Boston, Massachusetts is one of the most loved cities in the world, and there’s absolutely no question why. Birthplace of the baked bean, home of the Boston marathon, and championing some of the grandest architecture the country has to offer, it’s no wonder why so many people flock to Beantown by the time vacation season rolls around.
The city is a treasure trove, offering folks of all ages the chance to immerse themselves in the rich history of our country, or simply the chance to explore all the hidden gems it has to offer. It’s truly one of the most family-friendly destinations you can check off your bucket list, especially with these must-see attractions waiting for your arrival…
Swan Boats
If you find yourself in the city while the weather is warm, there’s absolutely no way you and the rest of the family should miss out on a chance to take a boat ride with the swans. One of the most well-known attractions that the city has to offer, the Boston Swan Boats have been bringing families together since their conception in 1877.
You and the rest of the tribe will climb into a little boat shaped like a swan (hence the namesake) and embark on a 15-minute journey across the lagoon located in the Public Garden to say hello to the birds in the water.
It’s a short expedition, so it’s perfect if you just need a quick bit to relax, and especially great if you have kiddos who aren’t likely to want to sit still for long.
Fenway Park
Inarguably one of the most famous baseball stadiums in the world, Fenway Park should undoubtedly be one of your attraction stops while you’re in the city. It’s home to the deeply loved Red Sox and is one of the oldest stadiums in American history, so it should earn the attention of, not just sports fans, but historians too!
Even if you’re not there to catch a game, there are tons of different things you can do on or near the grounds that make the visit totally worthwhile. From eating at notable stops like Cask n Flagon to visiting with the great baseball players of the past outside of Fenway’s right gate- to call your visit to Fenway “memorable” would be a massive understatement.
Museum of Fine Arts
Boston is known for its incredible education system, and though you may not be able to take a class at one of their institutions while you’re in town, you can immerse yourself in academia by taking your family to the Museum of Fine Arts.
There’s no shortage of arts, culture, and learning to delve into while you’re there, making it a great stop for kiddos of all ages. There are rotating collections and exhibits, so those who may have already stopped by in the past can continue to enjoy the grounds as if it was the first time.
We deeply suggest visiting their website to see what attractions they have currently available, like concerts in the courtyard or film festivals. They’re also known to offer art classes and other programs for all ages, which makes for a great family bonding experience too!
Freedom Trail
There are far, far worse ways to get exercise than by taking a 2.5-mile walk along Boston’s famous Freedom Trail. Along the trail, you and your family will happen upon 16 deeply important landmarks, significant not only to the city of Boston but to the country as a whole.
We can attest to how life-changing of an experience this trail is, especially with how well-preserved the sites are. It’s truly the closest thing to a time machine, and will surely leave all ages equally star-struck.
Though you are free to walk the grounds by yourself, we suggest looking into what tours they’re offering at the time if you wish to have a deeper understanding of all the landmarks you’re visiting. They offer traditional tours, private tours, and even a tour called “Revolutionary Women” which focuses on the noteworthy women of the generation.
New England Aquarium
Take to the seas with a visit to the New England Aquarium, a pioneer in the journey to understanding marine life, and a Boston-borne attraction that boasts 1.3M annual visitors. Say ‘Hi!’ to some of you and your kids’ favorite animals, like seals, turtles, and penguins (oh my!).
The New England Aquarium is driven by a mission to educate all people about the importance of conserving our oceans and the life that they harbor, even going as far as leading scientific research projects to further our understanding of the world under the water.
There are multiple exhibits and countless opportunities to teach your children about the importance of keeping wildlife safe, but for those simply looking for some quiet time, we can assure you that your kiddos will be too distracted by the elaborate tanks and sights that you can step back and relax.
Boston Tea Party Ships
No visit to Boston would be complete without taking the family out to the Boston Tea Party Ships ; Museum, voted to be the #1 Patriotic Attraction in the country by USA Today. Site of the famous Boston Tea Party, you and the family will be amazed at how mesmerizing it is to step onto one of the ships, so well-preserved, that it will feel like you’re in 1773.
You will love the dedication of the staff, dressed to the nines in historically accurate attire, and deeply excited to speak of the history of that fateful night. There’s a great gift shop, because trust us, you’ll want to remember your visit, and also the chance for your family to enjoy a spot of tea in Abigail’s Tea Room ; Terrace.
Skywalk Observatory
Take a break from ground-level attractions and elevate your Boston vacation to new heights with a visit to the Skywalk Observatory, located right in the heart of the city. We suggest you pick the most cloudless day possible for your visit because if visibility is at its peak, you can see up to 100 miles in any direction.
You’ll find yourself 50 stories high, overlooking the entirety of the city. The observatory is more than just a great view though, as it also showcases the history of the city through interactive exhibits and wall-sized video screens as well.
