Boston With Kids

The Swan Boats were introduced to the Boston Public Garden in 1877. They play an important role in the much-loved children’s book Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey. A lovely brass sculpture located near the Swan Boats pays homage to this book and its connection to the Boston Public Garden. The Swan Boats operate every day, from April through September.

One of the most popular things to do with kids in Boston is riding the historic Boston Common Carousel. The Carousel was built in 1947 by the Allan Herschell Company of North Tonawanda, NY, which crafted more than 3,000 hand-carved wooden carousels. The historic carousel is open from mid-April to the end of October and is an activity that will delight the family.

The Boston Children’s Museum is one of the oldest such museums in the country. Started in 1913 by a group of teachers, its goal is to encourage learning while providing a fun environment for kids. The exhibits encourage hands-on learning about topics including nature and science. The museum is home to more than 50,000 objects across several categories including natural history, global culture, dolls, Japanese artifacts and much more.

The New England Aquarium has been delighting visitors since it first opened in 1969 and is a great destination for families with older kids. When the Aquarium’s gigantic 200,000 gallon tank was built, it was the largest in the world. The tank is home to many creatures including fish, sharks and a 80-year-old sea turtle named Myrtle. Visitors can also enjoy seeing several other exhibits featuring sea life and mammals from around the world, or take in a film at the IMAX Theater.