Whether you’re a newbie to Boston or a long-term resident, it’s always exciting to take your kids on a special trip downtown. The people, the sights, the music, the smells, quality time with the family — these are the things they are sure to remember for years to come. Check out our suggested itinerary for a day downtown on Boston Common, at the Public Garden, and in Beacon Hill!
If you’re looking to explore more of Boston, check out our family-friendly guide to Copley and the Back Bay or our guide to Faneuil Hall, Government Center, and the Greenway.
How to get there
Take the T to either the Green Line Boylston Street stop, Red Line Park Street stop, or the Orange Line Downtown Crossing or Chinatown stops. You can also take the Commuter Rail — it’s about a 10-minute walk from South Station.
Or, drive in to the city and try a metered spot or a parking garage or lot. The Boston Common Garage is a large underground parking lot that costs about $20 on weekends but will run you more on weekdays. Websites and apps like SpotHero make it easy to reserve your parking spot ahead of time — and you can choose how far you’re willing to walk to save a few bucks. There are metered spots all around the Common and Public Garden if you’re willing to make a few laps while looking for a spot — most meters will give you two hours.
Boston Common
Boston Common was established in 1634, which makes it the oldest public park in the United States. There is so much to explore! Here are the most kid-friendly ways to spend time on the Common.
Ride the Frog Pond Carousel. It’s open daily in the spring, summer, and fall and costs $4 per ride. This old-school merry-go-round was built in 1947 by the Allan Herschel Company and features hand-carved wooden horses.
Spend some time at Frog Pond. This “pond” is a large wading pool and spray deck in the summer (open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.) that transforms into an ice skating rink in winter. It’s free to splash around during the summer; ice skate rentals will cost you.
Stop by the aptly named Tadpole Playground and small splash pad. During the summer, free weekly story times are held here by ReadBoston.
See where the famous Freedom Trail begins. Guided tours are available for history buffs, or just walk it yourself. There is even a fun app available for self-led tours.
Be sure to check out Boston’s newest memorial, The Embrace. It abstractly represents a photo of Martin Luther King Jr. hugging Coretta Scott King after his Nobel Peace Prize win in 1964. You’ve gotta see it in person!
Admire the golden dome of the Massachusetts State House. You could also take a peek inside and do a self-guided tour.
If you have time, check out the beautiful Boston Athenaeum, which houses a charming children’s library. Admission to the first floor is $10 for adults and $5 for children (discounted for WIC/EBT card holders).
Each season brings a variety of special events, too. In the summertime, grab a blanket and catch an outdoor show, like Shakespeare on the Common or the Mayor’s Free Movie Nights. In the fall, bring the kids to the annual Fall-O-Ween Children’s Festival. During winter, view ice sculptures during First Night or watch a free Ice Skating Spectacular Show. And welcome spring with the adorable Duckling Day Parade.
Boston Public Garden
The Public Garden was established in 1837 as America’s first public botanical garden — it’s located right across the street from the Common!
Tour the picturesque Public Garden and have a picnic under the stately willow trees. Just keep an eye on your food, as the squirrels here are very bold! This is also a popular spot for family photos, so bring your camera.
Ride the iconic Swan Boats, which have been a Boston fixture since 1877. Open April through September, these pedal-powered boats take riders on a leisurely 15-minute float around the Public Garden lagoon. The cost is $4.50 for adults and seniors, $3 for children ages 2-15, and free for those under 2. Reservations are not required.
Visit the famous “Make Way for Ducklings” statues. Nancy Schön’s ducklings sculpture is a tribute to Robert McCloskey’s book “Make Way for Ducklings” and was installed in 1987. The ducks are often dressed up in fun seasonal or sports-related attire.
Beacon Hill
Now make your way over to Beacon Hill — it’s a great neighborhood to window shop, grab a bite, and check out the historic brownstones.
Take a photo on scenic Acorn Street (but be mindful with strollers on the cobblestones).
Spend some time at the charming Beacon Hill Books and Cafe, which has a whimsical children’s area. Reservations to eat here are recommended.
For toddlers and younger kids, definitely check out the Myrtle Street Playground while in Beacon Hill. A true tot lot, it has a playhouse, swings, and ride-on toys.
For bigger kids, walk over to the fantastic Esplanade Playground, which is a quick jaunt over the Arthur Fiedler Footbridge. And now that you’ve found yourself along the Esplanade, why not finish off the day with a nice sunset stroll along the Charles River?
As you can see, there is so much to do with children in downtown Boston! We love exploring our city with our kids and hope you do too!
