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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Things to do in Back Bay, Boston

Back Bay is one of Boston's most affluent districts, with plenty of places to go and things to see. So, if you're visiting Boston and thinking of staying in the area, you'll want to know what's good. Well, we'll tell you what's good. Right here, right now. Read on, and discover the best things to do in Back Bay, Boston! Including: Trinity Church Boston Public Library The Mapparium Boston Marathon Survivor Memorial Places to eat and more! The Holy Trinity (Church) Let's start this shindig with something holy. If you want to explore a fascinating holy place, whether you're religious or not, check out Trinity Church. Even from the outside, its ornate design is mesmerizing. But step inside, and you'll be treated to a feast for the eyes. Practically every inch was handpainted, and the whole thing was overseen by prominent American artist John La Farge. From the pre-Raphaelite windows to the awe-inspiring murals, it's a great place to visit in Back Bay. The church itself does lots of community outreach, so if you're in the area on a Sunday, feel free to go to one of their services. Words are worth it Libraries are the spine of our nation. That was a book pun, and no, we won't apologize. Wordplay is one of life's many joys. And if you like wordplay, books, and libraries, then you'll love Boston Public Library! What a terrible segue! This labyrinthine monument to learning is a frequent hang spot for students and researchers. Visitors will often find students at their laptops, staring at empty word documents with tears in their eyes. But never mind them, they made their bed. Instead, get lost in its many, many aisles. You'll likely find any book you're looking for within its massive walls. But if that wasn't enough, there are also regular talks and readings held there throughout the year, and you can even get a tour of the place if you're too overwhelmed by all the learning. Map it out Mary Baker Eddy was a special person. Not only did she overcome the adversity that came with being a female academic in the 19th-century, but she wrote a groundbreaking book that kicked off the movement that we now know as Christian Science. So, why not find out more about this fascinating woman at The Mapparium? You'll walk across a bridge through the three-story, stained-glass Mapparium globe, enhanced with music and special lighting effects. It will give you a whole new perspective of Earth's geography, thanks to the concave, mirror-imaged view it offers. Explore the library, which has artifacts from her life you won't see anywhere else. You'll learn how The Mapparium was built and take a guided tour of The First Church of Christ. In the original 1894 church building, you'll find one of the world's largest pipe organs too! Image courtesy of Jesse Costa/WBUR To those we lost The Boston Marathon bombing was an event that shook the world. If you would like to pay your respects, you can visit the Boston Marathon Survivors Monument. The artist worked diligently with the families of the deceased in its design, ensuring it captured their spirit and personality. The two installations on Boylston Street are 20ft tall bronze spires that contain light-emitting glass tubes, ensuring the people taken in the bombing will be remembered forever. Where to eat You may need a bite to eat after all that sightseeing. Thankfully, Back Bay has some fantastic eateries that will welcome you with open arms. These are our favorites! If you're looking for interesting Far East dishes, then Uni will fit you like a Japanese glove. This contemporary izakaya restaurant offers a host of street food-inspired plates, as well as Japanese favorites like Sashimi and Nigiri. Take a seat beneath the dim lighting, explore the expansive menu, and find a new dish to add to your favorites! If American seafood dishes are more your thing, don't you worry. Select Oyster Bar brings New England Seafood to your table, with a Mediterranean twist to boot. While you're free to stop by for a glass of wine and some oysters, you'll be missing out if you don't hunker down for dinner. The Maine Lobster Salad is something else, and for a fish joint, they even do a mean rib eye! Speaking of rib eye, if steaks more you scene, Grill 23 is one of the best in the country. This award-winning steakhouse is the go-to site for local business meetings, so bear that in mind if you're thinking of heading there on a weekday. But never mind the white-collar hollering, sit down, stare at their table until they relent, and enjoy some of the juiciest steaks around. Where to drink Let's end this with a look at the nightlife. If you're looking for a drink or three to see out the evening, then Back Bay has many delightful watering holes, no matter your desire. Want something casual? Try The Pour House. This sports bar contains a whopping 17 TV screens, showing a variety of games throughout the week. You'll also find a wealth of affordable beers, bar food, and your standard cocktails. It may be a no-frills kind of place, but sometimes, that's exactly what you're looking for. In the mood for something slightly fancier? City Bar is an elegant watering hole located in the century-old Lenox Hotel. And, given the likes of Babe Ruth and John Travolta have graced its elegant tables at one time or another, it's the kind of pedigree that guarantees you a great cocktail and a great time. Combine that with a hefty wine list, romantic lighting, and swanky decor, and it's the perfect date spot if you're looking to impress that someone special. And finally, if you're looking for something a little louder, then you have to hit up the Bukowski Tavern. Named after famed author Charles Bukowski, who penned the likes of Factotum and Ham on Rye, among many other novels and poems, this is a Boston bar through and through. You'll find a huge selection of delicious beers, brewed both locally and abroad, some high-quality bar bites, and the kind of larger-than-life atmosphere that makes Boston the city it is! And that's our list of the best things to do in Back Bay, Boston!
Dom Bewley
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Things to do in Downtown, Boston

Downtown. Things will be great when you're Downtown. No song has ever been truer than Petula Clark's classic. Boston's Downtown area is one of the city's best, with plenty to do, see, and experience. It's dripping with history that dates all the way back to the War of Independence, so why not go and discover its greatness for yourself? There's no need to take our word for it; we'll show you why. Right now. Read on, and discover the wonders of Boston's Downtown district. Here are our recommendations for the best things to do on your vacation! Including: New England Aquarium Chinatown Freedom Trail Fenway Park Museum of Fine Arts See life Let's start our tour of Downtown under the sea. See sea life like never before at the New England Aquarium! Perfect for kids and big kids alike, this fantastic aquarium is one of Boston's crown jewels. Go nose-to-nose with seals, waddle to the penguin enclosure, be mesmerized by the giant Pacific octopus, and much more! There are a number of exhibits worth checking out at the moment, such as the Amazon Rainforest, where you'll discover piranhas, anacondas, and poison dart frogs! Or, stop by the Indo-Pacific Coral Reef. Here, you'll go on a journey through the waters of the Pacific, seeing coral catsharks, unicorn tangs, blue-striped cleaner fish, and all the beauty these natural habitats exude! Easily one of the best things to do in Downtown, this is one Boston attraction that you cannot pass up on! Eastern Promise Switching gears to something on dry land. Boston is one of many American cities that is fortunate enough to have its own Chinatown - the third biggest of its kind in the country! For those that don't know, the US we know and love today wouldn't have been possible without Chinese immigrants. So go give them some love, and indulge in some of the finer things while you're at it. Step over the threshold of the remarkable Chinatown Gate, and you'll be transported to a world of great food, great people, and plenty of knickknacks, clothes, and jewelry to purchase. And if your vacation happens to land on Chinese New Year, you're in for a sumptuous treat of performance, lights, and fireworks! Freedom is free Want to explore the nation's history, and walk in our forefathers' footsteps along many historical monuments to American Independence? Then take a historical tour of the Freedom Trail. Beside your fancy guide, replete with authentic accent, language, and costume, you'll explore Boston's famous red brick path and learn about over 250 years of American history. You'll see many historic sites, including Boston Common, Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church, the Boston Massacre Site, and King's Chapel. And, you'll hear from patriots like Josiah Quincy and Phillis Wheatley as they tell you their own stories and share lively anecdotes about the places, events, and drama of the American Revolution and beyond. Easily one of the best things to do in Downtown if you're taking a vacation in Boston. If you miss out, maybe you're a red coat after all. Homerun fun Are you a sports person? Does the thought of people getting together and competing against one another excite you? Do you like balls? Well then, you must be a fan of the old baseball. Right? Boston is home to one of the most recognizable teams on the planet, the Boston Red Sox. Their socks? Red. Their arena? Fenway Park. So why not take a tour of this historic stadium and learn more about the stadium's history, the players that stepped into the diamond, and the team's highs and lows throughout the years. For a whole hour, you'll go behind the scenes at Fenway Park, exploring the ground, it's history, and the story of arguably the greatest baller of all time, Babe Routh, who called Fenway Park home. Keep your eyes peeled for Pesky's Pole, named after contact hitter Johnny Pesky, and the Red Seat, where the longest home run ever hit landed at Fenway Park. Given it's the longest-running ballpark on the planet, you best go while the getting's good! Get arty Boston is one of the country's oldest cities, with its own rich history and culture. But it's not the only culture you'll find there. In fact, one of the biggest Art Museums on the planet calls the city home. We're talking, of course, about the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Inside, you'll find over half a million works of art. Yes, really. 500,000 art pieces lie within its myriad galleries and buildings. Spanning millennia, you'll find works from ancient civilizations as well as more modern marvels from the likes of Monet and van Gogh. One unmissable exhibit currently showing is The Art of the Americas. Spanning two continents and encompassing 3000 years of culture, it takes a deep dive into works from ancient American civilizations like the Mesoamericans, all the way to prominent New York artists. The exhibit is a work of art itself, taking years to compile and curate. It really has to be seen to be believed, and is easily one of the best things to do in Boston's Downtown. But after all that wandering and wondering, you might be feeling famished. Never mind that, because the museum's got some great onsite solutions to your hunger problems! If the weather outside's fine, head to the Calderwood Courtyard and sample the delights at The Garden Cafeteria, where you can pick up small bites like pizza slices, subs, burgers, and even desserts. Or, if something small won't cut it, then the New American Cafe will sort you out. Their curated menu of filling dishes will hit the spot. And that's our list of the best things to do in Downtown, Boston! Looking for anything else Boston-related? If you're visiting from out of state or across the sea, check out our picks for the best places to stay. Looking for more of Boston's amazing culture? Check out our museum guide. Just want to learn more about the city? Check out some fun facts!
Dom Bewley

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