The Ultimate “Boston with Kids” Guide

Boston conjures imagines of clam chowder, harbor sailing, and Early American history, but in reality, the city offers all that and more to traveling families. A great town for kids, the atmosphere is laid-back, the sights lean toward the outdoors and education, and around every corner, there’s good fare and friendly company to be had.

Where to Stay in Boston with Kids

Boston is known for its distinct neighborhoods, all with their own assets to consider when choosing accommodation. You can’t go wrong with anything in the downtown or North End districts, as you’ll be within walking distance of great family dining, the New England Aquarium and Boston Children’s Museum, and the Freedom Trail, and steps from several T stops as well.

I recommend Marriott’s Custom House, where guests not only learn about the history of the city, but sleep in it, too. The location can’t be beat: the Custom House is just half a block from
Faneuil Hall in one direction, the harbor in another, and the Old State House on the Freedom Trail route in yet another. If you don’t want to be in the center of the action, Boston’s Back Bay is a great choice (I’d recommend using a vacation rental site such as HomeAway to find an affordable family option).

Fun Things to Do in Boston with Kids

Boston has a variety of great fair weather and rainy day options. While the sun is shining, take the kids on the famed Freedom Trail, which starts in the Boston Common (an easy T ride from downtown and accessible by car) and winds its way 2.5 miles through the city on an easy-to-follow red brick trail. Guided tours are available, but I recommend the self-guided option with young kids; the visitor’s information booth in the Commons has maps and guidebooks on-hand for just this purpose. The trail is free, but you’ll want to enter a few of the historical sites (which are approximately $3-5 for entry). The trail ends at Bunker Hill, but kids may become distracted at the second-to-last stop, the U.S.S. Constitution (otherwise known as Old Ironsides). It’s free to enter the ship (though wait times exist for the below-deck tours).

A trip on a Boston Duck Tour is another must-do, as a great overview of the city while families are highly entertained. This tour, aboard a bus-turned-boat, takes visitors around the city then straight into the Charles River, where ‘conDUCKtors’ allow kids a turn at the helm.

If the weather turns inclement, head to the New England Aquarium, which is small enough to be manageable with young kids but large enough to be first rate. Make sure to start with the new sting ray and shark tank, where kids can touch the marine life (if they dare!). A short walk across the bay from the aquarium is the Boston Children’s Museum, a three story kid-mecca of climbing equipment, exploratory Boston city scenes, and exhibits.

Dining with Kids in Boston

If you’re staying downtown or en route on the Freedom Trail, a great place to take kids to eat is Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, where row after row of food vendors line the interior hallways. A fun, busy atmosphere, there’s something for everyone at Faneuil Hall, plus great shopping! Nearby is the Black Rose, where pub fare meets family fare (and should you have a babysitter on-hand, this restaurant turns into a full bar after 10 pm).

Shopping in Boston with Kids

Faneuil Hall is a complete network of boutique and national brand shops where kids will be entertained, and the Back Bay has plenty of upscale shopping for the adults.

Things to Avoid in Boston with Kids

Boston is a highly visitor-friendly city. Common sense precautions are all that’s necessary; take cabs instead of the T late at night, and use your hotel’s safety deposit boxes to store valuables and jewelry.

General Tips on Travel to Boston with Kids

• Boston is a pedestrian-friendly city; it’s even easy to get over the harbor bridges on foot.
• Cab fare is more expensive than in some other Eastern Seaboard cities, so opt for the user-friendly Boston T when navigating the city.
• Pack a bag with plenty of water and sunscreen when setting out to walk the Freedom Trail
• Boston gets humid in the summer months, and you can become sunburned or dehydrated without even realizing it!
• If your kids are national and historical park stamp collectors, remember to stop at the historical sites with your national park passports or even a piece of scrap paper; all of them are on the registry!

Amy Whitley is the founding editor of Pit Stops for Kids, a family travel resource covering kid-friendly resorts, attractions, outdoor adventures, and all the pit stops you’ll need along the way. She also writes for a number of print and online travel publications, and is a family travel expert at Best Family Travel Advice. She lives in Oregon with her husband and three sons, where they enjoy backyard adventures when they’re not traveling.