Here with Kids Boston
Where we eat, play and roam from Fenway to the Seaport. Pick a neighborhood and go.
Each guide opens with a perfect three hours, then our picks for snacks, meals, breaks and ways to add glimmers of delight to your day.
Beacon Hill, Boston Common & Public Garden
Cobblestone streets, local treats, Swan Boats and ducklings. Our easiest first day with little ones.
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Seaport
The Children's Museum, a pirateship playground and the best lunch in Boston, all within a few minutes' walk.
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Freedom Trail
Follow the red brick line through colonial history. We'll show you where to stop, snack and play.
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NEIGHBORHOOD 1
OUR PERFECT OUTING
Start your morning with breakfast at Tatte. On your way down Charles Street, stop at the many cute local stores, including Beacon Hill Books, then wander over to the Public Garden to say hello to the ducklings and for a photo on the beautiful bridge followed by a morning ride on the Swan Boats. From there, head to the Boston Common for a break at the Tadpole Playground. Spend the next part of your day on the Freedom Trail and wrap with dinner at 75 Chestnut.
Beacon Hill, Boston Common & the Public Garden
Wander the cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill, take a ride on the Swan Boats, or let little ones burn off energy at the Tadpole Playground on Boston Common.
IF YOU NEED A MEAL
75 Chestnut | Cozy New England vibes, perfect for dinner or weekend brunch. It’s the kind of restaurant we’d love for an adults-only date night, but it’s welcoming for the whole family too. The kids menu is one of the best in town. We recommend a reservation, ideally on the early side.
IF YOU NEED A BREAK
Beacon Hill Books | We love a good bookstore, and this one doesn’t disappoint. The whimsical children’s room is the perfect spot for a reset, and buy a copy of Robert McCloskey’s Make Way for Ducklings before heading to the Public Garden. Strollers can be “parked” on the sidewalk outside.
IF YOU NEED A SNACK
Tatte Bakery & Cafe | Charles Street and Emerson locations. You’ll find Tatte all over Boston, and every one delivers on piping hot shakshuka, decadent sandwiches, hearty salads and perfectly constructed pastries. Order the pecan rose for a real treat. Strollers are OK in these locations, but the Emerson Street space is tight - its a great pick for a day you can bring your pastries to the park.
BECAUSE WE LOVE IT
Make Way for Ducklings statues | Don’t miss the ducklings in the Public Garden. Stop for a photo opp after a ride on the Swan Boats. If you’re lucky, the ducklings will be dressed up for a holiday or the Boston Marathon.
OUR LOCAL WAYFINDERS
[First name]
Lives in [neighborhood] with a [age]- and [age]- year-old. [One line on why they know this area.] [Their site or Instagram]
[First name]
Lives in [neighborhood] with a [age]- and [age]- year-old. [One line on why they know this area.] [Their site or Instagram]
NEIGHBORHOOD 2
Seaport
The Seaport is one of Boston’s “newer” neighborhoods with a mix of Colonial history, sweeping harbor views and modern museums, dining and shopping.
OUR PERFECT OUTING
Start your afternoon with lunch at Flour Fort Point, followed by a walk around the harbor to take in sites. If your child is interested in the American Revolution or US history, visit the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. Take a break from tourist activities to play at Martin’s Playground, then walk along the Harbor Walk to the Institute of Contemporary Art. After viewing and making art, continue along to Legal Seafoods for dinner.
IF YOU NEED A MEAL
75 Chestnut | Cozy New England vibes, perfect for dinner or weekend brunch. It’s the kind of restaurant we’d love for an adults-only date night, but it’s welcoming for the whole family too. The kids menu is one of the best in town. We recommend a reservation, ideally on the early side.
IF YOU NEED A SNACK
Flour Fort Point | Our absolute favorite lunch anywhere in Boston, and just a 3-minute walk from the Boston Children’s Museum. Get the roast beef sandwich with crispy onions for yourself, a kids’ PB&J for your little one, and any of the sweet treats for dessert. Joanne Chang’s quirky signs give you permission to eat it first: “Make life sweeter . . . eat dessert first.” Strollers can be tough - there are a few steps to get up to the cafe, but there is plenty of space for “parking” before heading in.
IF YOU NEED A BREAK
The Harbor Walk | Stroll along the water and stop to take in the views.
Martin’s Park | A little playground just 2 minutes from the Children’s Museum, with a big pirate ship to climb.
BECAUSE WE LOVE IT
Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) | Not an obvious choice for children, but the massive deck overlooking the harbor is reason enough to stop by, and admission is free for kids. The Art Lab where visitors of any age can make their own artwork allows kids to create, in addition to viewing the art.
OUR LOCAL WAYFINDER
[First name]
Lives in [neighborhood] with a [age]- and [age]- year-old. [One line on why they know this area.] [Their site or Instagram]
NEIGHBORHOOD 3
Freedom Trail
The 2.5-mile red brick route through downtown Boston, Faneuil Hall, the North End and into Charlestown covers several neighborhoods. It’s an iconic walk through colonial history.
OUR PERFECT OUTING
Don’t try the whole trail with young kids. Start at Boston Common and point out the Golden Dome on the State House, stop for a snack at the Boston Public Market. After exploring the Paul Revere House and Old North Church, either end your day early with some gnocchi at Antico Forno or if you are feeling ambitious, head to Charlestown!
IF YOU NEED A MEAL
Antico Forno | Our North End go-to for over a decade, with a classic North End Italian American vibe. We love the gnocchi, and pizza and pasta are always a win with kids. Reservations recommended for dinner.
IF YOU NEED A SNACK
Boston Public Market | Near the start of your journey, a nice place to look around, grab a bite, or pick up farmers market goods like fruits and veggies and local cheese.
The Shops at Dovetail | If you make it to the end of the Freedom Trail in Charlestown, you deserve a snack. Get a sandwich and house-made potato chips, and eat outside on a bench by the piers if the weather is nice. Kids can play on the big anchors or marvel at the giant bronze octopus sculpture, “Arms of Friendship,” currently on Dry Dock 2 in the Charlestown Navy Yard, just seconds away.
IF YOU NEED A BREAK
Faneuil Hall | Watch street performers or just take in the scenery of Faneuil Hall. If its rainy, pop into Quincy Market to stay dry and grab a bite to eat.
BECAUSE WE LOVE IT
The Golden Dome | Don’t forget to point out the golden dome on the Massachusetts State House. Kids are shockingly impressed!
OUR LOCAL WAYFINDER
[First name]
Lives in [neighborhood] with a [age]- and [age]- year-old. [One line on why they know this area.] [Their site or Instagram]