Family-Friendly Travel In Massachusetts

Massachusetts Family-Friendly

With endless family memories to be made, explore all Massachusetts has to offer for travelers of all ages. The Bay State welcomes visitors with all interests to experience our museums, nature exhibits, and interactive activities. For families looking for an activity for a rainy day or to continue their learning over school breaks, each region has something special to offer. For those who want to travel as a family, here’s where to learn about family-friendly attractions, activities, dining, and lodging in Massachusetts. Plan the ultimate family road trip in Massachusetts, any time of the year.

Greater Boston

This world-famous city and its nearby towns have a plethora of family-friendly activities for history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, museum lovers, and foodies alike. Explore various museums with something for everyone’s interests, including marine life, science, and history — learning has never been so fun.

Accommodations

Boston Marriott Long Wharf

296 STATE ST, BOSTON, MA 02109

If families are planning a trip to the New England Aquarium, this hotel couldn't be any closer. The Boston Marriott Long Wharf is right on the harbor, so little captains can watch the boats come and go right from the hotel room window. The hotel has an indoor pool for some water fun and a breakfast buffet for hungry travelers.

Photo: Cambria Somerville

Cambria Hotel Boston Somerville

515 SOMERVILLE AVE, SOMERVILLE, MA 02143

Cambria Hotel Boston Somerville is in the heart of one of Boston's most beloved areas, walking distance from Harvard University. On-site, guests can enjoy Josephine, and choose from their menu of Italian favorites. There is no shortage of local attractions including Assembly Row, Bunker Hill Monument, the USS Constitution, and Encore Casino, guaranteeing something for all members of the family.

Photo: Four Seasons Hotel Boston

Four Seasons Hotel Boston

200 BOYLSTON ST, BOSTON, MA 02116

The Four Seasons Hotel Boston is a great luxury option to stay in Boston with the family. The hotel welcomes kids with their choice of a free toy when they arrive, and there’s everything from baking lessons to an indoor pool that’s sure to keep kids captivated while adults enjoy the scenery.

Photo: Kimpton Marlowe Hotel

Kimpton Marlowe Hotel

25 EDWIN H LAND BLVD, CAMBRIDGE, MA 02141

Kimpton Marlowe Hotel surprises and delights adults and kids alike. A location near kid-friendly attractions, a Game-Night package, and roomy suites practically guarantee the whole family will have a fun-filled family vacation they’ll remember forever.

Photo: Normandy Farms

Normandy Campgrounds Family Camping Resort

72 WEST ST, FOXBOROUGH, MA 02035

[OPEN SEASONALLY] Normandy Farms is a luxury camping destination tucked between Boston and Cape Cod, serving families since 1971 and widely recognized as one of the world's finest camp resorts. Here groups can rent luxury glamping accommodations or park their own RV to enjoy the beauty offered by the greater Boston environment.

Photo: Reagan Byrne Photography

The Colonnade Hotel

120 HUNTINGTON AVE, BOSTON, MA 02116

While this modern hotel attracts a hip crowd, it's also a big hit with families as it boasts the only rooftop pool in Boston. The rooftop and room service both offer a great kids menu, featuring favorites like PB&J's, hot dogs, and chicken fingers. Steps from the hotel will take you to the Prudential Center and Fenway Park.

Dining

Photo: @see_lala (IG)

Craig’s Cafe

1354 HANCOCK ST, QUINCY, MA 02169

Offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Craig's Cafe doesn't have a separate kids menu, but families will be able to find a variety of options that everyone will love from chicken tender platters, to quesadillas, to a make your own sandwich option.

Granary Tavern

170 MILK ST, BOSTON, MA 02109

Located at the end of Milk Street in a historic former grain mill, this 250-seat restaurant and gastropub offers delectable options for parents and a kids menu where each meal comes with a soda and Hoodsie cup.

Photo: @diningwithdpops (IG)

Picco

513 TREMONT ST, BOSTON, MA 02116

This pizza and pasta restaurant offers fresh ingredients and the option to customize pizzas so everyone is happy. Picco offers dine in, delivery, and takeout.

Photo: Little Cocoa Bean Co.

The Tot Cafe by Little Cocoa Bean Co.

114 SOUTH ST, JAMAICA PLAIN, MA 02130

The Tot Cafe is a place where parents and their little ones can eat, play, learn & connect to create a thriving community. There are seasonal menus that include rainbow waffles, meatballs, and smoothies.

Educational Activities

Photo: Quincy Chamber of Commerce

Adams National Historic Park

135 ADAMS ST, QUINCY, MA 02169

Previously home to five generations of Adams', the now National Park once housed two Presidents and First Ladies, three U.S. Ministers, historians, and authors; now history and nature buffs alike are invited to learn about American history through their eyes.

Photo: @galacticempire (IG)

Boston Museum of Science

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE DRIVEWAY, BOSTON, MA 02114

As science and technology increasingly shape our lives, the Museum of Science strives to equip and inspire everyone to use science for the global good. Among the world’s largest science centers and New England’s most attended cultural institution, explore exhibits involving brain games, Arctic adventures, and artificial intelligence.

Photo: Kevin Klein

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

306 CONGRESS ST, BOSTON, MA 02210

At the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, visitors can be a part of the famous event that forever changed the course of American history through a multi-sensory experience that includes live actors, interactive exhibits, and full-scale replica 18th-century sailing vessels. Plus, 2023 is the 250th anniversary of the event and has special programming all year long.

Freedom Trail

FREEDOM TRAIL, BOSTON, MA 02108

The Freedom Trail is an immersive educational experience for visitors of all ages. On this iconic 2.5 mile trail, visitors stop at 16 historicallly significant landmarks around the city, including Boston Common, Massachusetts State House, and Park Street Church. With stops ranging from historic schools to unmissable monuments, there is something for everyone.

Photo: Museum of African American History

Museum of African American History

46 JOY ST, BOSTON, MA 02114

The Museum of African American History is New England’s largest museum dedicated to preserving, conserving, and sharing the contributions of African Americans from the 18th and 19th centuries. Guests can learn about the African American experience through immersive experiences, including The Black Heritage Trail Walking Tour.

Indoor Activities

Photo: Chris Disario / Boston Children's Museum

Boston Children’s Museum

308 CONGRESS ST, BOSTON, MA 02210

For over 100 years, the museum has been engaging children in joyful discovery experiences that instill an appreciation of our world, develop foundational skills, and spark a lifelong love of learning through exhibits involving art, climbing, and bubbles!

Photo: @webbnordenfoundation (IG)

LEGO® Discovery Center Boston

598 ASSEMBLY ROW, SOMERVILLE, MA 02145

Home to over 2 million lego bricks, LEGO® Discovery Center Boston is the perfect activity for families looking to spend sometime indoors and engaged in endless fun. Opened in 2023, this instant favorite space allows kids of all ages to play and create with LEGO's in never-before-done ways including a LEGO maze and Mini World.

Photo: @jillianchiu (IG)

New England Aquaurium

1 CENTRAL WHARF, BOSTON, MA 02110

The New England Aquarium is a global leader in ocean exploration and marine conservation. With more than 1.3 million visitors a year, it's the perfect place to bring the family and explore aquatic life.

Photo: Patriot Place

Patriot Place

2 PATRIOT PL, FOXBOROUGH, MA 02035

Steps from Gillette Stadium is Patriot Place, 1.3 million square feet of shopping, dining, and entertainment. The indoor landmark features a nature trail, health center, major fashion retailers, live and interactive entertainment, 19 restaurants and eateries, a four-star hotel, state of the art theatre, and more, offering something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

Photo: View Boston

View Boston

800 BOYLSTON ST FLOOR 52, BOSTON, MA 02199

View Boston is a 360° taste of the city, offering breathtaking views atop one of the tallest buildings in New England. Explore a remarkable 3D model of the city with projection-mapping to dramatically reveal the seasons, spirit, and celebrations that bring Boston to life and be enveloped by this 270-degree immersive theater screen showcasing street-level exploration of various neighborhoods and behind-the-scenes perspective from some of Boston’s most beloved attractions, including Fenway Park!

Outdoor Activities

Boston Harbor Islands

191W ATLANTIC AVE, BOSTON, MA 02109

[OPEN SEASONALLY] Made up of 34 unique islands and peninsulas, the Boston Harbor Islands have something for everyone. Explore a historic fort, enjoy a picnic with sweeping harbor views, or sleep in a rustic campsite beneath the stars. Choose an island and plan your adventure!

Boston Public Garden

4 CHARLES STREET, BOSTON, MA 02116

The Public Garden was the first public botanical garden in America. Admire the rich and unusual plants, the Lagoon, the monuments and fountains, and the Swan Boats created and operated for over 100 years by the Paget family.

Photo: Kevin Klein

Duck Boat Tours

53 HUNTINGTON AVE, BOSTON, MA 02199, 1 MUSEUM OF SCIENCE DRIVEWAY, BOSTON, MA 02114, 1 CENTRAL WHARF, BOSTON, MA 02110

[OPEN SEASONALLY] This is the only tour that shows off the city by land and sea. Cruise by unique neighborhoods and historical landmarks that make Boston the birthplace of freedom and a city of firsts — making it fun and educational for kids and history buffs alike.

Fenway Park Tours

4 JERSEY ST, BOSTON, MA 02215

In the heart of Boston, visitors can tour "America's Most Beloved Ballpark." Choose from a number of different tour formats including game-day tours, express "Fenway in Fifteen" tours, or public guided tours to experience the iconic ballpark however best suits you.

Photo: Sarah Murphy / @hubtots (IG)

Martin’s Park

64 SLEEPER ST, BOSTON, MA 02210

This inclusive, climate-resilient play space is situated on the Smith Family Waterfront and offers gardens, swings, climbing structures, slides, and more.

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