Fun Boston Staycation Ideas For Families

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  A host of science-based exhibits thrill families, including a garden walk & insect zoo, indoor lightning demonstrations and a play-based park exhibit where kids can learn about the science of motion. Dinosaur lovers won't want to miss the nearly-complete triceratops skeleton and full-size T-rex model. Kids love shows in the 4-D theater, planetarium and IMAX dome.

Amanda Banta said:  The red line of the Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile path that connects historical sites critical to Boston's role in the American Revolution. Spots on the trail include Paul Revere's house, the Massachusetts State House and Boston Common. Take a paid guided tour or walk the trail at your own pace.

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  Somerville is undergoing a huge revitalization and at the center of it is Assembly Row. This complex of restaurants, shops, entertainment and residences is always bustling with activity. The kids will love a day trip to Legoland Discovery Center (be sure to check out the amazing display of iconic Boston attractions all built out of LEGO bricks), but there are also lots of free activities offered including live music, outdoor movies, toddler activities and the annual Riverfest. Check here for a calendar of upcoming activities. Accessible by public transportation.

Parking: Free

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  Just 20 minutes (via ferry) from downtown Boston, Spectacle Island has a sandy beach (one of the few on the islands) supervised by trained lifeguards in the summer. You can take in panoramic views of the harbor and city from the tallest hill on the Boston Harbor Islands. On the island, you'll find a visitor center, restrooms, rinse station, cafe, gift shop and picnic area. This 114-acre island is the perfect local getaway for hiking, swimming, boating, and learning about nature. Supervised swimming offered late June-Labor Day.

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  Escape the waterfront crowds and hop aboard a ferry from Long Wharf and enjoy a scenic ride over to the Charlestown Navy Yard. From here you can explore the USS Constitution Museum or check out the fantastic new Thomas M. Menino Park. The playground sits right on the waterfront by Spaulding Rehab Hospital and features over 60 play structures that are accessible for both disabled and non-disabled youth.

Amanda Banta said:  Families can learn the history of the Boston Tea Party at this unique museum experience. Attend a colonial town meeting, learn about the colonists' lives and board a full-scale replica 18th century ship to dump the tea overboard.

Amanda Banta said:  Families can explore the historical warship affectionately known at Old Ironsides in the Charlestown Navy Yard. Crew members of the USS Constitution will be on hand to present the ship's history. While at the Navy Yard, families also can check out the USS Constitution Museum, which operates separately from the ship.

Erynn said:  The Greenway is the ultimate outdoor Boston family attraction, with nature experiences, art installations, horticulture, and carousel rides! Take a meandering walk through the greenery, visit a splash pad or natural canal installation, or take the kids for a carousel ride (year round!).

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  34 islands and peninsulas (some accessible by ferry) where families can explore tide pools, walk through a Civil War fort, climb a lighthouse, hike lush trails, camp, fish, picnic or swim - all a short distance from downtown Boston.

May-Oct Ferry Service

Amanda Banta said:  The Old Town Trolley Tour takes sightseers to more than 100 destinations in Boston. Passengers can hop on and off the trolley all day to explore historical highlights like the North End, Fanueil Hall, Fenway Park, Harvard Square, to name just a few. Passengers will enjoy elevated seating in the enclosed trolleys, making the tour an option for sightseeing year-round. Old Town also operates the Ghosts & Gravestones tour as well as the Boston Tea Party Ship & Museum. Tickets can be purchased online for a discount compared to the retail price.

Cost: $19.90-$51.95/person, Free for children under 4

Carly Follett said:  Animal exhibits at Boston's New England Aquarium feature thousands of aquatic creatures, including the kid-favorite penguin colony and a shark & ray touch tank. You can't miss the four-story Giant Ocean Tank, home to Caribbean coral reef creatures like sea turtles, eels and colorful fish.

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  The ICA features exhibits on contemporary photography, painting, sculpture, architecture and video performance art in styles that appeal to even the youngest viewer. The museum is very child-friendly with several kid-oriented events. On the last Saturday of every month, their Playdates program offers free admission for a full day of activities—including hands-on art-making, performance, family gallery tours, films, and more.

Amanda Banta said:  The indoor Pilgrim Cove pool at the John Carver Inn is a popular destination for staycationing Boston families. Kids can swim and splash while the thrillseekers can zoom down a water slide built into a replica of the Mayflower ship. Hotel guests receive complimentary admission to the pool while daily passes are available for those just visiting for the day. After swimming the day away, families will be able to walk to restaurants, shops and the waterfront, all within just a few blocks of the hotel.

Check out our recommendations for other favorite Plymouth spots.

Amanda Banta said:  With both indoor and outdoor exhibits, Plimouth Plantation is a museum alive with New England and United State history. Tours and visits of Plimouth Plantation are available for the various sites under the plantation's umbrella, from the 17th Century English Village to the replica Mayflower II

stationed at the Plymouth waterfront area. Visitors will learn how the passengers traveled across the Atlantic and settled and lived in their new homeland.

March-November

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  With 4 miles of white sand, gentle waves and picturesque vistas it's no wonder that Crane Beach has been voted "Best Beach of Boston" for multiple years. Seasonal amenities include bathhouses, lifeguards and rangers, picnic tables and concession stand. Besides the beautiful beach, you can also explore more than 5 miles of trails through the protected dunes on elevated boardwalks.