One of my favorite things about being a parent has been discovering the abundance of family-friendly things to do in and around Boston each summer. It’s the best time to explore! And while it’s so fun to see our children experience new locations, new sensations, and new activities, it’s exhausting to come up with plans all summer long! This summer, I’m trying this list to keep my family entertained, cool, and happy.
1. Climb aboard the USS Constitution.
The USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned ship in the U.S. Navy, and a trip to “Old Ironsides” is a beloved family activity! The ship is free to visit (adults should bring an ID), and active duty U.S. Navy sailors are on hand to share interesting stories. The USS Constitution Museum provides engaging and hands-on experiences as well — kids love to learn how the ship was built, sailed, and preserved!
2. Celebrate U.S. history at Harborfest.
Spend Independence Day week — July 1-4 — at Harborfest with hundreds of activities, including the annual opening ceremony in Downtown Crossing, historical reenactments, arts market, Chowderfest, live musical entertainment, fireworks, and more! It’s one of Boston’s best summer events!
3. Experience the spirit of the Caribbean.
Experience the diverse Caribbean diaspora community through arts, heritage, and culture on July 6 at the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway during the 11th annual My Caribbean One World Expo.
4. Spend some downtime at the library.
Whether it’s your local branch or the historic BPL in Copley Square, a library is a relaxing place to cool off and read on a hot summer day. Boston alone has 25 branches spread throughout the city, with hundreds of family-friendly events and activities!
5. Take a whale watching tour.
Head out to sea on a whale watching cruise and discover the majestic creatures in the wild.
6. Check out a new splash pad!
There are dozens of splash pads throughout Greater Boston for a quick cool down on a hot day. Splash pads are a crowd pleaser for so many ages and stages!
7. Head to Foxborough for Patriots training camp!
Training camp begins in late July each summer, and football fans can watch the team practice, get some signatures, and participate in games, activities, and photo opps! No tickets are required, and all the fun is free and open to the public.
8. Don’t miss your free Slurpee!
July 11 is a special day — for free Slurpees! Head into your local 7-11 for this annual celebration.
9. Enjoy the local berries.
Throughout our Boston summer, we love to pick local berries and other fruit — and enjoy the many activities offered at the farms. We head to Ward’s Berry Farm in Sharon for the elaborate playground, the live music, and the smoothies and chicken fingers. Tougas Family Farm in Northborough is another favorite — they have all the pick-your-own options plus goats and other animals and farm-fresh fruit sundaes! (Pro tip: Keep a pair of socks handy — many farms have bouncy houses and require socks to enter!)
10. Go to the zoo(s).
Visit both Stone Zoo and Franklin Park Zoo with one membership — which also gives you discounted entry to many other zoos. Both Boston-area zoos also offer family fun programs, like animal meet and greets, plus playgrounds and nature play spaces.
11. Kayak on the Charles.
Start in Boston, Newton, or Waltham, and spend a leisurely afternoon paddling along while spotting wildlife and interesting plants in the water and on the shore!
12. Catch a fireworks show.
No matter where you are in the Boston area, you’re not far from great fireworks!
13. Explore nature with Mass Audubon.
A membership to Mass Audubon will cover all your nature needs from Boston to Cape Cod, North Shore, the Islands, and everywhere in between. By exploring the trails, wildlife sanctuaries, and animal farms, you could spend the entire summer just visiting different Audubon locations!
14. Spend a morning at Boston’s Children’s Museum.
It’s fun for kids of all ages! And Boston Children’s Museum offers discounted $1 admissions on Sunday afternoons.
15. Bike the Minuteman trail.
It’s one of the most popular rail trails in the country, and for good reason! No matter which part of the 10 miles you bike along, you’re sure to find lots of fun stops nearby — from ice cream shops to playgrounds to historic sites!
16. Join a Wicked Good Playdate with Boston Moms!
The Boston Moms Wicked Good Playdate series is BACK this summer with fun meetups all over Boston!
17. Enjoy a picnic on Bunker Hill and climb the monument.
Whether you’re a history buff or not, Bunker Hill is a lovely place to spend a few hours. Pack a picnic and roam the historic site, then see if you can make it up all 294 steps!
18. Visit the Little Saigon night market.
Boston’s Little Saigon cultural district invites the community to join the Chợ Đêm night market in Dorchester on July 13! Enjoy entertainment, games and activities for all ages, a beer garden, and delicious street food.
19. Hop on a Duck Tour.
To experience Boston by land and sea, try a Duck tour! It’s a fun and educational experience for the whole family — especially when the kids get a chance to drive the boat!
20. Feast in the North End
All summer long, feasts and festivals abound in Boston’s North End. We’re eying Saint Anthony’s Feast, the largest Italian religious festival in New England, on August 22-25.
21. Stay cool at a local art museum
On a hot or rainy day, stay cool and dry at any of Boston’s many art museums — you’ll find lots of fun kid and family activities!
22. Check out a local swimming hole.
There’s nothing like a dip in a New England pond or lake on a hot summer day!
23. Visit Chinatown for the August Moon Festival
On August 13 Chinatown will be bustling with cultural performances, Chinese calligraphy, arts and crafts, and various vendors of Chinese food and merchandise in honor of the annual August Moon Festival.
24. Make it a beach day.
Living on the coast gives us access to amazing beaches! Here are 12 of our favorite family-friendly beaches in Greater Boston! My family loves Castle Island for its free parking, playground, plenty of grassy space, and castle to explore, and Constitution Beach with lots of room to run around and a great playground. At both beaches you can watch planes land and take off just overhead!
25. Check out ocean animals at the aquarium!
Let’s not forget about sea animals! Head to the New England Aquarium to explore the under-the-sea world. The aquarium offers free entry for one Boston Public Schools student and up to three family members on select Sundays, and discounted admission can be found through some local libraries as well.
