Use This Travel Guide To Help Plan Your Family Vacation In Boston

The city of Boston has so much to offer families like yours. After all, it is an area that has been around for centuries, so it is packed with history, culture, and traditions. You might be surprised to learn Boston is also home to winning sports teams and a vibrant nightlife. And you cannot forget the food. Fenway Park’s hot dogs, fresh seafood, delectable Italian dishes, and fusion options are only a taste of what you will come to expect from this destination. This travel guide will help you plan your family vacation in Boston

History in Boston, MA

Most people believe Boston’s history began when Paul Revere rode around warning people the British were coming. However, this city’s history started many years prior. Native Americans called this area home, as early as 2400 BC. Other settlers arrived in 1614 when Captain John Smith arrived in Massachusetts Bay. The Puritans arrived years later and started the Massachusetts Bay Company.

It would be quite some time until the American Revolution started. That period included the Boston Massacre, Boston Tea Party, Revere’s infamous ride, and the siege of Boston. The city’s population grew during the potato famine in Ireland, which was during the 1840s.

The fire of 1872, which started in the basement of the Tebbetts, Baldwin, and Davis dry goods warehouse, destroyed a good portion of Boston. Thankfully, the fire did not destroy some of the most important historical buildings in Boston. If it had, the Boston we know today wouldn’t exist.

Weather in Boston, MA

Spring in Boston

Early spring in Boston can still mean snow and cooler temperatures. However, as the season progresses, the temperatures climb to the 60s during the day. The nights cool down substantially though and there is always an excellent chance of rain during this season.

Summer in Boston

The temperatures rise to the 70s and 80s during the summer in Boston. Most days are warm and comfortable, thanks to the ocean breeze. However, there are days when the humidity levels rise to unbearable levels. These months are typically dry, but you never know when a summer storm will hit.

Fall in Boston

Most people arrive in Boston during the fall, because the temperatures cool down slightly. Yet the weather can still be warm, it just isn’t as humid as it is during the summer. As the season progresses, the temperatures will begin to drop, and it is possible to see snow as early as November.

Winter in Boston

Snow is common in Boston and it is not unheard of them to have a massive storm where snow piles up. Once you add that snow to the colder temperatures, you may decide this time of year is not for you. However, if you don’t mind the cold and snow, you will discover this city is perfect for creating magical memories with your family during this time of year.

What to Pack for a Vacation in Boston, MA

Packing for a family vacation in Boston can be tricky, especially if you are visiting during early spring or late fall. Those times of the year may require summer apparel or winter apparel, depending on what Mother Nature decides.

However, the warmer months in Boston usually require shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, and sandals. Cooler months require pants, long-sleeved shirts, and sweaters. During the winter, coats, hats, gloves, and boots are a must.

Boston is a city that requires a lot of walking, so I recommend packing a pair of good walking shoes. I usually take two pairs, so I can rotate them during my visit.

Activities to Embrace While on Vacation in Boston

As we are planning your family vacation in Boston, you are going to realize you have almost too many options. Honestly, this is a good problem to have, because it means you won’t be walking around wondering what to do next. It also allows your family to do a couple of things you may have not considered during past family vacations.

One of the first things you must do while visiting Boston is to walk the entire Freedom Trail. This trail is two and a half miles long. As you walk along this trail, it will lead you to sixteen different historical sites. While you can walk this trail on your own, I can also plan for you to have a tour guide for this adventure.

Going on a cruise of Boston Harbor can be fun for the whole family. However, if you are going to head out on the water, I recommend taking a whale-watching cruise. You must plan your visit for the months of May through October if you want to see whales though. The whales migrate to warmer waters for the rest of the year.

If you are interested in getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a few hours, I recommend heading out for a family hike. The Chestnut Hill Reservoir is not too far from the city. Hingham’s World’s End is another possibility your family will love.

At the end of the day, you may want to sit back and relax while taking in the sights. If this is something you enjoy doing on family vacations, a ride on the swan boats in the Public Garden is a must. A guide will take you on a fifteen-minute ride up and down the lagoon, as ducks swim around you.

Other family activity options in Boston include:

• Walk along the cobblestone streets throughout the city
• Shopping
• Watch a sporting event
• Wander through local museums
• Go on a college tour
• Take one of the Boston food tours

Top Places to See in Boston

Unless you have a full month to spend in Boston during your next family vacation, you are definitely not going to see everything this amazing city has to offer. However, when we create an itinerary, we can make sure you can check the most important destinations off your list.

If you choose to walk along the Freedom Trail, you can quickly check sixteen items off your list. The Paul Revere House, Old Granary Burial Ground, Old South Meeting House, Old North Church, and the USS Constitution are a few of the amazing places you will see during your walk.

You will also stumble upon Faneuil Hall. I recommend planning a couple hours at this attraction, because it is an excellent place to do a little shopping. There are also street performers out in the square, so you can add a little entertainment to your visit. You may want to plan your visit at Faneuil Hall around lunchtime, so you can visit one of the numerous food stalls.

Of course, you can grab your lunch to go and enjoy it over in the Public Garden or Boston Common. Quiet can also be found at the Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park.

If you are in the mood to learn something exciting during your family vacation in Boston, I recommend visiting the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. Other museums that may interest your kids include the Boston Tea Party Museum, Harvard Art Museums, Museum of Science, and the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

Other fabulous places to visit in Boston include:

• New England Aquarium
• Beacon Hill
• Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park
• Samuel Adams Brewery
• The Observation Deck and Independence Wharf

Amazing Festivals You Can’t Miss in Boston

Head of The Charles Regatta

For the last fifty plus years, the Head of The Charles Regatta has been held during the month of October. It is a two-day event that brings more than ten thousand athletes to the city. While you may not be ready to row with some of the best from around the world, you can cheer them on from the sidelines! If you decide you want to attend this event, I will let you know the best places to stand to see all the excitement of the competition!

The Big E

The Big E is the nickname for the Eastern States Exposition Festival held every year in the state of Massachusetts. While this festival is not in the city of Boston, it is a short drive away and the perfect option for vacationing families. This festival is held over multiple days between the end of September and the beginning of October. Your time at The Big E will be filled with live music, entertainment, food, amusement rides, parades, and shopping at arts and craft vendor booths. You may even want to spend some time with the farm animals.

Boston Christmas Festival

If you choose to spend time in Boston during the winter months, you will be thrilled to know there is a festival taking place to keep you busy. This festival has been held at the Boston Seaport World Trade Center in the past. Approximately three hundred craft artists arrive to set up booths to sell their creations. While you will love shopping for unique holiday gifts at this festival, you may be more intrigued with the Gingerbread House Competition.

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