As a city engrained with innovation and an academic haven, there’s no shortage of fun, educational activities to do with your kids in Boston. From a colorful and light show to corn mazes and more, these are the best things to do with kids in Boston right now!
1. Enter Boston’s brand new luminous light show
This mesmerizing light show is a succinct thirty minutes, making it the perfect activity for the whole family. Coined Genesis, the audiovisual experience brings Earth’s creation story to life through stunning digital projections of the sea, sky, plants and more. Plan your visit here!
2. Head to an indoor rock-climbing wall
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
3. Take them for the ride of their lives at VinKari Safari
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!
10 Micro Dr Ste 500 Woburn, MA 01801
4. Build the future at LEGO Discovery Center
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.
598 Assembly Row, Somerville, MA
5. Channel their history buff with Boston’s City Center Exploration Game
Let imagination run wild with this interactive game of ‘firsts.’ Kids have the opportunity to act, learn, and explore all in one boundless adventure. They’ll put themselves in historic Boston and set out on a mission to solve clues and find answers in monumental corners of the city! Learn more and reserve tickets here.
6. Attend a Candlelight concert
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, and you don’t want to miss out.
7. 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.
1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110
8. Have a blast at the Museum of Science
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.
1 Science Park, Boston, MA 02114
9. Ground yourselves in nature with a visit to a farm
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.
10. Go on a glamping Adventure with AutoCamp
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 private beach, roast s’mores and enjoy story time under the stars.
836 Palmer Ave, Falmouth, MA 02540
11. Run wild at the Children’s Museum
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.
308 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210
12. Quest through a corn maze
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!
13. Explore dazzling lights and learn about animals at this Boston Zoo
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!
Franklin Park Zoo: 1 Franklin Park Rd, Boston, MA 02121
Stone Zoo: 149 Pond St, Stoneham, MA 02180