Summer is on of the best times to visit Boston so with that being in full swing here, I wanted to share a family friendly travel guide. It’s no secret that I adore Boston and everything there is to do in this city. There’s something for everyone – especially if you’re traveling with your kids. While there is a ton do outside of the city including visiting the Cape, Islands & historic sites, I’m sticking to family friendly activities in the city! It’s truly great for anyone visiting Beantown! Here’s a rundown of some of my recommendations with a quick take on each one.
Playgrounds ||
Playgrounds ||
Boston Common (Tadpole Playground)
You’re in the middle of the city, so there will more than likely be a lot of kids and parents at the playground, but it’s fenced in. Nice equipment and the carousel is nearby as well!
Lawn on D
The Lawn on D is one of my favorite spots in the Seaport. While family friendly, you are able to get some drinks and watch your kids play with oversized lawn games! They usually host events on summer weekends, so check the schedule to make sure it’s open. The swings are fun for kids and adults!
Esplanade playground
There are actually three different playgrounds along the Esplanade, each one varying in size. Near the Hatshell is my favorite one and you can pack a picnic and make an afternoon of your time there!
Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park, Greenway Carousel & Rings Fountain
Probably one of my favorite areas because of how much there is to do there. After you’ve walked through Faneuil Hall, cross the Rose Kennedy Greenway and make your way to lunch at Joe’s by the Water. Then you can have your little ones blow off some energy at the playground. If it’s a warm day, there’s a great fountain that doubles as a splash pad! Finish off by heading to the carousel!
Martin’s Park
The newest park in Boston is next to the Children’s Museum and is named in memory of Martin Richard. Lots of seating for parents with water fountains and unique activities.
Around Town ||
Around Town ||
Children’s Museum- Museum of Science
- Aquarium
Duck Boats
Franklin Park Zoo
Swan Boats
Freedom Trail
Fenway Park Tours
While I wont go into detail on each activity listed above because they’re pretty self explanatory, but the duck boat tours are a blast with kids or not. I don’t recommend going with a young toddler because sitting still isn’t their forte, however they could surprise you! The Swan boatsare very touristy, but for 15 minutes on a beautiful day, it’s worth the minimal cost. While the zoo isn’t in the city, it’s a quick uber ride to and from!
Family Friendly Food Stops ||
Family Friendly Food Stops ||
Eataly ||
My love for Italian food is real. You and your family can dine in one of the piazza restaurants or you can pick up some fresh food for a picnic in the park. Either way, the sites and sounds of the market will be fun for everyone.
Boston Public Market||
I love markets for the picky bunch. One person is craving lobster rolls and the other really wants a grilled cheese sandwich – Boston Public Market is your place! There’s also plenty to see, do, touch & taste test! There’s also a beautiful park right across the street that you can eat and your kids can play at.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace ||
Perfect for shopping and a bite to eat. There are tons of restaurants around here to choose from. Be warned, the Cheers here is not the original, that one is on Beacon Street! There’s upscale dining as well as food vendors selling really great lobster rolls – another stop that has something for everyone.
Time Out Market||
The newest food hall in Boston just opened and I am so excited for it. These are some the highest rated Boston restaurants under one roof. If you’re a foodie visiting and don’t have time to check out all the great places to eat in Boston, this would be the one stop shop! They also have high top tables with really tall high chairs!
Wahlburgers ||
Tater tot dreams are made here! Lots of locations, but I love the one near Fenway. The burgers are delicious, the staff is super friendly and you may even have a celebrity sighting with one of the Wahlburg brothers!
Max Brenner ||
A chocolate bar and restaurant – need I say more?! If you are a french fry connoisseur like I pride myself on being, the ones served here are in my top 5, absolutely delicious! If you find that you’re looking for something sweet – I highly recommend Max Brenners everything is out of this world good!
I always refer people to my “Boston” tab where I have a running list of my favorite things to do, but if you’re every planning a trip here and have specific questions, I would love to help!
What a great guide to Boston! We are heading your way in September for a wedding and I will have to add some of these restaurants to our list. We will of course be stopping by Christopher Columbus Park since that's were we got engaged almost 10 years ago!! SO many great things to see in Boston. Happy Monday, BIana!
xo, Rachel
A Blonde's Moment
You are the ultimate spokes model for Boston! You make me want to come there more and more every post, if anything just to see sweet you! Have a wonderful week!
We always saw tons of families in Eataly! And oh I already truly miss the cider donuts at the Public Market! Boston is such a family friendly city and these are all such great tips!!
Rosy Outlook
Perfect Boston Travel Guide, you covered all the best places to visit!
xx, Elise
sparkleandslippers.blogpot.com
I love this list and it makes me want to plan a trip asap!!
This is amazing, pinning this for future use. Love a good playground, and carousel too 🙂
Have you ever thought about being in travel? You are so good at giving locations to visit!
You guys have so many wonderful opportunities so close to you! I'd love to get Tatum up to New England sometime soon!
Yessss to Eataly! I loved living so close to Boston, and I wish I was there more often to bring my kiddos! We'll be in town again right before labor day, so I'll message you because this time, I'd LOVE to meet up! I'll bring M and leave the boys with Oma for the day 😉 Thanks for sharing all this fun!
This is such a great guide for family-friendly things to do! I know I mentioned it before but we're hoping to find a campground around Boston to be able to make a trip. I'll be saving this for the future!
One of these days I'd love to visit and bring the kids! There is so much to see and do there and I've never been!
This is such a great guide- Boston has so much to offer!
Hope you have a happy 4th of July, babe!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
So many fun ideas! I need to take a trip to Boston!
~Samantha
goldcoastgirlblog.com
What a lovely and comprehensive travel guide! Boston is one of my favorite cities to visit.
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
LOVE that there is now an Eataly in Boston, and I still want to check out the Lawn on D <3
Green Fashionista
This is a great guide for Boston. Thanks for sharing.
Oh my goodness I want to go to Boston SO bad!!! I would for sure take a ride on the duck boats!!!
Laura
Black Coffee Beautiful
I cant wait to take Sawyer to Boston one day! I know hell love it!
<3 ShannonÂ
Upbeat Soles
Boston is definitely on our list of places to take the girls. I've only been there once (when I was 13) and would love to go again!