Things to Do With Kids in Boston - Family Fun Awaits

Carly Follett:  The Franklin Park Zoo is a 72-acre zoo located right in the heart of downtown Boston. Take a behind the scenes tour, monkey around on the playground or help feed the giraffes a healthy snack!

Tracy Snyder Molina:  The MFA is one of the most comprehensive art museums in the world with nearly 500,000 works of art. For a fun family activity, try the Art Connections Cards. Search for objects and images to learn interesting facts and get ideas for art-making activities!

Tracy Snyder Molina:  A guided tour of Fenway provides fans with a behind-the-scenes look at the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball.

Though a day at our beloved ballpark can get pricey quickly, there are ways to save. Young baseball fans, Pre-K up to eighth grade can get a free game ticket by joining Red Sox Kid Nation, which has both a paid and a free membership.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  Explore thousands of specimens drawn from Harvard’s vast research collections including dinosaurs, meteorites, gemstones and animals from around the globe. Be sure to check out the world’s only mounted Kronosaurus, a 1600 pound amethyst geode and the world famous Glass Flowers exhibit.

Kelly R:  A dazzling three-story stained glass globe showing the world as it was in 1935, experienced from the inside looking out. It's accessed as part of a tour in the "How Do You See The World?" experience at the Christian Science Plaza, and kids are free. This is a cool hidden gem to check out when you're looking for things to do with kids in the area!

Tracy Snyder Molina:  Ride a WWII style amphibious landing vehicle on a tour through historic spots in Boston while your guide shares lots of little-known facts and interesting insights. Next, splashdown right into the Charles River for a breathtaking view of the Boston and Cambridge skylines!

Tracy Snyder Molina:  Located inside Boston's Public Garden, a ride on the Swan Boats is one of the most iconic things to do in Boston with kids. Propelled by old-fashioned pedal power, take a seat and enjoy a peaceful 15-minute cruise around the lagoon. Families familiar with the book "Make Way for Ducklings" will recognize the boats from the book and you can even visit the duck family immortalized in bronze inside the Public Garden!

Erynn:  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.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  One the most peaceful areas in the city, the Charles River Esplanade is a 3 mile stretch along the banks of the Charles River. There are walking & biking paths, a couple of fun playgrounds, open space for play and picnics, and events and concerts at the Hatch Shell Oval.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  A host of science-based exhibits thrill families, including a garden walk & insect zoo, indoor lightning demonstrations and a play-based park exhibit where kids can learn about the science of motion. Dinosaur lovers won't want to miss the nearly-complete triceratops skeleton and full-size T-rex model. Kids love shows in the 4-D theater, planetarium and IMAX dome.

Amanda Banta:  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.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  Faneuil Hall Marketplace is actually four historic places in one location - Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, North Market and South Market, all set around a cobblestone promenade where jugglers, magicians and musicians entertain the passers-by. For over 250 years, the marketplace has played an integral role in the life of Boston's residents and remains a central meeting place today for its unique array of shops, restaurants and outdoor entertainment.

Amanda Banta:  Families can learn the history of the Boston Tea Party at this unique museum experience. Attend a colonial town meeting, learn about the colonists' lives and board a full-scale replica 18th century ship to dump the tea overboard.

Tamara Klein Bowman:   With an emphasis on the power of play, and interactive exhibits - like dinosaurs - this is our kids' dream destination for a half day or day trip. From bubbles to the KidStage, to the Construction Zone and Art Studio, it's as exciting for the parents as it is for the kids. The New Balance Foundation Climb with its curves and height is a great way for kids to conquer their fears, gain confidence or just burn off some energy. My kids always want to go back to the amazing museum in Boston that has so many fun things to do.