10 Fun Things to do: Boston with Kids

Are you traveling to Boston with kids sometime soon? If not, the question really is, why aren’t you? 🙂

If you’re wondering to do when you get here, these are are 10 of our favorite things in this city. Some of them are from my time growing up in New England and some that we’ve taken our toddlers to.

I’m working on our full Boston bucket list (coming eventually) that will have everything we’re excited to check off during these next two years but I wanted to share these 10 easy things to do if you’re headed this way with kids in Boston sometime soon!

• Stay on a houseboat: Whether it’s for your whole stay or part of your time in the city, book a houseboat through GlampingHub to get all the perks of an apartment and all the fun of a boat. Marinas are tucked away right in the city and offer a fun, unique twist on your Boston vacation (more from our favorite Boston houseboat here).
• Visit the Frog Pond in Boston Common: Boston Common, established in 1634, is the oldest park in the united states. Depending on the time of year, the kids can splash in the outdoor fountain, play on the playground, or go ice skating.

• Museum hop: Boston has fabulous museum options for kids. Whether you spend the day at Boston Children’s Museum, Museum of Fine Art (older kids), or the Boston Museum of Science (my personal favorite), no one will be disappointed. If you have a membership to one of your local museums, see if it counts for reciprocal passes.
• Watch the fish: If the weather is bad, check out the New England Aquarium (and don’t miss a feeding at the penguin exhibit). Whatever the age of your kids, this one will be fun (we love doing it without the kids, too!).
• Take a duck tour: Boston Duck tours are great for all ages but your little one will love getting to go on land and water. It’s a great way to see a lot of the city without navigating lots of transportation.

• Ride a swan: The Swan Boats in Boston Public Garden are always a good idea, weather pending. Make sure to read “Make Way for Ducklings” before you visit to make the adventure even more fun. Just across Charles Street is Boston Commons so it would be easy to walk over after playing in the fountain or at the playground!
• Slow down: Spend the afternoon at Robbins Farm Playground in Arlington and take in the gorgeous view of the city.
• Walk the Freedom Trail: Get in your history fix and walk the Freedom Trail in Boston. You can walk as much or as little as you’d like but  (and stop for ice-cream along the way).

• Taste the world and enjoy the street performers in Fanuiel Hall: While you’re there  you can stroll down to the pier and watch the boats or wander over into the North End for great Italian food. Outside the actual market are lots of shops and a great pedestrian area to let your kids burn off some energy.
• Experience Boston Clam Chowder: Did you know Legal Sea Food’s clam chowder has been served at every presidential inauguration since 1981? If you’re worried about your kids being loud, try the bustling Prudential Center location where no one will notice.

For those of you who have been to Boston, what else would you add to the list?