Things to Do with Kids in Boston

Three floors of hands-on exhibits for kids from infants to age 10. Features a Japanese House, construction zone, Art Studio, and water play area. Infants under 12 months are free. Open Wednesday through Monday; closed Tuesdays.

Home to thousands of aquatic animals including a four-story Giant Ocean Tank with sea turtles, sharks, and rays. Features penguin exhibits, touch tanks, and whale watch cruises (seasonal, separate ticket). Children 2 and under are free. Boston Family Days offer discounted admission on the first and second Sunday of each month.

One of the world's largest science museums with over 700 interactive exhibits. Features a planetarium, Omni theater, live animal exhibits, and the Discovery Center for kids under 8. Children under 3 are free. Timed-entry tickets are no longer required — just pick a date when purchasing.

The oldest public park in America offers year-round family fun. In summer, the Frog Pond spray pool is free for kids 12 and under (opens late June). In winter, outdoor ice skating takes over. The Tadpole Playground near Frog Pond has whimsical frog-themed climbing structures. A historic carousel operates seasonally.

A 72-acre zoo with over 200 species including gorillas, lions, giraffes, and a seasonal butterfly exhibit. The Franklin Farm area lets kids interact with farm animals. Uses dynamic pricing — book online in advance for the best rates. Children under 2 are always free.

An interactive museum telling the story of Old Ironsides, the world's oldest commissioned warship still afloat. Kids can try on sailor uniforms, practice loading a cannon, and scrub the deck. Admission is pay-what-you-wish with suggested donations. The ship itself is free to board (operated by the US Navy).

The Central Library in Copley Square has a dedicated Children's Library on the second floor with free storytime sessions, craft programs, and STEM activities. Features ToddleTown for ages 3-5, StoryScape dress-up area, a sensory wall for kids with sensory processing needs, and therapy dog programs.

Indoor LEGO attraction with rides, 4D cinema, building workshops, and MINILAND Boston built from millions of LEGO bricks. Best for ages 3-10. Online advance booking is significantly cheaper than walk-up pricing. Located at Assembly Row, accessible by Orange Line.

A one-of-a-kind carousel on the Rose Kennedy Greenway featuring 14 original characters representing Boston's land, sea, and air — including a lobster, whale, harbor seal, owl, and butterfly. Only $4 per ride. Located on the Greenway between the North End and Seaport, surrounded by parks and fountains.

A national park area with ferries departing from Long Wharf to Georges Island (explore a Civil War-era fort) and Spectacle Island (beaches and hiking trails). Junior Ranger programs and ranger-led activities run all summer. Ferries operate May through October. Kids under 3 ride free.

Amphibious WWII-style vehicles tour Boston's historic landmarks on land before splashing into the Charles River. Departures from Museum of Science, Prudential Center, and New England Aquarium. Tours run rain or shine every 30 minutes from 9am to about an hour before sunset, April through late November.

A Mass Audubon nature museum at the base of the Blue Hills Reservation with live animal exhibits (owls, snakes, turtles), interactive nature displays, and easy trails for young hikers. The outdoor exhibits are open daily. Located about 10 miles south of downtown Boston — a great half-day trip for families who want nature without leaving the metro area.

Walk across a 30-foot glass bridge inside a three-story stained-glass globe built in 1935 with 608 colored glass panels. A brief light-and-sound show keeps kids engaged. The map shows 1935 borders, making it educational for older kids to spot how the world has changed. Amazing acoustics — whisper at one end and hear clearly at the other. No photography allowed inside. Takes about 20 minutes. The adjacent church tour is free.

One of the few remaining dedicated puppet theaters in the country, offering professional puppet shows specifically for kids most weekends. Shows at 10:30am and 1:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays, plus holiday Mondays. Small intimate venue — book ahead as shows sell out. Summer shows are free or pay-what-you-can. Card to Culture pricing ($3) available for WIC/EBT/MassHealth holders.

A 22-acre state park with a granite fort dating to 1834, beaches, walking trails, a playground, and calm-water Pleasure Bay perfect for toddlers. Everything is free — parking, entry, beach, and fort tours. Free guided tours of Fort Independence run Sat-Sun noon to 3:30pm. Sullivan's Snack Shack is a beloved local tradition for hot dogs and lobster rolls (cash only). Edgar Allan Poe connection: the fort inspired 'The Cask of Amontillado.'