Spending spring break in Boston with the family? We’ve got some plans for everyone to enjoy, both young and old. From life-size dinosaur exhibits and LegoLand adventures to scenic walks in the park and self-guided tours, here are our 10 favorite family-friendly activities for you to enjoy this spring break.
1. Get up-close and personal with dinosaurs in Faneuil Hall at Dino Safari
Dino Safari is an absolute delight for dino enthusiasts both young and old. In this immersive exhibition located in Faneuil Hall, you’ll be able to meet life-sized, moving dinosaurs and learn everything about them! With a huge gift shop filled with dino merch and a VR game, it’s a wildly popular and fun family adventure for spring break. Get your tickets here before they sell out!
2. Spend a day at the New England Aquarium
Boston’s world-class aquarium is an attraction that needs no introduction- but hey, we’ll give it one anyways! Whether you’re looking to escape the weather, or you’re simply an avid fish fanatic, the New England Aquarium is a delightful spot to spend an afternoon on spring break. With over 8,000 aquatic creatures – including 80 adorable penguins – you’ll have no shortage of sea creatures to ogle and enjoy. You can even see friendly sea lions swimming at the front of the museum for free!
Find it at 1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110.
3. Learn some American history at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
You can relive a thrilling moment in American history at the fully interactive Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. With holographic displays, films, and life-size colonial recreations, you’ll be whisked away into the past to witness some real historical fun! You might even get to dump your own tea into the harbor, in the exact place where the real Boston Tea Party occurred over 240 years ago.
Find it at 306 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210.
4. Visit the Theater of Electricity at the Boston Museum of Science
The Boston Museum of Science, a learning hotspot for the young and the young at heart, is home to a unique showcase of the power of static electricity. Two pillars topped by luminescent orbs stand in the center of the museum’s Theater of Electricity. The theater hosts a show entitled Lightning! that shows the power of electricity, and the performance is included in the price of admission for the museum’s Exhibit Halls.
5. And while you’re there, catch a movie at Mugar Omni Theater
IMAX fans will love the five-story-tall screen at the Mugar Omni Theater at the Museum of Science. Current showings include Superpower Dogs and Back from the Brink, a documentary that follows three true stories of animal breeds that were saved from the brink of extinction.
6. Enjoy the return of the Swan Boats at Boston Common
The Common is by far one of the most iconic springtime spots to visit in Boston, with tranquil walking paths, fountains, and dozens of delightful flowers. A telltale marker of spring in Boston, the famous Boston Common Swan Boats opened for the season on Friday, April 16. They’re the only boats of their kind in the world, and it’s a great way to enjoy nature!
7. Tiptoe through the tulips at the Public Garden
The Public Garden is easily one of the most photogenic spots in Boston during springtime – and that’s really saying something! With flowers all around you, enjoy the sunshine, flowers, and springtime breezes in the air. Maybe you can even snap a gorgeous family photo in the meantime!
8. Have some fun at the Legoland Discovery Center
At Legoland Boston, you can immerse yourself in the world of a Lego playground! Discover how Legos are made, take a ride on two indoor attractions, and learn how to make the best Lego castles and forts from expert builders. It’s a totally awesome spring break experience for Lego lovers of all ages.
Find it at 598 Assembly Row, Somerville, MA 02145.
9. Take a city tour on a Duck Boat
Duck Boats are classics for a reason! The Harbor and the Charles River waterway are important landmarks of the city, so a Boston Duck Boat tour is a wonderful way to see both land and water. On the tour, you’ll see all the major historical landmarks of the city while cruising around in an authentic, renovated World War II amphibious vehicle. Can’t get enough of those sea breezes? You can dine on the waterfront afterwards!
10. Take a self-guided walking adventure through the city
Guided tours aren’t for everyone. On your spring break, you can tour the city independently on a scavenger hunt-style, self-guided tour known as Puzzling Adventures. Each adventure consists of a series of secret locations where you are required to answer questions or solve puzzles to receive your next instruction. As you figure out the mystery, you’ll see the sights and sounds of Boston while learning about its history, too!
[featured image: Shutterstock / Jorge Salcedo]