The RedSox, Deep Dish Pizza and Havard University are things that are all synonymous with Boston. Warm summer days are spent on the waterfront, enjoying green spaces throughout the city or rugged up enjoying museums or exploring cafes while it snows outside
Being one of the most historic cities in the United States, it is home to many picturesque and historic neighborhoods such as Back Bay and the South End with quirky houses and beautiful architecture.
Boston is ultimately an understated and unpretentious place to visit with teenagers ripe for exploring and located perfectly for day trips into New England, whether it’s skiing in Vermont or swimming at Singing Beach on the North Shore,
Boston is a beautiful, walkable city located right on the ocean. It is also very international city, as it is home to some of the world’s top universities. No matter when you visit Boston with teenagers, there is sure to be something cool enough for them to enjoy.
Know before you go! Planning a trip to Boston
With so many unique, quaint towns surrounding the city, and its location on the ocean, it is an amazing city and a wonderful place to vacation with teens. It is also a special place to visit in its four distinct seasons with sunny Summers and snowy Winters
Located in the Northeastern part of the United States in Massachusetts, Boston is one of the oldest cities in America. The more research you put into your vacation in Boston the more you will get out of it. You have started out well by reading our article on things to do in Boston.
Sit your teens down, call a family meeting, open the computer and start researching Boston. Look at different websites, both professional such as Meet Boston and personal blogs to get a rounded opinion on what you might want to do.
Do not let A.I plan your trip, get your kids to jump on YouTube and watch some videos about Boston. Plan a balanced itinerary that has something for all of the family and plenty of downtime so you can randomly discover Boston’s hidden gems.
Where to stay in Boston with teens
You’ll never be short of options for your accommodation in Boston. In Boston, you find a range of hotels, apartments and hostels. You will be sure to be able to find something to fit singles, couples, families and groups on every budget.
If you’re not keen on any of our picks below or have specific needs, we recommend using Expedia and Trip.com to find the best prices in Boston for your family holidays in Boston.
For a unique hotel right in the city, the Liberty Hotel is one to explore. A former prison turned hotel, it is thematic but tasteful, and right in the heart of the city. For unique vacation places for teens, this would have to top the must-see places in Boston!
The Hotel Marlowe in Cambridge is right near the Cambridge side Galleria and the Museum of Science, 2 of the top Boston attractions for families.
The Marriott Residence Inn in Charlestown is also a great choice for families vacationing in Boston. It is also walkable to the North End. Charlestown is another historically significant part of the city, and there are several things to see if you stay in this area, such as the Bunker Hill Monument and Old Ironsides.
If you want to be right in the city, the Park Plaza, Fairmont Copley, Marriott Copley and Sheraton are all in the Back Bay. These are all centrally located and should be on your Boston sightseeing itinerary.
The Sheraton Commander Hotel is right near Harvard University. Harvard Square is a walkable area with a lot of restaurants, coffee shops and shopping.
Another favourite hotel that will make Boston one of the best travel places for teenagers is The Kendall Hotel located in Kendal Square in Cambridge. A former firehouse-turned-hotel, this is another fun, thematic hotel teens will love!
Boston apartment alternative for your stay
If you prefer a home away from home-style accommodation on your holiday with teenagers in Boston, then an apartment is the best choice for you on your family vacation. There are so many options for singles, families, and budget-friendly options in Boston as well. You can search VRBO for tourist class apartments.
If you’re looking for something a bit fancier, discover Plum Guide’s exceptional luxury apartments, handpicked for their stunning views, prime locations, and indulgent amenities. With meticulous quality checks and a focus on unique experiences, they offer the perfect blend of luxury and comfort. Experience the extraordinary and create unforgettable memories in these truly special accommodations
How to get to Boston with teenagers
- Boston Logan Airport is located just 5 miles from the city centre. The airport is the 16th busiest in the United States with over 42 million passengers landing in 2019 and departing. You can fly directly to Boston from destinations both domestically and internationally. You can search for flights to Boston with Trip.com
- Book an airport transfer with I’way for door-to-door service
- If your flights have a long stopover, or you just want to relax before your trip you should consider getting a lounge pass with Priority Pass. Priority Pass has access to airport lounges all over the world. Search now for your lounge pass
- Book an airport transfer with I’way for door-to-door service
- Boston is easily reached by train from 371 cities in the United States, and there are well over 1000 daily train trips arriving in Boston, Book your trains to Boston with Omio
- Boston can be reached directly from 10 cities and indirectly from anywhere across the USA. Flixbus tickets start at $6. Book your bus ticket to Boston with Flixbus
- If you plan to road trip with teenagers in Boston you can hire a car at any International airport and dealership across the USA. Book with Rentalcars for the largest options.
- Maybe you want to make a trip cross-country? An RV is a great way to travel around Boston with teens.
Getting around Boston with teens
Getting around Boston with kids is best done by foot, public transportation or ride-sharing. Driving around Boston is tricky. Not only are the streets very confusing, but parking is also difficult and expensive.
So, if you can take public transportation, walk (it is very walkable), or ride-shares. There’s no better way to experience a city on a vacation with teens than walking the streets.
Weather in Boston
Boston experiences all four seasons, each offering a unique experience for visitors. In spring (March to May), temperatures range from 5°C to 20°C (40°F to 68°F), making it a pleasant time with blooming flowers, so pack layers and a light jacket.
Summer (June to August) sees temperatures between 20°C and 30°C (68°F to 86°F), perfect for outdoor activities, so bring lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and a swimsuit.
Fall (September to November) features temperatures from 12°C to 23°C (54°F to 73°F) with colorful foliage, so pack sweaters and a light jacket.
Winter (December to February) brings cold and snowy weather with temperatures of -2°C to 6°C (28°F to 43°F), so be sure to bring a heavy winter coat, layers, and waterproof boots for a cozy visit.
Boston for international visitors
International travel to Boston requires a bit more thought. You will need travel insurance in the United States of America. Medical care is not cheap and if you want good quality care it will cost you a fortune if you don’t have travel insurance.
The official currency of the USA is the United States Dollar. If you use your bank account from home you will be stung with high transaction fees, while your mobile phone calls will all be charged at an international rate. These are just some of the things you need to think about.
- For International travellers, travel insurance is a must get a quote through Insurance Masters and don’t go home with a huge bill for medical expenses.
- Do you need a visa to visit Boston? The United States may require you to have a visa or an ETA (Electronic travel authorisation) to enter the country. You can check and buy these documents at iVisa
- Load a Revolut Travel Money card with US dollars for your visit and save on transaction fees
- Make phone calls with an international sim card that you can buy before leaving home or buy a voucher for a virtual e-sim for your mobile phone
- A 4G pocket Wi-Fi modem is essential for accessing the internet. You can rent a pocket modem that you can pick up at the airport or your hotel, alternatively buy a pocket modem that you can use on all future trips with your phone, tablet or computer.
Travel accessories for teenagers
For teenagers, travelling can be a fun and exciting experience. However, there are a few things that they need to take into account in order to make the trip as comfortable and safe as possible. One of these is ensuring that they have the necessary travel accessories.
Get the Go City Boston Pass
Get a digital delivery of the Go City Boston Pass to your device for easy use when you visit Boston with kids. The Go Boston Pass offers the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility, which is brilliant when you are vacationing with teens.
There are so many things to do in Boston for families, and you can save on admission to 40+ top Boston attractions and tours, including the Historic Boston sightseeing cruise and 6 Flags New England. Multi-entry passes such as this are great for families visiting Boston. There are 2 different passes to choose from when planning group activities in Boston for teenagers.
What to do in Boston with teens
There are so many things to do in Boston with teenagers that it is hard to narrow it down. But, here are some of the favourite things to do in Boston with teens!
Fun things for teenagers to do in Boston – whale watch tour
Being a coastal city has its advantages; Boston has many activities that families can do on the water. One of the most popular is a Whale watching tour. The folks from the New England Aquarium offer one of the best Whale watching tours, where knowledgeable staff will tell you all about these amazing creatures.
You will get a glimpse of some of the giant whales living right off of Boston’s coast on these amazing Boston sightseeing tours! Make your way to Central Wharf after booking your tickets, and let the adventure begin.
- Parking can be costly, so look around for side street parking with a short walk to the boat. You can catch the Blue Line public transport to the Aquarium, which is the closest point to the wharf.
Why not make a day of it and visit the Aquarium, take a cruise and finish off at the IMAX theatre? After all this, you will be hungry. Legal Seafoods has a great menu of fresh seafood, which includes gluten-free options.
Boston for teens – New England Aquarium
With a history spanning over 50 years, the New England Aquarium is a leader in marine conservation. The aquarium features the usual exhibits, including sharks, penguins, octopuses and sea lions.
Like most popular aquariums, you can also take part in experiences such as a fur seal meet and greet, petting sharks is a favourite and diving in the Great Ocean tank. Aquariums are a popular destination when travelling with teenagers. You can book your entry tickets here to save vacation time!
Address: Central Wharf, Boston, Massachusetts
Public Transport: The closest subway stop is the Aquarium stop on the MBTA’s Blue Line
For families not sold on an aquarium visit, you can still see the seals. The seal tanks are outside the “paid” area, so the general public can enjoy them.
Ride Codzilla with older kids in Boston
If whale watching is a bit slow for your teen, check out Codzilla! This high-speed, high adventure boat ride (in a speed boat with fangs) takes you on a thrill ride through Boston Harbor. Teens will have a great time, so secure your tickets for the hottest ride in Boston now!
Boston with teenagers – North End Pizza Tour
Blessed with Italian roots, Boston has a rich culinary history, exemplified by its pizza. Boston-style pizza’s all about that crispy, thin crust base The sauce is made with canned tomatoes, garlic, and basil, which gives it a sweet ‘n tangy flavor that sets it apart from your typical Italian slice.
The Boston North End Pizza Tour is a walk through the North End neighbourhood to get a taste of some of the best Pizza in the United States. It is more than just eating, you will learn some history and facts about Boston.
You’ll enjoy 2.5 hours of food, fun and history, and finish with a cannoli from a famous North End bakery. Eating Pizza sounds like a good Boston vacation with teenagers activity. Book your North End Pizza tour.
- The tour starts at Modern Pastry at 257 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113. You can get there via the Aquarium stop on the MBTA’s Blue Line or use Pilgrim Parking on Cooper St.
Boston Historic Downtown Donut Tour
Why not combine food and a family adventure with the Underground Donut Tour in historic downtown Boston?
This tour takes you through hidden tunnels, while your guide will tells you wild stories from the past, all while tasting the best donuts from local spots. It’s part tour, part sugar rush—100% fun for teens and families in Boston on vacation.
Book now and treat your family to a one-of-a-kind donut escapade!
Catch a baseball game at Fenway Park and tour the stadium
Got a sports fan in the fam? A trip to Fenway Park is a must. This legendary stadium is packed with history—and energy! Snap a pic by the famous “Green Monster, wall, towering over left field,” or check out quirky “Pesky’s Pole.
The Boston Red Sox are beloved by Bostonians, so getting to see a game or tour the stadium (and see the Green Monster) is a great thing to do in Boston with teenagers, and one of the best historical things to see in Boston. Book your tour with Viator here or easily book your tickets to the game.
- Kenmore Station on the Green line is the best option to access Fenway Park.
- The official Boston Redsox shop is nearby at 108 Brookline Ave.
- Just in case your a mad Redsox fan and want to wake up to views of Fenway Park there are nearby hotels such as Residence Inn Boston Back Ba and the Verb Hotel
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The Freedom Trail Foundation’s Walk into History tour
The Freedom Trail Foundation’s Walk into History tour is led by a guide dressed in character clothing who takes on the role of a historical figure. In our opinion this always adds an extra element of fun and authenticity to the tour. This fascinating tour is great for travel teens in Boston, especially if they are interested in history.
The Freedom Trail is very significant to the United States. This tour is a fun way to learn about the key events that led to the American Revolution and visit some historical sites!
- Meeting sites alternate between starting at Faneuil Hall and Boston Common
- You can get to the Boston Common via the Park Street Red and Green Line station
Book your guided Freedom Trail Tour
Fun things to do in Boston with teens – Boston ghost tour
Boston has a history as long as the United States itself, it’s no surprise that Boston is packed with haunted sights, spooky tales and urban legends.
On this nighttime ghost tour, your Boston travel guide will take you to some of the city’s most storied landmarks, such as the Granary Burying Ground, the Boston Opera House, and the Massachusetts State House.
Here the truth about the hidden history and spooky sightings will be revealed. Buy your Boston Ghost tour tickets here.
Things to do in Boston with teens – Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour
Ready for some spooky fun? Hop on the Ghosts and Gravestones trolley for a wild ride through Boston’s haunted history. In a city this old with a history of witches, murder and intrigue you will hear creepy stories visit historic sites, and get ghostly surprises, it’s like a history lesson—but way cooler.
The tour is not so much about scaring you. It’s more about giving you the Dark side of Boston’s History as well as visiting the graves of Revolutionary Heroes. Go with the spirit of having fun and gaining some knowledge, and the whole family will enjoy the journey
- The tour departs from the Long Wharf Marriott at 200 Atlantic Avenue
- The best way top get to the Long Wharf is on the MBTA’s Blue Line getting off at the Aquarium stop.
Check the latest prices on Viator for this tour!
Tour the city on a Boston trolley tour or a Duck boat
Boston is a very walkable city, but if your teen wants to chillax for a bit, you can see some of the top sites in Boston on a Boston trolley tour or a duck boat ride.
The Duck Boats travel by land and water, so you will also get a ride on the famed Charles River. For an unforgettable Duck boat ride adventure click here or book here for a Boston trolley hop on hop off ticket
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Museum of Science – what to do in Boston with kids
Boston Museum of Science is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. The museum is home to a variety of exhibits, including a planetarium, an IMAX theatre, and a hands-on science centre.
Visitors can also take part in demonstrations and workshops, or explore the museum’s many interactive displays. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder the Boston Museum of Science is a favourite destination for families and science lovers alike.
- Address: 1 Science Park Boston, MA 02114
- The museum has a parking garage where prices start at $15 for 1 hour and up to $30 for 8 hours.
- The museum can be accessed by public transport at the Science Park station which is located on the D and E branches of the Green Line
After a few hours a walking you can visit the Cambridgeside located next door to the museum features two levels of shops and restaurants. Also close by is the Harry Potter Exhibition
Hanging out at Boston Common
Boston Common is more than just a park—it’s a piece of American history right in the heart of the city. It’s evolved over the centuries from a place of executions into one of the coolest urban green spaces in the country.
These days, it’s packed with trees, walking paths, public art, and sports courts, all surrounded by epic views of Boston’s skyline. You’ve got historic sites like the State House and Park Street Church nearby, and modern landmarks like the Prudential and Hancock Towers in the distance.
Check out powerful sculptures like The Embrace, visit the colonial-era cemetery, or just chill under the trees. Whether you’re into history or just need a break from sightseeing, Boston Common is a must-see spot for families and teens alike.
- You can get to the Boston Common via the Park Street Red and Green Line station as well as the Green Line Boylston station on the subway.
Boston Common is the starting point and southern end of the Freedom Trail and also within a short walk to Chinatown and the Newbury Street shopping district.
Visit Havard University
Take a stroll through Harvard University—America’s oldest college. Walk the ivy-covered paths, or snap a pic by the famous John Harvard statue. Whether you’re into history, architecture, or just want to say you’ve been to Harvard, it’s a fun stop while exploring Boston with teens.
- You will need to catch the MBTA Red Line to access the university at Havard Square Station
Why not take a guided tour of Harvard University? Book your tour here
Boston Tea Party Museum
Looking for fun things to do in Boston for young adults? Look no further than the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum!
This unique attraction offers an immersive experience where teens can actively participate in a reenactment of the historic incident that played a pivotal role in America’s fight for independence.
Witness the events, and meet the people, that ignited the American Revolution in 1773.
Don’t miss out, book your tickets today.
- Location: 306 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210
- The closest MBTA station is the South Station (~0.5 miles away)