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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Plus, given its proximity to the water, you'll also find the delightful New England Aquarium nearby. The perfect stop for kids big and small who love the exotic species that call our oceans home! North End & Waterfront Downtown might be the city's current midpoint, but North End is Boston's oldest district. Settled back in the 1630s, you'll feel the area's history as you walk its streets. There, you'll find the city's 'Little Italy', where many Italian immigrants settled over the years. That means plenty of charming pizzerias and cafes where you can pick up a slice or three. Attraction-wise, you'll find the Boston Tea Party Museum and the Paul Revere House, among many others. And, while you'll be sacrificing the travel connections of Downtown, you'll make up for it with fantastic views of Massachusetts Bay! Beacon Hill Another top tourist choice is Beacon Hill, which has a lot of history packed into its narrow streets. Back in the 19th-century, it was a thriving black community even before the Civil War and the abolishment of slavery. As such, an absolute must-see is the Black Heritage Trail, which winds its way through the district. Other notable attractions include the Nicols House Museum and the Massachusetts State House. Alongside all the things to see, you'll find plenty to eat and drink too! There are plenty of places to eat on Charles St and Cambridge St, with a wide variety of globe-spanning cuisines available. You'll also be in sneezing distance of Boston Common, the city's biggest green space. It's the perfect place to go and unwind if your legs need a rest on your vacation. Seaport These days, Seaport is one of Boston's most attractive vacation destinations. Given its name, you can expect amazing views of the waterfront and a bevy of eateries, watering holes, and other tourist trappings. However, that wasn't always the case. 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As far as landmarks and attractions, you have to go and see Boston Public Library and Trinity Church, two of the city's most recognizable icons. And, if you want to see more of the city, it has great travel connections and is in walking distance of Downtown and Bay Village! South End Boston's own boho-chic location is undeniably South End. It's about as far removed from tourism as you can get, for better or worse. While that means there won't be as many attractions to see or landmarks to snap, it does mean you'll find an amazing selection of restaurants, bars, and shops. Along Columbus Ave, you'll discover a boatload of cafes, taverns, and our pick, Charlie's Sandwich Shoppe. Great food in great time, head there early to sample one of their many delicious breakfast options! For a classier night on the town, check out Barcelona Wine Bar. Their menu is dripping with delicious New American dishes, and their wine selection is predictably sublime. 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Best Museums in Boston

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And, when you've explored as much art as you can physically manage in one day, rest your weary legs at the New American Cafe, where you can pick up small bites, a drink, or a fully-fledged meal. Nice. Harvard Museum of Natural History Boston is known for many things; baseball, basketball, its unique accent. But one of the jewels in the state's crown is undoubtedly Harvard University. One of the world's most renowned centers of higher education, it's no wonder they expanded into the museum business. At the Harvard Museum of Natural History, you'll find more than 12,000 natural artifacts, from dinosaur fossils to huge geodes. Given Harvard's renown as an education facility, it's no surprise you'll find so many amazing fossils and artifacts within. Explore the museum's many halls and exhibitions to learn all about Earth's natural history, from primordial ooze all the way to modern man. For inquisitive minds, this is easily one of the best museums in Boston! Salem Witch Museum Salem has become notorious in fiction for being a paranormal place where myths and monsters lurk around every corner. Really, all of this absolute make-believe stemmed from the sadly very real Salem Witch Trials. For those who don't know, here's a quick history lesson. Back in 1692, some bright sparks decided to accuse women of witchcraft, generally out of spite or petty disagreements. This idiocy soon snowballed into the trials themselves, where over 150 women were accused of being witches, resulting in 20 being put to death. It was a dark time in the nation's history, but an interesting one nonetheless. How did it happen? How could it happen? You'll find the answer to those questions and more at the Salem Witch Museum. Explore 13 life-sized sets that recreate the trials, learn about how the hysteria spread, and how perfectly normal people could be driven to such violent ends. Then, discover the fallout of the trials, the communities torn apart by them, and how colonists were left to pick up the pieces. One of the most fascinating and unique museums in Boston; it's best to see it yourself. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum How about seeing some inspiring art in an inspiring building? Look no further than the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Step inside this striking 19th-century building, and you'll immediately notice its Venetian influence. Within these historic galleries, you'll find works from world-renowned artists like Rembrandt, Michelangelo, and Botticelli. The museum contains over 2,500 such works, so you'll be plenty occupied seeing them all! Then, when you're all art-ed out, make sure you wander the fantastic grounds around the museum. Maybe you'll find some inspiration to dig out the watercolors. Boston Children's Museum It's often said that the children are our future. And that was as true in the past as it is today, because the Boston Children's Museum has been delighting and teaching kids for over one hundred years. Inside, kids will get the chance to wall-climb, escape a giant maze, and create their own artistic 'masterpieces,' all while being stealth taught. The perfect way to get them educated is when they don't even realize they're learning. With a focus on science, the environment, art, and health, it's a great platform for your kids to ensure they're the best they can be. And, best of all, it's good fun too. They even have special events going on throughout the year, so be sure to check ahead before you travel and see what's available. For those of you with little ones, it's one of the best museums in Boston. And that's our list of the best museums in Boston!
Dom Bewley

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