Things To Do with Preschoolers and Toddlers in Boston

Riding the Swan Boats is little-kid-friendly activity for Boston families. Photo by Julie/CC BY-ND 2.0

1. Make your way to the ducklings.

Pack a blanket and head for Boston's beautiful Public Gardens. Setup near the corner of Beacon and Charles Streets and read the classic, Make Way for Ducklings. ​After you've finished the story, you can visit Mrs. Mallard and her ducklings for photos at the famous sculpture inspired by the book. If you want to keep the theme going, take a ride on a swan boat. 

2. Get up close to some exotic animals.

​​Boston's Franklin Park Zoo offers city kids the chance to walk on the wild side. Exhibits include the Children's Zoo and the Franklin Farm with a contact corral where kids can pet some of the barn animals. Daily activity offerings include mystery animal encounters and education stations where kids can create faux critters while learning about animal life. Buy tickets online for a discount. 

3. Bop around the Boston Children's Museum​​.

The Boston Children's Museum is the city's ultimate play zone with something for every age group. In addition, the museum offers a robust activities schedule that you should peek at to align your next visit. Music and Movement is a great class for toddlers, allowing them to dance and sing along to popular kiddie tunes while trying out new musical instruments. All the classes are led by trained music educators from Little Groove. ​

4. Get a feel for science.

​​While the Museum of Science may not jump out as the best place for toddlers, the museum does have exhibits and programs for even the youngest scientists-in-training. The Discovery Center is a hands on area designed to encourage learning through play. Because your toddler might tire out before getting to enjoy the entire museum, this is another place where an annual membership goes a long way towards helping families get a little more bang for their hard earned buck.

5. Climb the walls—literally.

Got a toddler that scales the walls? Put those skill to use and stop in for toddler time at this rock climbing gym. At Rock Spot Climbing, your kiddos will get to play with other kids while exploring the gym. 

6. Don't let rain slow you down.

If a rainy day has you fearing a case of cabin fever, head to Kids' Fun Stop in West Roxbury. ​Your little one can work off some energy on the indoor play space and you can supervise while socializing with other parents and caregivers. As a bonus, they offer babysitter drop off times for when you're in a bind or just need a bit of me time! 

7. Have a magical (winged) experience.

Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory lets kids explore a gentle side of nature, with an indoor garden filled with 4,000 fluttering butterflies! 

8. Build like a DUPLO master!

Somerville's LEGO Discovery Center has over 2 million bricks, and many of them are at DUPLO Park. This play space is for kids 5 and under, where they can build some serious fun into their day using age-appropriate LEGO bricks.

9. Browse and play at a cool library.

More and more libraries are carving out play areas to keep little ones busy. And the Boston Public Library has a booming events calendar: Whether it's a dance party at the Central Branch, preschool films at Fields Corner, or Story Time in Hyde Park, you can find something to do at a branch near you, or bounce from branch to branch. Some events are offered in English and Spanish. Advance registration is not usually required but some of the activities fill up so plan to arrive a few minutes early to secure a good spot. 

10. Discover a world of fun at Acton's Discovery Museum.

The Discovery musuem in Acton is a toddler's dream. Little ones can splash around in the water room, play pretend, and even board a ship. Really exciting for preschoolers, the outdoor Discovery Woods features a big swing, a slide, rope ladders, a giant tree house with craft materials, and more. 

11. Catch a puppet show.

​​If your child is able to sit through a short performance, consider taking in a puppet show at Puppet Showplace in Brookline. All of the shows come with an audience age recommendation and there are a few that are appropriate for kids three and up. 

12. Get to know Hill House.

Hill House is a super-popular community center in Beacon Hill that offers programming all year long, serving some 2000 children every year. Among the offerings for toddlers is an open playgroup. Sessions are free but you are asked to register online. 

13. Pop up to the North Shore Children's Museum. 

Peabody's North Shore Children's Museum is a a must-visit. Designed for kiddies ages 2 to 10, these exhibits will keep tiny hands busy with educational and engaging stations. From a safe space for kids 4 and under to special sensory friendly exhibits, there is something for everything. Be sure to check the museum's calendar for special upcoming events! 

14. Stop and smell the flowers.

With their winding paths and focus on the simple pleasures around us, nature centers are a great place to wander with a tot. The Arnold Arboretum has loads of space to walk, hunt for natural treasures, spy a tractor, and observe ducks and geese.

15. Head up to Canobie Lake.

Just 30 minutes north of Boston (without traffic, fingers crossed!) Canobie Lake Park is an amusement park fit for families with preschoolers. Nearly 20 rides are specifically for toddlers and preschoolers, while many of the family rides are great for little ones too.

 
Your little ones can meet other little ones at a farm with a petting zoo near Boston. Photo courtesy of Davis Farmland

16. Saddle up for some barnyard fun. 

Bring your little ones to meet some barnyard friends at one of the many farms in the area. Kids can feed and pet the animals, plus many farms offer lots of additional activities and crafts, so be sure to check their calendars while planning your visit. 

Water Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers in Boston

17. Get wet.

The swimming lakes near Boston offer some fun for kids without the roar of the ocean. The warmer water of some of Greater Boston's swimming lakes will encourage comfort in the water and help keep the little ones cool on a hot day.

18. Cruise the Charles.​

​Why not work some fitness into your toddler time? Take your little one for a bike ride along the Charles River Bike Path, where they can try to spy ducks and turtles while you get some exercise. Child seats or trailers can be rented at bike shops around the city if you need a spot for your tot. Make a pit stop at the playground near the Hatch Shell for some added fun. ​

19. Touch some slippery and spiky creatures.

The New England Aquarium is a great place for kids of all ages. If you're bringing your toddler, be sure to check out the Edge of the Sea Touch Tank or Shark and Ray Touch Tank. Your little one can explore a tide pool, touching the inhabitants which includes sea urchins, sea stars, mussels, snails, and yes, even sharks and rays. 

20. Keep it brief at the beach.

Going to a major beach with kids is a lot of work. Going with a toddler is even more work. But a quick trip to one of the city's super-accessible beaches could be a more manageable way to introduce a little one to our region's waterfront. Pack a pail and snack and stay just long enough to dip your toes in the water and make a sand castle. Castle Island in South Boston has ample parking and is adjacent to Pleasure Bay, or you can head down the road a bit to Carson Beach. 

21. Get wet at a slash pad!

When the weather warms up, pack up a swim suit and cool off at a little-kid-friendly splash pad, spray deck or fountain. The combination of water fun and sunshine is sure to guarantee you a solid afternoon nap! Free