We are constantly in search of interesting adventures that we can do with our kids in and around Boston. Whether you are local or just visiting the area, we hope you find this list interesting and useful. Please feel free to contact us with your recommendations. You can also review related topics or start a new discussion in the Boston forum.

Museums and Markets

Boston Children’s Museum is one of the largest children’s museums in the world. It engages children in experiences and activities that spark a desire to learn. The Museum offers hands-on exhibits and programs focused on science, culture, and the arts that foster creativity, curiosity, and imagination. The Museum is open every day (except holidays) from 10:00am – 5:00pm (Fridays until 9pm). Current admission prices are $16 per person. Children under 12 months receive free admission. Parking is available at multiple garages nearby. Remember to search their calendar for upcoming activities and programs. The museum is located at 308 Congress Street, Boston, MA.

Boston Public Market is the only locally sourced permanent year-long market in the nation. There are currently 35+ vendors offering various fresh foods, crafts, and artisanal items. The market is located at 10 Hanover Street at Haymarket Station in Boston and is open from Wednesday to Saturday from 7:00am – 8:00pm, and on Sunday from 10:00am – 6:00 pm.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace offers multiple shopping venues, eateries and various events throughout the year, such as garden tours, live music, car shows and history tours, among others.

Outdoor Activities in the Greater Boston Area

Arnold Arboretum is a beautiful 280+ acre park with multiple trails, exhibits, gardens and seasonal activities for the family. While entrance to the park is free, donations are appreciated. The Horticultural Library is open Monday through Friday from 10:00am until 3:45pm. We recommend checking their calendar of events. The Arboretum is located at 125 Arborway, Jamaica Plain, MA and you can find directions here.

Boston Harbor Cruises offers multiple activities for passengers to enjoy the views along Boston’s waterfront and nearby national parks.

Blue Hills Reservation (Milton) – With more than 7,000 acres, the Blue Hills Reservation offers an abundance of outdoor activities from hiking and mountain biking to snow shoeing and cross-country skiing. There are more than 125 miles of trails, swimming areas, athletic fields and horseback riding trails. There is parking, restroom facilities, grilling and picnic areas, as well as an observatory and other facilities available for use. The park is open from dawn to dusk and is located at 695 Hillside St., Milton, MA.

Drumlin Farms (Lincoln) – Explore a working farm and a wildlife sanctuary where kids can watch pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, and cows in the farmyard. You can also witness sustainably grown crops and walk the trails to observe plants and animals in their native settings. Kids can also observe resident owls, a fox, and deer in the native wildlife exhibit or go on a hayride! The farm is located at 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln.

Hammond Pond Reservation (Newton) – There are over 110 acres in this state park that offers visitors a chance to spend their day rock climbing, bird watching and hiking. Also, the pond is rich with wildlife and plants to explore. It is located at Hammond Pond Parkway in Chestnut Hill, MA and parking is available at the The Street Chestnut Hill shopping center, which is at 33 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill, MA. The entrance to is near the end of the shopping center that serves Davios restaurant, Showcase SuperLux Cinema, and other venues.

Middlesex Fells Reservation (Stoneham) – There are more than 100 miles of mixed-use trails available for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Visitors can also rent a kayak on Spot Pond and dogs can enjoy some time running off-leash in the designated area in Sheepfold Meadow. The park is located at 4 Woodland Rd., Stoneham, MA.

Additional Resources

  • There are multiple beautiful destinations near Boston where you can take the kids for a day hike.
  • Review the suggestions from our Motherly.Life community in the Boston forum.