5 More Reasons to Visit Boston

Boston is one of my favorite family-friendly cities to visit for several reasons. There are so many activities to do in the city, the food is delicious, and it’s easy to get around on foot. I had family in the North End for years, so our visits also included neighborhood markets and cafes. Sure, we walked the Freedom Trail, visited the New England Aquarium,  rode the Swan Boats, took a Duck Tour, and visited Faneuil Hall. But what else is there to see on your next trip to Boston? Here are five suggestions for other fun things to do in and around town.
*Updated August, 2024​

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1. Hop on the Ferry to Boston Harbor Islands. Most visitors to Boston probably don’t know much about  the Boston Harbor Islands, which are just a ferry ride away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The closest island is Spectacle Island, which is a short 20 minute ride from downtown Boston. Once there, you can take a hike, swim on the beach or have a picnic lunch. After being in the city, my kids loved being able to climb the rocks and explore the island.  During the summer, visitors can purchase tickets for the Sunset Clambake with steamed lobster and clams.  Limited camping is available on Peddocks Island. Plus the views of the city from the water are pretty cool!

2. Take a Tour. Walk the streets of the North End with a local, stopping along the way at local favorites like Pocari’s Coffee and Mike’s Pastry. While the choices of tours are plentiful, you can’t go wrong with the North End Boston Food Tour. Owner and guide Bobby shares stories from his life in the North End while popping into restaurants and shops for delicious food and history. It was the most I have ever eaten on a food tour! Another popular tour option for visitors is a ghost tour. While we haven’t had a chance to try the Ghosts and Gravestones Haunted Boston tour, we were impressed with the ghost tour they offered in Key West, Florida. Make a reservation in advance for any tour, and check the cancellation policy. Read 8 Things to Know About Taking a Guided Tour before you book. 

Read:  How to Enjoy a Taste of Italy in Boston’s North End

3.  Ride the Subway to Cambridge. The MIT Museum is a unique museum for older kids and adults interested in science and technology. The museum reopened in late 2022 in a new space in Kendall Square, with cutting-edge exhibits like AI: Mind the Gap. It’s a great excuse to visit the town of Cambridge, where you can stop for lunch at one of the local favorites like Area Four. The Harvard Museum of Natural History is also another interesting place worth visiting in Cambridge. If you are traveling with teens, It’s never too early to start visiting college campuses if you happen to be in the neighborhood (it may save you from having to make an expensive trip down the road!) ​

4. Visit a Few Unique Spots in Boston. Take a step back in time when you step into Caffé Vittoria on Hanover Street, and feel the history of the oldest Italian cafe in Boston. Look around while you are enjoying a cup of coffee and pastry and notice all the vintage equipment . If you are strolling in the neighborhood of Boston Public Garden, head over to 330 Stuart Street and take a minute to see the sculpted doors. The building used to be the headquarters of the Salada Tea Company, and the doors depict the history of tea. We happened to come across the doors on the way to breakfast at The Friendly Toast, a colorful spot with a huge breakfast menu. And don’t forget to check out the gold-leaf dome on the Massachusetts State House. It has been there since it was added in 1872.  I love using the site Atlas Obscura to find unique attractions around the country. 

5. Enjoy All the Rose Kennedy Greenway Has to Offer. Who doesn’t like running barefoot through a fountain? Head to the Rings Fountain at the Rose Kennedy Greenway, or take a stroll and enjoy over a mile and a half of park space. From May through October, cool off at the Greenway Fountains scattered throughout the parks. Grab lunch off a food truck, or bring a picnic to enjoy.  There are also  seasonal beer gardens. Kids will want to ride the one-of-a-kind carousel, filled with characters native to Massachusetts, like lobsters and sea turtles. The Greenway website has a detailed self-guided tour highlighting all the features of the space. Next time, I want to focus on the public art along the way.