Bring the family to Boston for a vacation like no other. Where else can you see where the Boston Tea Party happened, go sailing in the Charles River, and go swimming in the Atlantic Ocean all in the same day? The city is full of fun including the Franklin Park Zoo, New England Aquarium, and Castle Island.
The city boasts over 200 city parks with playgrounds, fountains, game fields, and water features. Or head to the beach on the Boston Harbor where you can play in the water or build a sandcastle. But don’t drag your backpacks and heavy bags along. Boston has a bunch of suitcase storage facilities in Boston to keep them safe for you.
Animal Parks
- Franklin Park Zoo
Franklin Park Zoo has over 1,000 animals in 200 species on 72 acres from the African Lion to the Yellow-Rumped Cacique. Some of the exhibits include Tiger Tales, Serengeti Crossing, Kalahari Kingdom, Outback Trail, Franklin Farm, Aussie Aviary, and the Children’s Zoo. Be sure to get some unique souvenirs too!
- Animal Adventures Family Zoo & Rescue Center
What makes this zoo a bit more exciting than most is the fact that you get to feed and pet some of the wildlife like foxes, kangaroos, servals, bobcats, and owls. They have about 200 animals, which they save from dangerous conditions. Some favourites include kinkajous, lemurs, alpacas, and alligators.
- Stone Zoo
The sister park to Franklin Zoo, Stone Zoo has about 800 animals of 90 species on 26 acres from the American Alligator to the Yak. The most popular places here include Yukon Creek, Treasures of the Sierra Madre, Mexican Gray Wolf Exhibit, the Himalayan Highlands, Caribbean Coast, and the Animal Discovery Center.
Beaches
- Revere Beach
The oldest public beach in the US, Revere Beach was opened in 1896 and has over three miles of sand to play on. If you come in mid-July, you may get to enjoy the New England Sand Sculpting Festival. Bring your sunscreen and bathing suit so you can enjoy a dip in the ocean while you are there too.
- Salem Willows Park
Named for the beautiful trees that adorn the paths, Salem Willows is a fantastic place to spend the whole day and into the night too, because it’s more than just a beach. They also have an arcade with a bunch of games where you can win prizes and eat carnival food like funnel cake, popcorn, and BBQ.
- Lynn Shore Reservation
With 22 acres of coastline and recreational fun, Lynn Shore may be the largest beachfront area in the city. Located along Nahant Bay, you can do some swimming, boating, hiking, or play just about any kind of sport you can think of. Lifeguards supervise during the summer months and the visitors’ center offers a variety of services.
Theme Parks
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Everyone likes LEGO, so LEGOLAND is sure to be a hit with your family. Spend the day making things out of LEGO and try out some of the fun rides. They also have a 4D theater with exciting films. Bring your camera to get pics of landmarks made from 1.5 million Legos and don’t miss the cool souvenirs in the gift shop.
- Canobie Lake Park
Opened in 1902 along the shoreline of Canobie Lake, this park has 85 rides and attractions including four awesome roller coasters. Their most popular is Untamed, which takes you over 70 feet in the air and drops you at a 97% angle. They also have puzzle rooms, mazes, and seven places to get souvenirs.
- Edaville Family Theme Park
Edaville has more than 32 rides and 24 attractions from the Ferris wheel to Thomas the Tank Engine and a bunch of dinosaurs thrown in the mix for even more excitement. You won’t get hungry either because they have nine eateries like Porky’s BBQ, Hobo Eats, Dockside Diner, and Candy Depot.
Museums
- Boston Children’s Museum
Boston Children’s Museum opened in 1913, making it the second oldest children’s museum in the US. The kids (and you) can make giant bubbles in the Bubble Room, build things in the Construction Zone and Johnny’s Workbench, meet some dinos at the Explore-a-Saurus exhibit, and act out on the KidStage.
- Discovery Museum
This place combines science, tech, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) both indoors and out. Inside, you can find simple machines, airplay, the water gallery, math gallery, the train room, brain-building, and more. Outside is the treehouse, playscape, orienteering, da Vinci Outdoors, and Adventure Hill.
- New England Aquarium
With over 20,000 marine creatures in 600 species, the New England Aquarium gets over 1.3 million visitors a year. Exhibits include Sharks & Rays, Killer Instincts, Turtles Uncovered, Marine Animals in Motion, and Penguin Power. You can even take a whale-watching cruise if you visit between April and October.
Other Attractions
- Castle Island
See the historic Fort Independence that was built in 1634 to defend the town. Although the island is landbound now, it was once a true island that defended the whole city with over 50 cannons. The island also has a few beaches, including Pleasure Bay Beach that has three miles of shoreline and a variety of shops.
- Boston Harbor Islands
Besides Castle Island, the Boston Harbor also boasts over 30 more spread out along 50 square miles. The two main islands, Spectacle and Georges, have a plethora of features like visitor centers, tide pools, hiking, picnic areas, and concessions. Some of the others have even more fun like camping, fishing, and boating.
- Waseeka Wildlife Sanctuary
If you are really into wildlife and nature, visit Waseeka Wildlife Sanctuary where you can see beavers, deer, and a variety of other cool creatures. There are 229 acres to explore including a pond, forest, trails, and the chance to see over 150 species of birds. Bring a camera so you can share what you see.
Since you are bringing the kids, make sure you know what eateries are kid-friendly. Try the Bit.Bar, which has over 20 video games and pinball machines. Or try the Shake Shack or UBurger where they have fantastic kids’ menus. The Summer Shack is also great, even in the middle of winter.
- https://www.bostoncentral.com/things-to-do-in-boston-with-kids
- https://santorinidave.com/boston-with-kids
- https://www.timeout.com/boston/things-to-do/things-to-do-with-kids-in-boston
- https://boston.curbed.com/maps/things-to-do-boston-kids
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g60745-Activities-zft11306-Boston_Massachusetts.html
- https://mommypoppins.com/boston-kids/best-of-lists/100-things-to-do-in-boston-with-kids-before-they-grow-up
