Things to Do with Kids in Boston, MA
Boston has 41 kid-tested activities for families across museums, parks, zoos, restaurants, and outdoor adventures. Every listing includes age ratings (infants through teens), stroller access, cost estimates for a family of 4, and real parent tips you won't find anywhere else.
By Kit, KidPaths editor
Covers 71 cities. Reads a lot of parent reviews.
Boston family activity overview
Boston is one of the best family travel destinations in the US.
From world-class museums to outdoor adventures, there's something for kids of every age. Our guide helps you find exactly what works for your family. The KidPaths guide for Boston currently includes 41 KidPaths-vetted activities, including 16 free options, 24 indoor or mixed-weather picks, 24 outdoor or partly outdoor picks, 25 stroller-friendly stops.
Use it to balance one anchor outing with a backup plan, especially when weather, naps, or meal timing start driving the day. Start with Museum of Illusions Boston, Kidztopia, New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill if you want a quick scan of the strongest local picks, then use the filters below for age fit, stroller access, cost, and rainy-day backup options.
Top kid-friendly places in Boston
Plan Boston by age, weather, and budget
Jump straight to the pages parents search for most, with only indexable KidPaths listings linked here.
Boston with kids: common questions
What are the best free things to do with kids in Boston?
Boston has 16 free family activities. Top picks: Tropical Forest, Martin's Park, Park Swings, Miriam and Sidney Stoneman Playground, Castle Island Playground. See all free activities at kidpaths.com/boston.
What can we do with kids on a rainy day in Boston?
Boston has 20 rainy-day options. Top indoor picks: Tropical Forest, Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory, Museum of Illusions Boston, Kidztopia, New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill.
What are the best activities for toddlers in Boston?
30 activities in Boston are rated for toddlers (ages 1 to 3). Parent favorites: Tropical Forest, Martin's Park, Park Swings, Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory, Miriam and Sidney Stoneman Playground.
Which Boston attractions are stroller-friendly?
25 of 41 activities in Boston are fully stroller-friendly. KidPaths rates stroller access as yes, limited, or no for every listing.
What are fun things to do with teens in Boston?
18 activities in Boston are rated for teens (ages 13 to 17). Top picks: Park Swings, Boundless Adventures Zipline and Aerial Park, Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory, Museum of Illusions Boston, New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill.
How much do family activities cost in Boston?
KidPaths tracks family-of-4 cost estimates for 41 activities in Boston. 16 are completely free. Each listing shows the real cost for a family of four, not just per-person pricing.
Museum of Illusions Boston
Ages: Best for ages 5 and up
Kidztopia
Ages: Best for ages 1-10
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
Ages: Best for ages 3 and up
Mass Audubon's Boston Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary
Ages: Best for ages 2-12
Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory
Ages: Best for all ages — especially magical for ages 2-10
Tropical Forest
Ages: Best for ages 2-10
Mass Audubon's Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary
Ages: Best for ages 3-12
Zoo in Forest Park and Education Center
Ages: Best for ages 2-12
Lupa Zoo
Ages: Best for ages 2-10
Stone Zoo
Ages: Best for ages 2-12
Mass Audubon's Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary
Ages: Best for ages 3 and up
Southwick's Zoo
Ages: Best for ages 2-14
Launch Family Entertainment Park Woburn
Ages: Best for ages 5-16
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Ages: Best for ages 5-17
Launch Family Entertainment Park Norwood
Ages: Best for ages 5-16
XtremeCraze - Woburn
Ages: Best for ages 4-16
Nova Adventure Park
Ages: Best for ages 5-17
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
Ages: Best for ages 4-17
Launch Family Entertainment Park Westboro
Ages: Best for ages 5-16
Launch Family Entertainment Park Methuen
Ages: Best for ages 5-17
J7 Adventureland
Ages: Best for ages 1-10
Play Union
Ages: Best for ages 0-6
Cowabunga's Indoor Kids Play & Party Center - North Reading
Ages: Best for ages 1-10
Altitude Trampoline Park
Ages: Best for ages 5-17
Esplanade Playground
Ages: Best for ages 2-10
Piers Park Children's Playground
Ages: Best for ages 2-10
Martin's Park
Ages: Best for all ages, especially 0-12
Park Swings
Ages: Best for all ages — genuinely fun for everyone
Franklin Park
Ages: Best for all ages
Miriam and Sidney Stoneman Playground
Ages: Best for ages 2-10
Robbins Farm Park
Ages: Best for ages 2-12
Castle Island Playground
Ages: Best for ages 2-12
Hunt Almont Playground
Ages: Best for ages 2-10
Adventure Nest
Ages: Best for ages 0-6
Christopher Columbus Playground
Ages: Best for ages 2-10
Christian Herter Park
Ages: Best for all ages
Artesani Playground Wading Pool and Spray Deck
Ages: Best for ages 1-10
Boundless Adventures Zipline and Aerial Park
Ages: Best for ages 7 and up (check minimum height/weight requirements)
Playground at Dorchester Park
Ages: Best for ages 2-10
El Parquesito Playground, Franklin Park
Ages: Best for ages 2-10
Hemenway Playground
Ages: Best for ages 2-10
Browse by Age
Common Questions About Boston with Kids
- What are the best free things to do with kids in Boston?
- Boston has 16 free family activities. Top picks: Tropical Forest, Martin's Park, Park Swings, Miriam and Sidney Stoneman Playground, Castle Island Playground. See all free activities at kidpaths.com/boston.
- What can we do with kids on a rainy day in Boston?
- Boston has 20 rainy-day options. Top indoor picks: Tropical Forest, Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory, Museum of Illusions Boston, Kidztopia, New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill.
- What are the best activities for toddlers in Boston?
- 30 activities in Boston are rated for toddlers (ages 1 to 3). Parent favorites: Tropical Forest, Martin's Park, Park Swings, Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory, Miriam and Sidney Stoneman Playground.
- Which Boston attractions are stroller-friendly?
- 25 of 41 activities in Boston are fully stroller-friendly. KidPaths rates stroller access as yes, limited, or no for every listing.
- What are fun things to do with teens in Boston?
- 18 activities in Boston are rated for teens (ages 13 to 17). Top picks: Park Swings, Boundless Adventures Zipline and Aerial Park, Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory, Museum of Illusions Boston, New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill.
- How much do family activities cost in Boston?
- KidPaths tracks family-of-4 cost estimates for 41 activities in Boston. 16 are completely free. Each listing shows the real cost for a family of four, not just per-person pricing.
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