Any vacation with kids in tow can be a bit of a challenge – the organization alone can be a headache, to say nothing of keeping them entertained and happy on the journey. But visiting Boston with young kids can be an incredibly enriching experience for the whole family, and early travel for kids can help instill confidence and foster a sense of adventure. Many American parents begin with US trips before considering longer-distance travel – it is a good stepping stone and test ride before taking bigger and more daunting journeys.
Boston is one of the most popular cities in the US for visitors from home and abroad and can make an excellent vacation spot for young families. You’ll need to prepare thoroughly, especially if this is your first-ever trip as a family. Choosing the right accommodation, travel, and activities will make all the difference when you finally set off on your family adventure.
Find Quality, Family-Friendly Accommodation
Most accommodation options in major cities cater to families, with family rooms or suites available in most major hotels and motels. If you want to rent a short-term let for your journey, you’ll find plenty of apartments and condos that cater to guests with young kids as well. Mostly, it’s a matter of choosing the right option that works for your family, regardless of the size or type of accommodation. You could consider getting the kids to help find the place you stay – this can be a great family activity to help them get into the spirit of adventuring.
Visit During The Off-Peak Season
If you want to enjoy Boston at a more laid-back time, it is best to visit during the off-peak season. Because Boston is such a popular travel destination, it can get pretty packed with tourists in the peak season – typically during the summer and early fall months. It also tends to be busy during the school holidays, but this is unavoidable with kids, as any parent will know. You could consider a weekend trip during early spring or even midwinter to enjoy some gorgeous snowy weather.
Seek Out The Very Best Boston Cream Pie
No trip to Boston could be complete without sampling some of the famous Bostonian dishes – seafood is very popular in Boston thanks to its proximity to the ocean. But, if clam chowder isn’t your thing, you should definitely find some Boston cream pie which will go down great with you and the kids alike. A Boston cream pie is, despite its name, actually a cake. It has two layers of sponge cake, with a thick cream layer in the middle – hence the name. Usually, it’s topped with a silky-smooth layer of chocolate ganache, making it a decadent and delicious treat for the whole family.
Consider Taking The Bus
Family vacations can get pricy if you’re not careful, so it’s a good idea to look at ways to cut back on the overall cost. Transport is often the biggest cost after accommodation, so it’s worth looking for the most budget-friendly ways to get around. Buses throughout the US are typically the cheapest way to get around, though they can involve lengthy travel times if, for instance, you’re traveling from coast to coast. Getting the bus could be a perfect choice if you’re traveling from somewhere close, say, New York. You can find plenty of excellent bus routes and fares that give great value, including NYC to Boston buses if you visit wanderu.com.
Go To Fenway Park
If you’re a family of sports fans, no trip to Boston is complete without a visit to Fenway Park, the stadium home of the Red Sox. Fenway Park is the oldest major league ballpark still active in the US, so it’s steeped in history and worth a visit even if you’re not a massive baseball fan. If you’re lucky, you could even get tickets for a game to watch the world-famous Sox play; it’ll be a lasting memory for your little ones!
Walk The Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is just two and a half miles long and takes you throughout the historically significant areas of Boston. It contains 16 markers denoting places of historical importance in the founding of the US, such as churches, museums, State buildings, and parks. It’s completely free to walk the Freedom Trail, and you can walk it all at once or break it up into sections to allow for little feet.
Conclusion
There’s so much to do in Boston for young families that you’ll never manage it all in a single trip, even a long one. Still, many travelers agree that the best places to visit are the ones that leave you with a long list of things you still want to experience on your return – and you’ll want to return to Boston someday! Make sure you fill your time doing things that everyone will enjoy, kids and adults alike, and make a solid plan before you leave to ensure everything goes smoothly on your time away.