Things To Do
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
The Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Quincy Market are favorite stops, with merchants selling from carts, food kiosks (the perfect opportunity to get a cup of “chowdah”) and patriotic statues outside. You'll see street performers, everything from dancers to musicians to jugglers and clowns. You can typically see them in action every day between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend, plus major holiday weekends. Over the summer months, there are also many events for kids, such as storytelling, kids’ art and puppet shows. On Saturdays, your family can get a free tour of Quincy Market.
Boston Common
The oldest park in the United States, Boston Common is a great space for families. You'll love Frog Pond, with activities 365 days a year. The Common has an ice skating rink in the winter (skate rentals available), a splash pad over the summer and a carousel in the spring, summer and fall. You can also find one-off activities such as movie night under the stars and a harvest festival. Don’t miss the large playground.
Boston Public Garden
Right next to the Boston Common, you’ll find the Boston Public Garden. This 24-acre space is known for its Swan Boats and a line of statues taken from the children’s book “Make Way for Ducklings.” The Swan Boats run seasonally (mid-April through Labor Day) and are a must-do for all ages. he Swan Boat ride lasts about 15 minutes with little to no wait time most days (no reservations needed). It costs $4 per adult and $2.50 per child (ages 2 to 15; under 2 is free). https://swanboats.com/take-a-ride/
Fenway Park
If you are a sports-fanatic family, you’ll love a tour of Fenway Park. Home to the Boston Red Sox, Fenway is the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball. Tours are available every day of the year, regardless of weather, and run between 9am and 5pm. There are many different tour options available, but tickets can only be purchased up to 30 days in advance. The quickest and least expensive tour is the “Fenway in Fifteen,” which, as the name describes, is a 15-minute tour for $15 (children under 3 are free). The most popular is a 60-minute guided tour that allows you to see most of the ballpark ($21 for adults; $15 for children; $17 for military; children under 3 are free). Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 8:30am (no advance ticket sales available). The tour will even take you to the top of the Green Monster, the famous left-field wall. Most tours cost $35, although on certain game days tour prices will cost slightly more.
New England Aquarium
The New England Aquarium is home to a wide spectrum of marine life. There are two touch tanks where kids can touch starfish, sea urchins, sting rays and epaulette sharks. There is also a four-story ocean tank where you can see a coral reef with more than 800 animals, especially Myrtle the green sea turtle, the most well-known creature in the aquarium. There are daily activities such as penguin feeding, harbor-seal training and live-animal presentations, so time your visit accordingly. The museum is also the home to New England’s largest IMAX screen, where you can watch nautical-themed films. Tickets are $31 per adult, $22 per child and seniors are $29. The aquarium offers many discounts, such as free admission to teachers in New England and military discounts.
Museum of Science
The Museum of Science is a favorite indoor activitie. With more than 700 exhibits and live presentations, you can easily spend a half-day exploring. There are hands-on activities, challenges to complete and an entire live butterfly world. The life-size dinosaurs are a huge hit and the lightning show is incredible. There are also rotating temporary exhibits. Within the museum are the Mugar Omni Theater and Charles Hayden Planetarium. At the Omni Theater, you can watch one of many IMAX films. The planetarium shows are great for those interested in space. Unfortunately, tickets to the Science Museum can be quite expensive. Purchasing in advance will save you a little money and will bring the admission price down to $26 per adult (seniors are $22) and $21 per child (under 3 is free). There are also additional charges to see the films and enter the butterfly garden.
Boston Duck Tours
Boston Duck Tours is one of the most popular activities for families visiting Boston. For 80 minutes (60 minutes on land and 20 minutes on the Charles River), you’ll ride a World War II-style amphibious vehicle. During your tour, you’ll see the State House, TD Garden (where the Celtics and Bruins play), Boston Common, Copley Square, Newbury Street, Quincy Market and more. During your time on the river, you’ll get great views of both Boston and Cambridge. Many times they’ll even let the kids pilot the boat in the water. The Duck Tours leave from the Prudential Center, Museum of Science and New England Aquarium. Tickets for adults are $43, seniors (62+) and active military are $35, kids (3-11) are $29 and children under 3 are $10.50. If you take a tour before 10am or after 6pm, tickets are slightly less expensive. You can often find discounted tickets on Groupon as well.
Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party museum is a great way to learn about Boston in 1773. This one-hour tour does a great job catering to both kids and adults and giving all tourists a hands-on experience. Live actors tell the story of the insurrection and you’ll have the opportunity to board a replica vessel. The most fun part is throwing tea crates overboard. At the end of the tour, you can visit Abigail’s Tea Room for lunch and sample five teas that were thrown overboard. To get the best pricing, buy online in advance. Tickets for adults are about $28 and kids are $21 (under 5 are free). If you go with a Bostonian, they can get the Hometown Pass, a complimentary ticket with one paid adult ticket.
Parla
An Italian kitchen steeped in Mediterranean roots, with a modern edge. Parla is a carefully constructed union of old and new. From the speakeasy inspired décor to the 200 year old reclaimed Kentucky barn wood that adorns the walls, Parla provides an ambiance that is equally rustic and elegant. We at Parla are dedicated to providing our guests with a warm and attentive dining experience from start to finish. Parla is located on Hanover St. in Boston's Historic North End. The menu is a curious and whimsical departure from traditional Italian-American fare. Chef Ernesto crafts inventive dishes using unique ingredients with familiar flavors. From carbonara to chicken and waffles, the fare is unpretentious and satisfying.
Lucky Strike
A Boston staple, located behind historic Fenway Park, Lucky Strike Social Boston is part of a 70,000 square foot, multi-dimensional entertainment complex that spans over three floors. With a sophisticated backdrop to unfettered fun , Lucky Strike Social Boston is a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience with something for everyone.