Boston Children’s Museum & Beyond: The Ultimate Family Adventure

Don’t stop at the museum doors—plan your Boston adventure nearby!

Published: March 27, 2026
Child Blowing Bubbles at the Children's Museum

You’ve unlocked the wonder inside the Boston Children’s Museum, but trust us—Boston’s waterfront district offers so much more for curious families! From hands-on science experiences and riverside parks to delicious kid-approved eats and ferry rides with skyline views, you’ll find plenty to fill your perfect day (or weekend). We’re sharing our favorite kid-friendly spots and experiences a stone’s throw from the museum, so your Boston adventure can keep going long after the last exhibit. 

Our favorite things to do near Boston Children’s Museum include: 

  • Museum of Science 
  • Franklin Park Zoo 
  • CityView Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley 
  • Boston Harborwalk & Seafood Tour by Top Dog Tours 
  • Samuel Adams Brewery Tour 
  • USS Constitution Museum 
  • The Barking Crab 
  • Fort Point Channel Parks 

Museum of Science: Where Curiosity Comes Alive  

Just across town from the Children’s Museum, the Museum of Science lets budding inventors and future scientists get hands-on with everything from dinosaurs to robots. What sets this science palace apart? It’s all about play and discovery. The exhibits aren’t behind velvet ropes—kids can build bridges, experiment with wind tunnels, and even see live lightning in the jaw-dropping Theater of Electricity. The rooftop planetarium brings the solar system to life, while daily live shows keep everyone on their toes. We love how the museum combines Boston’s local history—think Charles River ecosystems and engineering marvels—with global wonders like space exploration.  

If you need a break, don’t miss grabbing lunch at the museum café, where you’ll have panoramic river views. Bold, bright, and brilliantly interactive, the Museum of Science is one Boston experience where everyone gets to be a kid again. 

Franklin Park Zoo: Roars and Wild Encounters 

If your crew craves a little fresh air and animal adventure, Franklin Park Zoo is a winner. It’s just a quick drive from downtown, set in 72 acres of leafy parkland. Here, giraffes graze beside zebras, and friendly zookeepers are always sharing fun facts. But what truly makes the zoo special? The immersive habitats! The Tropical Forest indoor exhibit feels like a real jungle, with swinging monkeys and gorillas relaxing against lush backdrops.  

Be sure to swing by for special animal encounters, seasonal events, and zookeeper chats; there’s always something new to learn. Add in shady picnic spots and a carousel, and Franklin Park Zoo brings family joy to a whole new level. 

CityView Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley: Boston’s Best Sights on Your Schedule

Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley

Want to see all of Boston but not hear endless grumbling about tired feet? Jump on the CityView Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley for a breeze of a sightseeing experience. The open-air trolleys stop at all the city highlights—think Boston Common, Quincy Market, and the waterfront stop steps from the Children’s Museum.  

What do we love about it? You can disembark wherever catches your fancy, spend as long as you want exploring, then simply catch the next trolley—no planning stress required. The lively guides keep the ride upbeat with funny local stories and tips (you might even pick up some Boston slang!).  

Boston Harborwalk & Seafood Tour by Top Dog Tours: Scenic Sights and Local Bites 

The waterfront is buzzing, and Top Dog Tours’ Boston Harborwalk & Seafood Tour turns your stroll into a culinary adventure. Picture this: you and your family meandering along the sparkling Harborwalk, sampling clam chowder, lobster rolls, and all the flavors that make Boston a food lover’s haven. Your guide packs in stories about the vibrant Seaport District—past pirate skirmishes, wharves, and the evolution of the waterfront. Even kids who swear they “don’t like seafood” change their tune after a hot fresh fried clam or chunky chowder.  

It’s the perfect way to sneak in a dose of Boston’s history and culture, all while tasting the city’s most famous bites and soaking up those waterfront views. This experience finishes just a short stroll away from the Children’s Museum, so you can keep the energy going without missing a beat. 

Samuel Adams Brewery Tour: Cheers to Boston’s Heritage 

Yes, this classic Boston brewery tour is family-friendly! At Samuel Adams, grown-ups can sample innovative brews, while kids enjoy behind-the-scenes fun seeing how a working brewery operates. The lively guides explain everything from malting to bottling with stories that keep all ages tuned in. Inside the visitor center, you’ll learn why beer is an essential part of Boston’s story—from the founding fathers to the city’s current craft boom.  

There’s plenty of memorabilia and interactive displays, so even if you’re not sampling a cold one, everyone walks away with a nugget of Boston trivia to share. And hey, plenty of great restaurants and play spaces decorate the area, so you can round out your experience with lunch or an outdoorsy outing afterward. 

USS Constitution Museum: History at Anchor

Child at USS Constitution Museum

“A ship older than your grandparents’ grandparents!”—that’s how your kids might describe Old Ironsides after exploring the fascinating USS Constitution Museum in the Charlestown Navy Yard. Climb aboard a real vessel, ring the ship’s bell, and try hoisting a sail. This museum packs history into hands-on fun, with activities tailored for little ones and thought-provoking displays for grown-ups.  

The museum also features interactive exhibits on knot-tying and navigation, and the fun scavenger hunt will give your group a new perspective on America’s maritime past. For ship-loving kids or history buffs, this museum makes Boston’s proud seafaring heritage come alive. 

The Barking Crab: Seafood With a Side of Fun 

This red-shingled seafood shack along the Fort Point Channel is a Boston family legend. The Barking Crab draws a crowd with its casual picnic tables, strings of fairy lights, and playful décor (look for giant crustaceans hanging from the rafters). Here, you’re treated to kettle-steamed lobsters, heaping baskets of fried clams, and perfect corn on the cob—with views stretching straight across the harbor.  

Kids can dig into fish fingers or grilled cheese, while adults love the Crab Cake Sandwich and local oysters. In summer, the outdoor patio buzzes with laughter, breezes, and the sound of boats bobbing by. Inside, everything feels just as lively, with nautical maps and old-school seafaring kitsch. For families looking to refuel after museum time, there’s no better spot to relax and enjoy that waterfront energy. 

Fort Point Channel Parks: Urban Green Space With Waterfront Views 

Sometimes all you need after a morning in the museum is fresh air and space to roam. Fort Point Channel Parks deliver just that, with landscaped lawns, playgrounds, and walking paths along the water. Kids can run free, duck boats glide by, and public art pops up around every corner. There are benches for resting parents, snack stands for ice cream or coffee, and plenty of shade to relax. 

Spring and summer bring outdoor concerts, pop-up markets, and food trucks, adding a little extra buzz. Perfect for a picnic, a game of tag, or simply soaking up skyline views reflected on the Channel, these green spaces turn Boston’s urban core into a playful, peaceful escape. 

 

There you have it—plenty of unforgettable ways to fill your family’s day within easy walking (or trolley-hopping!) distance of the Boston Children’s Museum. Whatever your crew’s style—science buffs, history hunters, foodies, or playground pros—Boston’s vibrant Seaport and waterfront districts serve up fun and adventure at every turn. Pack your energy, curiosity, and appetite into your Boston itinerary, and you’ll be making lifelong memories in no time. 

Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do Near Franklin Park Zoo or Things to Do in Boston in the Morning 

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New Year's Eve in Boston - Things to do

Rich history and a fine party scene means there’s plenty to keep you occupied in Boston on New Year’s Eve. From heritage trails to winter wonderlands, magnificent museums to the city’s beloved sport team stadiums, Boston has it all. New Year is a great time to visit, with plenty going on to keep kids and grown-ups entertained all day long, not to mention the buzzy bar scene and epic firework displays that define this great city’s end-of-year celebrations. Read on for our guide to New Year’s Eve in Boston and the best things to do while you’re in town! Morning: Boston Highlights Crisp winter mornings are made for sightseeing and, as you happen to be in Boston for New Year, well, why the heck not? There’s a glut of activities here – from the historical to the futuristic – that will take up just one or two hours of your New Year’s Eve in Boston. And boy, are some of Beantown’s attractions worth checking out. 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Stuart Bak
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Things to do in Beacon Hill, Boston

Looking to spend your vacation in Boston, but not sure where to set up your home base? Why not try Beacon Hill? This affluent area of the city has plenty of things to see and do, as well as places to eat and drink. Take our word for it and read on, as we've done all the research for you! So sit back, relax and read on as we talk about the best things to do in Beacon Hill, Boston! Including: Parks Freedom Trail Walking Tour Massachusetts State House Weird gifts Dinner ideas and more! Common People Sometimes, even on vacation, you just want to relax in the great outdoors, breathing in the fresh air as birdsong fills your ears. Well, you're in Boston, so it's not like there are rolling hills of green or grandiose canyons to look upon. Instead, you'll need to go to one of Boston's great green spaces to get your fill of mother nature. Thankfully, Beacon Hill has some fantastic parks to prowl. Don't actually prowl them. You're not a cat. Firstly, why not stop by the country's oldest public park? Since the 1630s, Boston Common has been a popular destination for tourists and locals. Its 50 acres touch five of the city's main streets, two of which are in Beacon Hill. So it counts. Be sure to check out Brewer Fountain Plaza for some sweet social snaps. Or, if you like your plants more exotic and fancy stretching your legs a little bit more, Boston Public Garden is a stone's throw from the Common. The country's original botanical gardens, it's become rather famous for it swan-like boats, which many romantic comedies have used throughout the years. Besides all the amazing flora and the big swan boats, there's plenty of history to discover too, so feel free to take a guided tour if that's your thing. Or just sit down, relax, and drink it all in. Up to you. On the trail of freedom Boston's famous Freedom Trail also snakes its way into Beacon Hill. So, if you're feeling historical, curious about the nation's history, or just want to experience talking to someone in funny old-timey clothing, why not take a tour? This 90-minute, one-mile historic city tour follows Boston's world-famous red brick path. Participants will hear over 250 years of history come to life as they pass by Boston's historical sites, such as Boston Common, Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church, the Boston Massacre Site, and King's Chapel. Famous historical faces like Josiah Quincy, Henry Knox, and Phillis Wheatley will tell you their own stories and share lively anecdotes about the places, events, and drama of the American Revolution and beyond. Well, not really them. It's actors. Those guys are all long gone. If you even have just a fraction of interest in the country's independence or history, the Freedom Trail Tour is easily one of the best things to do in Beacon Hill when you visit Boston! The State of play If all the tasty history wasn't enough, why not make room for another course? Our dessert menu only has one historical item on it, a braised Massachusetts State House that's simply dripping with historical intrigue and information. The large, golden dome is visible from many parts of the city. As such, it's a beacon you should not miss. And how can you miss a beacon when you're in Beacon Hill? They offer free tours to all visitors, so why not go and learn some things? Oddities We've all been there. You're on vacation, and the expectation from your congregation is to bring them back gifts that will cause elation. But what gift do you get? Do you even know what they like? Don't worry about any of that. Go with your gut and head down to Black Ink. Inside, you'll find a world of curious oddities, from shot glasses to dinosaurs, weird baby toys to cat-themed chopstick rests. If it sounds strange and disparate, that's because it is. But it wears that randomness on its sleeve. Some of it is Boston-themed, and some of it is not. Well, it's better than a cheap postcard with a tacky tagline, isn't it? Winner winner get some dinner Let's move swiftly onto food, now. Beacon Hill has some banging restaurants to sate your well-earned hunger. These are our favs. Start your day off with a bang at Beacon Hill Bistro. Yes, it's a restaurant in a hotel, but after you've tasted their winning delights, you'll wish you had booked a room. Their crispy chicken hash with eggs is sublime, and a great way to pack your body with protein to power the day ahead. Looking for a nice lunch spot? Hit up Grotto for some classic Italian dishes with a twist. The Gnocchi with short ribs, mushrooms, and gorgonzola in a red wine sauce is something else. But they do steak too, if you're not feeling like a little Italy. For a classy dinner, fork out for No.9 Park. Diners are welcomed by a pricey tasting menu and wine pairing, as well as a dress code. No jeans and tank tops here. However, the food is as delightful as the elegant decor, with its nouveau-cuisine spin on Italian classics. Liquid Bold After all the dining and exploring, end the day with a couple of drinks. These are our picks for Beacon Hill's best boozers. For an unassuming pint or three, the Seven Ale House has you covered. Bringing some of that Boston dock attitude to this gentrified area, you can settle in for a drink and overhear the locals talking about the ball game or something. Or, enjoy the speakeasy vibe of Carrie Nation Cocktail Club. Cocktails are the name of the game here, mostly created with craft vodkas, gins, and whiskeys. Grab a couple, play a game of pool, and forget about all your troubles, if only for a few hours. And those are our picks for the best things to do in Beacon Hill, Boston! Want some more East coast goodness? Check out Boston's best museums.
Dom Bewley

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