Disclosure – this is a collaborative post.
Boston is an excellent choice for a family vacation, as there’s plenty to do for all ages, and most attractions are clustered relatively close together. You can easily get from place to place, even with small kids in tow, and you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to ways to spend your days. That being said, there are a few things you should know that might make your trip go more smoothly. So, to help you out, here’s a realistic guide to planning a family break in Boston.
Choosing the right base will make your break a lot easier
Boston has good public transport serving most of the city and its surroundings, but if you’ve got young kids with you, it’s probably a good idea to find more central accommodation. You can easily find a modern hotel in Boston with all the features and facilities your family needs, even in the historic center, and you won’t have to worry so much about commuting to and from central attractions.
What neighborhoods do we recommend? Well, Back Bay is popular with families and first-time visitors for its good balance of amenities and proximity to central attractions. Waterfront and Seaport hotels often have larger, modern rooms but are also a little farther from the city’s historic hub. Beacon Hill is beautiful, but its steep streets and small buildings can be tricky to navigate with strollers and young children. Downtown is busy, but also right in the thick of the action and easy to navigate. Pick depending on the particular needs and preferences of your family.
Be seasonally strategic
Boston’s weather conditions shift a lot between seasons, so the time of year you visit can make a big difference to your family’s experience. Winters can be very cold, and the chilly coastal wind can be uncomfortable for young children, although Boston does have many indoor attractions and activities in close proximity to one another. Pack waterproof shoes if you’re heading to Boston in the winter, as sidewalks can be slushy with snow.
During the summer, Boston’s coastal location can lead to high humidity. Again, you don’t have to walk far between attractions in Boston, but do bear the likely humidity in mind if you’re planning on spending a long time outdoors (perhaps on Boston Common) with young kids.
Boston is very, very popular with tourists during the fall, especially in October. Lots of tourists head to New England to see the fall foliage, and this ramps up during Halloween as people flood into the state for classic ‘spooky’ destinations like nearby Salem and photos with gothic New England architecture. The city’s atmosphere is a lot of fun during this time, but if you’d rather avoid the crowds, then time your trip earlier in the fall or during a different season.
Book in advance for the New England Aquarium
The New England Aquarium is always popular with young children. You can safely touch sharks and rays in the touch tank, marvel at the thousands of species living in the 200,000-gallon Giant Ocean Tank, watch fur seals and harbor seals at the Marine Mammal Center, and be charmed by the famous Boston penguins. It’s an easy spot to find, right on the waterfront near Long Wharf, and you can easily spend many hours here exploring everything the aquarium has to offer.
However, the aquarium is very popular – especially during school vacations – so it’s a good idea to book your visit in advance. While you may be able to get tickets as a walk-in, it’s not always guaranteed. To avoid disappointment, hop online and get your tickets early.
The Museum of Science is very kid-friendly
Most of Boston’s museums have family-friendly elements, but the Museum of Science takes this to another level. You’ll find the museum near the Charles River, and it’s well worth a visit if you’ve got time. There’s a planetarium with live demonstrations, kid-focused dinosaur exhibits, engineering displays, and plenty for children to do throughout the museum. You can easily spend a full afternoon here without your children ever losing interest.
The Freedom Trail is great – but may not be appropriate for smaller children
You’ll find the Freedom Trail pushed a lot when you visit Boston – and for good reason. The Freedom Trail stretches roughly 2.5 miles across the city and takes in the majority of the city’s iconic Revolutionary War sites, such as Boston Common, the Paul Revere House, and Bunker Hill Monument. However, it can be a lot more tiring for young children than some guides will admit. It’s a brick route that passes through busy roads, crowded tourist zones, and up steep hills that can be tough on little legs. So, if you have small children (or mobility issues), maybe take on the Freedom Trail in sections, or factor in breaks as you go.
Boston Common and the Public Garden are good for breathing space
Boston is jam-packed with museums, historical sites, and other attractions – so it’s easy to get cultural overwhelm if you don’t give yourself the occasional breather. Boston Common and the Public Garden are great places to rest and let your kids let off a bit of steam.
The Common dates back to 1634, and is a popular green space close to the heart of the city. There are playgrounds where your children can burn off pent-up energy, and benches and picnic spots where you can relax on nice days. The Public Gardens are beautiful and a great change of scenery if you’ve been staring at museum exhibits all day.
The public transport is good – but far from perfect
Boston has one of the most comprehensive public transport systems in the United States. It’s relatively easy to get around the city on the MBTA subway system (known locally as the T). As a quick, basic guide, the Red Line is handy for getting to Cambridge and Harvard, the Green Line serves Back Bay and Fenway, and the Blue Line connects to the airport
However, while good, the subway isn’t perfect – especially if you’re traveling with small children. The infrastructure is relatively old, which can create occasional delays and make it less accessible than more modern systems. And walking between locations is sometimes faster than changing subway lines within central districts. So, do weigh up timings, accessibility, and other pros and cons when deciding whether to walk or take the T.
Have a great time in Boston with your family
Boston is a wonderful city to visit as a family, and as with every vacation, it’s worth knowing a few things in advance so you can plan your trip properly. If you pick the right season, pack appropriately, choose the right base, book key activities in advance, and plan your travel strategically, you and your family can make wonderful memories in Boston.
Disclosure – this is a collaborative post.
