As the days get longer, sunnier and warmer, you’ll probably long to take some of your meals outside. Picnicking is a classic summer activity that’s perfect for the whole family. Instead of just heading to your neighborhood park, pack your basket and bring it to one of Boston’s best picnic areas. Some have deep roots in Boston’s history or water views, and all are beautiful and provide a breath of fresh air in the middle of a busy city.

We’re lucky here in Massachusetts to have so many beautiful beaches to choose from when the temperature soars. With lots of room to dig, play, and swim, a stretch of sand on the edge of the salty surf might be the perfect place to take kids in the summer. But with so many Boston area beaches to choose from, it can be tough to know which ones are really right for families. So we’ve rounded up 10 of our favorite sandy spots to visit each summer—all within an hour of Boston! For more things to do in and around the city, check out our Boston Summer fun guide. 

I’ve always loved hiking, so not long after having my first baby I was hitting the trails around Boston, carrier and all. It was even more exciting when my kids were sure-footed enough to go hiking with me and my husband. Whether you have little kids or big ones, there are plenty of fun and scenic trails throughout the Boston area to enjoy. These one-mile-or-less trails are great spots for walking with toddlers and preschoolers, but these 12 parks and reservations near Boston are tops for longer family hikes.

For more ways to get the family out into the fresh air check out our full Outdoor Fun Guide, and as always, keep tabs on our Boston events calendar for all the happenings in and around the city.

Boston has changed a lot in the last few decades, but one area of the city remains largely the same: the North End. Often called Boston’s Little Italy, its narrow streets are brimming with old world charm, historic sites, and delicious food. Whether you live in Boston or are just visiting, the neighborhood is a must-visit stop with kids.

Spring break is coming, and while everyone could use a warm-weather vacation, many families need to keep thier getaways a little closer to home. Luckily, New England is packed with fun family trip destinations that are easy to get to (and easy on the wallet). From farm animal encounters to indoor water park adventures, these overnight or weekend itineraries in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Maine can be planned at the last minute and still provide lasting memories for kids.

Can't get away for more than a day? Check out our very favorite Boston day trips and Connecticut day trips for families with young kids.

There are plenty of places that offer parent-child swim lessons for babies and toddlers in Boston, but that format doesn't work for all families. In some cases, parents aren't keen on the idea of getting in the pool themselves; in others, kids respond better to instructors when parents aren't around. Fewer places offer lessons for under-3-year-olds without a caregiver in the pool to participate, but some that do are highly rated by parents. Here are a few Boston-area swim schools that are open and accepting students now, with certain COVID-19 safety protocols in place.

Peruse our Boston classes guide for more enrichment ideas for your Boston baby and toddler, including music, soccer, and more.

What's one item that turns an otherwise ho-hum winter walk into an adventure? Snowshoes! Snowshoes are practical in that they allow kids to walk on top of the snow, allowing families to explore deep woods and other unshoveled trails after a big snowfall, but it only takes an inch or two of the white stuff for there to be a reason to break out this fun footgear. With dedicated winter trails or expansive meadows to tromp through, these spots are tops for snowshoeing near Boston with kids.

For other ways to get children out of the house on cold days, check out our favorite wintertime walks, family-friendly ski areas, and ice skating rinks—all in our Boston Winter Fun Guide. 

Boston winters are long and cold—no doubt. But a surefire (and blessedly simple) way to shake off a case of cabin fever is to bundle up and head outside for a winter hike or walk. From the heart of the city to the hilly suburbs, Massachusetts boasts many paved or wooded trails that are as majestic in winter as they are in spring or summer, whether dusted or just swept bare by the elements.

If Mother Nature delivers more than a few inches of snow, consider trying out one of the places to snowshoe with kids around Boston instead. Kiddos feeling lazy? A stop at a Boston cafe with great hot cocoa or the promise of a homemade hot chocolate bomb treat to follow your outing is sure to sweeten the deal.