Boston is a city built for families. Filled with world-class entertainment, exciting outdoor opportunities and history swirling through every street, both the young and young at heart will find an abundance of fun things to do during their stay. With some of the country’s most well-known museums, unbelievable parks and beloved historic sites, a stop in Boston will help you make memories that will last a lifetime.
Take a look at these AAA-recommended things to do in Boston with kids to start planning a holiday everyone in your family will love.
New England Aquarium
Located at 1 Central Wharf right along Boston’s Waterfront district, this incredible aquarium is home to over 8,000 marine animals as well as outstanding interactive opportunities and a wide range of exciting activities interchanging throughout the year. Its conservation and research efforts are second to none, making it not only a fun-filled destination but also an educational one where kids can learn how to engage with and protect the oceans around the world.
The New England Aquarium is open all year round, with daily hours from 9 am to 6 pm. General admission prices range from $25 for children, $34 for adults and $32 for seniors over 60. However, there are several additional activities found in the museum, such as the Simons IMAX Theater.
Whale Watching
Located just down the road from the Aquarium at Boston’s Long Wharf sits the departure point for a truly life-changing experience. A Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Catamaran will give you an up-close look at some of the world’s most majestic and magnificent creatures.
Bringing you past the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, this tour guarantees you’ll see the most amount of whales in the shortest amount of time. While humpback whales are always a popular sight, guests have also spotted finback whales, right whales and even white-sided dolphins during their tour. The experience costs $74 per person and there is a variety of snacks and refreshments for sale on board.
Boston Children’s Museum
If you wander over to 308 Congress Street in the Landmark District, you’ll find yourself standing in front of one of the oldest and largest museums dedicated specifically to children in the entire country. An immersive and diverse museum filled with interactive exhibits that emphasize hands-on engagement for visitors of all ages, this is an exceptional learning experience that promotes the power of play.
The museum is open seven days a week from 9 am to 12 pm and from 1:30 to 4:30 pm every afternoon. While general admission tickets can be purchased on-site for $22, tickets can also be reserved online which can help guarantee you and your family enjoy the entire experience.
Franklin Park Zoo
Directly in between the Roxbury and Dorchester Districts, the Franklin Park Zoo at 1 Franklin Park Road is an incredible wildlife experience not to be missed. Stretching over 70 acres, this beautiful and unique zoo is home to over 220 different animal species from around the world. Its domed Tropical Rainforest and Kalahari Kingdom are certainly some of its most popular exhibits, featuring some of the zoo’s most exciting animals. However, the zoo hosts several enchanting events throughout the year for visitors to enjoy.
The Franklin Park Zoo is open year-round. However, their hours of operation do change depending on the season, so make sure you take a look at opening and closing times to make the most of your visit.
LEGO Discovery Center
A brand new Discovery Center, this limitless LEGO experience offers 11 distinct attractions, including the Hero Zone, the Tree of Togetherness and its noteworthy 4D Cinema where guests can enjoy action-packed Lego-centric adventures like never before.
Located in Assembly Row in the Somerville neighborhood, this is a fantastic opportunity for some year-round excitement. Keep in mind, however, that tickets must be pre-booked online, with basic admission costing $26.99 per person.
Boston Museum of Science
An indisputable educational playground, Boston’s Museum of Science makes learning come to life. An exploration of everything in our world and how it works, this one-of-a-kind destination strives to expand the mind of each and every guest who walks through their doors, no matter how old they are. With a range of exhibits ranging from the spectacular Soundstair to an up-close look at how vaccines work, visitors will be kept busy all day long.
While general admission prices start at $29 for adults and $24 for children between the ages of 3 and 11, keep in mind that this beautiful museum is also home to a planetarium, IMAX theater and 4D theater, all of which must be paid for separately.
Boston Public Garden
Located between Beacon Hill and Boston’s South End, this exquisite public park is a must no matter what time of year you visit. Originally established in 1837, this picturesque park provides visitors with a breathtaking scenic landscape in the middle of one of New England’s most popular cities.
Kids will love taking a ride on one of the garden’s beloved swan boats, while many park-goers prefer the serenity often found at the garden’s renowned lagoon. From May through September, the gardens offer free guided walking tours teaching the history and horticulture of the local area and seasonal events are held throughout the year for guests to enjoy.
Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum
If you’re in Boston, connecting with this country’s impactful history is a must and one of the best ways to do that is with a visit to the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum. Bringing the past back to life, this museum is filled with exceptional actors and historians, a complete replica of period ships and interactive exhibits that will have you ready to throw crates of tea overboard yourself.
Located on the Congress Street Bridge, this immersive experience is open all year round, with slightly longer hours during the summer. Close to the Boston Seaport, this is a great way to spend the day before noshing down on some of the city’s most delectable dishes.
Join the million other AAA members and start planning your trip to Boston today. Dream up the perfect trip with our Trip Canvas research tool and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.