Fun Boston Staycation Ideas For Families

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  The Carle collects and celebrates picture books and illustrations from around the world. Spend an hour or two exploring the rotating art exhibitions, reading library and hands-on art studio, and enjoy a picnic on the museum grounds.

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  The Yankee Candle Flagship store offers a lot more than the vast array of scented candles and accessories they are known for. The 90,000 square foot complex offers tours at their candle-making museum, interactive exhibits including candle dipping, Make Your Own Jar Candle, and Wax Hands, a Bavarian-themed Christmas village where snow falls from the ceiling and numerous seasonal festivals and themed activities.

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  Purgatory Chasm is is believed to have been created by a sudden release of melted glacier water near the end of the last Ice Age, approximately 14,000 years ago. Not just another walk in the woods, kids will love climbing big rocks and squeezing into caves with names like The Corn Crib, The Coffin, The Pulpit, Lovers' Leap and Fat Man's Misery. For those less adventurous family members, there are opportunities to watch the rock climbers or just follow the normal hiking trail. Grills, picnic tables, restrooms and a playground are also available.

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  This privately maintained zoo houses the largest collection of endangered animal species in the region. Highlights include: endangered animal shows, giraffe and rhino encounters, a petting zoo, deer forest, zipline, adventure maze and mechanical rides including kiddie rides, SkyFari Sky Ride and Woodland Express train ride. Concessions and a gift shop are available.

Admission: $20-$25, for combo package pricing click here.

Parking: Free

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  If you want the experience of staying at a resort without the long travel, plan a visit to Great Wolf Lodge! The whole family will enjoy a stay at this resort with indoor water park, optional cabin-themed bunk bed rooms, arcade, MagiQuest interactive adventure, ropes course, 4-D theater, themed restaurants and more! What really makes this a family friendly destination is that you get two days of admission to the water park with your room rate and you are free to bring your own food and drinks to your room and the water park.

Amanda Banta said:  Fans of Little Women can tour Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House and explore the rooms and property that sparked the classic tale of Jo March and her sisters. In addition to being the inspiration for the fictional March home, Orchard House is also where Alcott wrote the novel, published in 1869. Most of the house's furnishings today belonged to the Alcott family, making a visit to the house truly like stepping back in time.

Cost: $10/adult, $8/seniors & students, $5/youth (age 6-17), Free/member & ages 6 & under; Additional pricing and hours can be found here.

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  If you're looking to get in touch with nature, skip the crowds at the Public Garden and head to the Arnold Arboretum - an oasis of trees, shrubs, vines and flowers all maintained by Harvard University. Stop at the visitor center for activities to introduce kids to horticulture and borrow a backpack filled with educational activities to keep the family entertained. The Arboretum has a variety of events planned year round, but the biggest is definitely Lilac Sunday, held annually on Mother’s Day.

To plan your visit, check here.

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  While a game at Fenway Park is a treasured experience, consider a much more budget-friendly option by taking in a Lowell Spinners game. The Spinners are a Class A Affiliate of the Boston Red Sox and you just might be watching a future member of the Red Sox play! The team has lots of fun promotional events for the family and very affordable parking.

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  A guided tour of Fenway provides fans with a behind-the-scenes look at the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball.

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  Explore thousands of specimens drawn from Harvard’s vast research collections including dinosaurs, meteorites, gemstones and animals from around the globe. Be sure to check out the world’s only mounted Kronosaurus, a 1600 pound amethyst geode and the world famous Glass Flowers exhibit.

Amanda Banta said:  Spanning 1,100 acres, the historic Emerald Necklace is a true jewel of Boston. Six individual parks from the Back Bay to Dorchester combine to form the Necklace, which was given its name by the way it seems to hang from the city, and hosts tons of family friendly activities throughout the year. You can enjoy a picnic in a quiet grassy spot, attend an outdoor movie in the summer, participate in the Lantern Festival at Jamaica Pond in October, or cross country ski in the Riverway after a fresh snowfall. See here for upcoming special events.

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  Ride a WWII style amphibious landing vehicle on a tour through historic spots in Boston while your guide shares lots of little-known facts and interesting insights. Next, splashdown right into the Charles River for a breathtaking view of the Boston and Cambridge skylines!

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  This engaging live-theater performance show defies explanation but entertains all. Featuring three bald, blue characters, it's a combination of percussion, visual art, theater, comedy and more that will excite your senses and makes for a truly unique date night or family outing.

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  Located inside Boston's Public Garden, a ride on the Swan Boats is one of the most iconic things to do in Boston with kids. Propelled by old-fashioned pedal power, take a seat and enjoy a peaceful 15-minute cruise around the lagoon. Families familiar with the book "Make Way for Ducklings" will recognize the boats from the book and you can even visit the duck family immortalized in bronze inside the Public Garden!

Apr-Sept

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  One the most peaceful areas in the city, the Charles River Esplanade is a 3 mile stretch along the banks of the Charles River. There are walking & biking paths, a couple of fun playgrounds, open space for play and picnics, and events and concerts at the Hatch Shell Oval.