Planning a family vacation to Boston? The Freedom Trail in Boston is the perfect way to combine fun and education, giving kids and adults alike a chance to walk in the footsteps of history. This two-and-a-half-mile red brick path winds through the city of Boston. It connects sixteen historic sites on the Freedom Trail for families to explore together. From the iconic Paul Revere House to the towering Bunker Hill Monument, there are plenty of things to see on the Freedom Trail that will bring history to life. These must-see places in Boston will turn your trip into an unforgettable adventure. And the memories you will make along the way will be priceless. So, lace up your walking shoes and get ready for a journey through time!

Freedom Trail in Boston: Explore Must-See Sites During Your Family Vacation

Boston Common – The First Stop on the Freedom Trail in Boston

Most tourists like yourself begin their Freedom Trail journey at Boston Common. This is one of the oldest public parks in the country. The park has approximately fifty acres. Centuries ago, this park was a pasture for Puritan settlers. The military then took it over for their use.

Today, you will see families having picnics, people running, and during the winter, ice skating on the pond.

Use my travel guide for Boston to help you before and during your family vacation. 

Park Street Church

Park Street Church was built in 1809. “My Country, Tis of Thee” was first sung publicly in this church in 1831. When you arrive at this Freedom Trail site during your family vacation in Boston, point out the two-hundred-seventeen-foot steeple to the kids.

Granary Burying Ground

Old cemeteries hold lots of history. The Granary Burying Ground dates back to 1660. Numerous notable people are buried here. The most famous people include Paul Revere, John Hancock, and Samuel Adams.

As you wander around, have your kids point out the oldest headstones. Or have them point out all the people they learned about in history class in school.

Old Corner Bookstore – Unique Stop on the Freedom Trail in Boston

A family vacation isn’t a family vacation until you have spent time inside a bookstore! Thankfully, the Old Corner Bookstore on the Freedom Trail in Boston isn’t any ordinary bookstore.

Nope! This building was constructed in 1718. And it was used by a Boston publishing company in the 19th century. In fact, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Harriet Beecher Stowe both had books published by this company.

I recommend wandering through this building, searching for historical items. And of course, making a purchase or two before you leave.

Check out these other bookstores to visit during family vacations. 

Old State House

The Old State House was constructed in 1713. It was where the colonial government met many years ago. It was also where those in government witnessed the infamous Boston Massacre in 1770.

I recommend going inside to explore the interactive exhibits. Your family can also stand on the balcony. It is on that balcony where the Declaration of Independence was first read in Boston.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace – A Popular Stop on the Freedom Trail in Boston

The Faneuil Hall Marketplace has been a part of Boston’s history since 1742. At that time, merchants and fishermen sold items to the locals. However, it wasn’t long before prominent people like George Washington and Samuel Adams used this area to give inspirational speeches.

This marketplace received major renovations back in the 1970s and it looks slightly different nowadays. Currently, there are approximately eighty shops, restaurants, and pubs at Faneuil Hall. And yet, your family can still see, and imagine, the history that took place at this site on the Freedom Trail in Boston.

Old North Church

April 18, 1775, was an important night in Boston’s history. This church was where Robert Newman signaled to the locals that the British were approaching.

The Old North Church is the oldest church in the city. You can see the family names from years ago on the private benches.

I recommend climbing the steps to the top of the tower to see the panoramic views of the city. Feel free to say, “one if by land, two if by sea”, while at the top to reenact history.

There is a museum tucked away into the gift shop next door. So, make sure you check that out before you continue along the Freedom Trail during your family vacation.

Paul Revere House

Everyone knows the important role Paul Revere played when the British were arriving to attack. However, not many people have seen his home.

Paul Revere’s home was built in 1680. He lived in that home from 1770 through 1800. It is the oldest home in the city.

You can tour his home during your family vacation in Boston. Inside, you will see the original furniture, as well as some of the silver he produced.

Bunker Hill Monument

You can see the Bunker Hill Monument well before you reach it, as you are walking along the Freedom Trail in Boston. This shouldn’t be surprising since it towers over the city.

If your children are old enough, I recommend climbing the two-hundred-ninety-four steps to the top of the monument. You should also take a selfie once you reach the top to commemorate your efforts. And to remember how you managed to persuade your kids to keep going.

Check out the best bars in Boston (and yes, Cheers is on the list!)

USS Constitution and Museum – The Last Stop on the Freedom Trail in Boston

The USS Constitution is known as Old Ironsides. It is the oldest warship still in the water today.

She first set sail on July 22, 1798. Her final voyage was July 21, 1997. The USS Constitution is currently a museum, so board the ship with your family for a tour. The tours occur every half hour. Your tour guide will be dressed in clothes from the Revolutionary War.

Exploring the Freedom Trail in Boston is more than just a walk through history. It’s a chance for families to step back in time and experience the stories that shaped the US. Every stop along the Freedom Trail offers an opportunity to spark curiosity and conversation. Unforgettable adventures are waiting your family at these must-see places in Boston, as well as many others. And I can help you see the destinations you want to see the most by creating a personalized itinerary for your family vacation in Boston.

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your next trip to Boston or another destination?

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