s oldest buildings, which includes Paul Revere’s house and the Old North Church, which are both part of the Freedom Trail.
This is also the perfect place to grab a bite with so many Italian eateries to choose from. You can also sample the famous cannolis at Mike’s Pastry, just be prepared for long lines.
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Explore Beacon Hill and Acorn street
Make sure to stroll along the streets of Beacon Hill, it is one of Boston’s most picturesque areas.
Admire the beautiful Federal-style and Victorian brick row houses lit by antique lanterns on your stroll.
One street in particular is Acorn Street, which is the most photographed street in America.
This cobblestoned street is one of the oldest and is absolutely charming!
Take a stroll through the Boston Public Gardens
One of the top Boston attractions for families is a visit to the Boston Public Gardens.
Boston Public Gardens is one of the most beautiful gardens in the city, and the first public botanical garden in America! It’s located right next to Boston Commons, so you get two parks in one location.
Take a stroll along the beautifully manicured pathways and watch the ducks and swans swim by. You can also get on a Swan Boat, which is one of the most iconic things to do in the gardens!
Make sure to look for the Make way for ducklings sculptures while here, the kiddos will love climbing on them.
This is also the perfect spot to have an afternoon picnic. It’s such a relaxing place with shady areas to get away from the hot sun.
Relax at the Boston Common
Located right next to the Boston Public Gardens is the Boston Common.
Established in 1634, Boston Common is America’s oldest public park, and is now a gathering place where concerts, softball games and other public events are held.
This is the perfect place to take a break from your sightseeing stroll around Boston.
There is a fun playground for the kids, a frog pond wading pool, and a splash park for the kids during the summer.
Visit Copley Square
During your sightseeing stroll around Boston, you’ll most likely pass through Copley Square.
This is Boston’s center of culture and where you will find some of the cities museums, the Boston Public Library, Trinity Church and the finish line of the Boston Marathon.
You will also find people just sitting on a blanket and just relaxing or having a picnic.
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Go on a Boston HarborWalk
Take a stroll along the Boston Harbor. This 43 mile long Harborwalk connects Boston’s Waterfront neighborhoods to Boston Harbor.
There is so much to do along the harbor, and so many restaurants and stores to keep you occupied. We loved our sunset strolls, it was so amazing to watch the sunset over the harbor.
You can also get on a Boston Harbor Cruise and admire the Boston city skyline. If you purchase an Old Town Trolley with Harbor tour, your ticket includes a 90 minute historic Harbor Cruise.
Boston’s Children’s museum
One of the best places to visit during your weekend in Boston with kids is the Boston’s Children’s Museum.
The Boston’s Children Museum is one of the best we’ve been to with lots of fun, educational exhibits for kids, along with an amazing play place for toddlers.
The Museum’s exhibits and programs emphasize hands-on engagement and learning, sparking kids creativity and quench their curious minds. This was by far our little ones favorite place, and a must do when visiting Boston with kids!
Reservations are required when planning a visit, visit the website here to purchase tickets and to make reservations. Admissions costs:
- Adults: $18
- Children (1-15): $18
- Children (Under 12 months): FREE
- Members: FREE
Boston’s Childrens Museum is located at: 308 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210
Visit the New England Aquarium
Another must visit in Boston with kids is the New England Aquarium. Some of the Aquariums highlights is the giant ocean tank simulating a Caribbean coral reef, and the IMAX theatre.
The New England Aquarium is located at 1 Central Wharf near Long Wharf.
Timed entry tickets must be purchased ahead of time, and costs ($32/adults)-($23/kids 3-11)-(FREE for kids under 3).
The Aquarium also offers discounts, visit the website here for more information.
Explore the parks along the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway
When planning a visit to Boston with kids, make sure to visit some of the cool parks along the Rose Fitzgerald Greenway.
The Greenway winds it’s way 1.5 miles through downtown Boston with lots of fun green spaces and parks for the kids to enjoy.
Our little ones favorite is the Rings Fountain located across the New England Aquarium. The fountain lights up at night with smoke and colorful lights which is so much fun!
There are so many other parks along the Greenway with fun fountains and splash pads for the kids to cool off during the summer.
The kids can also take a spin in one of the most unique carousels along the harbor, which costs $4.
Relax at the Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park
Another place to take a break from your sightseeing tour of Boston is along the Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park.
The Park is located along Boston’s Harbor, just a short walk away from Boston’s North End. You can grab some lunch at Faneuil Hall and enjoy a family picnic by the waterfront.
There is a playground, amazing waterfront views, a garden, and plenty of room for the kids to run around.
The Greenway Carousel is nearby as well, and this is the perfect place to watch the sunset over the Boston Harbor.
Visit the Boston Tea Party ship and museum
You can’t miss a visit to the Boston Tea Party Museum and replica ship when planning a family trip to Boston.
You can take part in the event that changed the course of American history in one of the best attractions in Boston.
This fun interactive exhibit includes, historical interpreters and artifacts, and a full-scale restored 18th Century ship.
You can even take part in history and throw out the tea crates into the harbor, which the kids will surely love!
Tickets costs ($29.95/adults)-($21.95 kids 5-12). The Museum is Open Thursday – Monday: Tours start at 10:00am and last tour is at 5:00pm (Closed Tuesday & Wednesday.
Spend the 4th of July in Boston
We spent the 4th of July in Boston one year and it was such an amazing experience.
The Boston Pops fireworks spectacular starts with a summer concert at the Hatch Memorial Shell along the Charles River esplanade, with fireworks starting at 10:30 pm.
If you plan to experience this event next year, be aware that backpacks are not allowed, and clear unopened water bottles are the only beverage allowed.
Arrive early to get into the island for security screening and to get a wristband, the lines do get quite long!
If you just want to watch the fireworks, you don’t have to go through security. Just bring a blanket and chairs and pick the perfect spot on the esplanade to watch the fireworks.
Go shopping in Boston
Downtown Crossing is Boston’s pedestrian shopping zone. It lies at the intersection of Washington, Winter and Summer streets.
This is the perfect place to shop, with many retailers and small boutique shops. There’s even a Primark department store that I’ve only seen in Europe.
Newbury street and the Faneuil Hall Marketplace are other places to shop for those one of a kind items, and souvenirs.
Where to eat in Boston
There are so many amazing places to eat while in Boston and these are just some of our favorites.
- Tatte Bakery was one of our favorite places to eat. Their breakfast is amazing and so are the yummy pastries. Lots of healthy yummy eats here and amazing coffee as well.
- Union Oyster House is the perfect place for seafood and history. This Historic eatery has been serving chowder & other New England seafood standards since 1826. You can even sit in John F. Kennedy’s booth while here. We loved the Clam chowder and their amazing cornbread.
- Quincy Market is the best place to eat if you’re indecisive about what to eat. There are so many choices here, but our fave has to be the Clam chowder served in a bread bowl.
Where to stay in Boston
- Boston Marriot Long Wharf is our favorite hotel by the harbor. It’s located close to all the main attractions, plus they have a garage if you’re driving into the city.
- Boston Park Plaza was our most recent stay and we loved its central location, and it’s close proximity to the Boston Public Gardens, and Boston Common.
- Envoy Hotel was one of our favorite boutique hotels to stay in. It’s location by the Boston Harbor was perfect, with amazing views of the city skyline in the hotels roof bar.
- Residence Inn by Marriot Boston Back Bay is the perfect place to stay with it’s location a walk away from Fenway Park. We loved the big rooms and the kitchen. Perfect place for families to stay. You can easily walk to some of Boston’s main sights or take a trolley tour with a stop right at Fenway Park.
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