Fun Things to Do in Boston with Kids!

Planning a vacation is hard enough, but planning when you’re traveling with children is even harder. It can be a lot of pressure to make sure the kids are entertained and having a good time, while still enjoying the trip yourself. If you’ve found yourselves heading to Boston, Massachusetts to visit family, let us help you ease the stress a little bit by giving you some suggestions for things to do in Boston with the kids! We have a mix of all kinds of places that’ll be a great place to revisit next time you’re in Beantown.

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1. Boston’s Children Museum 

Children’s museums are fun for kids and adults alike, and Boston Children’s Museum is no exception!

📍 308 Congress St | Boston | bostonchildrensmuseum.org

You can always count on a Children’s Museum to keep your kids entertained. And chances are, adults will be able to enjoy their time here as well- (because let’s be honest, who doesn’t love indulging in their inner child every now and then). All the activities in the museum are fun while also being educational — so your kids will learn as they’re having a great time! 

They have seasonal programs like their Explore It Summer Camp! and more recently Halloween Spooktacular which features trick or treating, mazes, costumes, games, and plenty more. And of course they have their regular exhibits featuring fun-filled science experiments for them to participate in, a play/climbing area, and KidsStage with shows.

“This is a great place! My 3 year old had so much fun! It does get super crowded! But they had so many hands on things. Painting, building, coloring etc! Definitely would come here again when I'm the state .” -Yelp Review

2. Castle Island Beach

If you’re in need of fresh air and want a place for your kids to get their energy out, try Castle Island Beach!

📍 2010 William J Day Blvd | Boston | mass.gov

When the weather is warm and you want the kids to get some fresh air, Castle Island Beach is a great option. This beach has all you could need — snacks, walking paths, and even a playground. It’s the perfect place to take the kids when they need a place to run around after being cooped up in the house all day long. You can even rent a boat to take a spin around and feel the rocking of the waves. There are also places to go swimming as “the island and connected beaches allow for plenty of shoreline to take a dip into the ocean” via the official government website.

“Castle Island is one of my most favorite places in Boston. It's visually stunning any season you go. Located right on the water it is the best place to take a stroll. Perfect date location for a picnic. Parking can be a pain once spring hits.” -Yelp Review

3. Jump On In

The kids will have the time of their life at Jump On In near Boston Landing!

📍 100 Holton St | Brighton | jumponinfun.com

Rainy day in Boston? Can’t go to Castle Island Beach? Well no worries cause if you’re looking for an indoor place for kids to run around, Jump On In is the perfect place. This indoor playground has inflatable castles and slides, obstacle courses, and playgrounds. 

They do birthday parties and open gym events, so even if you’re just in the area for a few days, you can still find a time to visit Jump On In. The staff is friendly and the indoor playground is kept clean to put your mind at ease. You’ll understand the name of the place as soon as you step in and see the many inflatable sets, because all your kiddos will want to do is, well, jump on in!

“Seriously, kids get the fun birthday places. We came here for a birthday party and I was amazed. Two big rooms of inflatable things to climb and jump on. It was clean and I want to go back!” -Yelp Review

4. Roller World

Kids and parents alike will enjoy their time skating at Roller World!

📍 425R Broadway | Saugus | roller-world.com 

What better way to spend a family night in Saugus near Boston than at a roller rink? Roller World has it all — skating, games, and great music. If you’ve never taken your kids roller skating before, Roller World is a great place to introduce them to the fun. Guide them through holding the railing and walls on the sides until eventually their Bambi-like skating becomes more and more confident as they learn to navigate the rink. Once they’ve done that they will want to go back ASAP! The kids can even win real prizes too like cash, headphones, and other things. Lot’s of fun to be had at Roller World.

“I had fun at roller world! It was very inexpensive but still lots of fun. The rink itself is fine but the food/rest area is a bit run down. Because of the price it's not a huge complaint tho. It was pretty packed for a Sunday when i went” -Yelp Review

5. Artesani Playground and Pool

Let the kids get some fresh air at this awesome playground!

📍 1255 Soldiers Field Rd | Boston | mass.gov

Although the pool is closed for the season, you can still let your kids enjoy the playground at Artesani when the weather permits! It’s the perfect place to let your kids run around, climb, hang from monkey-bars, slide down slides, make friends, or take a nice stroll as they even have walking paths. The park is clean and safe and there are lots of places to play. They have areas for bigger kids too which is nice when you’ve got a range of kids in different age groups.

“I've been bringing kids here for 20 years and it only gets better. Clean bathrooms, great lifeguards. They have added more benches and the new splash pad is great. Free ample parking.” -Yelp Review

6. Rock Spot Climbing

Kids of all ages will have something to do at this rock climbing spot in Boston! 

📍 30 Old Colony Ave | Boston | southboston.rockspotclimbing.com

Rock climbing might not seem like an activity for younger kids, but at Rock Spot Climbing it definitely is! This indoor rock climbing facility has climbing spots for all ages and all abilities. You can feel safe knowing that there are trained professionals to ensure both you and your kids’ well-being. The whole family can try out rock climbing at this fun-filled place in South Boston!

“Rock Spot is the best! Our whole family went here all the time until we moved and switched to the new Brookline location (also great). We have a soft spot for RSV Southie, though, where the staff is excellent and the climbing is fun:-)” -Yelp Review

7. VinKari Safari

Parents with younger kids will love taking them to this indoor playground!

📍 10 Micro Dr | Woburn |  vinkarisafari.com

If you have younger kids and want to entertain them for the day, VinKari Safari is the perfect place to do so! Described as “the playground parents love too,” this indoor playground is perfect for kids from 6-7 months old to 6-7 years old. Lots of great reviews for this place!

There’s plenty of space and lots to do for the kids here. They also have private party rooms where you can host your kid’s birthday party where they can sit around a big colorful table eating pizza and cake while they talk with each other before going back out to the indoor playplace.

“Best place ever for all parents!!! This place is so perfect for our toddler who has endless energy. My little boy definitely enjoyed his first visit and we will be back.” -Yelp Review

8. The Boston Common Frog Pond

Enjoy fun with the kids in any season at this park in Boston! 

📍 38 Beacon St | Boston | bostonfrogpond.com

There is fun during any season at The Boston Common Frog Pond, which is a big park in Boston full of plenty of great activities. Try outdoor ice skating in the winter, the spray pool in the summer, or the reflecting pool in the spring and fall! There is a carousel, cafe, and playground, so kids and parents can all enjoy their time here. It is located in a great spot, near many other attractions in Boston, and they even have festivals and events all throughout the year.

“The Boston Common Frog Pond is a fantastic place to visit with your friends and family, especially during the Winter months since it is frozen to serve as an ice skating rink.” -Google Reviews

9. Allo Playground, Summer Camp & Parties

On colder days, why not check out this nature-inspired indoor playground in Boston?

📍 197 8th St #600 | Boston | alloboston.com

Allo Playground, Summer Camp & Parties is a fairly new addition to the city of Boston, established in 2019. Since its opening, it has received great reviews from parents whose young kids have had a blast here! This indoor nature-inspired playground is the perfect spot for kids aged newborn to 7 years old. They have plenty of learning activities, toys, and even interactive classes. The staff is friendly and helpful, and your kids are sure to have a great time here.

“We LOVE Allo!!! My one year old has the time of her life in the climbing gym...everything felt super safe with covid too...very clean and spacious! Highly recommend!!” -Yelp Review

10. New England Aquarium

Thousands of aquatic animals to visit and see at this Boston staple!

📍 1 Central Wharf | Boston | neaq.org

The New England Aquarium is a nonprofit research and conservation organization that’s protected animals for over 50 years. They have lots of amazing animals to look at like the African Penguin, California Sea Lion, Cownose StingRay, Green Sea Turtle, and more. You can take the kids throughout the aquarium to learn about all of these animals and watch them in their well-built in-house habitats.

“Such a great experience! Because we came here on the weekend, it was busy but really fun nonetheless. The best part was watching the turtles and the penguins being fed.

If you visit, say hello to Myrtle the turtle!” -Yelp Review

11. Fenway Park

Go see a ball game, get your hotdogs, popcorn, and nachos all at Fenway!

📍 4 Jersey St | Boston | mlb.com

“Take me out to the ball game,

Take me out with the crowd;”

The iconic “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” song written by Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer all the way back in 1908 was and is a staple in every baseball game in the world and it’s no different at Fenway Park, home to the Red Sox in Boston. Taking your kid to their first, or second baseball game is a super fun thing to do in Boston for the day. They can watch the game, get snacks, take a tour, and enjoy the music of the crowd on a sunny afternoon. 

“Amazing and historic park! I feel like any seat would be a good seat here! We had an amazing experience, and I definitely recommend the Frosted/Slushie Lemonades they are amazing.” -Yelp Review

12. Franklin Park Zoo

Go visit and see all of the animals they’ve only seen on screen!

📍 1 Franklin Park Rd | Boston | zoonewengland.org

There are seemingly endless amounts of things to do at the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston. You can look at their many programs like Scouts and after-school activities, along with the Kid’s Corner where kids can make arts and crafts, learn about different animals in the zoo, and play games. Or you can do a day-visit where you and the family can walk around the zoo and see all the animals they take care of. Gaze up at giraffes or down at turtles at the Franklin Park Zoo.

“Great place to spend the afternoon with family and friends, beautiful grounds, great staff, and the gorilla exhibition is amazing I suggest that if you're in town, go enjoy wildlife at its finest” -Yelp Review

13. Mugar Omni Theatre

A dome displaying documentaries and visual-stunning media for all to enjoy!

📍 1 Museum Of Science Driveway Mugar Omni Theater | Boston | mos.orgi 

Boston’s Museum of Science is a great place to visit with the family as it has plenty of exhibits to see and plenty more to learn about. But an experience unlike any other in the museum itself is their Mugar Omni Theatre which is when IMAX® film is projected onto a five-story-high domed screen. Look up, down, and all around at the images of documentaries and movies like Pixar’s Coco as an example when you go to the Museum of Science. Kids will gasp at the sheer size of it and it’ll be an experience they will remember for a long time.

“Very cool and interactive! Loved the different floors with each section. The robot got was the best as it walked up the stairs and over rocks.

Highly recommend a stop here.” -Yelp Review

14. LEGO Discovery Center Boston

See all the LEGO creations and make your own at this fun place in Boston!

Buy A LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Boston Gift Card

📍 598 Assembly Row | Somerville | legodiscoverycenter.com

LEGOS are great for people of all ages, they bring people together in all kinds of amazing ways. They are a creative outlet for many, where you can build from sets using instruction manuals or by reaching into a big bin of random LEGOS to build an entirely unique creation. At the LEGO Discovery Center in Boston you can see handmade LEGO sets that take up display cases, go on rides, play in LEGO-themed play areas, and host your birthday party here!

“Great place to bring the kids to grown ups have just as much fun opening up again just having a few renovations

Bring the family opening up in April .” -Yelp Review

You can Purchase a GiftYa Gift Card to LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Boston here!

As you can see there are a lot of fun things to do in Boston with kids no matter the season and no matter the kind of weather- which is great to know for your upcoming trip!

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