Boston is great for families to explore its rich colonial history and fun attractions. Colonized in the 1630s, Boston was the Massachusetts colony’s capital and remains the state’s capital today. Also, Boston was the site of loud rumblings by the colonists against the English monarchy in the 1700s. Old North Church, the Paul Revere House, and other sites along the Freedom Trail highlight that historical period. The North End is home to historical sites as well as “Little Italy,” which is lined with a variety of Italian eateries. This article highlights some of the best things to do in the greater North End area to delight kids and their accompanying adults, too. My husband and I enjoyed our visit to Boston’s North End, which included three generations of the family. There’s certainly something for everyone in this beautiful city.
Boston Children’s Museum
308 Congress Street, Boston
The Boston Children’s Museum provides various exhibits and programs encouraging children to explore their interests. Hands-on areas for kids to create, construct, act, and simply play are included. There are spaces designed just for kids from birth to 3 years to enjoy with their accompanying adults.
Boston Common
115 Boylston Street, Boston
Boston Common is the country’s oldest park, dating back to 1634. It was once used for grazing cattle and sheep. Later, it was used as a militia training area. Now, it’s an expansive open area for the public to enjoy scenic spots and for the kids to ride the carousel. Also, everyone can have fun at the Frog Pond, with its water fountains to cool off in the warmer months and a skating rink in the winter.
Boston Public Garden
4 Charles Street, Boston
The Boston Public Garden, created in 1839, was the first botanical garden in the United States. It is just across Charles Street from Boston Common.
Today, it’s a delightful place to stroll, sit on a bench in the shade of a large tree, or take a relaxing swan boat ride (a local institution since 1877) around the pond. In the northeast corner of the park is the Make Way for Ducklings statues, created as a tribute to the 1941 Make Way for Ducklings book by Robert McCloskey.
Charlestown Navy Yard / USS Constitution
Chelsea Street, Charlestown
Located across the Charles River Inner Harbor, the Charlestown Navy Yard is home to the USS Constitution (a battleship from the War of 1812), USS Cassin Young (a World War II destroyer), the 1833 original dry dock used to build and repair ships, and a family-friendly maritime museum.
From the North End, you can reach the USS Constitution complex by taking the MBTA Charlestown-Long Wharf Ferry from Long Wharf (by the New England Aquarium), walking, or taking one of the Hop On/Hop Off trolleys.
USS Constitution
One of six original U.S. Navy ships, the USS Constitution was launched in 1797 and named by President George Washington. Battles with the British in the War of 1812 brought the USS Constitution glory in the eyes of the Americans.
Here was a ship and her crew – still so early in the new country’s life – that had proven their worth against a mighty naval power like England. Her nickname, “Old Ironsides,” was earned when a sailor watched cannonballs bounce offer hull and speculated that her sides were made of iron.
There’s no fee to board the USS Constitution and explore its decks. The adjacent visitor center contains interesting exhibits, a film, and artifacts chronicling the area’s shipbuilding history. Initially a small dock and storage area, the shipyard grew as new technologies emerged, including a forge, foundries, and machine shops.
Charlestown Naval Yard Dry Dock
Also onsite is Dry Dock #1, a massive structure that allowed workers to maintain the ships. Viewing it, you can imagine the process of bringing a ship into the dock, pumping out the water, and thus exposing it so that maintenance workers could get to work on repairs.
USS Constitution Museum
A few steps away is the USS Constitution Museum, which has family-friendly displays, videos, and hands-on experiences; this museum welcomes monetary donations (suggested amounts are posted) in lieu of admission.
Christopher Columbus Park
Atlantic Avenue along the Waterfront, Boston
This waterfront park sits between Atlantic Avenue and Boston Harbor. It has a playground, a rose garden, and lots of open space ideal for relaxing or enjoying a picnic. (Quincy Market at Faneuil Hall Marketplace is just 0.3 miles away and offers many picnic-perfect options.)
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
4 South Market Building, Boston
Since 1742, Faneuil Hall has served as a marketplace and meeting place. Wealthy merchant Peter Faneuil proposed the idea of a central market in Boston, and it was later built. Here, Samuel Adams and other “Sons of Liberty” debated the taxes the British monarchy imposed on the colonists in the 1760s. These discussions and similar ones in other colonies led to the American Revolutionary War.
Faneuil Hall has been expanded and renovated over the years, including the addition of the three Quincy Market structures behind it. Despite these changes, the grasshopper weathervane, created in 1742, continues to adorn the top of the building.
Today, Faneuil Hall Marketplace is home to merchants and a museum. National Park Service rangers are also on site to explain its history and help visitors navigate the historic area. Quincy Market (behind Faneuil Hall) is the place to find a variety of prepared food—perfect for lunch or heavy snacks—along with a variety of shops.
New England Aquarium
One Central Wharf, Boston
The New England Aquarium has many marine life to see and learn about, including lobsters, penguins, sea lions, and sea turtles. It’s also a fascinating place to learn about different habitats, including coral reefs and the Amazon rainforest. Check online for current exhibits and whale-watching tours.
Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile route that links individual historic sites that played key roles in Boston’s – and later, other colonies’ – quest for freedom from English rule. Sites along the trail include Boston Common; Faneuil Hall (profiled in this article); Granary Burying Ground (where famous patriots like Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Paul Revere are buried); Old North Church (profiled in this article); Old State House; Paul Revere House (profiled in this article); and the USS Constitution (that dates to the War of 1812).
Begin the Freedom Trail at the visitor center in Boston Common (and follow the painted red brick path) and conclude at the Charlestown Navy Yard or visit individual sites that interest you most. Check online for walking tours and special events. Also of interest may be the Black Heritage Trail.
Harborwalk
The Harborwalk hugs Boston Harbor and passes by museums, attractions, hotels, parks, fishing piers, and restaurants. Check out the online Harborwalk map to discover more about the trail.
Old North Church
193 Salem Street, Boston
Built in 1723, the Old North Church (formally called Christ Church) is the oldest church building still standing in Boston. Until the early 1900s, wealthy congregants purchased “pew boxes” and decked them out as they saw fit. During cold winter months, congregants would place warm bricks from their homes inside perforated metal boxes and place them inside their box pews. The resulting radiant heat kept them warm during church services. Step inside the pew boxes to read about the people who purchased them. In addition to the pew boxes, there was gallery seating for people with less wealth and social status.
Old North Church’s Place in History
On the evening of April 18, 1775, two lanterns were hung on its steeple that put Old North Church in history books. “One if by land, two if by sea.” Those two lanterns in the church steeple were a prearranged signal to the colonists that the British were approaching Lexington by sea (across the Charles River). Paul Revere rowed across the river and later on horseback (along with other Patriots) to Lexington to warn Samuel Adams and John Hancock. The pivotal Battles of Lexington and Concord that touched off the American Revolutionary War occurred the next day. In 1860, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow penned the poem, Paul Revere’s Ride, after visiting the Old North Church. Although known by many, the poem actually includes a few historical inaccuracies.
Visitors can take a self-guided tour of Old North Church today, as well as guided tours of the crypt and bell tower. When you enter, pick up a scavenger hunt paper and follow it to make sure you don’t miss important features of the church. Adjacent to Old North Church are gardens, a working print shop in the Clough House, and a gift shop.
Paul Revere House
19 North Square, Boston
Constructed around 1680, the Paul Revere House was home to Paul Revere and his family from 1770 to about 1800. Paul Revere was a silversmith, operated a foundry that created cannons and bells, and had other business ventures. He’s probably most well known, however, as the courier sent on the night of April 18, 1775, to warn John Hancock and Samuel Adams in Lexington of the British military’s positions. The house is now a popular historic site and museum and offers a window into how people lived in the 17th and 18th centuries. Some of the home’s furnishings were owned by the Revere family or constructed by Paul Revere. Revere’s grave is at the nearby Granary Burying Ground.
Paul Revere Mall
Paul Revere Mall is located behind the Old North Church in the North End. It’s a shady brick-lined plaza with a statue of Paul Revere, a fountain, memorials, and benches. It’s also the perfect spot to enjoy some goodies from nearby Mike’s Pastry Shop or Modern Pastry.
Rose Kennedy Greenway
The Greenway is a linear public park with plenty of spaces to play and relax. Here, you’ll find landscaped gardens, beer and wine gardens, food trucks, fountains, and the Greenway Carousel featuring hand-carved, native New England animals. Near the Seaport area (close to Faneuil Hall and the New England Aquarium) are the Greenway Carousel and Rings Fountain. Check online for special events on the Greenway.
Boston North End Map
Other Notable Boston Attractions
There’s still more to see! If you have time, consider other educational experiences in Boston for the family: the Boston Public Library (for beautiful art and architecture), Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, the Mapparium Globe (a three-story globe reflecting the world as of 1935), and the Museum of African American History.
Children’s Books About Boston
A few notable books may help kids get the most out of a visit to Boston. With the background provided by this literature, kids will undoubtedly appreciate and enjoy their trip to this amazing city.
- Boston History for Kids (by Richard Panchyk) chronicles the city’s history for older kids.
- Larry Gets Lost in Boston (by John Skewes) introduces many of Boston’s landmarks and may serve as a nice introduction before visiting and a relaxing recap after returning home.
- Make Way for Ducklings (by Robert McCloskey) tells the story of a family of mallard ducks that live in the Boston Public Garden. When visiting the garden, look for the statues commemorating this book.
- The Great Molasses Flood (by Beth Wagner Brust) and I Survived the Great Molasses Flood (by Lauren Tarshis) explain the calamity that hit the city in 1919 and killed and injured some residents.
Getting Around Boston
Most of the North End sites in this article are entirely walkable. Other options are the Hop On/Hop Off trolley, the Boston subway, and the ferry to Charlestown.
Where to Stay and Eat
There are so many lodging choices, but I especially like the Marriott Long Wharf because of its proximity to key sites. Plus, the Marriott has an indoor pool that kids really enjoy and a large outside deck just beyond the pool with magnificent views of the harbor (that just get better when the sun goes down).
For eating in the North End’s Little Italy, I enjoyed Quattro which serves up delicious Italian dishes (including pizza) in a comfortable setting. Just outside — down Hanover Street –are the iconic Mike’s Pastry (well known for cannoli) and Modern Pastry (well known for its wide variety of pastries and cookies). Further south on Hanover Street is Boston Public Market with various vendors selling seafood, produce, meat, baked goods, and prepared foods.
Finding good food near Long Wharf and the New England Aquarium are Joe’s, Legal Seafood, and Provisions. Behind Faneuil Hall is Quincy Market with an array of prepared food vendors ranging from New England to Greek to Italian fare. Along Union Street is Union Oyster House, the country’s oldest restaurant in continuous use, with good food and an interesting history displayed inside. The Barking Crab is a short walk away in the Seaport area, a very casual spot with tasty food.
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Final Thoughts
Boston is a city that delights. Its historical sites, public outdoor spaces, and recreation options make it a perfect place to spend several days with the family. There’s literally something for everyone, kids and grownups alike.
My favorite experiences were exploring the sites along the Freedom Trail, touring the USS Constitution and visiting the USS Constitution Museum, and simply enjoying downtime and people-watching in several of the outdoor public spaces (Boston Common, Boston Public Garden, Christopher Columbus Park, Harborwalk, and The Greenway).
Once you develop an itinerary for your visit, consider introducing your child(ren) to Boston by reading one or more books about the city.
Comments?
Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences from a visit to Boston. Your comments could help other travelers. 🙂
Maybe I fell into a tourist trap but I thought the cannolis at Mikes were soooo good. So much good Italian food in that area too.
I agree, Elizabeth! Mike’s (and nearby Modern Pastry) make excellent stops in Little Italy. Two great options to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth!
I usually don’t post comments, but your website is awesome. The organization is what sets it apart, very easy to find things. How do you get all this info! I have lived in Mass forever and have learned from this post. Crazy! Keep it up!
Thanks for your kind words, Shannon. I’m glad you found the information on Boston helpful. It’s certainly a city with a lot to offer visitors!