Must-Do Activities in Boston with Children

Ciao Bambino has been checking out the kid-focused Camp Omni program at Omni Hotels & Resorts around the country this summer.  I reviewed the Omni Parker House last month. Ideally located across from the Freedom Trail and just a few blocks from Boston Common, the Public Garden and Faneuil Hall, this classic family-friendly hotel makes it easy to explore Boston’s top attractions.

Planning a visit? Here’s my list of must do activities in Boston with children.

As part of the Freedom Trail walk, you can tour the inside of the U.S.S. Constitution (for free)

Walk the Freedom Trail

Step outside the Omni Parker House and you’re front and center on this 2.5-mile brick-lined route that takes you past 16 historic sites like the Old State House, Paul Revere’s House and the Bunker Hill Monument.

Frolic around Boston Common

This beloved city park has everything a kid wants: grassy areas, frog statues, a pond named after a turtle and a fully-equipped playground.

Relax at the Public Garden

So pretty with its weeping willows! Here kids can ride in a swan boat, feed swans and ducks, and climb on tiny bronze duck statues from Robert McCloskey’s classic book “Make Way for Duckling.”

See it all from the Skywalk Observatory

Take an elevator up to the 50^th floor for 360-degree views of Boston. Even better at night.

Tour Fenway Park

No reservations necessary for this family-friendly behind-the-scenes of this famous ballpark, home to the Boston Red Sox and the famed Green Monster.

Visit the Boston Children’s Museum

If you have little ones they’ll thank you profusely for taking them here, where they can frolic in a room devoted to bubbles, conquer a massive climbing structure and visit the simulated home of  TV and book character Arthur and his pals.

Learn and play at the Museum of Science

There’s something for everyone – even non-scientific minds – a planetarium, IMAX theater, simulator experience, and all sorts of hands-on fun with objects of all kinds.

Walk the North End

Looking for memorable cannoli? Look no further than Mike’s Pastry Shop. Don’t let the around-the-block lines scare you: they move fast. But before you indulge, pop into just about any North End restaurant for an authentic, delicious Italian dinner.

Devour the chowda at the Union Oyster House

This oldest restaurant in America (est. 1826) has a table named after JFK, who regularly hung out here to read newspapers and down a bowl of chowda. You’ll love the loud, vibrant vibe and mouthwatering seafood in this Boston classic.

Go to the Franklin Park Zoo

We’ve been to plenty of zoos over the years and this one consistently tops our list. See gorillas (acting strangely human), zebras, giraffes, kangaroos, lions, tigers and wildebeest super close up and without too much walking.

Editorial Note: Kara received complimentary accommodations at the Omni Parker House. As always, the opinions expressed on Ciao Bambino are our own.

Kara Mayer Robinson is an award-winning writer published in Parents Magazine, American Baby, Pregnancy, Time Out New York and more. Photos by Kara Mayer Robinson

Relevant Links:

Summer at Camp Omni at Omni Parker House Boston

Ciao Bambino Approved review of Omni Parker House hotel

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