10+ Things to Do in Boston with Teens During Your Trip

Published: July 18, 2024
fenway park

Let’s face it – teens don’t always want to be a part of the big family vacation. The stuff they used to love as little kids just isn’t 'cool' anymore, and they're likely not as into adult attractions like art films or galleries. So... what to do?

If you’re looking for things to do in Boston with teens, check out our list of the top attractions and activities, including...

  • Boston Red Sox Game & Fenway Park Tour
  • New England Aquarium
  • Franklin Park Zoo
  • Boston Museum of Science
  • Boston Duck Tour
  • Boston Trolley Tour
  • and more...

Catch a Game at Fenway Park

Fenway Park

Boston is a town with some major sports love going on. Take the teens out to a Boston Red Sox baseball game at Fenway Park, one of Major League Baseball’s most beloved and historic stadiums.

You can also opt to tour the park, which is great fun for the whole family. You'll see all the major landmarks of this iconic ballpark, including Pesky's Pole, the Lone Red Seat, the Green Monster, and much more. Not around Boston during baseball season? Snag tickets to see the Celtics or the Bruins, both of which are a delight to watch at the TD Garden.

Learn something new at the Museum of Science

Museum of Science

There's nothing that says vacations have to be pure, mindless relaxation. Why not have your teens exercise their brains in a really fun way with a visit to the Boston Museum of Science? This Boston institution is a favorite school trip destination, and it's got tons of exhibits to appeal to kids and teens of all ages.

With more than 700 different interactive exhibits to explore including the Theater of Electricity, there's bound to be something (or several somethings) of interest. Check out the beloved Hall of Human Life for an in-depth, fascinating look at the human body and all its many wonders.

Embark on a bike ride

Boston bike ride

There are few cities in America as bike-friendly as Boston, so it’s actually a great idea for the whole family to explore the city aboard a comfortable touring bike. Whether you want to leisurely pedal around the Common (which does involve some serious hills) or along the Charles River, or feel up to braving the streets of Boston for some serious local cred, a bike ride is a perfect way to spend an afternoon.

Boston Bike Rental is a great way to give your teens some freedom - let them pedal around using the bike map included with your rental and explore on their own.

Enjoy Thrill Rides

Rollercoaster

Another good way to occupy restless teens is with a trip to an awesome theme park – Six Flags New England. It's a bit of a day trip from Boston, but it's worth the hours of fun and excitement they'll have.

Filled with rides, slides, and tons of fun, this family-favorite theme park is sure to delight. Six Flags New England has rides geared at guests of all ages, so families with both adrenaline-junkie teens and little ones who will delight in gentler rides will find something to suit everyone.

Tour the city in a unique way

CV Trolley Tour

🗓️ >> Check out our weekend in Boston itinerary

Everyone loves the chance to explore new cities, and the combination of history and modern technology that Boston has to offer makes for some really attractive scenery.

While teens may cringe at the notion of following an umbrella around on foot, there's something fun and unique about offbeat tours like a Boston Duck Tour, which is a great photo op and silly fun, or a Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour, which provides easy flexibility for tailoring your explorations. Make special memories and take the whole family on one of these unique sightseeing tours during your next Boston trip.

Get immersed in history

Freedom Trail walking tour

While some of the historic homes and museums may seem a little too sedate for your teens, they'll feel history come alive in a more engaging way on the Freedom Trail Walking Tour. Hosted by tour guides in full 18th-century costume, the tour winds through historic Boston, meandering past highlights like the Boston Common, Old South Meeting House, and Faneuil Hall. Your guided Freedom Trail walking tour will provide insight and local insider information about each attraction.

You could also opt to follow the trail on your own. Try making a scavenger hunt out of it!

Leave a little time to shop till you drop

 

Shopping in Boston

Everyone wants a great souvenir from their trip, and some teens may want more than a keychain to satisfy their Boston shopping desires. Fortunately for you (and perhaps unfortunately for their wallets), Boston is an amazing shopping town, offering everything and anything you could want.

From the high-end boutique stores of Newbury Street to the chain offerings at Cambridgeside Galleria, there’s a shop to suit every budget. Don’t forget to check out smaller indie stories in places like Cambridge and Somerville!

Save on admission to top Boston attractions with Go City®

With an All-Inclusive Pass from Go City, you can visit Boston attractions for a fraction of the cost. Plus, you could save up to 50% on all your Boston must-sees. Or pick an Explorer Pass, if you've chosen your fave and have a specific bucket list you're dreaming of ticking off.

☀️ Compare Boston passes ☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 – ✈️ Buy a pass ✈️

 

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Boston Memorial Day Weekend - 10+ Fun Things to Do in May

Memorial Day Weekend is the perfect opportunity to get away and log some family time in a brand new city. To celebrate this year, pay a visit to one of the most historic cities in America - Boston! Packed with activities and events, Boston is perfect for a family-friendly weekend away. If you’re looking for Boston Memorial Day Weekend ideas, check out some of these local activities and fun things do in Boston in May, including... Walk the Freedom Trail Visit iconic Fenway Park Picnic in the Boston Common Take a Trolley Tour around town and more... Save on Attraction Admission Regular admission to a number of these attractions are included on the Go Boston pass. Choose as you go from dozens of Boston attractions & activities and save up to 55% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes and Boston attractions – learn more. Please note, some of these special May and Memorial Day weekend events may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go Boston pass. The Freedom Trail & Other Historical Attractions Check out the Art Scene Tour the City on a Trolley Tour Iconic Fenway Park Get Out on the Water Soak up some sun this Memorial Day and discover Boston's most beloved landmarks on the Charles Riverboat Cruise -- after all, you’re in the Bay State! A scenic sail along this popular Boston waterway will escort you past top sites, as well as local sailboats, rowers, and paddleboaters. Another fun option is the USS Constitution Cruise, a delightful cruise that showcases the famed 'Old Ironsides'. This 45-minute cruise also includes informative narration of the inner harbor and a survey of popular historical and contemporary landmarks visible from the water. If you'd rather enjoy the waterfront from land, there are tons of places to catch awesome views of the ocean. Rowe's Wharf is a great place to take in the salty air and is centrally located near downtown. Embark on a Whale Watch Stroll the Boston Common Take a Bike Ride Take a Brewery Tour There are few things that say the start of summer more than a good cold beer. Tour some of the area's best local breweries for a chance to sample the new seasonal brews. Some of our favorites include Sam Adams, Harpoon, Trillium and Night Shift. If you're more into cider, you'll be pleased to find out that Downeast Cider is opening an outdoor bar in Dewey Square, near South Station. The bar opens in late May through October and will be serving up cider, beer and wine every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and of course at the weekend. Insider Tip: If you want a free glass with your brewery tour at Sam Adams, use your Go Boston pass! Please note that the tour itself is free. Getting In: Sam Adams Brewery glassware is included with the Go Boston pass. Shop the Sales Don't forget about the shopping! Memorial Day is a time for some of the best sales of the year and Boston has no shortage of great places to shop. Head to Newbury Street, the Prudential Center, or Cambridgeside Galleria for the best shopping in town. Don't forget about all of the small businesses across the city, either! Memorial Day Parade The Somerville Veterans Memorial Parade is usually on Memorial day in May. The parade begins at Somerville City Hall and continues down Highland Ave. through Davis Sq. with the conclusion at the intersection of Holland and Broadway in Teele Sq. Getting In: This Memorial Day Parade is free and open to the public. Boston Calling Music Festival One of the most popular local music festivals falls on Memorial Day - Boston Calling. Some of the most acclaimed artists in contemporary music will come to the Harvard Athletic Complex (in Cambridge) to play to the adoring masses. It's a favorite event with locals, so tickets can sometimes go fast. For more information about line-ups and to purchase tickets, visit the event website. Getting In: Boston Calling is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go Boston pass. Remember to Save on Attraction Admission There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in Boston in May to help you plan your Memorial Day weekend itinerary. Remember, many of these great ideas are included on the Go Boston pass, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. We really hope you consider adding a few of these popular options to your upcoming plans. Enjoy!
Katie Sagal
Boston in spring
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10+ Things to Do in Boston in Spring

Boston really comes alive in the spring. As Bostonians shake off the chill of winter, the city is more than ready to offer fresh air, beautiful flowers, and amazing special events to visitors and locals alike. If you’re coming to Beantown this spring but aren’t set on what to see, check out our list of things to do in Boston in spring for some inspiration, including... New England Aquarium Whale Watch Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Trolley Tour Museum of Science Fenway Park Tours Swan Boat Ride Patriots Day / Marathon Monday Events and more! Visit the New England Aquarium A fun option for the kids is the perennially popular New England Aquarium, beloved by all. It’s one of the area’s most beloved attractions and it has a ton to offer new and returning visitors alike. From sharks to stingrays and everything in between, there are so many animals for you to marvel at in this modern aquarium. Spring also marks the return of the Atlantic whale-watching season, so consider hopping aboard the New England Aquarium’s whale watch. Tour the city in style Now that the weather has warmed up, it's a great opportunity to explore this lovely city. Take a charming Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour that will escort you around while highlighting major landmarks and neighborhoods with maximum flexibility. Plus, with this weather, we're sure you'll be tempted to jump off and explore on your own at least once or twice! Some of the major highlights you'll see along this tour include the New England Aquarium, Old North Church, Boston's North End, Faneuil Hall, Boston Common, and many more. Explore the Museum of Fine Arts Visitors flock to the wonderful Museum of Fine Arts year-round, but their fine collection of special exhibits in the spring months makes it especially worth a visit. Take a look at the current exhibitions on display at the MFA. This exceptional museum has one of the most comprehensive collections in the world, featuring over 500,000 objects and works of art. Explore the wonders of the Museum of Science Another iconic Boston attraction, the Museum of Science is somewhere the whole family can enjoy. Explore the astonishing and inspiring world of STEM as you wander through dozens of interactive exhibits. Some top attractions at this museum include the Hall of Human Life, which is an in-depth look at the complexities of the human body, and the Theater of Electricity, which contains the world’s largest air-insulated Van de Graaff generator. Little ones will love its "Hands-on Laboratory - where you become the scientist" and everyone will be fascinated by "Mirror Maze: Numbers in Nature," which showcases elaborate numerical patterns that exist in nature. You can also visit the Butterfly Exhibit and the Planetarium for small upgrade fees. Root for the home team Spring often means one thing for Boston sports fans – the start of Red Sox season! If you’re a fan of the great game, why not snag a ticket and sit back to enjoy America's favorite pastime? Don’t forget to grab a few Fenway Franks! For additional baseball fun, take a tour of iconic Fenway Park. Picnic on the Boston Common Although Boston isn’t quite the warmest spring destination on the books, it is a charming place. With spring comes the return of the many flowers and trees in the Boston Common and in the Boston Public Garden, both of which make for some excellent warm weather strolling. If the ground is dry enough, grab some supplies and make a picnic day out of it (otherwise, grab one of the tables by the fountain on the Common to avoid the rain). While you’re in the park, why not take a ride on the historic Swan Boats? Irish Film Festival, Boston Given Boston’s proud Irish heritage, it’s no surprise that Irish filmography is a big deal in this city. The Irish Film Festival, Boston features an exciting lineup of Irish films straight from the motherland, many of which are new to the U.S. This is the biggest Irish film festival outside of Ireland, so you know it’s filled with authentic films that are must-sees for any cinephile. You’ll also get to enjoy behind-the-scenes commentary, Q&As, and other special events. Boston Flower & Garden Show Each year of this eagerly anticipated takes on a new theme. You’ll get to enjoy everything from stunning plant life displays to planting demonstrations, take in professional lectures, and learn how to develop your growing skills. Learn about adopting sustainable gardening practices and air-cleansing indoor plants. What's more, there will also be outside spaces dedicated to relaxing with pets! Patriots Day / Marathon Monday This is one of the city's favorite holidays – Patriots Day, aka Marathon Monday. Officially designated to honor the start of the American Revolution, it's also always the date of the inimitable Boston Marathon. One of the world's best races, the Boston Marathon is a tradition in the city. Come here to enjoy the festive atmosphere, get caught up in the surge of adrenaline that the whole crowd is feeling, and cheer on the runners. Just keep in mind that restaurants will be busier and the T more crowded than usual. Of course, there will also be plenty of events celebrating Patriots Day, too, including reenactments, talks, and exhibits. Check out historical attractions like the Old State House, the Paul Revere House, and many more. Or, you could take a quick detour to Lexington and Concord to check out events there Boston International Film Festival Film buffs will find much to love in Boston in April. Enjoy a wide selection of experimental and innovative films – both foreign and local – right in the heart of Boston. This five-day festival features a diversity of genres: you'll likely find a little bit of everything at this event! Tickets for individual showings start at around $12, and multi-day and full event passes are available as well.   Can't choose? No need, see it all with Go City®  With Go City® you won't miss a thing, plus with a pass, you can save up to 50% compared to buying individual entry to everything you want to do - winning! ☀️Compare Boston passes☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 – ✈️ Buy a pass ✈️  
Katie Sagal
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Little Women Filming Locations in Boston

Little Women is a classic American novel written by Boston author Louisa May Alcott. It tells the story of four sisters as they come of age during the American Civil War in Boston. There are already TV, film, and theater versions of the novel, but another adaptation will hit the big screen in 2019. Greta Gerwig’s remake of Little Women could be one of the most authentic retellings, as they filmed in Boston and the surrounding areas. Check out the Little Women filming locations in Boston below, including... Harvard Town Hall Louisa May Alcott’s House, Fairmont Copley Plaza Arnold Arboretum And more Save on admission Admission to many popular Boston attractions that appear in Little Women is included in the Go Boston pass. You could save up to 55% on admission vs gate price.  Who wrote Little Women ? The original Little Women novel was written by author Louisa May Alcott. Alcott published the novel in 1968 in two volumes. It was very popular, so as a result, Alcott wrote two sequels to Little Women called Little Men and Jo’s Boys. Who’s in Little Women (2019)? Little Women (2019) is directed by Greta Gerwig and stars Saoirse Ronan as Jo, Emma Watson as Meg, Florence Pugh as Amy, and Eliza Scanlen as Beth. Timothée Chalamet plays Laurie, Meryl Streep plays Aunt March, and Laura Dern plays Mary March. Where was Little Women filmed? Little Women (2019) was filmed in Boston and the surrounding area. Gerwig wanted the film to be authentic, so she shot on location in Massachusetts. Take a look at the Little Women filming locations below... Harvard Fairmont Copley Plaza in Back Bay   View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston (@fairmontcopley) on Jul 25, 2019 at 1:38pm PDT You can see the beautiful ballroom of the Fairmont Copley Plaza in the Little Women trailer. Plus, additional filming took place in the surrounding Back Bay area. Coincidentally, if you’re visiting the Plaza or the Back Bay, you’re near the start of the Boston Movie Mile Walking Tour. See where famous films like Ally McBeal, Ted, Good Will Hunting, and The Departed were filmed. We’re sure Little Women will soon be added to this list. This is a must for movie fans visiting Boston. Arnold Arboretum Louisa May Alcott House View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amber (@amberjanice79) on Sep 4, 2019 at 9:27am PDT Little Women fans can’t visit Boston and not visit the Louisa May Alcott House in Concord. Explore Alcott’s home, complete with artifacts like her writing desk. See the house that inspired the setting of Little Women, and where the novel was written. An expert guide will take you from room to room, telling you everything you ever wanted to know about the famous author and her family. Areas outside of Boston Many scenes were filmed just outside of Boston, in towns such as Concord, Lawrence, Stoughton, Ipswich, and Lancaster. All of these towns are an hour or less by driving away from Boston, so are great day trip destinations. Visit these towns to see more of Massachusettes and for a wider understanding of Little Women’s setting. Additionally, they could be ideal spots of some fall-time leaf-peeping! In summary Little Women was filmed in key sites across Boston and the surrounding area. More importantly, many of these locations are public, so you can see them for yourself. Anyone whose favorite book is Little Women has to visit these filming spots on their next Boston vacation. Save on admission The Go Boston pass includes admission to many popular Boston attractions and Little Women filming locations. You could save up to 55% on admission vs gate price. Share your trip with us Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and share your Little Women adventure with us. Tag us at @GoCity and use #GoCityPass on your travel photos to keep us up to date with your vacation!
Seren Morris

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