Boston is a fantastic getaway for young and old alike. This city has so many things to do you’ll never run out. Anyone with kids knows this is of ultimate importance as having several bored children climbing the walls is something no one wants to endure.
Hatch Shell
Boston is loaded with free outdoor concerts throughout the warmer months that are fun-filled and family-friendly. These concerts are available throughout the city, but the Hatch Shell is a good place to start. It features concerts in music styles from classical to pop, has festivals, shows, family-friendly movies and is a one-of-a-kind outdoor stage overlooking the Charles River. These events are held from April to October, and there’s always something going on here on weekends. Events are available on some weeknights as well, and July 4th is extra special.
Swan Boat Rides
The Public Garden Lagoon has allowed children and adults alike to enjoy a swan boat ride since 1877. This activity is available from April through September, and it is one of Boston’s favored activities by all age groups. The lagoon features mallard ducks and even a pair of majestic swans.
Franklin Park Zoo
This fantastic family getaway is sure to be a winner with the kids. This zoo adventure starts with its very own summer camp for children aged 3-13 where kids can have a blast while learning about the many animals featured at the zoo.
Feed the budgies, take a behind the scenes tour, play at the 10,000 square foot playground, or visit the exhibits. The number of animals on display is fantastic, and there will even be an all-new Children’s Zoo designed especially for tiny tots.
New England Aquarium
If ocean creatures are more up your alley, the New England Aquarium is just the place you’ll want to see. This aquarium is considered one of the best and is right next door to the IMAX theater.
Kids will love the Blue Planet Action Center, which features interactive touch screens highlighting various activities the aquarium is taking part in across the globe for preservation and has a shark and lobster nursery.
The touch pools are also a winner with the kids as they get to handle creatures and hear about learning about them in an interactive way. The exhibits are spectacular and warrant at least 3-4 hours set aside in your schedule making this a fantastic place to visit anytime, rain or shine.
Christopher Columbus Park
This destination is another one loved by both kids and adults alike. The huge green spaces are great for romping about, playing Frisbee or a game of tag. The playground, spray fountain, and a wisteria-covered trellis makes it a fabulous place to spend a sunny day. This park is on the waterfront and is a fantastic place to bike, take a walk, enjoy the water or the scenery, and let the kids let out some steam.
Museum of Science
This science museum is certainly a place for kids. It features hands-on learning that involves exploring over 700 exhibits of both technology and science. Whether your child is into astronomy, chemistry, physics, biology, zoology, computers, or any science at all, they’re sure to love the Museum of Science.
This museum even features a Butter Fly garden where kids can see butterflies free-flying in the conservatory, exotic plants, and a live animal area. If animals aren’t their preference, perhaps a chance to learn about weather forecasting or an opportunity to operate a robot is more to their taste. The on-site planetarium features a daily star and laser shows and the five-story domed screen of the Mugar Omni Theater is sure to please.
Boston Children’s Museum
The Boston Children’s Museum was founded in 1913 and has engaged children for over 100 years. This museum is another great hands-on exploration that promotes exploration of culture, science, health and fitness, arts, and environmental awareness. One of the only children’s museums to have a maintained collection and features natural history, dolls and dollhouses, Japanese artifacts, global culture, Native American, and Americana. The collection contains over 50,000 items, which makes it one of the largest, and oldest, children’s museums on the planet.
The Sports Museum
This is the place to go if you’ve got a sports fanatic in your midst. Head to the Sports Museum to check out original sports memorabilia, historical artifacts, and learn the history of sports in Boston. Have a look at relics from the Boston Gardens and view the highlights of games enjoyed in this venue, view equipment used by Boston’s star players, and even catch a glimpse of “The Ball that Changed History.”
New England Aquarium Whale Watch
Take a ride on Boston’s only 3-hour whale watching tour in a high-speed catamaran. Not only do you get to the whales faster, but you’ll also be whisked off to Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary. The sanctuary is a whale feeding ground that is the spot to see dolphins, sea birds, and, of course, whales. Whales frequenting the area include minkes, pilot whales, humpbacks, finbacks, and endangered right whales.
The Boston Common Frog Pond
This attraction is great year-round and always has something to offer. If you happen to stop by in the winter, the skating school and ice rink will provide you with plenty of wintertime fun. Spring and fall offer up a fabulous reflecting pool, and summer is filled to the brim with activity. Enjoy the carousel, spray pool or any number of activities filled with fun in the sun.