There are so many fun things to explore with the family in the Faneuil Hall, Government Center, and Greenway areas of Boston! Whether you’re drawn to the history or just love strolling around downtown, you won’t be disappointed. Our city is easily walkable, and you’ll see for yourself just how close everything is when you check out the following attractions with your kids in Boston!
If you’re looking to explore more of Boston, check out our family-friendly guide to Boston Common, the Public Garden, and Beacon Hill or our guide to a day in the Copley/Back Bay area!
How to get there
You can park in the Boston Public Market garage (which only costs a few dollars for up to three hours if you get your ticket validated!) or in one of the nearby public lots. Alternatively, you could take the T to Haymarket station (Orange and Green Lines), State station (Orange and Blue Lines), or Government Center (Green and Blue Lines). You could also take the Commuter Rail to North Station and walk about 10 minutes.
The most kid-friendly ways to spend time in the Faneuil/Government Center/Greenway area
1. Boston Public Market
Boston Public Market is a great place to start! This large food hall offers so many different types of cuisine, as well as some artisan booths. There is truly something for everyone — from crepes to gourmet mac and cheese to Bon Me. The market often hosts wonderful kids events, like magic shows, face painting, singalongs with Jeff Jam and even the occasional kids cooking class!
2. Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market
Historic Faneuil Hall has served as a market and meeting hall since 1742. The first floor is a lively marketplace, and the Great Hall on the second floor is a meeting spot where many famous Boston debates have taken place. You can even catch a free tour!
There is a lot to explore here during all seasons, from the beautiful Christmas tree in December to the street performers in the warmer months. The cobblestone streets around this area make it almost possible to imagine yourself back in 18th-century Boston. If you want to lean into the history, you could even go on a horse and carriage tour!
Some fun shops to check out at the marketplace are Boston Kids, Illusions, Squish Boston, and Build-A-Bear. There is also a beloved year-round Christmas shop, where kids love to peruse all the the sparkling ornaments!
3. Boston City Hall Plaza Playground
The Boston City Hall Plaza Playground is a must visit! It’s right across the street from Boston Public Market — just go up the steps toward City Hall Plaza. If your kids are adventurous they can go down the famous “cop slide,” climb up the metal mesh tube, or splash around in the water features during summertime.
There are often fun family-friendly events at the City Hall Plaza, like summer concerts and the beloved Scooper Bowl.
4. Giant steaming tea kettle
Your kids have probably worked up an appetite at the playground and might need a bathroom — for us that often means Starbucks to the rescue! And wouldn’t you know it? The 63 Court Street Starbucks just so happens to be home to an iconic giant steaming tea kettle. This quirky golden kettle above the Starbucks is over 150 years old — and has a very fun story behind it. See if your kids can spot it — everybody loves a scavenger hunt!
5. Old State House
Right down the street stands the legendary Old State House — the oldest surviving public building in Boston! This site served as the seat of colonial and state governments of Massachusetts and is the site where the Declaration of Independence was heard for the very first time. It is an important stop along the Freedom Trail, and you can take a tour of the building.
Fun fact: An old time capsule was found at the State House dating back to 1795 — it was placed there by Sam Adams and Paul Revere!
6. Museum of Illusions
Located right across from Quincy Market, this museum is a relative newcomer to the area. It features more than 60 illusions that will “trick your senses and challenge your brain.” Great fun for kids and adults alike, this is a good option for a rainy day. The exhibits are super interactive and tactile, the staff is helpful and friendly, and there are many fun opportunities to take silly and unique photos. Tickets are pricey, however, at $38 for adults and $33 for kids — luckily ages 4 and under are free.
7. Rose Kennedy Greenway
Just beyond Faneuil Hall, the Rose Kennedy Greenway is where old Boston meets new, and cobblestone streets lead to towering skyscrapers and new construction. With so many fun things to explore along the Greenway, you will want to come back again and again. There are art installations, murals, and fountains galore. In fact, the Greenway features a total of seven different water features — the ultimate way to spend a summer day with kids in Boston! There is also an outdoor beer garden and seasonal food trucks. Keep in mind it is about a 20-minute walk from one end of the Greenway to the other.
My family usually starts by exploring the labyrinth at Armenian Heritage Park. My kids love running around the maze, splashing in the fountain, and enjoying the blooming flowers. In the wintertime, we like to drop by Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park across the street to walk through the lighted holiday trellis.
(Other notable Greenway stops include the rings fountain, the harbor fog sculpture, and the Chinatown stream, which are over toward the opposite end of the Greenway.)
8. Greenway Carousel
Next, head over to the Greenway Carousel. Rides are $4 each, and the native New England carousel creatures are so whimsical. My kids especially love riding on the owl and sea turtle. It is open on Fridays, weekends, and select holidays.
9. New England Aquarium
The New England Aquarium is just down the road from the carousel. If you don’t have time to tour the aquarium, you can always drop by to say hello to the harbor seals, which are located in an outdoor exhibit and are free to view. There is a Simons IMAX theater on site, which features really cool marine-life-themed 3D shows — a fantastic option for a rainy day.
10. Long Wharf
Long Wharf is right by the aquarium, which makes it a prime location to check out a harbor cruise or whale watching tour. A family favorite is Codzilla, a thrilling high-speed boat tour of the Boston Harbor where you and the kids will definitely get splashed (so dress accordingly).
You can also check out the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park Ferry Center. Some favorite islands to visit are Georges Island and Spectacle Island, and you can even go overnight camping on Peddocks Island. The ferries operate spring through fall, and you can hop on right at the wharf. (Check your local library for discounted ferry tickets!)
Bonus seasonal attraction: Every couple of years, the majestic Tall Ships return to Boston and typically dock around this area. Be sure to check them out — their next visit will be in 2026!
