Unearth The Voyage
Boston is packed with amazing places where families can explore, learn, and make memories together. From historic ships to playful sea creatures, the city offers something special for kids of all ages. Whether you are looking for hands-on museums, outdoor adventures, or unique attractions, Boston delivers fun experiences around every corner. Get ready to discover the best spots that will keep your children excited and entertained throughout your visit.
1. Boston Children’s Museum (Seaport)
Creativity comes alive at this beloved museum designed specifically for younger visitors. Three floors of interactive exhibits invite toddlers and tweens to climb, build, experiment, and imagine in colorful, hands-on environments.
The giant Hood Milk Bottle standing outside has become an iconic photo spot that kids absolutely adore. Inside, you will find a Japanese house, a construction zone, an art studio, and even a climbing structure that reaches multiple levels.
Plan to spend at least two hours here because children rarely want to leave. The museum is closed on Tuesdays, so double-check the schedule before heading out. Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded, giving your family more space to explore each exhibit at your own pace.
2. New England Aquarium (Waterfront)
Meeting Myrtle the sea turtle is a highlight that children talk about for weeks after their visit. This giant green sea turtle swims gracefully in the massive four-story ocean tank surrounded by tropical fish, sharks, and rays.
The penguin colony always draws a crowd, especially during feeding times when the birds waddle and dive with hilarious energy. Touch tanks let brave kids gently feel sea stars, horseshoe crabs, and other marine creatures under staff supervision.
Fall hours run from nine to five on weekdays and nine to six on weekends, though these can change seasonally. Advance tickets are highly recommended on busy summer days and school vacation weeks to avoid long entry lines and guarantee your preferred time slot.
3. Museum of Science + Planetarium (Science Park)
Science becomes an adventure when kids can touch, test, and tinker with hundreds of exhibits spread across multiple floors. Live presentations happen throughout the day, featuring everything from lightning demonstrations to animal encounters that make learning feel like pure entertainment.
The Charles Hayden Planetarium takes visitors on journeys through space with immersive shows projected onto a massive dome ceiling. Younger children especially love the dinosaur exhibits and the Butterfly Garden when it is open seasonally.
Always check the daily schedule and hours page before your visit because show times and special exhibits change regularly. Weekday afternoons during the school year offer shorter wait times for popular attractions, giving your family a more relaxed experience to explore at your own rhythm.
4. Boston Common Frog Pond (Downtown)
Seasons transform this beloved spot into two completely different experiences that kids enjoy year-round. Winter turns the pond into a magical outdoor ice-skating rink where families glide together under twinkling lights and the city skyline.
When warm weather arrives, the splash pool opens for toddlers and young children to cool off and play in shallow water features. Parents can relax on benches surrounding the area while keeping a close eye on their splashing kids.
Skating details, seasonal hours, and any weather-related updates get posted regularly by Frog Pond and The Skating Club of Boston on their website. Skate rentals are available on-site during winter months, making it easy to show up without your own equipment and still enjoy the fun.
5. Swan Boats in the Public Garden (Back Bay)
A Boston tradition since 1877, these charming pedal-powered boats offer a peaceful fifteen-minute ride around the lagoon. Families sit on wooden benches while an operator pedals from the back, steering the swan-shaped vessel past ducks, flowers, and graceful weeping willows.
Young children are fascinated by the ducks swimming alongside and the beautiful views of the surrounding gardens. The gentle pace makes this perfect even for restless toddlers who need a calm break from walking.
Swan Boats operate seasonally, typically from mid-April through late summer, with the 2025 opening day falling on April 19. Weather can affect daily operations, so check their website or call ahead if you are planning your day around this classic Boston experience that generations of families have treasured.
6. Franklin Park Zoo (Roxbury/Jamaica Plain)
Year-round animal encounters await at this zoo featuring both indoor and outdoor habitats across seventy-two acres. Kids can observe everything from playful gorillas and majestic lions to colorful birds and curious lemurs throughout the seasons.
The Tropical Forest building keeps everyone warm during cold months while you watch monkeys swing and exotic birds fly freely overhead. Outside, the Serengeti Crossing area lets children see giraffes, zebras, and ostriches roaming in a landscape designed to mimic African plains.
Plan to spend about two to three hours exploring all the exhibits at a comfortable pace for young legs. The zoo also features a playground and picnic areas where families can take breaks between animal viewings, making it easy to stretch your visit into a full afternoon of outdoor fun.
7. USS Constitution & USS Constitution Museum (Charlestown Navy Yard)
Walking the decks of the oldest commissioned warship still afloat is an unforgettable experience for history-loving kids. Operated by the U.S. Navy, this 1797 vessel earned the nickname Old Ironsides during the War of 1812 when cannonballs seemed to bounce off her thick wooden hull.
Navy sailors in period uniforms guide tours and answer questions about life at sea centuries ago. The adjacent museum offers hands-on exhibits where children can hoist sails, fire cannons (pretend ones!), and explore what sailors ate and wore.
Both the ship and museum keep Wednesday through Sunday hours, so always check before visiting to avoid disappointment. Admission to the ship is free, while the museum charges a modest fee that helps support educational programs and preservation of this remarkable piece of American naval history.
8. Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum (Seaport)
History jumps to life when kids get to toss tea chests overboard just like the colonists did in 1773. Costumed guides lead interactive tours on replica ships, encouraging children to participate in reenactments and debates about taxation without representation.
The museum blends theater, technology, and artifacts to tell the story of this pivotal revolutionary event. Children love the multi-sensory film and the chance to explore below deck on the authentically recreated vessels.
Off-season public tours generally run from ten in the morning until four in the afternoon, though schedules vary throughout the year. Check the current schedule online before planning your visit because special events and private bookings sometimes affect availability. This engaging experience makes American history feel relevant and exciting for elementary and middle school students.
9. Boston Duck Tours (multiple departure points)
Riding in a vehicle that drives on streets and then splashes into the river is pure magic for children of all ages. These amphibious trucks tour Boston landmarks before making a spectacular water entry into the Charles River for a completely different perspective of the city.
Kids often get a chance to wear the captain’s hat or even steer the boat during the water portion. Tour guides share interesting facts and jokes that keep everyone entertained throughout the eighty-minute adventure.
Boston Duck Tours operate seasonally, and the 2025 season has ended with tours resuming in spring 2026. Advance reservations are essential because these popular tours sell out quickly, especially during summer vacation weeks and holiday weekends when families flock to Boston for sightseeing adventures that combine education with pure entertainment.
10. Walk (part of) The Freedom Trail
Following the famous red line through Boston connects your family to the American Revolution in a tangible, walking adventure. This 2.5-mile trail links sixteen historically significant sites, though you can easily tailor a shorter segment for younger children who tire quickly.
Start at Boston Common and walk to the Old State House or Paul Revere’s House for a manageable route packed with stories. Kids enjoy hunting for the red brick and painted line that marks the path through modern city streets.
The official Freedom Trail Foundation and the National Park Service both offer planning information, maps, and guided tours if you prefer expert narration. Self-guided walks are free and let you move at your own pace, stopping for snacks or bathroom breaks whenever needed without feeling rushed by a tour group schedule.
11. LEGO Discovery Center Boston (Somerville/Assembly Row)
LEGO fans find paradise at this indoor attraction filled with rides, building zones, and a 4D cinema experience. Millions of plastic bricks wait to be assembled into anything young imaginations can dream up in dedicated creative areas.
A miniature Boston cityscape built entirely from LEGO bricks fascinates both kids and adults with its incredible detail. The Kingdom Quest laser ride and LEGO racers let children test their creations and compete in friendly challenges.
Standard hours often run from ten in the morning until five in the afternoon, though the schedule varies by day and season. Check the day-by-day calendar online before your visit to confirm opening times and consider booking timed tickets in advance during busy periods like school vacations when crowds can make spontaneous visits challenging.
12. Harvard Museum of Natural History (Cambridge)
Dinosaur skeletons tower above young visitors in galleries filled with natural wonders collected over centuries. The famous Glass Flowers exhibit showcases thousands of incredibly detailed plant models created entirely from glass that children often mistake for real specimens.
Gemstone and mineral displays sparkle under lights, while taxidermy animals from around the world teach kids about biodiversity and evolution. The museum strikes a perfect balance between scientific education and visual spectacle that keeps children engaged.
Typically open daily from nine in the morning until five in the afternoon, this Cambridge treasure offers an affordable alternative to larger Boston museums. Its manageable size means families can explore thoroughly in about ninety minutes without overwhelming younger children who struggle with marathon museum visits that drain energy and enthusiasm.
13. Boston Harbor Islands (seasonal ferries from Long Wharf)
Escaping the city for a few hours feels like traveling much farther when you reach these island gems by ferry. Spectacle, Georges, and Peddocks Islands offer hiking trails, beaches, historic fort ruins, and picnic areas with stunning skyline views back toward Boston.
Children love exploring tide pools, flying kites in open fields, and searching for sea glass along the shores. The ferry ride itself is an adventure that many kids enjoy as much as the island time.
Public ferry season generally runs from May through October, with special five-dollar ferry days offering budget-friendly family outings. Check the Boston Harbor Islands website for current schedules, island-specific activities, and weather updates before planning your trip since fog or storms can cancel sailings unexpectedly during shoulder seasons.
14. Martin’s Park (Seaport)
This inclusive waterfront playground welcomes children of all abilities with thoughtfully designed equipment and sensory-rich spaces. Located right next to the Children’s Museum, it provides a perfect free play break before or after your museum visit.
The playground features accessible swings, climbing structures, musical instruments, and water play areas that engage kids through multiple senses. Parents appreciate the shaded seating areas and the beautiful harbor views while children burn energy.
Open year-round during daylight hours, this park has quickly become a Seaport favorite for local families and tourists alike. The design honors the memory of Martin Richard, the youngest victim of the Boston Marathon bombing, with a space that embodies joy, inclusion, and community values that make Boston special for residents and visitors of all backgrounds.
15. Greenway Carousel (Rose Kennedy Greenway)
Instead of traditional horses, this whimsical carousel features hand-crafted creatures inspired by Boston Harbor and local ecosystems. Kids can ride a lobster, cod, seal, or even a peregrine falcon as the carousel spins to cheerful music.
Each wooden animal was carved by local artists, making this carousel a true work of public art that delights riders and spectators alike. The surrounding Greenway offers fountains, gardens, and food trucks for a complete outdoor experience.
The carousel operates seasonally from spring through late fall, with special holiday and weekend hours extending the season when weather cooperates. Tickets are affordable and rides last several minutes, giving children plenty of time to enjoy their chosen creature. This quick, budget-friendly activity works perfectly when you need a fun break between other downtown Boston attractions.
