Best Indoor Water Parks in New England for Easy Family Getaways
Submitted by Fiona Haley on
In any kind of weather, New England indoor water parks mean family fun!
Latest posts by Fiona Haley
11 Hayrides Near Boston: From Bucolic to Bone-Chilling
Submitted by Fiona Haley on
Find hayrides near Boston, from family friendly to super spooky!
Swimming Pools with Day Passes and Memberships for Families Around Boston
Submitted by Fiona Haley on
These Boston swimming pools are worth the price for extra summer fun!
7 Fun Boat Rides in Boston for Kids and Families
Submitted by Fiona Haley on
With summer in full swing and Boston Harbor within reach, what better way to spend quality family time than with a boat ride on the open seas?
Our city has a deep and exciting nautical history, and kids really enjoy a venture offshore. Boston Harbor has whale watch trips, speedboats, schooners, and even a ship shaped like a duck—enough seafaring options to satisfy every member of the family.
For more fun on the water this summer, check out these Boston-area beaches and swimming lakes and ponds.
Boston's Best Parks and Playgrounds for Kids Birthday Parties
Submitted by Fiona Haley on
Greater Boston has so many great parks and playgrounds for kids birthday parties If your child was born in late spring, summer, or early fall, hosting their birthday party at a local park or playground is an easy, fun, and super-affordable option. Fortunately, there are a number of green spaces from Waltham to the waterfront where kids parties' are possible. The best part of all? Most are free (or nearly free). Just be sure to call or email each park in advance to reserve a spot to spread out (if necessary) and find out what kind of food and extras—like bounce houses or live entertainment—are allowed.
For more celebration ideas, see our Birthday Party Guide for Boston Kids. And our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds in Boston is full of our expert picks for the best of outdoor fun!
Boston Zoos: There's More Than Just the Franklin Park Zoo!
Submitted by Fiona Haley on
Zoos are a popular destination for families with kids of all ages—who doesn’t love to gawk at giraffes and roar like a lion? While Franklin Park Zoo is a popular (and wonderful) option, there are six others within a 90-minute drive of Boston that each offer something unique for animal aficionados. Whether it’s Franklin Park’s sister zoo in Stoneham or York’s Wild Kingdom in Maine, there is an option for you within day-trip distance, offering entrance to another world of miraculous and mysterious creatures not normally seen around Boston.
13 Top Boston Playgrounds To Visit for Brain-Boosting Fun
Submitted by Fiona Haley on
Boston kids are ready to get outside and play! Even if you live outside the city, consider a day trip to one of these innovative Boston-area playgrounds, which feature nature-inspired layouts, brain-boosting equipment, and wheelchair-accessible structures that promote inclusivity. These new-school playgrounds—two of which are also on our "destination playgrounds" list—are beautiful, safe spaces for kids of all ages and abilities to entertain and challenge themselves, so parents can watch from a distance as kids do what they were born to do: play.
If it's an especially warm day, consider a day trip to one of these Massachusetts spraygrounds and splash pads, too.
8 Special Family Campgrounds near Boston with Extras for Kids
Submitted by Fiona Haley on
Camping is a wonderful way to explore the outdoors while spending serious quality time with your family—and you can do it all for much less money than you'd spend at a Boston-area hotel or vacation rental home. While Massachusetts is home to many campgrounds and campsites, we have selected eight that go out of their way to create a kid-friendly experience that combines adventure and creature comforts.
Whether you are camping in a fancy lakeside yurt or a pop-up tent in your backyard, make downtime and evenings fun with these camping games to play with kids.
