What to do in Boston With Kids
Wondering what to do in Boston with kids if you only have a short layover? We had just a few hours to explore this historic city, and it turned out to be the perfect mini-adventure before our next flight. From walking through cobblestone streets to visiting family-friendly landmarks, we squeezed in plenty of fun (without feeling rushed). Here’s how we made the most of one day in Boston with kids—and tips to help your family do the same!
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Trip Type: Walking Trip
Difficulty Level: ✈️✈️/5
Stroller Recommendation: My all-time favorite stroller is the Hagaday 2-1 Baby Stroller. Although it is not recommended, I put both of my children in this stroller, my youngest in the actual seat and my 2-year-old in the bottom basket. Both fit happily and are still easy to maneuver in the city (on and off subway)
Boston Airport
Gosh, we were so excited, we hopped off the plane and quickly found a suitcase locker to drop off luggage to explore hands-free. The Boston airport does not have a locker on site. However, there are plenty of options. Download the free app Bounce. With this app, you can locate places that can store your luggage, their opening and closing times, how far they are from you, and most importantly, their prices! We decided to leave our luggage at a gym because it was open, fair prices, and was near the airport . We took an Uber there, dropped off our items, and took the subway around town.
Travelers’ tip: Public transportation is pretty straightforward but can be confusing in a new city and with kiddos, so make sure you follow Google Maps to where you are going. Before you enter the subway, look out for kiosks that look like ATM’s. This is where you can purchase a card called a Charlie card/ Charlie ticket that you then can load with money and swipe at the gate before entering the subway platform. This is a very easy system; just keep your eyes open, and you will enjoy it. My kiddos loved the subway; it was not very crowded, and people were accommodating for the stroller.
Side note: Although the Boston Airport does not have a suticase locker, it does have a USO office for military personnel and dependents located in C lower level. It is run by volunteers, so the hours vary. Give the location a call before heading over (617)561-1634. Addtionally there is a great kids’ play area once you are past security. With a starbucks in mulitple parts of the airport I highly suggest you snag a yummy coffee and drag those littles over to burn any energy off at the play area. Yes, they are kinda of gross becuase of the germs, but so is the entire airport. To avoid this, I pack a new outfit to change into before going on to the plane and make time to properly wash up in the restrooms. Nothing germ-x and new clothes can’s help, plus you can pick out some super cozy P’Js for the plane ride that will be sure to keep your kiddos comfty the entire plane ride.
Boston Freedom Trail
139 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111
Our first stop? The beginning of the freedom trail at the Boston common. The freedom trail is considered a “must-see” by locals like Nicole from The Abroad Blog. This walking trail is around 2.5 miles that connects 17 historical sites from the colonial past. Cool huh? We arrived at the commons and went to the visitor center to purchase a copy of the trail map. However there are free ones online ! (See, that’s what I’m here for huh?) Another cool part is the trail is actually highlighted with red bricks in a line and the sites are marked with a beautiful gold emblem . So you know when you have arrived at the site . Along the route you can expect to find the location of the Boston massacre, Paul Reveres house, Old corner bookstore and many other important sites!
Boston Freedom Trail is a great place to explore on your own. However, there are many tour options that can take the stress out of figuring out which locations are worth going to and what will be open on the day of your visit. These tour guides are extremely knowledgeable and provide local insight. Book a tour here!
Brattle Book Shop
9 West St. Boston, MA 02111
We walked from the Boston Commons to Brattle Book Shop. This book store happened to be closed when we arrived on a Sunday. However, what I wanted to see was still visible. Brattle Book Shop is next to a wide parking lot/alleyway that is painted like a bookshelf with some of the most beloved books are depicted. (Robin Hood, Moby Dick, The Alchemest) It’s a ton of fun looking for your favorite book on this mural.
Legal Sea Foods (Downtown Crossing)
558 Washington St. Boston, MA 02111
No trip to Boston would be complete without trying a Boston Lobster Roll. We strolled into Legal Sea Foods on our way to our next location, and it did not disappoint! We were not fans of the Lobster roll, however. Yes, yes, I know, disappointing. I’m not sure if it was a texture thing because the ingredients were incredibly fresh.
Chinatown
Next stop, historic Chinatown for some yummy desserts! According to Sacha Eats, Ho Yuen is a must-visit traditional Chinese bakery. Must try, you ask? Well, the pineapple pastry. This was a bummer because we did not know they were going to be so loved by the group, and we only bought two. So make sure to buy plenty & bring cash. This establishment only accepts cash. We happily munch on our goodies while exploring Chinatown and watching townsfolk enjoying each others company outside on this windy day.
Haymarket
100 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02108
The Haymarket market is an open-air farmers market with much to offer. From local fresh produce to flowers and cute knick knacks. We meandered around this market and tried some delicious cider from Red Apple Farms cider bar. I highly suggest trying this cider. It was a wonderful way to warm up and relax. My eldest child spotted some fresh doughnuts, which we gladly paired with the apple cider. All in all, it was my favorite part of the trip. Yes, if you haven’t noticed already, I am a serious foodie.
Paul Revere’s House
19 N Square, Boston, MA 02113
Okay, you remember that one story about the guy who said, “THE BRITISH ARE COMING, THE BRITISH ARE COMING!” Well, that’s Paul Revere, a true Bostonian (born and raised in Boston). He was essential in warning the militia of the incoming British invasion, better known as the “Midnight Ride”. It doesn’t end there, Paul was super cool; he participated in the Boston Tea Party, created the first paper currency from Massachusetts, and created the first copper rolling mill, to name a few of his accomplishments. His home is available to tour and is open year round, make sure to check out the website for hours of operation. There is a cost to enter, it is Adults $6.00, Seniors and College Students $5.50, Children (ages 5-17) $1.00. There is no photography allowed inside so we don’t have any cool photos, however the kitchen was so interesting! There is also a visitor center with more items to check out and of course a gift shop.
We took the subway back to the gym to pick up our suitcases and made it back to the Boston Airport to check in for our exciting flight to Keflavik, Iceland! Thanks for joining us on this adventure. Until the next journey-vamaños together, and keep making memories! 💗✈️
🦞 Free Downloadable Boston Scavenger Hunt for Kids 🦞
Joelyz & the Fam
