15 Teen-Friendly Activities in Boston

15 Teen-Friendly Activities in Boston

Boston, Massachusetts is one of those cities I immediately fell in love with… cobblestone streets, waterfront views, and it’s WICKED New England charm.  It was love at first sight! Boston is a city with rich history and culture that offers family-friendly activities to explore. From outdoor adventures to educational experiences, there are many things to see and do in Boston that the whole family can enjoy. Here are ten family-friendly activities to do in Boston:

Visit the New England Aquarium

The New England Aquarium is a popular attraction for families, featuring over 20,000 aquatic animals, including sea turtles, penguins, and sea lions. Kids will enjoy the interactive exhibits and touch tanks, where they can get up close and personal with marine life. Make time to watch a 3D movie at the Simons Theatre.

Walk the Freedom Trail

The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile walking trail that takes visitors through some of Boston’s most historic sites, including the Massachusetts State House, Paul Revere House, and the USS Constitution Museum. It’s a great way to learn about the city’s history while getting some exercise. On your tour, make sure you make some stops for ice cream, a latte, or a snack.

Take a Duck Boat Tour

A Duck Boat Tour is a fun way to explore the city from both land and water. These unique vehicles can travel on both land and water, taking visitors on a tour of Boston’s most famous landmarks. Teens will love getting a turn driving the boat in the harbor and adults will love the views from the Charles.

Visit the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum

 

The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum is an interactive museum that offers a glimpse into one of the most famous events in American history. Learn about the famous 1773 protest that sparked the American Revolution at this interactive museum. Kids can throw tea into Boston Harbor, participate in a reenactment, and learn about the events that led up to the American Revolution. It’s so much fun they won’t even realize they’re learning something.

Go to the Franklin Park Zoo

The Franklin Park Zoo is a 72-acre zoo that is home to over 220 species of animals from around the world. Kids will love seeing the animals up close, including tigers, giraffes, pygmy hippos, 2-toed sloths, zebras, and gorillas.  It’s a short drive from Boston, but it is worth it.  For an extra treat, feed a giraffe!

Explore the Harvard Museum of Natural History

The Harvard Museum of Natural History is a great place to learn about science and nature. The museum features exhibits on dinosaurs, minerals, and the human body, as well as a collection of rare specimens and artifacts.

Take a Stroll through the Public Garden

The Public Garden is a beautiful park in the heart of Boston that features lush gardens and a picturesque pond. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery. If you are there in spring/summer, make sure you ride a swan boat.

Get a Good Book at Brattle Bookstore

It is fun to dig around and find a hidden treasure at this fun bookstore.

Wander Through the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

This beautiful museum houses a vast collection of art, including works by Rembrandt, Botticelli, and Raphael.

Visit the Museum of Science

The Museum of Science is a hands-on museum that offers interactive exhibits and activities that are fun for the whole family. Kids can learn about physics, space, and technology while having fun and exploring. Make time to watch an Omni film, a 4-D film, a planetarium show, or a live presentation.

Shop at Faneuil Hall Marketplace

A bustling hub of shops and restaurants, this marketplace dates back to the 18th century.

See a Show

Boston theater is amazing! See some world-class performances of musicals, opera, ballet, and theater.

Explore the Museum of Fine Arts

This world-renowned museum has over 500,000 works of art, including pieces from ancient Egypt and contemporary America.

Have Some Italian Cuisine in the North End

This vibrant neighborhood is known for its authentic Italian restaurants and bakeries. Make sure you grab a cannoli from Mike’s.

Take a Whale Watch

A whale watching tour is a fun and educational activity for the whole family. Boston Harbor Cruises offers whale watching tours that take visitors out to Stellwagen Bank, a marine sanctuary where humpback whales and other marine life can be spotted.