Boston, Massachusettes
Where Your Kids Actually Want to Learn About History
A trip to Boston with your family is a fantastic opportunity to experience U.S. history firsthand. It offers engaging adventures where children can throw tea into Boston Harbor, explore the USS Constitution, a 228-year-old ship, and follow the actual footsteps of Revolutionary heroes along the famous red-brick Freedom Trail.
The compact, walkable city center makes it easy for families to explore the attractions, scenic parks, and delicious food destinations, whether on foot or taking a quick subway ride.
Let’s explore how to create a family vacation in Boston that perfectly balances education and entertainment.
What to See & Do
Freedom Trail
Along the 2.4-mile Freedom Trail, which includes 16 historic sites, from museums to meeting houses, you can explore the history of the American Revolution that began in Boston. Take a self-guided tour or join a walking tour led by 18th-century costumed guides. Here are some of the highlights for families.
The Paul Revere House is the oldest remaining structure in downtown Boston. Tour his home and hear about 18th-century family life. The house’s knowledgeable guides share interesting details kids will enjoy, such as where the Revere children slept and the toys they might have played with. The education and visitor center has interesting artifacts related to Revere’s many business ventures, and you can learn the real story of his midnight ride. Outside, you’ll find brass hoofprints in the pavement, allowing kids to follow Revere’s famous route.
USS Constitution (“Old Ironsides“) is the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat. Its naval history and hands-on exploration made it engaging for the whole family. Active-duty Navy sailors lead tours designed for families. The adjacent museum enhances the experience with interactive displays that teach children about life aboard a warship over 230 years ago.
Established in 1634, Boston Common is America’s oldest public park. You’ll find lots of activities and play space for the kids to enjoy. The Frog Pond transforms seasonally, offering splashing in summer and ice skating in winter. Nearby, the Public Garden features the famous bronze statues of Make Way for Ducklings, based on the beloved children’s book. Kids can see all eight ducklings (Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack) and sit on them for photos, a Boston family tradition that connects literature, history, and fun.
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum brings history to life through immersive experiences where your family can re-enact the event that started the Revolution. Historical interpreters, interactive exhibits, full-scale replica 18th-century sailing vessels, and historic artifacts are just some of what you’ll experience during your visit. Relax over a cup of tea in Abigail’s Tea Room after you dump tea into the sea.
Boston Children’s Museum
Boston Children’s Museum, the world’s second oldest children’s museum, brings hands-on discovery and play to life through its three floors of STEAM-focused exhibits, playscapes, and experiences. For example, the Japanese House offers an immersive cultural experience a simulated Kyoto, Japan.
Fenway Park
Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, is America’s oldest working Major League ballpark, open since 1912. It is a must-see for any baseball fan. Even if there aren’t any home games during your visit, you can still tour Fenway Park. It’s a great way to learn about baseball’s history and to see this original ballpark.
Rose Kennedy Greenway
The Rose Kennedy Greenway, close to downtown, is a string of contemporary parks with splash fountains, unique playground structures, and an artisan carousel featuring characters inspired by the animals of Boston Harbor.
Franklin Park Zoo
For wildlife enthusiasts, the Franklin Park Zoo has a tropical rainforest pavilion, grassland exhibits, and a special children’s zoo section designed for hands-on interactions.
Boston Children’s Museum
Boston Children’s Museum, the world’s second oldest children’s museum, brings hands-on discovery and play to life through its three floors of STEAM-focused exhibits, playscapes, and experiences. For example, the Japanese House offers an immersive cultural experience a simulated Kyoto, Japan.
Food Adventures for Families
Boston’s food scene offers delicious adventures for the whole family. Quincy Market/Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a perfect food destination for families, with its historic building housing dozens of food stalls selling everything from pizza to local favorites like lobster rolls and clam chowder in bread bowls.
For a more curated food adventure, the Boston Public Market showcases local New England vendors. Visitors can sample artisanal ice cream, fresh apple cider donuts, and maple treats.
No Boston family trip would be complete without venturing to the North End, the city’s charming Italian neighborhood, where children can watch pasta made by hand through storefront windows and indulge in cannoli from iconic bakeries like Mike’s Pastry. The neighborhood’s narrow streets and Old-World charm create a European experience.
Boston Harbor & Waterfront
The Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area is a quick ferry ride away, offering beaches, hiking trails, and historic forts to explore. Georges Island is home to Fort Warren, a Civil War-era training facility for Union soldiers. Be sure to ask about the famous ghost, “The Lady in Black.”
On Boston’s waterfront at Central Wharf, you’ll find the New England Aquarium and its four-story Giant Ocean Tank Caribbean coral reef exhibit filled with sea turtles, rays, and colorful tropical fish. The Penguin colony features more than 50 penguins, including the African and southern rockhopper penguin species (with their yellow-feather punk-rock hairdos), plus the Shark and Ray Touch Tank. For an extra special experience, book one of their behind-the-scenes exclusive animal encounters in advance.
From Central Wharf, you can also take a New England Aquarium Whale Watch Cruise. Aquarium Naturalists join you for a trip to Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, a rich breeding ground for whales, dolphins, sea birds, and other marine creatures.
The Museum of Science combines education with pure entertainment through its interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and live presentations exploring everything from dinosaurs to technology. Kids will love the indoor lightning shows in the Theater of Electricity and soaring through the night sky in the Hayden Planetarium.
Adventures Close to Boston
Cape Cod
90 minutes from Boston, Cape Cod offers families a perfect coastal complement to Boston’s urban energy. Its pristine beaches feature gentle waves ideal for younger swimmers, charming seaside towns filled with ice cream shops and casual seafood shacks, and outdoor adventures from whale watching to cycling the Rail Trail. The Cape’s relaxed pace and natural beauty provide a nice escape from city sightseeing, and allow families to experience Massachusetts’ revolutionary history and maritime heritage in one vacation.
Visit the official Cape Cod website for more information on things to do, see, and eat!
Plymouth
Plymouth invites families to step back to where the Mayflower came ashore, about 40 miles south of Boston (about an hour’s drive). The Plimoth Patuxet Museums’ living history village replicates the original settlement of the Plymouth Colony established in the 17th century by the English colonists who became known as the Pilgrims. Children can interact with Wampanoag and English role players in period costumes, watch artisans practice 17th-century crafts, and board the full-scale replica of the Mayflower II.
Visit the See Plymouth website for more information.
Salem
Just 30 minutes from Boston, Salem is most popular around Halloween but has year-round fun. Families can visit the Salem Witch Museum for an immersive historical experience and explore the Witch House, the only structure still standing with direct ties to the trials. The pedestrian-friendly downtown has quirky shops and a festive atmosphere.
Visit the official Destination Salem website for more information.
Lexington & Concord
Bring Revolutionary War history to life, about 40 minutes from downtown Boston. In Lexington, families can visit the Battle Green, where the first shots of the Revolution were fired. In nearby Concord (15 minutes from Lexington), you can explore the Old North Bridge, the site of “the shot heard ‘round the world,” where colonial minutemen faced British soldiers, and literary fans can visit Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House, the setting for “Little Women.” Both towns feature excellent walking trails, including the Battle Road Trail, where children can follow the exact route of Paul Revere’s ride.
Whether your family is interested in following the footsteps of Paul Revere, catching a ballgame at legendary Fenway Park, or simply enjoying world-class clam chowder at Quincy Market, Boston blends education with entertainment year-round for all ages.
Boston Adventure Awaits!
Log in as a Member to access the exclusive content below.
Not part of The KeeKee Club yet? It’s free, and it just takes a moment to sign up! Sign Up Here!
Login will open in a new window. After you log in, please return to this page and refresh it to see your member-only content!