Family-friendly activities & parks: Fun for the whole family in Boston

Are you traveling with children? Boston offers a wide range of family-friendly attractions to keep the whole family entertained. From interactive museums to relaxing time in green parks, the city combines playful learning with unforgettable experiences. Here are the best tips for a family-friendly stay in Boston.

1. New England Aquarium: Discover an underwater world

The New England Aquarium is a highlight for children and adults alike. With its impressive sea creatures and interactive exhibits, it offers the perfect mix of education and entertainment.

Highlights:

The central ocean tank is home to sea turtles, sharks and rays.

The penguin exhibition is particularly popular with younger visitors.

Interactive areas such as the touch pool, where children can gently touch stingrays and smaller sea creatures.

Pro tip: Buy your tickets on their website (https://www.neaq.org/visit/tickets/) to avoid queues and visit the aquarium early in the morning for a more relaxed atmosphere.

2. Immersive Relive 1776 tour: Fun and interactive way to experience history up close

For an immersive and fun way to explore Boston, check out the unique Relive 1776 experiences by a local Boston startup called See Reality. Using the latest augmented reality technology, you and your children can experience history as if you were there, take part in historic events, and interact with historic figures. The tour takes you on a journey through time (1765-1775), telling a chronological story of the events leading to the American Revolution. They even offer some extra fun experiences for younger children.

In their 5-part tour you can learn history in a fun and unforgettable way. For example at the old state house you can see the Boston Mass Uprising come to life through AR as historical figures interact with you. My personal favorite part of Relive 1776 is the Bunker Hill experience, where you can take part in the legendary battle of Bunker Hill and get to fire a historically accurate canon in realistic augmented reality. It is fun for kids and parents alike and makes your tour through Boston an unforgettable time for the entire family.

Learn more about the immersive Relive 1776 experiences and book tours on See Reality’s website.

3. Duck Tours: Experience the city from land and water

The Boston Duck Tours are an experience for the whole family. These unique amphibious vehicles take you through the streets of Boston and then straight into the water of the Charles River.

Highlights:

Exciting stories about Boston's history and landmarks.

Interactive fun where kids can occasionally take the wheel of the boat.

4. Boston Tea Party Museum: Interactive and fun

Learn about the Boston Tea Party in an interactive way, which makes it fun for the entire family.

Highlights:

Museum located on a traditional sail boat.

Throw tea boxes over board.

See a tea box that was actually thrown into the water during the Boston Tea Party.

5. Boston Common and Public Garden: Green oases in the city

For a relaxing break, visit Boston Common, America's oldest public park. Right next to it is the Public Garden, a beautifully landscaped botanical garden.

Highlights:

Take a ride on the famous Swan Boats, which have been a classic for over 150 years.

Enjoy a picnic on the lawns of Boston Common or explore the children's playgrounds.

In winter, you can skate on the Frog Pond ice rink.

Pro Tip: Both parks are within easy walking distance and are perfect for a relaxing family day out.

6. Visit Universities: Inspiring places for the next generation

Boston's renowned universities also offer family-friendly experiences.

Harvard University: Explore Harvard Yard and visit the Museum of Natural History, which features impressive dinosaur skeletons and sparkling minerals.

MIT: In addition to the museum, there are exciting art installations and interactive science projects that will delight children.

Other family-friendly attractions

Franklin Park Zoo: A safari in the middle of the city with lions, giraffes and a petting zoo.

Fenway Park: Even if you're not a baseball fan, a stadium tour offers exciting insights into Boston's sports culture.

For more tips and recommendations, check out my Ultimate Guide to exploring Boston in 2025 to help make your stay unforgettable!