Boston is a lively, young city filled with college students, young professionals, tourists, and excited sports fans. But that doesn’t mean that it’s not the perfect city for a family trip: there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Boston with kids. Whether you’re part of an adventure family, a family full of art-lovers, or you all just enjoy bonding over a great meal, there’s bound to be something for you in Beantown.
Use this always up-to-date guide from us here at C&J to plan your unforgettable family trip to Boston. When you’re ready to head into the city, visit our website to check bus schedules and book your tickets. Be sure to take advantage of our new discounted fares from Dover, Portsmouth, and Newburyport into Boston South Station! Riders now save even more money while still enjoying luxury seating, free WiFi, plenty of power outlets, and cold water in the galley.
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For Adventurous Families
Boston is the perfect destination for anyone who wants to learn, explore, and try new things. Families who are looking for a more hands-on experience in Boston can easily spend a whole day totally immersed in the New England Aquarium. Check out the rare fur seals exhibit at the aquarium, or book an Animal Encounter to feed the animals yourself! If science is more your thing, the Museum of Science has an incredible selection of exhibits like the Planetarium, the Butterfly Garden, and interactive displays where kids and adults alike can expand their science knowledge.
June 22 – September 1: Whale Watch in the Boston Harbor
June 27 – July 31: See Turtle Odyssey in the IMAX Theater
July 19 – July 20: Celebrate the Moon Landing’s 50th Anniversary
For History-Buff Families
One thing that Boston has in excess is deep, rich history. The city was founded in 1630, and there are plenty of opportunities to take a step back in history to learn about colonial America and the birth of our nation. Walk the Freedom Trail to see the Paul Revere House, Old State House, Bunker Hill Monument, and more. Rather not walk? Spend an afternoon in the Museum of African History to learn about the contributions of African Americans to building this country.
All Summer: Walk Into History Tour
For Art-Loving Families
With over 40 museums in the Boston area, it’s hard to choose which one to visit first. Most commonly known is the Museum of Fine Arts, which hosts nearly 20 different collections and thousands of priceless pieces of art. See the Gender Bending Fashion exhibition or tour the Monet gallery. Or, if you’d rather spend the day in a smaller, more intimate museum, head to the Harvard Art Museums. Visit The Bauhaus and Harvard exhibition to see rare art on loan from Germany’s Busch-Reisinger Museum.
May 8 – October 13: Community Arts Initiative: Mindful Mandalas
April 7 – August 4: Toulouse-Lautrec and the Stars of Paris
May 25 – August 11: Japan on Paper
For Outdoorsy Families
Sometimes you have to just get outside. Luckily, Boston is home to many pedestrian-friendly outdoor spaces. Bring your walking shoes and stroll the Emerald Necklace, which will take you through the heart of Fenway, the Fens, and more. The Boston Public Garden is also a gorgeous way to get some fresh air when you’re in the city.
July 14 – August 18: See Concerts in the Emerald Necklace
July 30: Go on an Evening Garden Stroll
April 13 – September 2: Take a Swan Boat Ride
No matter what your family loves doing together, there are always fun things to do in Boston with kids. Check back to this blog post every season for updated activities! Also, check out our interactive guide to Boston for more ideas to plan your family trip!
Planning your trip to Boston is easy and stress-free with C&J Bus Lines. Are you ready for your family trip?