Things to Do in Boston with Kids & Toddlers
Boston is a great place to raise a family not only because it has great neighborhoods and great schools but also because of all the family-friendly activities the city has.
Each weekend, the city is brimming with fun, exciting, and thrilling activities for families — kids and toddlers included! From festivals and educational exhibits to cooking classes and concerts, your family weekends in Boston will never be boring.
So, if you find yourself looking for ‘fun things to do with toddlers near me’, ‘Boston with kids’, ‘things to do with kids in Boston’, or ‘what to do in Boston with kids’, we got you covered!
Whether you’re exploring the New England Aquarium, or catching a game at Fenway Park, there’s plenty of fun things to do in Boston with kids! So pack your bags, dress the kids, and get ready for an adventure that you’ll never forget.
Here’s our guide to Things to Do in Boston with Kids & Toddlers you can enjoy in and around the city.
Editor’s Note: The staff at BostonOnBudget tries to bring you up-to-date information. However, as always, please call to confirm ahead of time.
Also check our posts on Best Parks In Boston, Things To Do In Boston This Weekend, Outdoor Activities Boston, and Free Museum Days In Boston!
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Best Things to do in Boston with Kids & Toddlers
Check Out the New England Aquarium
Things to do in Boston with kidsy | Image Credit: neaq.org
The New England Aquarium is well-known for its outstanding collection of aquatic animals, which includes sea turtles, sharks, and penguins. And on the weekends, the aquarium offers a variety of family-friendly programs and activities. This includes interactive touch tanks, live animal presentations, and behind-the-scenes tours.
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm | Weekends 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Where: 1 Central Wharf, Boston MA 02110
How Much: The price starts at $7 depending on the activity
Visit the Boston Children’s Museum
Things to do in Boston with kids | Image Credit: Boston Children’s Museum FB Page
The kids and the whole family is sure to have fun with all the interactive exhibits and activities at the Boston Children’s Museum. Not only are they all enjoyable but they also provide excellent learning opportunities for the little ones through play and exploration.
Operating Hours: Wednesday–Sunday 9:00 am – 12:00 pm & 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Where: 308 Congress St. Boston, MA 02210
How Much: Infant FREE | General Admission $20
Hop on a Beautiful Swan Boat
Things to Do in Boston with Kids | Image Credit: Swan Boats of Boston Facebook Page
Hop on a beautiful swan boat at the Boston Public Garden and spend a beautiful morning or afternoon cruising the Public Garden Lagoon for a peaceful 15-minute ride. Get to enjoy the sights and take the time to relax with the kids.
When: Saturday, April 15, 2023 and onwards, 10 a.m.
Where: Boston Public Garden, 4 Charles St, Boston, MA 02116
How Much: $4 for adults | $2.50 for kids | Free for kids under 2
Explore the Boston Tea Party Ships And Museum
The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum is a floating museum in Boston that commemorates the events of the Boston Tea Party. The kids will surely love going here over the weekend because of its immersive, interactive experience that allows visitors to relive the events that led to the American Revolution. The whole experience includes live actors, historical artifacts, and engaging exhibits.
Operating Hours: Tour Hours: Seven days a week, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: 306 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210
How Much: General Admission at $32
Visit the Franklin Park Zoo
Things to Do in Boston with Kids | Image credit: Franklin Park Zoo
Visiting the Franklin Park Zoo is a perfect weekend activity for the whole family. You’ll be able to see over 200 species of animals from around the world, including endangered species such as the African wild dogs, pygmy hippos, and western lowland gorillas. The zoo also has plenty of interactive exhibits, engaging experiences, and educational programs where you can learn about animal conservation and wildlife protection.
Operating Hours: April 1 – July 29 Weekdays: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm | Weekends/Holidays: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Where: 1 Franklin Park Rd, Boston, MA 02121
How Much:
- Adult (Ages 13-61) – $18.95
- Senior (Ages 62+) – $17.05
- Child (Ages 2-12) – $13.25
- Children Under 2 – $0.00
Browse Through the Books of the Boston Public Library
If the kids love books, you should list the Boston Public Library under your things to do this weekend in Boston with family list. The place has a great collection of books, many which the kids will definitely enjoy. Aside from that, the place also regularly holds free weekend events and exhibits, including author talks, art exhibits, and live music performances.
When: Monday – Sunday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116
How Much: $5 | Free for those aged under 18
Explore the Boston Museum of Science
Things to Do in Boston with Kids | Image credit: Museum of Science, Boston
The Boston Museum of Science boasts planetarium shows, IMAX films, temporary exhibits, and more than 700 interactive displays and exhibits that make learning fun for all ages. The best part about this is that there’s always something new to explore every few weeks so it’s never a bore to visit.
When: Monday – Sunday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Boston Museum of Science, 1 Museum Of Science Driveway, Boston, MA 02114
How Much: $5 – $28
Hop Aboard the USS Constitution Museum
Hop aboard Old Ironsides and get to learn all about the world’s oldest warship still afloat with the kids. There will be various tours, displays, and collections in the museum. Plus, the museum also holds tons of fun and interactive events over the weekends for families and kids.
When: Monday – Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: USS Constitution Museum, Building 22, Charlestown Navy Yard, Charlestown, MA 02129
How Much: Free
Don’t Miss Out on What’s Happening at Boston Common
The Boston Common is always busy every weekend with tons of activities, most of which are family-friendly. Expect concerts, picnics, festivals, and more here. If not, you can simply unwind, relax, and spend quality time with the family while enjoying the great outdoors amidst the urban jungle of the city.
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Where: 139 Tremont Street Boston, MA 02111
How Much: FREE
Check Out the Arnold Arboretum
The Arnold Arboretum is a beautiful and peaceful sanctuary filled with a sizable collection of plants and trees. On the weekend, you can spend some time here with your family taking a nice stroll, riding a bike, having a picnic, or exploring the various plants there.
Operating Hours: Open daily 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: 125 Arborway Boston, MA 02130-3500
How Much: FREE
Take a Duck Boat Tours
Things to Do in Boston with Kids | Image credit: Boston Duck Tours
Tour Downtown Boston in one of the most fun vehicles ever, an authentic, renovated World War II amphibious landing vehicle. Get to explore Boston’s historic sites from the golden-domed State House to Prudential Tower and so much more. Aside from the road, you’ll also be hitting the waters of the Charles River on your vehicle for a breathtaking view of the Boston and Cambridge skylines.
When: Monday – Sunday
Where: Prudential Center, 800 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199
How Much: $45.99 | $36.99 for seniors, military, and students | $30.99 for children aged 3 – 11 | $10.99 for kids under 3
Visit the Boston Fire Museum
Let the kids learn more about some of today’s modern heroes at the Boston Fire Museum. Here, they’ll get to see the museum’s incredible collection of firefighting tools and artifacts. There will also be tons of interactive activities where the kids can learn about these heroes and Boston’s firefighter history.
Operating Hours: Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: 344 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210
How Much: FREE
Explore the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
This museum is well known for its collection of European, Asian, and American art, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. And what makes them more unique is that they’re all arranged in a way that reflects the personal tastes and vision of the museum’s founders. The museum also holds engaging programs and events that bring art and history to life during the weekends for families to enjoy.
Operating Hours: Tuesday CLOSED | Monday, Wednesday, Friday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm | Saturday – Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: 25 Evans Way, Boston, MA 02115
How Much:
- Adults: $20
- Seniors 65 and up $18
- Students: $13
- Children under age 18: Free
- Members: Free
Get the lowest price on the highly-rated Tour of Historic Fenway Park
Revel in the history of Fenway Park, one of baseball’s most beloved stadiums, during this guided tour. Revisit the careers of Red Sox greats like Ted Williams, Babe Ruth, and Carl Yastrzemski, celebrate the club’s numerous World Series titles, and tour famous stadium locales like the ‘Green Monster,’ ‘Pesky’s Pole,’ and the Fenway Park Living Museum.
Learn about the celebrated history of this 100+ year-old stadium and its famous team, the Red Sox Revisit the careers of famous Red Sox players like Ted Williams, Babe Ruth, and Carl Yastrzemski. Discover the stadium’s collection of more than 170,000 stadium artifacts and 150,000 photographs. Relive the Red Sox’s 1903, 1912, 1915, 1916, 1918, 2004, 2007 and 2013 World Series wins.
Perfect trip for baseball fans, history lovers, and Boston aficionados! Book your tickets TODAY!!!
Things to do in Boston with Kids & Toddlers
Check Out What’s at the Boston Public Market
Things To Do In Boston This Weekend With Family | Image credit: Boston Public Market (100 Hanover Street, Boston)
The Boston Public Market is the place to be for fresh locally produced foods, especially on the weekends. here, you can sample and explore the best foods that New England has to offer. And you can even teach the kids early on how to pick good food. If anything else, it can be a pleasant stroll with them and a little bit of indulgence for your home ingredients.
Operating Hours: Monday – Tuesday 8:00 am – 6:00 pm | Wednesday – Saturday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm | Sunday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Where: 100 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02108
How Much: Depending on Shops, stalls, and products sold at the market
Visit the Harvard Museum of Natural History
In the Harvard Museums of Natural History, the kids can see fossils, specimens, rare minerals, and more from around the world. This includes a 42-foot-long Kronosaurus. The museum also holds adult art classes, kids and family courses, public lectures, and special events to help educate people about our natural history here on Earth. And all these make for the perfect weekend activity for you and the kids to have fun and learn some.
When: Monday – Sunday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Various locations
How Much: $15 | $13 for seniors | $10 for college students and kids aged 3 – 18
Explore the New England Holocaust Memorial
This powerful monument is a tribute to all the innocent victims of one of the darkest times in human history. And it stands as a reminder of the importance of tolerance and respect for all. Teach the kids a little about this piece of history and help them better understand how to treat people better here.
When: Monday – Sunday, 6:00 am – 11:30 pm
Where: New England Holocaust Memorial, 98 Union St, Boston, MA 02129
How Much: Free
Go to the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA)
Image credit: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Let the kids unleash their creativity at the Museum of Fine Arts. Aside from exploring the museum’s collection of artwork from various cultures and eras, they can also enjoy interesting exhibits, unique activities, and educational programs made for them during the weekends.
Operating Hours: Saturday – Monday & Wednesday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm | Tuesday CLOSED | Thursday – Friday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Where: 465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
How Much:
- Members – Free
- Adults – $27.00
- Youths 7–17 – $10.00
- Youths 0–6 – Free
Go on a Boston Movie Tour
Things To Do In Boston This Weekend With Family | Image credit: Nate Photography
For families who love movies, make the most of your weekend by exploring the most filmed areas of Boston! Check out Boston Common, Beacon Hill, and 30 other areas. If you join the Boston Movie Mile tour, a local actor will even guide you through the places you’ve seen on screen and share insider behind-the-scenes info about the Boston TV and filming industry.
When: Thursdays to Sundays, Various Times
Where: Various locations
How Much: $36 – $65
Visit the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate
It’s never too early for the kids to learn how the government works. Let them have a glimpse of its inner workings at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate. The place has exhibits and various programs where you can learn all about public service life in a fun and interesting way.
When: Tuesday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Group visits only)
Where: Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate, 210 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, MA 02125
How Much: Free – $12
Take a Tour of Fenway Park
Catch a Red Sox game with the family over the weekend at Fenway Park! Aside from that, enjoy the architecture and rich history of the most iconic sports venue in the country.
Operating Hours: Hours depending on events
Where:4 Jersey St, Boston, MA 02215
How Much: Depends on the event
Visit the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
Give the kids a peek at the life of one of America’s most beloved presidents and his legacy in this museum. Here, comprehensive exhibits and archives highlight the life and legacy of the late president. You’ll also get to discover the Kennedy family’s impact on American history and culture through interactive exhibits, films, and personal artifacts.
Operating Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday – Sunday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm | Wednesday CLOSED
Where: Columbia Point, Boston, MA 02125
How Much:
- Adults $18
- Seniors 62+ $12
- College Students with ID $12
- Youth/Teens 13-17 $10
- US Armed Forces Veterans $4 off Adult or Senior Admission
- Children 12 and under FREE
Go on a Food Tour at North End
What better way to spend the weekend with your family than filling up your bellies with delicious food from one of the best food places in town? If that’s your aim, Boston’s North End will truly be a delight. Here, you can find a number of restaurants, bakeries, and cafes that provide traditional, delicious Italian cuisine. So, make sure to get hungry.
Operating Hours: Open daily
Where: North End, Boston, MA
How Much: FREE
Explore the Paul Revere House
Learn more about American patriot and founding father Paul Revere by exploring his home. Here, you’ll exhibits of items from Revere’s life, reenactments, concerts, and demonstrations. And you might also be able to enjoy any special activities that the venue has set up for the day.
When: Daily in the spring, summer, and fall 10:00 am – 4:15 pm
Where: The Paul Revere House, 19 N Square, Boston, MA 02113
How Much: $6 | $5.50 for seniors and college students | $1 for children aged 5 – 17
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Fun Things to do in Boston with Kids & Toddlers
Take a Boston Ghost Tour
Things To Do In Boston This Weekend With Family | Image credit: Ghosts and Gravestones Boston
Test your bravery and your guts by going on a Boston Ghost Tour with the family on the weekend. Visit some of Boston’s most haunted spots and hear tales about the creepy events that went on there and other interesting facts about the place’s history.
When: Monday – Sunday
Where: Various locations
How Much: Starts at $42.48
Take a Bike Tour of the City
Things to Do in Boston with Kids | Image credit: Urban AdvenTours
Boston is one bikeable city. And if you’re looking to do something fun that incorporates a bit of exercise on the weekend with the family, hopping on your bikes and touring the city is perfect.
There are plenty of bike pathways, trails, and parks where you can enjoy the beauty of Boston’s outdoor greenery while getting some exercise. If you want the benefit of going with a group and a guide, there are also plenty of bike tours out there. They’ll take you all around the city from its most famous landmarks to hidden gems that only locals know of.
When: Monday – Sunday
Where: Various locations
How Much: Prices vary
Go on a Boston Harbor Cruise
Things to Do in Boston with Kids | Image credit: City Experiences
Feel the wind in your hair and smell the sea during the weekend with a Boston Harbor Cruise. Also, get to see the city from a new perspective and get to enjoy some time out on the water with your family. There are plenty of packages you can avail of. Some even come with a dinner or buffet experience so you can make the most of your time with the family there.
When: Monday – Sunday
Where: Various locations
How Much: Starts at $40
Watch a Show at the Boston Symphony Hall
Things to Do in Boston with Kids | Image credit: Boston Symphony Orchestra
If your family loves music, one of the best musical performances you can watch in Boston on the weekends is that of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The Boston Symphony Hall is their home and there, you can watch them do music magic and produce some of the most beautiful melodies you’ve ever heard.
When: Monday – Friday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Saturday 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Where: Boston Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02115
How Much: Varies
Take a Class at the Boston Chocolate School
If you’re looking for something unique for things to do this weekend in Boston with family, try taking a chocolate class at the Boston Cholate School. Every weekend, they hold various classes in making various chocolate treats. Not only that but they also have chocolate tours and chocolate tastings.
When: Mondays – Sundays
Where: Boston Chocolate School and Tours, 161 Devonshire St, Boston, MA 02110
How Much: Varies
Explore the Mass Audubon Boston Nature Center
The Mass Audubon Boston Nature Center is a great place to visit with the family on the weekend because it offers a peaceful escape from the city. You’ll find numerous trails and opportunities for bird-watching, learning about wildlife and nature, and engaging in various outdoor activities in Boston, all of which you can enjoy with your loved ones.
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm | Saturdays, Sundays, & most holidays 10:00 am – 4:00 pm | Trails: Daily, dawn to dusk
Where: 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773
How Much: FREE, donations appreciated
Check Out What’s Happening at Rose Kennedy Greenway
Things to Do in Boston with Kids | Image credit: Rose Kennedy Greenway
You can find just about everything on the greenway, from free workout classes to wine tastings in the weekends. Take the whole family out there and catch a live band at City Winery, or attend an open play session with other parents and their tots. Often, there are also food trucks, events in Chinatown, public art, and more.
Operating Hours: Open daily 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Where: Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02110
How Much: The price is depending on the events
Visit the Institute of Contemporary Art
If you’re looking for something exciting and educational, list visiting the Institute of Contemporary Art under your list of things to do in Boston this weekend with family. The museum always has dynamic and thought-provoking exhibits that showcase the latest in contemporary art and culture. Plus, on some weekends, the museum hosts various programs for all ages for you to delve into your inner artist.
Operating Hours: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm | Monday CLOSED | Thursday and Friday 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Where: 25 Harbor Shore Dr, Boston, MA 02210
How Much:
- Youth 18 and under: FREE
- General Admission: $20
- Students: $15
- Seniors (60+): $17
Play at the Boston Common Frog Pond
Things to Do in Boston with Kids | Image credit: The Boston Common Frog Pond
Cool off during the summer weekends at the Boston Common Frog Pond when it becomes a fun splash fountain. In the winter, you can bundle up and grab the family’s skates for a fun spin on the frozen ice. Whatever the season, the kids will surely be looking forward to their weekend trips here.
Operating Hours: Open daily (schedules will be depending on events)
Where: 38 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02108
How Much: FREE; Paid events may vary
Have Fun at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Things to Do in Boston with Kids | Image credit: LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Legoland’s oversized blocks and race cars will always have the kids excited for their weekend trips out. One of the biggest attractions of the place is Miniland, a little replica of famous Boston landmarks in Lego form. There are also two play zones there featuring jungle gyms and climbing walls that will surely tire the kids out.
Operating Hours: Open daily
Where: LEGO Discovery Center Boston, 598 Assembly Row, Somerville, MA 02145
How Much: FREE; Paid events may vary
Check Out the Mapparium
Things to Do in Boston with Kids | Image credit: Gina Pinto Williams
Spend the weekend with the family checking out the world’s largest walk-in globe at the Mapparium and entice the imagination of any budding junior historian or geologist. You can find this three-story model of the globe built to scale at the Mary Eddy Baker Library. And here, the kids would definitely love seeing their world in a completely different way.
Operating Hours: Open daily
Where: The Mary Baker Eddy Library, 210 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02115
How Much: $6 | Free for kids 0 – 17
Visit the Charles River Esplanade
Things to Do in Boston with Kids | Image Credit: Charles River Esplanade FB Page
Like the Rose Kennedy Greenway, you can find plenty of free classes, workouts, play dates, public art, and fun activities at the Charles River Esplanade for the whole family every weekend. Catch one of the live and totally free shows going on at the Hatch Memorial Shell. Or rent a paddle boat, kayak, or canoe and get an awesome workout with amazing views.
Operating Hours: Daily from dawn to dusk, except for walk-through traffic and permitted events.
Where: Charles River, Esplanade, Boston, MA 02116
How Much: FREE
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