As a city rooted in creativity, history, and learning, Boston is packed with fun and engaging activities for kids of all ages. From magical live shows and interactive museums to hands-on adventures and outdoor fun, here are some of the best things to do with kids in Boston.
You’re never too young to appreciate the magic of live music. At Candlelight concerts in Boston, kids aged 8 years and older who’re accompanied by an adult can enjoy an evening of live music alongside a sea of twinkling candles. Tributes to the likes of Taylor Swift, Coldplay, Imagine Dragons and more of your kids’ favorite artists are lighting up the city’s most gorgeous settings, you don’t want to miss out.
If your kids have been begging to go rock climbing, there’s now several spots to take them in and around the city. These kid-friendly rock-climbing walls in Boston are not only a blast, but will challenge them to conquer their fears while improving physical strength:
- Dick’s House of Sport- Back Bay
- Jump On In Boston- Allston
- Central Rock Gym- Watertown
- Central Rock Gym- Stoneham
Known as the “playground that parents love too,” the whole family will have a blast here! This playground/event space hybrid is perfect for a regular day of fun or celebratory events for kids! The rainbow playground is complete with slides, games, and child-friendly obstacle courses to navigate, learn, and make friends!
The LEGO Discovery Center in Somerville opened after a $12 million renovation. Every corner is built with kids in mind. There are over 10 interactive experiences from building their own spaceship to indoor fishing. The kids could spend the entire day here, and it’s especially perfect on a rainy day.
Ogle at sea creatures at the New England Aquarium
There are over 20,000 animals at the New England Aquarium, making it the region’s largest and the tenth largest in the States. From penguins to hundreds of fish species, the learning opportunities are endless. Kids can even interact with the marine life at the touching pools scattered throughout the aquarium.
As one of the top tourist attractions in Boston, a day at the Museum of Science is a must if you live in the area and have kids. It’s no wonder it ranked as one of the top science museums in the country. Spend the day learning about biology and electricity then finish with a viewing at the Mugar Omni IMAX theater on-site.
Every season in New England bears opportunity to explore nature and play farmer for the day. In the summer months its strawberries, peaches, blueberries, and raspberries. In the fall take the kids apple and pumpkin picking. In the winter you can draw fresh maple sap and, in the spring, visit a tulip farm.
Want to spend even more time with the kids outdoors? Set out on a glamping adventure!
Glamping combines the modernity of a hotel with the setting of a camping trip. Skip the tent set up, and leave it to the pros. AutoCamp offers dazzling tents and Airstream cabins to cozy up in Falmouth. At AutoCamp can take the bikes along the Shining Sea Bikeway, roast s’mores and enjoy story time under the stars.
The 3-story museum has over 20 interactive exhibits. Kids can play in the art lab, woodworking shop, learn about gardening at the rooftop farm, or hop on stage for the museum’s performing arts exhibit! They’re sure to have the best day ever at this museum.
Pro tip: If they’re hungry from all that play, treat them (and yourself) to a meal in Seaport.
New England is home to some of the country’s best corn mazes according to USA Today. Stay local with these 5 mazes or head to Maine for a mammoth maze featuring over 60,000 plants!
The zoo is always a good idea for kids, and Boston has 2 major zoos both within 9 miles, Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo. For an extra special activity, take the kids to them during their semi-annual lighting ceremonies.
Franklin Park Zoo does a summer zoo lights show, and Stone Zoo celebrates the winter holidays by dressing the property in miles of lights!
