End of Summer Bucket List: 30 Things to Do in Boston Before School Starts

 
Step right up to fun at the Marshfirld Fair. Photo courtesy of the Marshfield Fair, Facebook 

1. Get Festive

Greater Boston has wonderful summer festivals and fairs for kids and families. Everything from the Fisherman's Feast and St. Anthony's Feast in Boston's North End to the Marshfield Fair will have the food and fun that make great family memories.

2. Swing away

There are some awesome Boston-area playgrounds worthy of getting into the car. Cool equipment and crazy slides make these urban oases and suburban gems fun.

 
Get the kids out on a boat for magical summer memories. Photo courtesy of the Boston Harbor Islands

3. Spend the day boating

Boston has long been a boating community. Between the Charles River and the Harbor, there are fun boat rides for families waiting to cast off with you aboard.

4. Take a break from the city

Bring the family out to one of these fun Boston-area farms. Kids get to explore the environment and see all kinds of animals. The best part? These farms have home made ice cream!

5. Get in a few laps

The Boston area has free swimming pools for great fun at the right price!

6. Take in a flick

Pack up some popcorn and a blanket or two. These free outdoor movies in Boston put the cinema magic right under the stars.

7. Go for a hike

Get some fresh air and exercise at these great places to hike with kids around Boston. These trails are close to the city, but still a world away.

 
Boston is near many swimming lakes worth the drive. Walden Pond photo courtesy of livingconcord.com

8. Pond away

Pack lunch and spend a leisurely day at one of these swimming lakes near Boston. The area's freshwater gems are worth the trip.

9. Dance the night away

Bring the family to an outdoor concert for an evening of song and dance with live music.

10. Explore a tide pool

Search for crabs and sea stars at one of these great beaches with tide pools.

 
Whale watching belongs on every end of summer bucket list! Photo courtesy of Newbury Port Whale Watch

11. Set sail on a whale watch

Have a whale of a time on one of these whale watching cruises from the Boston area.

12. Treat the kids to ice cream

Find a new spot for ice cream. All that whale-watching will have worked up everyone's appetite.

 
Remnant Brewery at Bow Market provides a family-friendly space, Photo courtesy of Merritt Chase.

13. Treat yourself to a beer

Boston's family-friendly breweries and beer gardens have kid-friendly offerings, like lemonade and grilled cheese. They also have parent-friendly craft brews that you have undoubtedly earned!

14. Take a day trip

A summer day trip from Boston gets the family out and exploring someplace new, fun, and out of the ordinary.

 
Beat the heat at a splash pad. Boston Frog Pond photo courtesy of the City of Boston

15. Cool off at a Boston spray park or splash pad

The city can heat up in a hurry; cooling off the kiddos at a sprinkler park or splash pad can keep the fun flowing, even in a heat wave.

16. See the animals

There's more than just Franklin Park! Boston has wonderful area zoos where families can see wildlife from all over the globe.

17. Pet the animals

Your little ones will love interacting with the cute and cuddly critters at these petting zoos around Boston.

18. Go blueberry picking near Boston

Outdoor activity? Check. Working together as a family? Check. Delicious blueberry buckle? Check! Picking blueberries has it all.

19. Raft the rapids

A little excitement might be in order to wind down the summer. Try some white water rafting and river tubing near Boston.

20. Dine out with the family

An afternoon–or evening– at an outdoor restaurant serves up summer fun for the family.

 
August has some spectacular beach days. Photo by Shira Kronzon

21. Hit the beach near Boston

Savor a couple of last beach days, at either one of the best beaches near Boston or at an idyllic hidden gem.

22. Go camping around New England

It might be the oldest summer activity, but it's still a classic. Go camping at a family friendly campground with all sorts of fun extras for kids.

 
Get out and play while the summertime's in bloom. Rec Fest photo courtesy of Boston Parks and Recreation

23. Get out and play

An end of summer bucket list can have some fun lose to home, right? Play outdoor water games in your backyard or at your favorite park.

24. Go to a drive-in movie near Boston

Put some pajamas on those kids and pile in the car. Summer isn't complete without seeing a movie at a drive-in theater.

25. Do some urban hiking around Boston

North of Boston, you and your family can find some walkable cities filled with shops, restaurants, and wonderful places to explore!

26. Tee off with mini-golf

Challenge the family to some healthy, fun competition. Good times can always be had at one of these area miniature golf courses.

 
Get a little culture in with the last days of summer. Photo courtesy of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum 

27. Visit a museum like the MFA or Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

These spectacular Boston museums are always worth the trip. Even more so when the visit is free of charge!

28. Stop and smell the flowers

The area has floral fields and farms near Boston where kids can pick flowers.

29. Splurge on a day pass

to one of these very special outdoor pools in the area.

 
New England's cool theme parks are a can't miss on this bucket list. Photo courtesy of Lake Compounce

30. Spend a day at a New England amusement park

New England has some incredible theme parks that are great for families. From the roller coasters to the kiddie rides, there's an age-appropriate thrill in store for you and yours.

Originally published August 2014; updated July 2015, July 2017 and August 2022