Boston
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ
Family-Friendly Attractions
Zoos, aquariums, and interactive science museums provide engaging entertainment options for families with children.
Sections
Shopping in Boston: Family-Friendly Options
1. Faneuil Hall Marketplace (Quincy Market)
- Overview: A historic marketplace and a vibrant shopping and dining destination. It features a mix of local boutiques, souvenir shops, and street performers that entertain visitors of all ages.
- What to Expect:
- Indoor and outdoor shopping areas.
- A food hall with diverse dining options, including kid-friendly choices like pizza, burgers, and ice cream.
- Street performers and musicians often perform in the square, providing free entertainment.
- Costs: Free to enter; shopping and dining costs vary. Souvenirs range from $5โ$50, and meals typically cost $10โ$20 per person.
- Practical Tips:
- Visit during weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds.
- Bring cash for street vendors and performers.
- Restrooms are available inside Quincy Market.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Boston Harborwalk: A scenic waterfront path perfect for a family stroll.
- New England Aquarium: Just a 5-minute walk away, this is a must-visit for families with kids.
2. Copley Place and Prudential Center
- Overview: These two connected shopping centers in the Back Bay area offer a mix of high-end and mid-range stores, making it a great spot for family shopping and entertainment.
- What to Expect:
- Stores like LEGO, Barnes & Noble, and L.L. Bean that appeal to kids and parents alike.
- Indoor spaces with climate control, ideal for rainy or cold days.
- The Prudential Center Skywalk Observatory (temporarily closed as of 2023) offers panoramic views of Boston.
- Costs: Free to enter; shopping costs depend on the stores. Dining options range from $10โ$30 per person.
- Practical Tips:
- Use the Prudential Center parking garage for convenience, though it can be pricey ($20โ$40). Public transportation (Green Line) is a more affordable option.
- Check for seasonal events like holiday decorations or pop-up markets.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Boston Public Library: A 5-minute walk, offering free tours and a beautiful courtyard.
- Boston Public Garden: A 10-minute walk, perfect for a family picnic or a ride on the Swan Boats (seasonal, $4 for adults, $3 for kids).
3. CambridgeSide Mall
- Overview: Located just across the Charles River in Cambridge, this mall offers a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment options in a family-friendly environment.
- What to Expect:
- Stores like Old Navy, Best Buy, and GameStop for family shopping.
- A food court with diverse options, including kid-friendly meals.
- Seasonal events like holiday-themed activities or live music.
- Costs: Free to enter; shopping and dining costs vary. Parking is $3 for up to 3 hours with validation.
- Practical Tips:
- Take the Green Line to Lechmere Station for easy access.
- Check the mallโs website for discounts or special events.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Museum of Science: A 10-minute walk, offering interactive exhibits and a planetarium. Tickets are $29 for adults and $24 for kids (ages 3โ11).
- Charles River Esplanade: A scenic spot for walking, biking, or picnicking.
Entertainment in Boston: Family-Friendly Options
1. Boston Childrenโs Museum
- Overview: A hands-on museum designed for kids, with interactive exhibits that encourage learning through play.
- What to Expect:
- Exhibits on science, art, and culture.
- A dedicated toddler area for younger children.
- Outdoor play spaces along the Fort Point Channel.
- Costs: $20 per person (ages 1+); discounts available for EBT cardholders.
- Practical Tips:
- Reserve tickets online in advance, especially on weekends.
- Bring snacks or lunch; thereโs a cafรฉ on-site, but outside food is allowed in designated areas.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Tea Party Ships and Museum: A short walk away, offering an interactive history experience. Tickets are $31.95 for adults and $23.95 for kids (ages 5โ12).
- Seaport District: Explore the waterfront, with plenty of restaurants and green spaces.
2. Blue Man Group at the Charles Playhouse
- Overview: A unique, family-friendly performance combining music, comedy, and visual effects.
- What to Expect:
- A high-energy, interactive show thatโs great for kids aged 5 and up.
- Performances last about 90 minutes.
- Costs: Tickets range from $49โ$99 per person.
- Practical Tips:
- Book tickets in advance, as shows often sell out.
- Arrive early to find parking or use public transportation (Orange Line to Tufts Medical Center).
- Nearby Attractions:
- Boston Common: A 10-minute walk, with a playground and plenty of open space for kids to run around.
- Freedom Trail: Start your walk through Bostonโs historic sites from here.
3. Fenway Park Tours
- Overview: A behind-the-scenes tour of Americaโs oldest Major League Baseball stadium, home to the Boston Red Sox.
- What to Expect:
- Guided tours covering the history of the park and access to areas like the Green Monster.
- Great for sports-loving families.
- Costs: $25 for adults, $17 for kids (ages 3โ12).
- Practical Tips:
- Tours run year-round but are weather-dependent, so check the schedule in advance.
- Combine this with a visit to the nearby Fenway neighborhood for dining and shopping.
- Nearby Attractions:
- The Lawn on D: A short drive away, offering free outdoor games and activities for families.
- Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum: A 15-minute walk, featuring art and beautiful gardens (free for kids under 18).
Additional Tips for Families Visiting Boston
- Transportation: Boston is a walkable city, but the MBTA (subway and buses) is family-friendly and affordable. Kids under 11 ride free with a paying adult.
- Weather Considerations: Bostonโs weather can be unpredictable. Dress in layers and bring comfortable walking shoes.
- Cultural Notes: Bostonians are proud of their history and sports teams. Engaging in conversations about the Red Sox or the cityโs Revolutionary War history can be a great way to connect with locals.
Boston offers a perfect blend of shopping and entertainment for families, with plenty of nearby attractions to round out your visit. Whether youโre exploring historic marketplaces, enjoying interactive museums, or catching a live performance, thereโs something for everyone in this vibrant city!