What to do in Boston - Family Itinerary 3, 4, or 5 Days

Boston

Alright, gang, we're hitting Boston, where the tea party was more about rebellion than just sipping Earl Grey. Our plan? To show these kids that history can be cool. Walk where the Founding Fathers have tread, indulge in some of the best seafood you can taste, and even catch a Red Sox game at Fenway Park. From the echoes of the American Revolution along the Freedom Trail to the lively bustle of Faneuil Hall, see why Boston is not just a city, but a living piece of American history and a vibrant playground for families to create memories.

Day 1: Freedom Trail

• Morning: Begin the morning with the  Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile-long brick path through downtown Boston that is a great learning opportunity about the USA's origins and history. It goes through 16 significant places and begins with Boston Common, a public park, and Massachusetts State House which houses the state's government since 1798.

  

  Massachusetts State House

  Proceed to the Park Street Church and Granary Burying Ground, to learn about notable citizens; King's Chapel, one of oldest churches; Benjamin Franklin Statue and Boston Latin School, the first public school; Old Corner Bookstore, once a publishing hub; Old South Meeting House, Old State House, and Boston Massacre Site, sites key for the Revolutionary War; Faneuil Hall, "the cradle of free speech".

  

  Old State House

• Afternoon: Have lunch at Faneuil Hall Marketplace Quincy Market, with various food stalls, it is the place to try anything but especially the local grub like lobster, oysters, and clam chowder. Catch some street performers in front of the hall and buy souvenirs in the nearby market. Continue onto the Freedom Trail to Paul Revere House home of this famous patriot; Old North Church key in signaling that changed the course of the Revolutionary War; Copp's Hill Burying Ground with a scenic view.

  

  Quincy Market

  Cross the Charlestown Bridge for a photo at Paul Revere Park for the stunning city views. Visit the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship and step back into history. Finally, climb the Bunker Hill Monument, a tribute to the first major battle of the Revolutionary War.

  

  USS Constitution

  Evening: Walk down Main Street to feel an authentic neighborhood of Boston. Dine at the Warren Tavern, the oldest tavern in the state.

  
  

  Day 2: University Exploring

  
  

• Morning: Head over to Harvard and check out a free guided tour. See Harvard Yard and the John Harvard Statue, Harvard Library, Memorial Hall, and some notable dorms. Visit a museum of interest.

  

  Memorial Hall

• Late Morning: MIT Campus Tour: Explore MIT's cool campus. See MIT's Infinite Corridor filled with students' life and art, and admire the Stata Center and The Great Dome.

  

  MIT

• Afternoon: Visit the MIT Museum for science and tech exhibits. Rent kayaks to explore the Charles River with paddleboston.com.

• Evening: Enjoy dinner in North End, the city's oldest residential district famous for its historical significance and with the Italian vibe. Stroll through the streets and enjoy Italian fare.

  

  North End

  Day 3: Museums and Ballparks

  
  

• Morning: Check out the Museum of Science for interactive exhibits, especially the Butterfly Garden, planetarium, and dinosaur skeletons or Museum of Fine Arts - Dive into one of the largest art museums in the U.S., focusing on areas like Impressionism or American Art. Walk or bike along the Charles River Esplanade.

  

  Boston

• Afternoon: Grab lunch at Timeout Market, which has a variety of foods. Stroll through the Kelleher Rose Garden if the flowers are in bloom.  Try to catch a Red Sox game; otherwise, take a tour of Fenway Park.

  

  Fenway Park

  
  

• Evening: Explore Boston's Seaport District (Innovation District) is a new neighborhood known for its trendy modern vibe. Try some innovative cuisine and seafood here and experience the vibrant atmosphere.

  
  

  Day 4: Cape Cod in the Summer

  
  

• Morning: Take an early high-speed 90-minute ferry from the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston to MacMillan Wharf in the heart of Provincetown.

  

  MacMillan Wharf 

• Enjoy brunch of lobster omelet or benedict at one of the cozy cafes. Take a trolley tour around to absorb the scene. Catch a shuttle from Provincetown to Race Point Beach or Herring Cove Beach for beach time.

  

  Herring Cove Beach

• Afternoon: Have lunch at the famous Lobster Pot. Take a dune tour to explore Cape Cod National Seashore. Climb Pilgrim Monument for the view and visit the Provincetown Museum for history. Stroll down Commercial Street for galleries, shops, and treats. Have a beverage and enjoy the views from Chatham or other waterfront restaurants with a beach view.

  

  Cape Cod

• Evening: Catch the last ferry back and enjoy the sunset in the summer. Get a late dinner at Legal Sea Foods.

  

  Sunset from the Ferry

  
  

  Day 5: Aquarium and Back Bay

  
  

• Morning: Visit the  New England Aquarium. where you can touch sea life and see some of the most amazing marine creatures.

• Afternoon: Take a Boston Duck Tour (departure is next to the aquarium) to see Boston from land and water - a hit with kids and adults alike. Head over to the Back Bay area where there are plenty of great lunch options including Luke's.

  

  Luke's Trio

  Visit the  Boston Public Library, a breathtaking building inside and out. See the Trinity Church recognized as the "Ten Most Significant Buildings in the US". Stroll down the upscale Newbury Street for some shopping and gourmet.

  

  Trinity Church

• Evening: Check out Eataly for all its Italian gourmet and maybe buy a picnic spread. Finish your day at Boston Common. Ride Swan Boats, or relax with a picnic. Or enjoy seasonal activities like summer's Shakespeare on the Common, which we were lucky to catch, winter Holiday Celebrations, spring's Gardens in Bloom, and fall's Leaf Peeping.

  

  Shakespeare on the Common

Info:

• Background: Boston, the capital of Massachusetts, is a city steeped in history and culture. Founded in 1630 by Puritan colonists from England, it quickly became a hub for trade and education, notably with the founding of Harvard in 1636, the oldest institution of higher education in the U.S. Boston played a pivotal role in the American Revolution, hosting key events like the Boston Tea Party in 1773 and the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775, which are commemorated along the famous Freedom Trail. Beyond its rich history, Boston is renowned for its world-class universities, vibrant neighborhoods like the North End and Beacon Hill, and its sports legacy with teams like the Red Sox at Fenway Park. Today, it's a blend of old and new, offering a dynamic mix of cultural institutions, green spaces, and modern innovation, particularly in tech and medicine.

• Accommodation: Look for family-friendly hotels near public transport or key areas like Back Bay or Downtown.

• Transportation: The MBTA system is very family-friendly, consider passes for multiple days.

• Budget: The Boston CityPASS could save money if you plan to visit several attractions and eat at food halls.

• Weather: Boston's weather can be unpredictable; pack layers and have indoor alternatives ready.