Boston is a great place to visit with kids, and there are a number of family-friendly events throughout the year. There are also numerous parks, museums, and aquariums to visit with kids. Many of these are free and a great places to spend a day with your kids. Here are a few ideas for activities that will make your visit to Boston memorable for the whole family.
Free Family-Friendly Events
Boston is home to various free, family-friendly events that are fun for the whole family. For example, ICA Boston hosts monthly family-friendly events, including hands-on art-making, films, and interactions with contemporary artists. Some of these events are free, but others may require paid museum admission. To receive free admission to these events, Boston residents should use their GoBoston discount card. You can also check out performances at Charles Playhouse, which has been a family favorite for decades.
The Boston Conservancy also hosts free Friday movies on the Boston Esplanade. Popular family movies include Star Wars and Kung Fu Panda. Several statues in Boston are perfect for kids. The bronze statues of Mrs. Mallard are inspired by the classic Robert McCloskey book, “Make Way for Ducklings.” These child-scale statues of the famous bird, Mrs. Mallard, were created by Nancy Schon.
You can also find free activities for kids at the Boston Children’s Museum. This museum offers a variety of hands-on exhibits and special seasonal events. Boston Public Library cardholders can even save money on admission tickets. On Friday nights, the museum also offers free admission for kids. This is a great way to spend a night exploring the city with the kids.
Many museums in Boston are free for children. One of the biggest attractions is the Museum of Fine Arts, which has works by Michelangelo, Aristotle, and Raphael. It also offers free tours and a wide variety of family programs. In addition, there is a Saturday drop-in art event that allows children to get creative.
In addition to visiting the MFA, Boston has numerous parks perfect for children. Castle Island is a historic location and offers a huge playground. Visitors can also enjoy the MFA, one of the country’s oldest museums, which features an Asian art collection and Impressionist art.
Free family-friendly events in Boston include skating at the DCR Steriti Memorial Rink, a public ice rink in the North End. You can also check out the Boston Bowl, which features an arcade, batting cages, and kid-friendly food. And if you’re looking for something more creative, you can visit an art studio.
Museums
Museums in Boston are a great way to get your kids involved in the arts and history of the city. There are many options for children of all ages, and many offer activities to keep their attention. Some museums have dedicated sections for younger children, and others offer daily activities for parents and kids. Some museums even have free family days.
Boston Children’s Museum: The museum features interactive exhibits and hands-on activities. This museum has over two dozen galleries that will keep children occupied for hours. There are galleries dedicated to water play, sound, and math. Kids will love exploring the museum’s many displays, and the GoBoston discount card is a great way to save money.
Boston Fire Museum: If your kid is aspiring to be a firefighter, they will love the museum’s exhibits. Boston has one of the oldest fire departments in the country. The Museum of Science is another fun place to visit. You can also check out the Butterfly Garden, which features exotic plants and colorful butterflies.
Museum of Natural History: The museum is another family-friendly option. It has 50,000 different items on display and offers a sensory-friendly environment. The interactive exhibits include an Explore-a-Saurus section and a bubble room. The museum also has a play space on its second floor, called PlaySpace. This play area is open to the public, but reservations are required.
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum: The museum commemorates the life of Boston’s favorite son. Jacqueline Kennedy designed the building after JFK’s death. It is an impressive modern monument. Visitors will enjoy the various exhibits and galleries spanning Kennedy’s life. The museum’s grounds also contain never-before-seen art from the acclaimed author.
Parks
Several parks for kids in Boston, Massachusetts are great for families with young children. The Esplanade, for example, is a favorite among residents. This park has an impressive climbing structure in the shape of an enormous spider web, two long slides, and various swings. In winter, kids can sled or ride two disc rides. For more active play, head to Fallon Field. This park is a favorite among the locals, and has a large slide and a large playground with swings. In addition to this playground, the Park also features a basketball blacktop and a climbing structure.
Playgrounds for kids in Boston are plentiful, including jungle gyms and climbing structures. Many are also equipped with sandboxes and swings. These play areas are safe and accessible for children of all ages and abilities. Some parks are gated, so parents can keep a close eye on their little ones, while others are more open to the public.
Fort Independence Recreation Area, located in South Boston, is part of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. This park has two hiking trails: the Castle Island Loop and the Pleasure Bay Loop. Both offer great views. There is also a playground and picnic tables available for families. The Fort is a great destination for families with young children.
Boston’s public beaches offer great outdoor play options. Carson Beach, for instance, offers a three-mile stretch of beach. Though the waves are not great for swimming, it is a great place for beach volleyball, shell hunting, and walking through the surf. The park also offers a playground with a zipline.
North End Park is another great park in the city. This man-made beach has several amenities, including a snack stand and a large playground. It is also wheelchair-accessible. The park also offers nearby bathrooms. Another popular playground is Martin’s Park, which is located next to the Children’s Museum.
Mayor Thomas M. Menino Park is another great option. This park features a sculpture of a giant marooned ship and is a great place to learn about history. The park also has several climbing structures, including realistic rocks and a splash pad.
Aquarium
The New England Aquarium is a public aquarium in Boston, Massachusetts. It features the Simons Theatre and New England Aquarium Whale Watch, which operates from April through November. Families with kids will love seeing the ocean creatures up close. There are also many exhibits for adults, too. The New England Aquarium is a great place to spend an afternoon.
The Boston Aquarium features a four-story tank filled with hundreds of aquatic animals, including bright-green moray eels that hide in rocks and coral. The aquarium is also home to Myrtle, the world-famous turtle. The Aquarium also has three species of penguins, including the tiny blue penguin.
The aquarium is located on the Central Wharf in Boston. The Wharf is also home to several restaurants and boating charters. The aquarium is packed on weekends, so it’s best to visit during the week. Because of the structure, visitors can easily access the different exhibits. For the younger set, the Science of Sharks exhibit is a must-see. Children can also get close to a shark in the Shark and Ray Touch Tank, one of the most exciting exhibits.
The Aquarium has its own subway stop on the Blue Line. Parking at the Aquarium is inexpensive and convenient. Parking garages provide discounted rates. The Aquarium is also accessible by boat from other cities. You can also use the Boston subway system to get around the city. If you’re driving to the Aquarium, take advantage of the Aquarium’s free stroller check.
The Boston Museum of Science is a world-class science museum that’s also worth a visit. It has 700 interactive exhibits that engage children. The museum uses MIT’s historic collections to make its exhibits more interesting and engaging. Popular exhibits include the history of science and technology, the largest collection of holographs in the world, and an archive of maritime tech from the 16th century. Another must-see is the Hayden Planetarium, where kids can experience the wonders of space in a state-of-the-art projector.
The Aquarium is also home to the world’s largest ocean tank. Visitors can walk across the top of the aquarium to look down on the water below. The Aquarium has also been home to the famous Sea Turtle Myrtle since 1970.
Hi, my name is Charlotte and I am the author of the Sandbox Playground. I believe that play is an essential part of a child’s development and that playgrounds and sandboxes are a great way to inspire kids’ imaginations.
I have been working with children for many years, and through my work I have seen the amazing things that they can achieve when they’re given the opportunity to play. I hope to continue inspiring kids all around the world with my writing.
