The Best of Boston in One Day? Sometimes, you have one day, and that’s OK. After traveling for decades, I routinely sample a city and return for a longer visit. There’s only so much time to travel with kids; sometimes, seeing it in one day is better than skipping it. On my first trip to Boston with my three kids, we saw as much as possible in one day. With a bit of planning and an early start, you can walk the entire Freedom Trail, earn a Junior Ranger badge, tour Old Ironsides and even walk through Harvard University. We did. Here’s how to see Boston in One Day with kids.
How to See Boston in One Day with Kids
Here are a few tips to get you started. Stay in downtown Boston and get an early start. I have a couple of hotel recommendations at the bottom of this article. You will spend a lot of time trying to drive in and find parking in the morning.
I recommend grabbing donuts (and some coffee) at Dunkin Donuts, a Boston favorite. Restaurant recommendations are also included at the bottom of this article.
I always travel with a backpack, so pop in some snacks and carry a water bottle for each person. This is also a good place for an umbrella, battery chargers and cords.
Finally, good walking shoes are a must. Just a heads up, the walking surfaces in downtown Boston are uneven. I also recommend closed-toe athletic shoes. City streets are dirty.
Parking in Boston is nearly impossible, so use ride-share and the subway (the T) to get around. Most hotels offer valet parking.
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Top Things to Do in Boston in One Day with Kids
Public Garden
Boston Common
Massachusetts State House
Park Street Church
Granary Burying Ground
The King’s Chapel and the King’s Chapel Burying Ground
Boston Latin School Site and the Benjamin Franklin Statue
Old Corner Bookstore
Old South Meeting House
The Boston Massacre Site and the Old State House
Faneuil Hall
Paul Revere House
Old North Church
Copp’s Hill Burying Ground
USS Constitution
Visit the Public Garden
In the center of Downtown Boston, there are two parks side-by-side. One is the Public Garden, and the other is Boston Common,
The Public Garden is the oldest botanical garden in the U.S. Established in 1837, it offers a peaceful escape with winding paths and lots of landscaping, more decorative than the Boston Common.
For most first-time visitors, I recommend riding on one of the Swan Boats. It is a Boston tradition. Robert Paget launched the first swan boat in 1877.
The Public Garden also houses the Make Way for Ducklings sculpture, dedicated to the iconic children’s book by Robert McCloskey. The bronze Mallard Duck and Her Ducklings by Nancy Schön has been a park landmark since 1987. It is located at the corner of Beacon St. and Charles St.
Located at 4 Charles St. Open from mid-April until Labor Day. Spring hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and summer hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult admission $4.50 and $2.50 kids for kids 2-15 with babies 2 and under riding for free.
Walk through the Boston Common
Boston Common is the oldest park in the U.S., dating back to 1634. It was a cow pasture until 1830 when the British Army camped there during the Revolutionary War.
Now, it’s the official start of the Boston Freedom Trail. The Boston Common is 50 acres in size.
Located at 115 Boylston St. Free to visit and open from 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Boston Common Visitor Center
The Boston Common Visitor Center offers brochures about Boston, and the start of the Freedom Trail is outside its building. Outlined with red brick (or sometimes red paint), the Freedom Trail will guide visitors along its route.
139 Tremont St., it is Open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., is free to enter, and has public restrooms.
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Walk The Freedom Trail with Kids
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile paved trail through Boston. Visitors can see the 16 most important sites from the American Revolution against England by walking along its route that snakes through Downtown, North End and Charlestown.
The best way to see Boston is to walk The Freedom Trail. There are several options. You can take a guided walking tour. Or you can download a self-guided tour and walk it on your own. I have done both, and it’s up to your schedule and budget.
The Freedom Trail organization offers several tours that start on the hour and last 90 minutes.
The National Park Service offers an official NPS Boston App with the Freedom Trail. It is free, and I have used it on one of my trips,
Visitors will visit several National Park sites along the Freedom Trail, part of the Boston National Historical Park. There are two visitor centers for the Boston National Historical Park, one at Faneuil Hall Visitor Center and one at the Charlestown Navy Yard Visitor Center. Both offer maps, restrooms, Park Rangers and Junior Ranger Booklets.
Junior Ranger booklets are available at the visitors center on the first floor of Faneuil Hall. Open year-round from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Worth noting several buildings along the Freedom Trail charge admission.
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Massachusetts State House
With its distinctive gold dome, the Massachusetts State House is home to the Massachusetts Commonwealth government, Completed in 1798, it was designed by Charles Bulfinch though the gold dome arrived later.
During our visit, we walked past the Massachusetts State House. However, it does offer free tours. They are offered from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekdays.
Located at 24 Beacon St.
Park Street Church
Founded in 1809, the Park Street Church was designed by Peter Banner. Its 217-foot tower was one of the first things people saw when entering Boston in the 1800s.
Located at One Park St. This is another site that we walked past.
Granary Burying Ground
Find Paul Revere and John Hancock’s gravestones in the burying ground (cemetery). Established in 1660, it was named after the granary (a building that stored grain) located next door.
With 2,300 gravestones, visitors will find some with soul effigies, creepy little skull with wings. I know it sounds creepy, though it’s an official stop, and my school-age kids loved it–who knew.
Some of the gravestones are so old, they are slowly falling down. This is one of the top places to see Boston in One Day with kids.
Located on 95 Tremont St.
The King’s Chapel and the King’s Chapel Burying Ground
Founded in 1696, the King’s Chapel was the first Anglican church. The current building was erected in 1754 and made of granite. The King’s Chapel Burying Ground is the oldest English cemetery in Boston.
Located at 58 Tremont St.
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Boston Latin School Site and the Benjamin Franklin Statue
Founded in 1635, this is the oldest public school in the U.S. It was open for boys only, and both rich and poor children attended school there. The Benjamin Franklin statue (its most notable dropout) marks the spot of the original schoolhouse.
Located at 45 School St. This is another site that we walked past.
Old Corner Bookstore
Built in 1718, it’s the oldest commercial building in Boston. In the 18th century, it was the home to the publisher Ticknor and Fields, whose titles included Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter and Longfellow’s Midnight Ride of Paul Revere.
Located at 283 Washington St. This is another site that we walked past.
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Old South Meeting House
Built in 1729, it was the largest building in Colonial Boston and where the talks of revolution started. A public museum since 1877, it offers an in-depth history lesson about the Boston Tea Party.
This is a must-stop along the Freedom Trail.
Located at 310 Washington St. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. year-round. Adult admission is $15, students are $13, kids 6 to 12 are $8. Admission is required and covers the Old South Meeting House and Old State House.
The Boston Massacre Site and the Old State House
Built in 1713, the Old State House housed the Colonial government and is the oldest surviving public building in Boston. On March 5, 1770, five colonists were killed by British soldiers in a confrontation outside of the Old State House.
This confrontation became known as the Boston Massacre and led to the American Revolution. In 1776, the Declaration of Independence was read from its balcony.
Located at 206 Washington St. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. year-round. Adult admission is $15, students are $13, kids 6 to 12 are $8. Admission is required and covers the Old South Meeting House and Old State House.
Faneuil Hall
A busy marketplace since 1742, Faneuil Hall has been named the cradle of liberty. Colonists protested against the Sugar and Stamp Acts at Faneuil Hall, which also hosted the first town meeting in Boston.
Inside, you can find out more information about Grand Hall tours. Kids can earn their NPS Junior Ranger badge at Faneuil Hall, too. This is one of the top places to see Boston in One Day with kids.
This is an ideal time to take a break and get a bite to eat. Faneuil Hall is part of a three-building area with shopping and dining. Quincy Market is also located nearby, and this area offers street performers and is pedestrian-friendly.
Located at 1 Faneuil Hall Square. Free to enter. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. as the NPS Visitor Center. The Great Hall is open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Both are operated by the National Park Service.
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Paul Revere House
Built in 1680, Paul Revere bought the house in 1770 for his family. He shared the house with his mother, his wife and nine of his 16 children.
The Paul Revere House is the oldest structure in downtown Boston. It offers a glimpse into Colonial Boston’s domestic life. It is a must-visit for your Boston in One Day with kids. I have visited the Paul Revere House several times.
Located at 19 North Square. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. (4:15 p.m. in winter) and closed on Mondays in January, February and March. Admission is $6 for adults and $1 for kids 5 to 17.
Old North Church
Built in 1723, it is the oldest church in Boston. On April 18, 1775, two Sons of Liberty placed lanterns in its steeple, signaling the advancement of the British Redcoats to the patriots.
Visitors can also visit its crypt. This is in the basement, and over 1,100 graves are located here.
Located at 193 Salem St. Open Monday day to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $5 per person.
Tip: If your kids are tired, you can grab a taxi or ride share to U.S.S. Constitution and skip Copp’s Hill Burying Ground. From Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, it’s a .9-mile walk to the U.S.S. Constitution. We did this to save time and steps.
Copp’s Hill Burying Ground
Named after the cobbler William Copp, it was established in 1659 and was the second cemetery in Boston. Most graves belong to merchants and artisans from the North End.
Located at 45 Hull St. It is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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The USS Constitution with Kids
Commissioned in 1797, the USS Constitution, or Old Ironsides, earned its nickname during the War of 1812. It’s still an active warship with the US Navy, and sailors lead tours. This is one of the top things to do in Boston in one day with kids.
The USS Constitution features a museum with interpretive displays and activities for kids. Visitors can find displays on the sailor’s life from 1812, information on the USS Constitution today, and a LEGO shipyard.
During our trip, my carful of kids turned in their booklets at the USS Constitution for our Boston National Historical Park Junior Ranger Badges. It has been a full day of history for the carful of kids and a great refresher for me.
The USS Constitution Museum is separate from touring the USS Constitution, owned by. the U.S. Navy.
Located at the Charlestown Navy Yard. The museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Suggested admission is $10 to $15 for adults and $5 to $10 for kids. T
The ship is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed Monday). To visit the USS Constitution, adults must show a government-issued ID (like a state driver’s license or passport), and every one must pass through airport-type security. It is free to visit the U.S.S. Constitution.
Cambridge with Kids
If you have older kids, you might want to explore Cambridge. It is home to both Havard University and MIT, both Ivy League universities.
We walked through Harvard Square and then stopped by the bookstore for a Harvard t-shirt. Located at Brattle St.
The Boston T
After a day of exploring the Freedom Trail, it’s time to leave. After looking at the T map, I found the station closest to where I parked our car.
I recommend grabbing a CharlieCard for older kids at the self-serve kiosk. Since it’s after hours, the T, Boston’s subway, isn’t crowded.
The roar of the train pulling into the station was a sweet sound to my ears. Once inside, I reminded the boys to hold on. I hid my smile when the boys tripped over each other, looking for something to grab when the train lurched forward.
Where to Eat with Kids in Boston
Dunkin Donuts
For breakfast, I grabbed some donuts and coffee at Dunkin Donuts. It’s a New England tradition, and you’ll find Dunkin across Boston.
Sunny Girl
I had breakfast at Sunny Girl. I had the Sunny Girl breakfast sandwich with a house-made English muffin, a fried egg with bacon and cheddar.
Located at 252 Commercial St. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Boston Public Market
I recommend the Boston Public Market. It features quick service options for families.
I visit the Boston Public Market on each of my trips. I recommend The Popover Lady, she bakes several varieties of popovers. Open daily from 8 a.m.
The Boston Public Market also features coffee, bagels and more. Not just for breakfast, find options for lunch and dinner too.
Located at 100 Hanover St. Open year-round from Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
For lunch, I suggest the Faneuil Hall Marketplace, located behind Faneuil Hall. It’s packed with tourists, street performers and food carts on the outside.
Inside, you can find lots of quick service options, perfect for families. I grabbed a bowl of Boston Clam Chowder at Boston Chowda Co. This is one of the top things to do in Boston in one day with kids.
Located at 1 S. Market St. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (7 p.m. on Sunday).
The North End
Near the Paul Revere House and part of the Freedom Trail, The North End is Boston’s Little Italy. This vibrant neighborhood features narrow streets and lots of places to eat. This is one of the top things to do in Boston in one day with kids.
Italian food is the go-to, and you will find pizza, subs and pasta dishes at most restaurants in the North End. I had Neapolitan pizza during my visit at Quattro, 264 Hanover St, Boston. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (midnight on Friday and Saturday).
Coffee and Dessert Cafes are found in the North End as well. For cannoli, I recommend Bova’s Bakery at 134 Salem St. It is open 24 hours a day. However, it doesn’t offer tables. For table service along with an extensive dessert and cocktail menu, I recommend Cafe Vittoria at 290-296 Hanover St. Open daily from 8 a.m. to midnight.
Pinocchio’s Pizza & Subs in Cambridge
Made famous by Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg from his college days. It serves square pizza in your usual varieties. Since the seating is limited, head to nearby Winthrop Square.
Located at 74 Winthrop St. in Cambridge. Open from Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Sunday from noon to midnight.
Union Oyster House
Located along the Freedom Trail, it opened in 1826, serving up traditional New England fare, like Clam Chowder and oysters on the half shell. It is a National Historic Landmark and served John F. Kennedy.
It also serves the Sam Adams Colonial Ale, a beer you can only set at the Union Oyster House. It features a kids menu too.
Located at 41 Union St. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. It offers outdoor dining during the summer.
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Know Before You Go
- Be in line for the Swan Boat early to make it to the USS Constitution before it closes.
- Give yourself a couple of hours to clear security and tour the boat on a busy day.
