48 Free Things To Do in Boston With Kids

Amanda Banta said:  Boston's South Station is one of the busiest spots in town. On a daily basis thousands of commuters, travelers and visitors weave in, out and through of the train terminal, which is home to Amtrak, the subway and the commuter rail. Take a free tour and learn about the architecture of the building, the history of the station and the railroad system, and what's ahead in the future. Grab lunch at one of the station's eateries and sit among the bustle of the travelers, which my boys love to do whenever we take the train into Boston!

Cost: Free.

Free tours every Thursday at 12 pm, first Saturday of the month 1-2 pm

Erynn said:  Meet Sparky the Dog (a Dalmatian, of course,) see authentic fire engines from the 1800s, check out artifacts and photos, and take home a book or model fire truck from the gift shop. You can even stream a self-guided audio tour on Soundcloud!

Cost: Free

Amanda Banta said:  Families can explore the historical warship affectionately known at Old Ironsides in the Charlestown Navy Yard. Crew members of the USS Constitution will be on hand to present the ship's history. While at the Navy Yard, families also can check out the USS Constitution Museum, which operates separately from the ship.

Erynn said:  Spend the whole day exploring the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway! Enjoy one of the Greenway's fountains, ride the carousel, grab lunch from one of the delicious food trucks and more.

The Greenway features seven water features. Dip your feet in the canal, race the jet sprays at the Rings Fountain, cool off in the Harbor Fog Scuplture's mist or splash in the Chinatown Stream!

Take a spin on an animal native to Boston on the Greenway Carousel. Rides are available daily throughout the year.

The park’s playground offers a climbing structure, monkey bars and large sandbox. During the summer months, run through the sprinklers or spread out and have a picnic in the open green space.

Amanda Banta said:  Climb 294 stairs to the top of the Bunker Hill Monument to get a bird's eye view of the Boston skyline alongside your history fix. The granite structure, towering more than 200 feet high, is a tribute to one of the first battles of the American Revolution. If you aren't ready for that climb, you can enjoy the green area around the structure and explore the Bunker Hill museum across the street, which is an old branch of the Boston Public Library.

Tour Fort Independence, walk the paved loops (great for bikes, strollers, and scooters), and grab a kid-friendly bite to eat at Sullivan's. The island and its connected beaches have plenty of shoreline for swimming, with restrooms, picnic area, rinsing showers, and a large playground. Parking is free near Fort Independence.

Tracy Snyder Molina said:   The seasonal ice rink on Stoneham Town Common typically opens in January (weather permitting). Check the Facebook page for updates on operating dates. Bring your own skates.

January-February, weather permitting

Erynn said:  A standard pool plus beach-like wading pool complete with spray structures make this pool a super summer destination. This community pool is a top spot for families with young kids since the wading pool is so shallow, letting kids ease in at their own pace!

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  Get active and enjoy the outdoors with free ice skating at Hidden Pond, located behind Whole Foods Market in the Derby Street Shoppes. Check the Derby Street Shoppes Facebook page for updates on dates of operation.

January-March

This popular East Boston beach offers unique views of Boston Harbor and Logan Airport. Amenities include a bathhouse, concession stand, seasonal lifeguards, playground, basketball and tennis courts. A pedestrian overpass offers access from the Orient Heights MBTA station.

Amanda Banta said:  When I was a kid my best friend lived near a small entrance to Wompatuck State Park and we would spend hours exploring the trails, usually making our way to the reservoir within the park. Now that I'm a parent, I love sharing this park with my adventurous kids. My boys love to explore the wooded trails and there are plenty that are easy for their little feet to maneuver.

There are plenty of paved paths if you have a stroller or little ones who want to walk by themselves but aren't ready for the uneven terrain of the park. See here for a list of highlighted hikes and bike rides.

Amanda Banta said:  The playground at Nantasket Beach has become one of my favorites in the last few years. It has slides, big kid and infant swings, climbing structures and more in its location right on the boardwalk. It is enclosed on three sides, which helps parents to keep track of multiple kids and little escape artists, and there are benches on the fourth side, creating a barrier between the park and the boardwalk. The playground is steps away from the bathhouse and is close to food, ice cream and kid-friendly activities in the area.

Amanda Banta said:  The splash pad at Nelson Memorial Park sits just steps away from the waters of Plymouth Bay, giving a beautiful background when snapping pics at the park. The pad has standard sprayers perfect to cool down on a hot summer day. Though simple, families can spend hours at Nelson Park, with its access to a small beach area, concession stand, playground and field surrounding the splash pad. Downtown Plymouth, with its numerous restaurants, shops and sightseeing spots, is just minutes away as well.

Erynn said:  Traditional handmade chocolates will delight kids and, of course, grown-up chocolate lovers as well. Tours are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but call ahead for availability. Harbor Sweets are well-known for many varieties of chocolate, but kids will love the Sweet Sloops best- they're shaped like sailboats!

Cost: Free

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 11am