Boston with kids! I have very positive things to say about Boston when it comes to traipsing around its beautiful, historic brick streets with children in tow. Very positive indeed. The more traveling I do, the more I realize that every city has its virtues. History! Art! Cobblestone streets! High rises! Really, really good pizza! Playgrounds ’round every turn! Not all cities have all virtues though. You probably remember me having a hard time in Rome specifically with children. Rome is magic. Rome with children… maybe a little bit less magic? Boston, I will admit, is a seriously kid-friendly city. I love our days when we head down there and run around the Garden, splash in the Greenway fountains, and end with some ice cream from J.P. Licks. I don’t feel like they’re about to get squashed by oncoming traffic–cars or people!
There’s a handful of things, very important things, that make our days in the city possible. Not only possible, but successful, really. Snacks and water, having a vague idea of where the nearest bathroom is, green spaces to stop and run around without (almost without) caution, and a stroller to hold it all. A few weeks back I explored the city with the newest Chicco stroller, the Viaro. The Viaro is super lightweight for those of you who have that as a priority. It also has a huge storage area–accessible from the front or back!–which is a must for me. I had a picnic blanket, jackets for the boys, snacks, waters, a baby carrier, and, at times, my camera bag all in there. It was also a really smooth ride with an easy one-handed turning ability. This is more important than you think! I’m often pushing the boys while talking on the phone or carrying a coffee, so being able to turn your stroller with one hand is awesome. Finally, the fold! You simply grab a strap that’s at the base of the back where it meets the seat and it’s folded!
Without further adieu, here’s five family-friendly things to do when you’re in the city:
1// Public Gardens + Boston Common:
This one is obvious. It’s Boston’s Central Park and is big, open, and car-free (you’ll notice I’m a huge fan of car-free places when I’m with my kids. If I could make entire city blocks pedestrian-only, I’d do it. Let’s run for Mayor, Moms!!). I’m partial to the Gardens over the Commons as it’s more beautiful and has the whole Make Way for Ducklings allure which us Hunts love. Walk around the pond, take a ride on the Swan Boats, visit the duck statues, look at the flowers (especially if you’re there at the right time in spring!). But don’t miss the Commons either, which might have a food truck stationed near the Park Street corner. Take a loop around the Carousel and Frog Pond too. End it with a few minutes running around the Common’s Tadpole Playground. You could easily kill a few hours at these two places alone. Hungry? If the food truck didn’t satiate you, go to the Paramount and grab take out. Let me be clear though: Paramount isn’t what I think of as “kid friendly” because it’s very small. You pretty much have to leave your stroller outside, and then, if packed, stand shoulder to shoulder until you get to the counter to order. But the menu! The menu is totally kid-friendly and delicious. Fluffy pancakes all day, fruit cups, burgers, salads, wraps. I’ve had lots of things on the menu (sometimes all at once) and I’ve never been disappointed. If it’s too packed, brave the line for take out and spread a blanket at the Gardens, a short walk away, to dine al fresco!
Look at that happy face! This was his first “official” ducks meeting!
2// North End + Greenway:
Since the Greenway was established (a part of the exorbitant, forever-lasting project called The Big Dig… heard of it?!), this has become one of my absolute favorite places to stop with the kids. You could take the train in to North Station if you live outside of the city and skip parking garages, or park somewhere near the North End/Haymarket. Once there, make your way to the Rose Kennedy Greenway. A long stretch of green grass abutting the North End on one side and Faneuil Hall and the rest of the city on the other. Look north and see the Zakim Bridge, a particular beauty when the sun begins to set, if you’re there long enough. The fountains which turn on late spring and stay on all summer are wonderful. Clean, and just the right amount of splashing, your kids will have a blast running through them for hours. Benches, both stationary, and swinging, tables, or grass are all perfect spots for a picnic. Grab a bite to go in the North End (I love Regina’s pizza, a sort of cult classic, but with good reason! It’s delicious.) or, better yet, visit the new Public Market which is right next to the Greenway and filled with an assortment of foods and snacks.
3// Faneuil Hall + Quincy Market:
Faneuil Hall is on this list for a few reasons: street performers, car-free (here we go again!), food, and location. You can get nearly anything your heart desires from pizza to a gyro here (or go to Cheers bar, Wagamama, etc.!) and take it outside to watch some street performing that is so often here. It’s an easy walk from most of the places mentioned here too. It’s a fun spot, albeit very touristy.
Storage!
4// Charles River + Esplanade:
The Charles River is another great place for kids to run around at their (and your!) leisure. Paths snaking along the river plus a playground to tire you out, and when you’re tired, a short stroll gets you to J.P. Licks for a scoop of ice cream! Back at the river, there’s ducks and geese to watch and feed. This is where the Hatch Memorial Shell is, and Boston’s famed Pops play every 4th of July.
The Charles River is another great place for kids to run around at their (and your!) leisure. Paths snaking along the river plus a playground to tire you out, and when you’re tired, a short stroll gets you to J.P. Licks for a scoop of ice cream! Back at the river, there’s ducks and geese to watch and feed. This is where the Hatch Memorial Shell is, and Boston’s famed Pops play every 4th of July.
Always with the lens cap in the pocket. Always!
5// Bunker Hill + USS Constitution:
I’ve added this one with a bit of coercion from Steve. It’s not that I don’t love Bunker Hill or the USS Constitution (nicknamed “Old Ironsides” in the War of 1812). It’s just that I don’t share quite the affinity for the two that he does. He’s done Bunker Hill like… fifteen times since living here? Like when we have guests who haven’t seen Boston, that’s his first suggestion. Um, what? Mine most definitely include window-shopping and food and not simply climbing to the top of a very old monument. With that said, it is a very cool, very historical thing to do and will most likely be a favorite for a young child. Especially with a Dad like Steve. He gets so animated and narrates what a battle would’ve been like on the USS Constitution many years ago such that you have no choice but to share his enthusiasm for it. So, don’t forgo the two. Add them to your list. They’re in Charlestown, so not right in the center of things, but very accessible by car.
Also cozy for sleeping!!
Chicco’s new Viaro Travel System is available for purchase at ChiccoShop.com and Babies “R” Us for $349.99. The stand-alone stroller can also be purchased for $199.99.
Enter to win the entire Viaro Travel System which includes the stroller and infant car seat (retail value: $349.99) through the Rafflecopter below. The giveaway is open to U.S. only. Winner will be chosen by Sunday evening.
This post is sponsored by Chicco. Thank you for reading!
Great giveaway
Once again, I want to hop on a plane and visit Boston, it looks so nice and beautiful there.
This is where I am dying to go!! I'm hoping to talk my husband into it next year. Our kids will be three and one so hopefully it'll be doable for them. I love all the history that Boston holds.
All these pictures are so lovely! And I LOVEDDD Boston Commons when I used to live up there! 🙂
We NEED to get a Charlestown tour with Steve, I don't even know how one would "do" Bunker Hill? Walk around it in a circle?
Perfectly styled, I love how this turned out.
Walk around it in a circle, lol.
Climb to the top! Although with the view (and climb) to your apartment, you could probably skip this part!
While I don't have kids yet I am reading all of your Boston posts lately! We found out this weekend that we're moving to Cambridge so thanks for the tips.
Ooh! Congrats! Love Cambridge.
gosh, i visited boston once for a super short time before having any babies, and i would looooove to visit again! family style! i dream of it. saving your guide for future reference/good luck! 😉
love, love, love these pics! come to Tampa and photograph me in my natural element lol – thanks
spring in Boston is my favorite — very excited to experience it anew with my soon to be 2yr old.
Awesome guide! Where is your bag from? Love it! 🙂