fun things to do with kids in boston massachusetts   Travel for Kids
united states
  | massachusetts
     
   

Boston

Founded in 1630, Boston is among the oldest cities in United States, and it’s here that the American Revolution really got going. Kids can see a bottle of tea from the Boston Tea Party, muskets and swords from the Battle of Bunker Hill and the Old North Church where two lanterns signaled the British on the move. Boston is also famous for baseball (the Boston Red Sox), basketball, swan boats and ducklings.

Boston Photo Album
    Freedom Trail
    Waterfront
    Boston Common and Public Garden
    Back Bay - Copley Square
    Fenway - Museum of Fine Arts
    Harbor Islands
    Cambridge
   

Ride the T – The subway in Boston is called the "T," and it was the first subway built in the United States. Ride the Green line, the original subway lines, twisting and turning as it goes underground. Using the T is the easiest way to get around Boston, including Cambridge. Purchase a CharlieCard, good for both the T and buses.

    Harbor ferries – Ferries are an inexpensive way to take a boat ride and see Boston from the water. The Inner Harbor Ferry goes from Long Wharf (at the New England Aquarium) to Charlestown Navy Yard (and the USS Constitution). There are also commuter boats to Quincy and Hingham (children 11 and under are free). Pick up the ferries at Long Wharf or Rowes Wharf.
family hotels boston ma

Travel for Kids has so many fun things to do with kids in Boston, but you'll need a fun place to stay.

Here's our own Travel for Kids hand-picked list of family hotels, all styles and price ranges, in neighborhoods that are comfortable for families, and near to places you'll want to explore:

Boston family hotels
family travel tools boston

Buy Go City Boston for 1, 2, 3, 5, or 7 day pass for admission to – New England Aquarium, Museum of Science, Boston Children's Museum, bike rentals, harbor cruises, and more. Savings for the whole family, customize the pass for attractions to see, and best of all, no waiting in lines:

Go City Boston
Pick up a Duck Tour that goes on land and sea in an amphibious vehicle. Dip into the Charles River, then head into downtown Boston, around the Boston Common, Public Garden, Copley Square and Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Lots of duck jokes, and you'll want to make advance reservations:
Boston Duck Tour
kids books boston
     
larry gets lost in boston  
Larry Gets Lost in Boston
John Skewes, Michael Mullin

Take a trip around Boston with Pete and his dog, Larry. When Larry gets lost at Quincy Market, he follows the Freedom Trail to the Old State House and Paul Revere's House, hops on a swan boat in the Public Garden, rides the green line to Fenway Park, sees lightning at the Museum of Science, and finds Pete at Bunker Hill. (Picture book)

Also, board book Larry Loves Boston

 

     
Midnight Rider
Joan Hiatt Harlow

It's 1775, and orphan Hannah Andrews is sent to work in the home of Thomas Gage, the British governor. There might be balls and picnics in the household, but Hannah, disguised as a boy, rides to warn the patriots. A super adventure, based on real events. (Chapter book)

 

 
Midnight Rider
     
who was paul revere  
Who Was Paul Revere?
Roberta Edwards

Illustrated biography of Paul Revere, famous for nighttime ride from Boston to Lexington, but he was also an expert silversmith and bell maker, delivered secret messages throughout the colonies, and was a spy for the Sons of Liberty. (Chapter book)

Also in the same series: What Was the Boston Tea Party?

 

     
Ben's Revolution
Nathaniel Philbrick, Wendell Minor

See the war through eyes of thirteen year old Benjamin Russell – from the Boston Tea Party, to occupation by British soliders after Lexington & Concord. Ben and his schoolmates join in the fight for freedom, aiding in preparations leading up to the Battle of Bunker Hill. Excellent illustrations bring alive time and place in revolutionary Boston. (Picture book)

 

 
bens revolution
     
what was the boston tea party
 
What Was the Boston Tea Party?
Kathleen Krull, Lauren Mortimer

Why was Boston harbor turned into a giant cup of tea? Read this exciting illustrated history of the men who protested against British rule in America, with photos and drawings. (Chapter book)

 

     
F is for Fenway
Jerry Pallotta

Boston's historic ball park and home of the Red Sox, Fenway Park from from A to Z, with plenty of fascinating facts and detailed illustrations. "G is for Green Monster. You never know where the ball may fall when you're up against the wall." (Picture book)

 

 
F is for Fenway park baseball kids books boston
     
Babe Ruth and the Baseball Curse easy reader fenway park boston  
Babe Ruth and the Baseball Curse
David Kelly, Tim Jessell

Story of Babe Ruth, the years he played for Boston (and won five World Series with his pitching), the jinx of the Red Sox, and finally, once again the team was a winner. (Easy reader)

 

     
Dream Street
Tricia Elam Walker, Ekua Holmes

Meet the people who live on Dream Street – a community that nutures kids who dream of being a scientist, librarian, jazz musician, dancer, children's book author. Story is based on Roxbury neighborhood in Boston, colorful, vibrant illustrations! (Picture book)

 

 
dream street
     
Make Way for Ducklings toddlers books boston  
Make Way for Ducklings
Robert McCloskey

Mr. and Mrs. Mallard like the Public Garden, but it’s no place to hatch ducklings. The Charles River is the perfect spot to raise Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack and Quack. And when the time comes, Mrs. Mallard marches through Boston with her eight ducklings, right on into the Public Garden. An all-time favorite children's story. (Picture book)

 

 
TfK Blog
TfK Blog