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Things to Do in Boston with Kids
Boston is a history lesson kids actually enjoy: a red-brick trail through the Revolution, a ship you can climb aboard, swan boats in the Public Garden and one of the best children's museums in the country. This guide is organized by area, with parent tips from our local guides and free picks flagged.
We run three Boston tours, including a Historic Downtown tour on the Freedom Trail and a Harvard Square tour in Cambridge, and families are some of our favorite guests.
By the Underground Donut Tour team · Updated November 2026
At a glance
- Free favorites: Boston Common and the Frog Pond, the Public Garden's duckling statues, the Freedom Trail, Faneuil Hall street performers, USS Constitution
- Rainy day picks: Museum of Science, Boston Children's Museum, New England Aquarium
- Sweet treat: Our Boston donut tour welcomes kids 2 and up, with kids' tickets from $55
Kid-friendly things to do in Boston, by neighborhood
Downtown and the Freedom Trail
Boston Common and the Frog Pond
FreeAmerica's oldest public park, with a spray pool in summer, ice skating in winter and a big playground.
Public Garden and the Swan Boats
Pedal-powered Swan Boats glide around the lagoon in warm months, and the "Make Way for Ducklings" statues are free year-round.
Parent tip: Bring a copy of the book. Kids love finding Mrs. Mallard and all eight ducklings.
The Freedom Trail
FreeA 2.5-mile red-brick line through 16 historic sites. Do a section at a time with little ones.
Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market
FreeStreet performers, a huge food hall and plenty of room to wander.
Parent tip: Our Historic Downtown tour covers part of the Freedom Trail, so it's an easy way to get kids hooked on Boston history before you walk the rest.
The Waterfront and Charlestown
Boston Children's Museum
Rainy day pickThree floors of climbing, building and pretend play, built for kids roughly 1 to 10.
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
Costumed actors, replica ships and a chance for kids to throw tea into the harbor.
USS Constitution
FreeClimb aboard "Old Ironsides," the oldest commissioned warship afloat, then visit the hands-on museum next door.
Cambridge and Back Bay
Museum of Science
Rainy day pickLightning shows, a planetarium and hands-on science on the Charles River.
Harvard Square
FreeStreet musicians, bookstores and Harvard Yard, plus our Harvard Square donut tour.
Boston Public Library
FreeA grand building with a children's library and a quiet courtyard for a break.
Sweet treats and kid-friendly eats
Underground Donut Tour (kids' tickets from $55, ages 2 and up). Our Historic Downtown Donut Tour walks the Freedom Trail with stops for classic and creative donuts, and our Harvard Square tour does the same in Cambridge. Guides mix in plenty of Boston history, and strollers are easy on both routes.
Taste Boston's best donuts on one walk
Kids 2 and up are welcome. Guides set an easy pace for little legs.
Parent tip: Let us know about allergies or dietary needs when you book, and download our free Kids' Activity Book for the trip.
What families say about our Boston tours
"Such a great experience and our kids loved every stop and all the rich history shared."
Russ K., TripAdvisor, October 2026
"We took our two small children in strollers and it was easy enough to push them around. They enjoyed the stops and the donuts!"
Katelyn K., TripAdvisor, June 2026
"Perfect tour with kids. John did an awesome job. We left full!!!"
Brad M., TripAdvisor, July 2026
All 5-star guest reviews.
Exploring on your own? Our Best Donut Shops in Boston guide lists the city's best donut shops by neighborhood, and Best Holiday Donuts in Boston covers the festive specials.
Sample days
Day 1: Freedom Trail
- Morning: Historic Downtown donut tour.
- Splash or skate at the Frog Pond on Boston Common.
- Swan Boats and duckling statues in the Public Garden.
- Dinner and street performers at Quincy Market.
Day 2: Waterfront
- New England Aquarium when it opens.
- Lunch on the harbor.
- Boston Children's Museum or the Tea Party Ships.
- Walk the Harborwalk at sunset.
Day 3: Science and Cambridge
- Museum of Science in the morning.
- Lunch in Harvard Square.
- Harvard Square donut tour or a walk through Harvard Yard.
- Or cross to Charlestown for USS Constitution.
Boston with kids by season
Holidays
- Boston Common tree lighting: the city's official Christmas tree lights up in early December.
- Ice skating at the Frog Pond: open through the winter on Boston Common.
- Holiday lights: the trees along the Commonwealth Avenue Mall and around Faneuil Hall glow all season.
- For seasonal treats, see Best Holiday Donuts in Boston.
The rest of the year
- Spring: the Swan Boats return to the Public Garden, and the city fills with blossoms.
- Summer: harbor cruises, the Frog Pond spray pool and long evenings on the waterfront.
- Fall: crisp walking weather on the Freedom Trail, and our haunted tour runs for families with kids 6 and up.
- Winter: skating on the Frog Pond and plenty of indoor museums.
Boston with kids FAQ
Is the Boston donut tour good for kids?
Yes. Kids 2 and up are welcome, guests often bring strollers, and guides keep the history fun for families. Kids' tickets start at $55.
What are free things to do in Boston with kids?
Boston Common and the Frog Pond, the Public Garden's duckling statues, the Freedom Trail, Faneuil Hall's street performers, USS Constitution and the Boston Public Library.
Is the Freedom Trail OK for little kids?
Yes, in sections. It's 2.5 miles, so pick a stretch, follow the red line and stop for snacks along the way.
What's a good rainy-day plan?
The Museum of Science, Boston Children's Museum or the New England Aquarium.