Outdoor Activities for Kids in Boston
25 outdoor adventures for families in Boston. Parks, trails, playgrounds, and fresh-air fun for every age group.
Highest rated: Park Swings, Martin's Park, Castle Island Playground. 14 listings are free. Qualified listings include age ratings, stroller access, and practical planning tips.
How to use this outdoor activities list
Check shade, bathrooms, and weather before you commit, especially with younger kids. KidPaths is currently tracking 25 indexable picks for this page in Boston, MA, with details for cost, age fit, stroller access, weather backup, and parent logistics.
Quick fit
8 for infants, 24 for toddlers, 25 for little kids, 24 for big kids.
Weather and access
10 indoor or mixed-weather picks. 25 outdoor or partly outdoor picks. 18 stroller-friendly stops. 6 rainy-day backups.
Cost scan
14 free picks. 6 paid picks. Open the cards for family-of-4 cost notes and savings tips when we have them.
Top Picks
Park Swings
4.9 starsThe Park Swings on the Rose Kennedy Greenway are giant adult and child swings set right in the middle of downtown Boston, the kind of playful public a
Martin's Park
4.9 starsMartin's Park is Boston's most beloved inclusive playground, purpose-built in honor of Martin Richard, the youngest victim of the 2013 Boston Marathon
Castle Island Playground
4.8 starsCastle Island is one of Boston's most beloved family destinations, a waterfront park with a spectacular playground, a real historic fort (Fort Indepen
Boston Public Garden
4.8 starsChildren can follow curving paths, watch the lagoon and wildlife, search for fountains and monuments, study colorful plantings, and take a short ride
Miriam and Sidney Stoneman Playground
4.8 starsThe Stoneman Playground is set on the Esplanade's Back Bay section, slightly less crowded than the Beacon Hill playground and surrounded by the same b
Tours & ExperiencesFreePark Swings
Ages: Best for all ages, genuinely fun for everyone
Parks & PlaygroundsFreeMartin's Park
Ages: Best for all ages, especially 0-12
Parks & PlaygroundsFreeCastle Island Playground
Ages: Best for ages 2 to 12
Parks & PlaygroundsPartially FreeBoston Public Garden
Ages: Ages 2 to 10 for the lagoon and Swan Boats; older children may enjoy the history, plants, and photography
Parks & PlaygroundsFreeMiriam and Sidney Stoneman Playground
Ages: Best for ages 2 to 10
Tours & ExperiencesFreeChildrens Wharf Harborwalk
Ages: All ages
Tours & ExperiencesNew England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
Ages: Best for ages 3 and up
Tours & ExperiencesPartially FreeMass Audubon's Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary
Ages: Best for ages 3 and up
Tours & ExperiencesFreeRobbins Farm Park
Ages: Best for ages 2 to 12
Farms & NaturePartially FreeMass Audubon's Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary
Ages: Best for ages 3 to 12
Tours & ExperiencesSouthwick's Zoo
Ages: Best for ages 2 to 14
Parks & PlaygroundsPartially FreeCharlestown Navy Yard
Ages: Ages 5 to 12 for the strongest mix of ships, exhibits and Junior Ranger activities
Common Questions
- What are the best outdoor activities for kids in Boston?
- 25 outdoor family activities in Boston. Highest rated: Park Swings, Martin's Park, Castle Island Playground, Boston Public Garden, Miriam and Sidney Stoneman Playground. Parks, trails, playgrounds, and more.
- Are there free outdoor things to do with kids in Boston?
- 14 outdoor activities in Boston are free, including Park Swings, Martin's Park, Castle Island Playground.
- How many outdoor activities in Boston are stroller-friendly?
- 18 of the 25 outdoor activities in Boston are fully stroller-friendly.
More Ways to Browse
Boston weekend picks, in your inbox
Get one short, practical Boston outing idea each week, plus age fit, cost notes, and rainy-day backups.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning a longer drive? Build a kid-friendly road trip →
