What To Do In Boston For A Day: A Fun and Helpful Guide

Boston, Massachusetts, the most populous city in the state of Massachusetts and is the cultural and financial touchstone of New England. With millions of residents, there’s lots of booming businesses, attractions, restaurants, monuments, and more. If you’re headed to visit family, there’s a lot of Fun Things to Do in Boston with Kids, along with plenty more activities and things to see no matter your age. We thought we’d take a look at Boston proper by giving you a guide of what to do in Boston for a day- this way you can see the highlights and plan out what you want to do ahead of time with ease.

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Visit The Friendly Toast for Breakfast

Gotta start the day off right and that means getting a good breakfast in!

Buy A Friendly Toast Gift Card

35 Stanhope St | Boston | thefriendlytoast.com

If you’re going to go out and explore the city then you need to have some fuel; and the best fuel you can get is a carb-loaded well balanced breakfast at The Friendly Toast. This colorful eccentric spot is perfect for the whole family, they have plenty of delicious eats that’ll keep you full until it’s time for dinner. 

And if you decide to sleep in, no worries because they offer an all day brunch and bar which means those who aren’t morning people can still get some good munchkin’ in. 

Dig into fan favorite food items like the Churro French Toast Sticks, Hash Quiche Signature Breakfast plate, Chicken Cordon Bleu Benny, and the Highway Strawberry 8 inch Belgian waffle. Plenty to enjoy at The Friendly Toast, including some tasty alcoholic beverages for the adults.

“This is a cute place and perfect fit brunch! Great menu options with daily specials. A fun option of adult "brunch" beverages. The side salad was really good too!” -Yelp Review

You can Purchase a GiftYa Gift Card to The Friendly Toast here!

See Art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

There are over 100 galleries to walk through at this lovely museum!

465 Huntington Ave | Boston | mfa.org

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston is a massive part of the Boston arts culture with over 100 galleries featuring exhibits like the “Deep Waters: Four Artists and the Sea” which showcases the wonder and mystery of the sea. If you’ve found yourself staring at the water in wonder then you’ll love this room. “Arts of Japan” has a “comprehensive collection” of Japanese art, from sculptures and decorative arts, to paintings, you’ll find a lot to study here. And if you love Claude Monet then you’ll be impressed to learn that the museum has one of the biggest Monet collections outside of France. You can spend a long time roaming through the halls finding new works to bask in at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

“Stunning historical building filled with amazing art. Loved my time there. Several coffee spots and 2 gift shops, one is actually a library, too. Coat check free, not expensive entrance, only $27. Friendly staff” -Google Review

Go to a Red Sox Game at Fenway Park

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

4 Jersey St | Boston | mlb.com

Can’t talk about Boston without talking about Fenway Park, home to the Red Sox. Anyone and everyone from Boston will tell you they take their sports game seriously and that includes most of all: baseball. Fenway Park has been a staple of Boston-culture for over 100 years and it makes for a great place to visit when there’s a game happening. Taking the kids, your partner, or the whole family to a game is definitely a fun way to spend the day. Everyone can watch the game, get snacks, take a tour, and enjoy the music of the crowd on a sunny afternoon. 

“This is my favorite ballpark for its authentic vibe in downtown Boston! Any game is fun and I love how they are accommodating to gluten allergies with a gluten friendly stand. Definitely go to Fenway if you're coming to Boston during baseball season!!” -Yelp Review

Take a Stroll through Boston Common

The oldest park in the United States is here in Boston!

Hmm, what to do in Boston for a day? We know: go to the park! Image courtesy of Legacy Club Boston.

139 Tremont St | Boston | boston.gov

Boston Common is the United States’ oldest public park. Yup, you’ve read that right. Established in 1634, this park is just over 350 years old which is wild to think about. These grounds have seen a lot of history over the years, in fact “George Washington, John Adams and General Lafayette came here to celebrate our nation's independence,” (via the City of Boston). Now you can do a lot of fun outdoorsy-activities like skating at the Frog Pond when it’s cold out or swimming when it’s warm, take a ride in a Swan Boat, ride the carousel, look at the many placards of history spread throughout the park, and see the public garden where you might get a chance to find a few feathery friends. 

“What an absolutely lovely place to spend time with family. Park for everyone to walk, kids to play and enjoy the lovely lighting in the trees. 24 hours open and very safe at any time of the day or night.” -Google Review

Go for a Run Around Castle Island Beach

Take in the views and maybe even go for a dip!

2010 William J Day Blvd | Boston | mass.gov

Still craving time outside? Castle Island Beach is a great place to visit while you’re in Boston. It’s a beach/lake combo and it has everything you could need: food, walking paths, and a playground. You can rent a boat to take a spin around the water and go swimming when the weather’s nice as ““the island and connected beaches allow for plenty of shoreline to take a dip into the ocean” via the Massachusetts government website.

“This place on a foggy day with the planes flying over BLEW OUR MINDS tbh. Good for dogs even though it was quite packed. Nice loop around an area of MA we've never explored. Highly recommend” -Yelp Review

Visit the Boston Public Library

Free to visit, go take a look at the architecture and exhibits!

📍 700 Boylston St | Boston | bpl.org

At first you might think going to a library doesn’t seem like that good of a time, well, just wait till you get a load of the Boston Public Library. Free to visit, this historic library takes you back to the renaissance as the architecture from top to bottom is enough to elicit a gasp or two. You’ll find this place has a bit of everything, get a tour, see some art in one of their exhibits, look at the many murals on the walls, or read a little bit while you’re there. A quick stop here is definitely worth it.

“Beautifully old library- nothing like what we build today. This is from a whole other era, seems way older than stated… very grand, full of character & soul. The artwork on the third floor has to be experienced.” -Google Review

Quack! It’s the Boston Duck Boat Tour

Hit the water, learn some history, and get a little silly!

The Boston Duck Tours have three departure locations: 

📍 53 Huntington Ave, 1 Science Park | Central Wharf

At any one of these locations you and your family will be able to get in their Duck Boat/Road Mobile where you’ll get to go on a Duck Tour. Ride along on land through the city all while being entertained by the hilarious and charismatic tour guides. Then you’ll head in the water where you'll get to see Boston from angles you might not have seen before. Each tour offers something unique and special for the customers, it may look a little silly- but trust us and the many adoring fans of the Duck Tours, it’s well worth it. Plus you’ll be able to learn more about Boston in ways that you didn’t expect!

“If you are in Boston and this is your first time YOU MUST GO!!! Best experience ever. LOVED IT the views, history then getting on water such a cool experience my son is 10 and he loved it as well. Very kid friendly. MUST CHECK IT OUT!” -Yelp Review

Still Hungry? Visit Myers + Chang

Go to the South End for creative Asian-inspired eats!

Text A Myers + Chang Gift Card

📍 1145 Washington St | Boston | myersandchang.com

Looking for something a little different for dinner after all that walking? Myers + Chang is a popular restaurant that’s been featured in The Boston Globe and InStyle. They take inspiration from Chinese, Taiwanese, and Korean dishes to create some truly unique menu options for patrons.

If you drink, they have their collection of sake cans and cocktails for you to pursue. Then you can look at their many food menus, and they have lots of dishes for those with specific dietary needs. They have food for vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free, nut-free, and shellfish-free people. Try their Sichuan Sliced Beef, Lemony Shrimp Dumplings, or Black Pepper Shanghai Surf + Turf Noodles. 

“Wanted to check out the food here as I heard there were good gluten free options. I really enjoyed the salmon entree and the caramel dessert. I had the mint lime Rickey to drink, super refreshing!” -Yelp Review

You can Purchase a GiftYa Gift Card to Myers + Chang here!

See the City From Above at View Boston

Get your Instagram worthy pictures all from the top of this building!

Go up at night and see the city lights or go during the day- whatever you choose, the view is worth it! Image courtesy of agoda.

📍 800 Boylston Street | Boston | prudentialcenter.com

For anyone that’s been high up in a building looking out on a city you know there’s nothing quite like it- especially when a city looks as good as Boston does. View Boston in the Prudential Center has a 360 degree observation deck that offers the best sights of the city. On the 52nd floor you’ll get their indoor panoramic views, while the 51st floor is a 360 open roof deck with a bar, and no matter what angle you’re looking out, the view stays stunning. Plus if you need to find your way or looking for more things to do in Boston on the 50th floor they have a “3D model of the city with projection-mapping” where you can see all the attractions from a bird’s eye.

“Lovely view and fun interactive experiences. We loved the theater and the display of Boston. Getting there at sunset is a game changer and absolutely beautiful. Very reasonably priced as well.” -Yelp Review

And there you have it! That is what to do in Boston for a day, pick any of these activities or pick a couple and you’re sure to have an excellent time.