We’re not kidding around. From major attractions like the Franklin Park Zoo to moving and grooving at family dance parties, there’s something in Boston for children of all ages.
You’ll have no trouble entertaining the youngsters with this list of 20+ kid-friendly activities around the city.
❄️ For Winter vacation week
Winteractive, Downtown Boston
This free art experience brings 16 interactive artworks to downtown between Government Center and South Station. Inspired by winter festivals in Quebec, the event encourages folks to get out and explore even in the heart of winter.
Children’s Day of Play, Boston Children’s Museum
Starting 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 19, the museum will open to families at no cost for a series of activities and educational exhibits, along with light refreshments.
Face-painting with Laurel Greenfield, Boston Public Market
The local painter and muralist will offer her services at free face painting sessions, Tuesday, Feb. 20-Friday, Feb. 23. Time your visit with another Vacation Week activity at the market.
Family Magic & Juggling Show, High Street Place
Boston performer Robert Clarke will wow families with an interactive show for all ages on Wednesday, Feb. 21 from 2 to 3 p.m. Meanwhile, the food hall will offer menu specials and large scale games.
Character Meet and Greet Luncheon, Banners Kitchen & Tap
Going to see Disney on Ice at TD Garden? Before the show on Wednesday, Feb. 21 from 4 to 6 p.m., kids can order a pre-fixe menu, with special appearances from iconic characters. Or, tap in for a bottomless pancake breakfast 9-11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 22.
Book Reading with Cori Copley, Fairmont Copley Plaza
Stop by Friday, Feb. 23 from 2 to 3 p.m. to hear the tail of the pet-friendly hotel’s first Canine Ambassador, Catie Copley. The kid-friendly event includes a meet-and-greet with the current Canine Ambassador, Cori — plus hot cocoa, cookies, and a stuffed animal.
🌳 Great outdoors
Arnold Arboretum, 125 Arborway | 🎟️ Memberships available
Take one of the guided tours or set off on your own stroll with the kiddos at the oldest public arboretum in North America. Kids will remember the free Discovery packs.
Rose Kennedy Greenway, Downtown Boston
Check out the year-round public art installations, grab a bite to eat from a food truck, or splash around in the water fountains during the summer heat. Kids will remember a ride on the Greenway Carousel.
Castle Island Park, 2010 Day Blvd.
Put a little exercise and history into the day with a swim or walk at the South Boston peninsula. Kids will remember a tour of Fort Independence.
Swan Boats, Boston Public Garden
Opening for the season on Saturday, April 13, this must-do Boston activity is an affordable family activity — adults pay $4.50 and tickets are $3 for children. Kids will remember the mallard duck sightings.
Martin’s Park & Playground, 64 Sleeper St.
A visit to the Smith Family Waterfront is a must for families — the climate resilient space has a garden with over 350 trees and one of the best playgrounds around. Kids will remember exploring the playground’s timber maze.
Haven’t had your fill of Boston’s green spaces? Find 10 hidden gem parks to explore with the family.
🦁 Animal encounters
Franklin Park Zoo, 1 Franklin Park Rd. | 🎟️ Memberships available
Take a journey through the tropical forest, tiger exhibit, and the giraffe savannah at the city zoo. Kids will remember playing in the Kids’ Corner.
Stone Zoo, 149 Pond St., Stoneham | 🎟️ Memberships available
Just ~nine miles from Boston, this zoo offers a jungle fun ride, a Mexican gray wolf exhibit, and a playground for the young ones. Kids will remember a visit to the Animal Discovery Center.
New England Aquarium, 1 Central Wharf | 🎟️ Memberships available
Head to the Long Wharf area and spend a day seeing the largest shark and ray touch tank on the East Coast and the four-story Giant Ocean Tank. Kids will remember the colony of 60+ penguins.
Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford St., Cambridge | 🎟️ Memberships available
Explore the current exhibit “Swimming With Sharks” for a deep dive into shark biology and head to the third floor to check out the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology. Kids will remember the “Birds of the World” gallery.
Ready for more animal sightings? Check out our guide to whale watching tours.
Check the museum’s calendar for up-to-date programming information.
Photo by @exploringpaths
🎳 Indoor adventures
Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St. | 🎟️ Memberships available
The second oldest children’s museum in the US boasts a Polar Playground, STEAM and Art Labs, and a PlaySpace exhibit for youngsters. Kids will remember gliding on the indoor sock skating rink.
Museum of Science, 1 Museum of Science Driveway | 🎟️ Memberships available
Blast off to the Mission: Mars experience with Roblox, or explore some of the world’s most ancient caves. Kids will remember the Lightning! exhibit.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center, 598 Assembly Row, Somerville
The new and improved center will reopen in spring 2023 after its $12 million renovation, complete with an interactive ride, 4D cinema, and digital space experience. Kids will remember taking the “Kingdom Quest” to save the princess.
Boda Borg, 90 Pleasant St., Malden
This gaming center was founded in Sweden and offers 16 challenges (aka quests) that range from solving escape room puzzles to climbing a rock wall . Kids will remember the new Animal Kingdom quest.
American Flatbread, Various locations
Head to Brighton or Somerville for a side of fresh pizza to compliment your bowling game. Kids will remember classic New England candlepin bowling.
🧠 Learn about the city
Freedom Trail, Various locations
Teach your kiddos about the American Revolution on our city’s 2.5 mile walking tour. Kids will remember the Paul Revere House, an education center with plenty of interesting programming.
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, 306 Congress St.
Re-enact the famous Boston Tea Party that sparked a revolution at the Seaport museum and see the only remaining tea chest from the historic event. Kids will remember joining the “Sons of Liberty” to dump tea into the water themselves.
Duck Boat Tours, 1 Central Wharf
Take the family on this quintessential Boston sightseeing tour that will make a big splash when the spring 2023 season begins. Kids will remember Bostonians quacking at them as the boat passes through the city.
Fenway Park Tours, 4 Jersey St.
Year-round, rain or shine, the whole family can enjoy a tour of America’s oldest baseball park. Kids will remember seeing the massive “Green Monster.”
📚 Lean into the library
Boston Public Library
Each of the 25 library branches across the city offers programming for kids, like arts and crafts or LEGO Club.
Somerville Public Library
Bring the little kids to one of these storytime events or one have them turn the page to one of the three book clubs for kids.
Cambridge Public Library
Kids can participate in one of the weekly programs, like toddler storytime, sing-alongs, and “movies for littles.”
Not seeing your local library? View the list of all Massachusetts public libraries.
🎶 Movin’ and groovin’
Community Music Center of Boston, 34 Warren Ave.
Let the kids rock out with private and group lessons, ensembles, or early childhood and elementary group classes. Kids will remember performing in their own musical or learning to play a new instrument.
GroovyBabyMusic, Various locations
Sign your kiddo up for one of these local music and movement classes. Kids will remember the child yoga or monkey jump music party.
Urbanity Dance Parties, Various locations
Stop by a Kids Jam Session at the Boston Children’s Museum for a fun family dance party, or a Kids Groove Session on Thursdays from July to September. Kids will remember battling it out on the dance floor.
Ready to visit these local attractions but don’t know where to start? We’ve created this handy map so you can find all of these featured activities.
