Boston Family Vacation Itinerary
Planning a Boston family vacation? This kid-friendly guide to Boston is packed with fun, educational, and memorable experiences for families with children of all ages. From exploring the interactive exhibits at the Boston Children’s Museum and getting hands-on at the Museum of Science, to walking the historic Freedom Trail and watching harbor seals at the New England Aquarium, Boston is one of the best cities in the U.S. for a family getaway. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, school-aged kids, or teens, this family-focused Boston itinerary will help you plan the perfect mix of sightseeing, play, and downtime for your next family adventure.
Day 1: History & Hands-On Fun
Theme: Revolutionary Boston + interactive learning
Morning:
Start at Boston Common:
Let kids play at the Boston Common Frog Pond (splash pad in summer, skating in winter)
Ride the Swan Boats in the Public Garden
Walk part of the Freedom Trail (choose 3–4 kid-friendly stops):
Massachusetts State House
Granary Burying Ground (where Paul Revere is buried)
Old State House (great short film and exhibits)
Faneuil Hall
Afternoon:
Lunch at Quincy Market – lots of options for picky eaters
Visit the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum:
Kids can throw “tea” overboard and join the interactive reenactment
Quick stop at Christopher Columbus Park for playground time
Evening:
Dinner in the North End – try pizza at Regina Pizzeria
Grab cannoli from Mike’s Pastry or Modern Pastry
Optional: Carousel ride on the Greenway
Day 2: Science & Sports
Theme: Hands-on discovery + outdoor fun
Morning:
Visit the Boston Children’s Museum – hours of play for toddlers to pre-teens
Walk along the Fort Point Channel Harborwalk
OR, for older kids: Museum of Science – huge and very interactive
Afternoon:
Lunch nearby (check out Flour Bakery or food trucks at the Greenway)
Visit Fenway Park:
Take a kid-friendly ballpark tour (even if there’s no game)
If the Red Sox are playing, consider an afternoon or early evening game
Evening:
Dinner at Time Out Market or Sweet Cheeks Q (very family-friendly)
Wind down with ice cream from J.P. Licks or Amorino
Day 3: Harvard, Animals & Boats
Theme: A mix of nature, animals, and iconic Boston
Morning:
Take the Red Line to Harvard Square:
Walk through Harvard Yard
Visit the Harvard Museum of Natural History – dinosaur bones & cool rocks!
Stop for snacks/lunch at Tatte or Felipe’s Taqueria (good kid options)
Afternoon:
Head back to the waterfront:
Visit the New England Aquarium – penguins, sea turtles, and touch tanks
Optional: Whale watching boat tour (about 3–4 hours, great for ages 6+)
Explore the Seaport area (has green spaces, splash pads, and cool views)
Evening:
Dinner at Legal Sea Foods (Harborside) – kid menus and harbor views
Optional: Ride the Codzilla thrill boat (ages 6+, very fun!) or a relaxed harbor sunset cruise
🧃Tips for Families:
Stay near Downtown/Back Bay for walkability.
Use the T subway – kids under 11 ride free with a paying adult.
Bring water, snacks, and sunscreen – Boston is very walkable but weather can be changeable.
Many museums offer family restrooms, quiet spaces, and stroller-friendly access.
