48 Free Things To Do in Boston With Kids

Kristy Pepping said:  Although some of your children may not be college-bound yet, a trip to Harvard for a historical tour is a great stop when you are in Boston. It is only a short trip via The Red Line of the MBTA which lets out across the street from the University.

The tour departs from the Harvard Information Center, in the Smith Campus Center. The tour is student-led and comprises an outdoor walk through Harvard Yard, giving a history of the university and general information.

Cost: The tour is free, but space is limited. Here is a calendar of dates available.

Erynn said:  The garden's luxurious roses give it its name, but it also features plenty of greenery, small sculptures, and a water feature. This small park beckons to picnickers and those looking for beautiful botanical photography opportunities.

Open May-October

The Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East always offers free admission. This Museum explores the rich history of cultures connected by the family of Semitic languages. Exhibitions include a full-scale replica of an ancient Israelite home, life sized casts of famous Mesopotamian monuments, authentic mummy coffins, and tablets containing the earliest forms of writing.

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  Parts and Crafts is a unique makerspace that offers "open shop" every Saturday afternoon for kids and families to brainstorm, work on projects, or just poke around and explore. Sometimes it's nice to take a break from the schedules and just tinker together!

Cost: Free, donations welcome.

Saturdays; 12 - 2 pm

Carly Follett said:  Looking for a great daytime activity to do with kids in Cape Cod? Check out the Woods Hole Science Aquarium. It is a small public aquarium that displays approximately 100 species of marine animals found in Northeast and Middle-Atlantic U.S. waters. Children really enjoy the two touch tanks where they can gently touch marine animals. Additionally, they will love to watch the playful seals in the outdoor exhibit.

Erynn said:  The colorful and imaginative children's section of the Boston Public Library's Central Library is home to regular programs for kids and their parents, with program offerings for babies through teens. Story time in the courtyard, open-ended early education programs, science exploration activities, summer movies for teens, sing-alongs, family story times, and live-action games are just a few offerings currently scheduled!

Located along the Charles River, this Boston playground is designed to challenge upper body strength with a zipline, disk swing, enormous climbing net and more.

Amanda Banta said:  The 13.6 paved miles of Dr. Paul Dudley White Bike Path loops through the Charles River Reservation and runs on both sides of the river. With ends at the Museum of Science and in Watertown, the path offers a plethora of sightseeing opportunities, including several of Boston's largest colleges. Parking is available at some points in Cambridge and Brighton. The MBTA allows bikes on most lines.

Boston's Public Garden was the first botanical garden in America and is still an ideal spot to take a family stroll and soak in nature. Unusual plants, water features, and Swan Boats offer plenty of outdoor enjoyment. Whimsical bridges cross the small river, a duck pond attracts feathery friends, and nature lovers will appreciate tree labels that denote each variety.

Erynn said:  This pool is located inside Foss Park, which also features baseball diamonds, tennis courts, and plenty of picturesque picnicking spots and playground. Young kids will especially enjoy the wading pool and spray deck.

Tadpole Playground in Boston Common offers climbing structures, slides for toddlers and bigger kids, monkey bars, rubber flooring, and whimsical frog statues. In the summer months, there’s a sprinkler in the corner of the playground.

Erynn said:  Paths for tot bike riding, a circular spray pad for cooling off, and a variety of climbing features make this playground a good spot for all ages. The enclosed park area lets you see kids from the picnic seating and ensure that little ones can't take off.

The red line of the Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile path that connects historical sites critical to Boston's role in the American Revolution. Spots on the trail include Paul Revere's house, the Massachusetts State House and Boston Common. Take a paid guided tour or walk the trail at your own pace.

This playground right on the Charles River by the Museum of Science remains somewhat of a hidden gem. The park itself has shaded picnic tables, gorgeous weeping willows, an amazing view of the Zakim Bridge, walking/biking paths and you can watch the Duck Boats entering and exiting the river. The large playground is comprised of a bright and colorful toddler section as well as an area for bigger kids and a spray deck is offered in the summer months.

Erynn said:  This library features a preschool room with board and picture books, along with a delightful aquarium and cozy window seats. For older kids, there's a separate area with reading and study spaces. The Children's Library offers regular weekly programs and special monthly events as well as events and activities for teens. Also, family tours let you explore the entire building, including the movable basement bookshelves and the Drum Stack with its glass floors.