Boston with kids

Question

Hi, we will be traveling to Boston for 3 days/2 nights in April and I had a few questions as I am putting our itinerary together. We will be 2 adults and 2 kids (ages 5 and 8) staying at the Courtyard Boston Downtown. We will also visit the BU campus (my alma mater) so need to factor that into the itinerary.

1. Are the kids too young for the Museum of Science? Admission is pricey so want to make sure they'll be able to get enough out of it.

2. Are they too young for the Freedom Trail Walk Into History tour? We could put the 5 year old in a stroller so he won't have to walk as much but not sure if they'll be able to focus for 90 minutes.

3. We likely will only have time for either the Boston Tea Party museum or the Boston Children's Museum - any recommendations on which one to prioritize?

2. Is the View Boston worth it?

Answer

It sounds like you're planning a great trip to Boston! I'll address each of your questions in turn to help you get the most out of your visit with your kids.

1. Museum of Science: The Museum of Science in Boston is fantastic for kids of all ages, and your 5- and 8-year-olds will likely find it both engaging and fun. It’s not just about viewing exhibits—there are plenty of hands-on activities, interactive displays, and live demonstrations that will keep children entertained. The museum features exhibits on everything from animals to outer space, and there are areas specifically designed for younger children, like the "Discovery Center" for hands-on play. Given that your kids are in the target age range for many of these exhibits, it could be well worth the admission price. However, if you're concerned about spending a lot and want to ensure the experience is right for them, you could check out the museum's website for specific exhibits that might interest younger children.

2. Freedom Trail Walk Into History tour: The Freedom Trail tour is a great experience, but it may be a bit long for younger children, especially the 5-year-old. While you can definitely use a stroller for the younger child, the tour lasts around 90 minutes, and depending on the kids' energy levels, they might get restless. The tour involves a lot of walking, and while it’s educational, there are many stops along the way. If you’re concerned about their ability to stay focused, you could consider doing a self-guided portion of the Freedom Trail instead. You can always stop at one of the historic sites (like the Boston Common or Old North Church) for a break, and then continue at your own pace. Alternatively, if your kids are particularly interested in history or enjoy being outdoors, they may surprise you and be more engaged than you expect.

3. Boston Tea Party Museum vs. Boston Children's Museum: Both of these museums offer something unique, so it depends on your priorities for the kids' interests.

Boston Tea Party Museum: This interactive museum is fun, especially if your children are a little bit older and can appreciate the historical significance of the Boston Tea Party. The museum includes an interactive experience where visitors can participate in a re-enactment of the Boston Tea Party, including "throwing tea into the harbor." It's very hands-on and immersive, but it might not hold the attention of younger children as much as it would for the 8-year-old. The 5-year-old might enjoy the theatrics but may not fully grasp the historical context.
Boston Children's Museum: The Boston Children's Museum is a great choice for younger kids, offering interactive exhibits on art, science, and culture. There are plenty of activities designed specifically for the 5- and 8-year-old age group, including hands-on exhibits and areas to climb, explore, and play. It's very much designed with young children in mind, and they will likely have a great time.

In general, if your kids are on the younger side and you want something that will keep them entertained and engaged, I would recommend the Boston Children's Museum. However, if you're more interested in a historical experience and think your kids would enjoy the interactive part of the Boston Tea Party Museum, it could also be a fun option.

4. Is View Boston worth it? View Boston is a new observation deck located in the heart of the city, offering 360-degree views of Boston. It’s definitely worth visiting if you enjoy seeing a city from above and want a fantastic panoramic view. The kids might enjoy spotting landmarks and looking out over the skyline. However, it's more of a "look but don’t touch" experience, so depending on the kids' interests, they might get bored after a short while. If you have extra time and want a cool experience that gives a unique perspective of the city, it's worth considering, but it may not be as engaging as other kid-focused attractions like the Museum of Science or the Children's Museum.

Overall, I think your trip will be full of wonderful experiences! The kids will likely enjoy the hands-on, interactive aspects of the museums and the outdoorsy activities Boston offers. Enjoy your time in the city!

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