Boston Family Vacation Ideas

One of our top family-friendly attractions is the New England Aquarium. It’s educational yet entertaining, with multiple exhibit spaces mimicking natural environments for the many marine inhabitants. They’ve got a massive coral reef with brightly colored fish and plants, a colony of playful penguins, and even a touch tank with rays, sharks, and more.

This attraction is also conveniently located for your further explorations. It’s right on the waterfront near Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall, a great place for families to explore for shopping, dining, and people-watching.

If you’re looking for a special experience your kids will never forget, then a whale watch cruise is a smart choice. This option departs from and is run by the New England Aquarium, so it’s ethically run and really informative -- a great way to keep the kids engaged during the summer months.

Sail out to the Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, a rich feeding ground for all kinds of sea critters, from dolphins to seabirds to the iconic whales. It’s a nice way to spend an afternoon out on the cool water, too, to escape from the heat of Boston’s summer.

Families that love football, baseball, or hockey should be sure to explore some aspect of Boston’s storied sports scene. While most of their most popular sports teams are on hiatus over the summer, you’ve still got the famed Boston Red Sox going strong. Snag a few tickets to a game and make sure you try a famous Fenway Frank.

For a deep dive into the sport, complement your ball game with a tour of Fenway itself. This comprehensive, behind-the-scenes tour is a perfect way for sports fans to learn all about their legendary history.

This prestigious school is one of the world's most famous and highest-ranking institutes of education. Take a tour – led by the students themselves – of the stunning buildings on campus and hear all about the ins and outs of Harvard life.

The Harvard Tour is a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience that includes a guided tour of the campus and its historical buildings, including the John Harvard Statue, Memorial Hall, Harvard Square, and Harvard Yard. You'll see where 8 former presidents of the United States spent their student years, along with countless other famous names.

This is one for art-loving families. The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) is a prestigious art museum featuring exciting special exhibits, inspiring permanent collections, and fun programming for families year-round. They have particular strengths in Art of the Americas, which includes everything from early colonial furniture and portraiture to indigenous art and artifacts.

Be sure to check their website before you visit to see what kind of event programming they have going on – there are often specific activities for kids.

While there are many fine parks and gardens scattered throughout Boston and Cambridge, there is nothing as lovely as the Boston Public Garden. This beautifully landscaped expanse is a perfect place for a stroll, picnic, Frisbee throwing, and floral Instagramming. Take the whole family to enjoy this beautiful green space.

While you’re there, hop aboard one of the historic Swan Boat and relax for a ride around the picturesque lagoon--a quintessential Boston experience with a lot of history.

Fun fact: Boston Public Garden was the first public botanical garden in the US.

Just one T-stop over from MIT is Harvard University. You could spend a whole day exploring Harvard Square, Harvard University Campus, and the Harvard Museum of Natural History, if you didn't already take the tour led by students.

One of the cool things about the Harvard Museum of Natural History is that it's three museums in one: Comparative Zoology, an Herbaria, and the Mineralogical and Geological Museum. You'll see everything from exotic animals and fossils to rare geodes and gems.

If you’re willing to take a bit of a field trip outside of Boston, Plimoth Plantation is a top family destination in the area. This recreated village is designed to resemble the seventeenth-century Plymouth Colony, including the English village, the indigenous Wampanoag settlement, the Plimoth Grist Mill, and a craft center.

It’s a great educational place where visitors can truly immerse themselves in early American history – and it’s a fun place to find souvenirs!

Last but not least, you can’t go wrong with a visit to our favorite local zoo! The Franklin Park Zoo is home to many amazing creatures, from gorillas and giraffes to tigers and more. They have lots of different habitats, including the innovative Tiger Tales exhibit and the Giraffe Savannah, and an expansive footprint because of its location in the massive Franklin Park.

As a bonus, Franklin Park is also fun to explore! It’s a great place for kids to roam and play, and pets too, if you’re traveling with any.