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Don't miss Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier. Photo courtesy of the event.
Christmas Weekend 2025 in Chicago: Christmas Lights, Santa Visits, Festivals, and More Things To Do With Kids
Christmas Day Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan. Photo courtesy of City Experiences
What's Open on Christmas Day in Chicago: A List of Awesome Things To Do
Enjoy a kid-friendly tube fest at Sunburst Ski Hill. Photo courtesy of Sunburst Ski Hill
Best Snow Tubing Near Chicago for Families in 2025
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GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Activities for Chicago Families
The trees at Morton Arboretum are aglow like you've never seen. Photo courtesy of the Arboretum
Chicago’s Unusual & Underrated Christmas and Holiday Activities
Jack Frost Winter Walk Pop-up is open daily through Jan. 1. Photo courtesy of the event.
Chicago's Top Things to Do Between Christmas and New Years with Kids
The artfully decorated Peninsula is a wonderful venue for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day dining, Holiday decorations by Kehoe Designs, photography by Mark Segal
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Snow tubing is a favorite winter activity in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Canva
Chicago's Winter Bucketlist: 33 Things to Do this Winter in Chicago with Kids
Bundle up for a Christmas market this December. Photo courtesy of Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza
35 Best Things To Do in Chicago with Kids December 2025, According to Mommy Poppins Editors
Light Up the Lake. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Chicago 2025
The zoo is all aglow! Lincoln Park Zoo Lights photo by Brandon Tucker, courtesy of the zoo.
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Here's our list of the best Chicago neighborhoods to see holiday lights. Photo courtesy of the Larsen Christmas Lights Show
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Breakfast with Santa at Drury Lane
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Looking for pictures with Santa in Chicago this holiday season? We have a whole list. Photo courtesy of Gallagher Way Chicago
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Visit Santa at the Midwestern Christmas town of Cedarburg, Wisconsin. Photo courtesy of cedarburgfestival.org
The Best Christmas Towns in the Midwest
Happy Holiday Railway. Photo courtesy of the Illinois Railway Museum
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains Near Chicago 2025
Rack up those Scout Badges at these Chicago institutions. Photo courtesy of Canva.
Best Places in Chicago Where Kids Can Earn Scout Badges
Try a hands-on museum for the whole family. Photo by Kyle Flubacker courtesy of the WNDR Museum
Things to Do in Chicago That Everyone Will Love—From Toddlers to Teens (and Parents Too!)
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden. Photo courtesy of the event.
The Chicago Must-Do Christmas Events to Book Now Before They Sell Out
These towns near Chicago have some of the best fall colors in the Midwest. Photo courtesy of Illinois.gov
Best Towns Near Chicago to See Fall Colors
You can easily spend all day at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Photo by the author
Brookfield Zoo Chicago: Tips and Tricks for Visiting with Kids
See what swims by at the Shedd Aquarium. Beluga photo courtesy of the Illinois Tourism Board.
The Best Zoos and Aquariums for Chicago Kids 2025
Photo courtesy of Enchanted Castle.
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If your teens enjoy pottery, then MADE Chicago in Bucktown is the spot.
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Teen Saturdays at Chicago Architecture Center. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Architecture Center.
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Santa's ready for all the hugs around the dinner tables at the Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Photo courtesy of the zoo
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Lincoln Park Zoo - 4:00 PM Pick
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Lincoln Park Zoo - 4:00 PM Pick
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Lincoln Park Zoo - 4:00 PM Pick
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Best Boston Locations for Family Photos

9/17/13 - By Tara D

Fall is my favorite season to have family photos taken. In the cooler, crisper air, everyone looks their best: no heat rash, no sweaty faces, no frizz, and we moms can finally pull out our favorite hot mama boots. Plus, there’s the New England fall foliage – what a backdrop it makes!

The question is, where are the best places in Boston to do a family photo session?  We asked photographer Korri Crowley, whose work we were introduced to in Kristin’s post about things to do on Castle Island with kids. (Remember the adorable photo of Kristin's daughter? That was Korri's work.) Here, Korri shares her favorite spots in and around Boston for family photos, and what she likes about each one. 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

1.  Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain.  Lots of wooded areas, paved walking trails, and pet/dog friendly. Lilac festival in the spring.  Great for older children because all the foliage is labeled.  Good teaching opportunity.  Photo above was taken in the Leventritt Shrub & Vine Garden.

2. ​Nut Island, Quincy.  Not actually an island, but a peninsula park.  Small clusters of pines and trees, rocky oceanfront. The long pier is great for photos on it or under it  (like in the photo).  Fairly large park, but not super popular, so you don't have to fight crowds for good photos.  Has an amazing view of downtown Boston.  Good for families that want photos at the ocean, but don't live close to a large beach. 

3.  Castle Island, South Boston.  Very large park, lots of paved walking trails (good for strollers).  Lots of variety for photography: oceanfront, the castle island fort (featured in photo), a playground, trees, and open, grassy areas. 

4. Spot Pond, Stoneham.  Part of the great Middlesex Fells Reservation.   Absolutely beautiful spot for fall.  Lakefront, and amazing foliage.  Right off of 93 and very easy to get to.

5.  deCordova Sculpture Park , Lincoln.  Very family friendly, with lots of art that children are welcome to interact with.

6.  The client’s home.  Having photos done in your home makes them real, makes them personal, and makes children very comfortable.  I start 70% of my family shoots in the client's home and then visit an outdoor location later. Families are always more at ease when we start in their homes. 


Korri Leigh Crowley of Photography by KLC is a Boston-based creative and contemporary photographer who loves to capture families doing what they do best - playing, learning, and loving. See more on her blog and her Facebook page. 

Places featured in this article:

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Spot Pond
4 Woodland Road, Stoneham, MA 02180

Castle Island
, Boston, MA 02127

deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum
781-259-8355
51 Sandy Pond Road, Lincoln, MA 01773

Arnold Arboretum
617-384-5209
125 Arborway, Boston, MA 02130

Nut Island
617-689-3001
147 Sea Ave, Quincy, MA 02169
Fall Activities Stores & Services Boston

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