25 Things to Do in Concord, MA with Kids

History, nature, literature, and the arts—whatever grabs your family’s interest, chances are, you’ll find lots of things to do in Concord. Just 30 minutes west of Boston, Concord has been called one of the more picturesque New England villages. Concord, Massachusetts is known far and wide for its revolutionary roots, extensive literary culture, and, of course, the "shot heard round the world." If you've ever been on Boston's Freedom Trail, a visit to this town is a perfect next step.
With great family-friendly spots to eat, too, we'd venture to say that Concord is just about the easiest, quickest, most satisfying day trip from the city. Just plan your itinerary wisely using our tips below, and we're pretty sure that everyone will come home from Concord satisfied, and having learned a thing or two about our state's great history. If you're looking for more adventures, explore Family Road Trips from Boston: Getaways in New England and Beyond.
OUR LATEST VIDEOS
Things To Do in Concord - Historic Sights and Museums
See long horned cattle at Minute Man National Historic. Park photo courtesy of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism
1. Swing through the Minute Man National Historic Park
-
The Visitor’s Center, at the eastern entrance, is a good place to start your visit. Here, you can watch The Road To Revolution, a multimedia theater program that gives a good overview of the park.
-
The Battle Road Trail is a five mile-trail connecting historic sites from Meriam’s Corner in Concord to the eastern boundary of the park in Lexington.
-
Ranger Programs are offered at Hartwell Tavern (May through Oct).
-
See the famous Old North Bridge—site of the start of the American Revolution and the “shot heard ‘round the world”—and continue up the hill to Buttrick’s Mansion and the North Bridge Visitor’s Center.
2. Catch a fife and drum presentation.
Throughout the year, there are groups that recreate the music of the revolution at various spots in and around Concord. The Middlesex Fife and Drum Corps performs a variety of marches, airs, and dances that were played during combat and camp activities.
3. Celebrate Patriots’ Day
Massachusetts celebrates its own holiday on April 19, and Concord is the place where it all started.
4. Meander around the Old Manse.
The home of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s grandparents is right by the Old North Bridge. It became a transcendentalist magnet, and Emerson and Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote some famous works there. (If canoeing along the Concord River, you can tie up at Old Manse and stop for a tour before getting back on your way down the river.)
The Concord Museum hosts activities all year long. Concord Museum photo courtesy of the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
5. Visit the Concord Museum, especially around holiday time.
There, you can watch the Exploring Concord film, see the period rooms, and take part in hands-on activities. During December, the museum hosts one of our favorite events: the Family Trees exhibit.
6. Tour the Orchard House.
The historic home of the Alcott family is where Louisa May wrote and set Little Women.
Things To Do in Concord - Outdoor Activities
7. Bring a pencil and paper for grave rubbing at the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.
"Author's Ridge" marks the burial site of a number of famous Concordians, including Henry Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Louisa May Alcott, and her father, Bronson Alcott.
Head to Walden Pond to relax and cool off! Splashing at Walden Pond photo by Tim Sackton via Flickr 2.0
8. Explore Walden Pond.
It's a four-season destination: swimming in the summer; hiking on trails around the pond, visiting the replica of Thoreau’s one-room cabin, and taking part in interpretive programs and guided walks throughout the year.
9. Canoe or kayak on the Concord River.
Bring your own boat or rent a canoe or kayak at the South Bridge Boat House.
10. Enter Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge on Monsen Road
This area of the refuge has a restroom, a wildlife observation tower, and a wildlife observation platform.
11. Visit Fairyland.
Hapgood Wright Town Forest (“Fairyland”) is another short, easy walk where kids can be immersed in nature. Extend your walk to include Thoreau’s Path, on Brister’s Hill.
Kids interact with animals at the Harvest Festival at Verrill Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm
12. See a working farm in action at Verrill Farm.
It features a farm stand/bakery extraordinaire, and is home to special events like pancake breakfasts, annual festivals, and cooking classes.
13. Take a historic, scenic bike ride
Get around the area with Scenic Rail Riders (spring though fall).
Things To Do in Concord - Places To Shop
14. Pick out some special occasion children’s clothing
Kids (infants and up) can find some new threads at Fritz and Gigi, the Children’s Shop on Main Street.
15. Listen to a story, paint some pottery, enjoy a special concert, and more at Barefoot Books
Barefoot Books is perhaps the region's most storied—no pun intended—children's bookstore.
16. Spend some allowance money at the Concord Toy Box.
This old-fashioned, classic toy store is as fun a place to browse as it is to shop.
17. Head to the great children’s section in the back of the Concord Book Store.
Helpful staff and plenty of books for all ages make this a good stop for the whole family.
Things To Do in Concord - Places To Eat
18. Have a phenomenal breakfast
Located in the old train depot, the Club Car Cafe serves kid-friendly breakfasts all morning long.
19. Grab lunch
There's good eating at Helen’s, Main Street's Market and Cafe, or Concord Provisions and Country Kitchen (you have to try the turkey).
20. ...Or do a pizza taste test:
Walden Italian Kitchen (my favorite), Sorrento’s (my kids’ favorite), or Comella's, always a crowd pleaser.
21. Grab a luscious baked good for a snack.
Check out Nashoba Bakery or Concord Teacakes in West Concord, or Sally Ann Bakery in Concord Center.
22. ...Or satisfy a sweet tooth.
There are treats for all Priscilla Hand Made Candy, or you can get a scoop—or two— at Bedford Farms.
Things To Do in Concord - Family Activities
23. Soak up some kid-friendly, interactive theater.
Spend a Saturday morning with Concord Youth Theatre’s Playtime Theater - every other week, children ages 2 to 9 can enjoy new and improved versions of familiar children’s stories, complete with a sing-a-long, in the fall, winter, and spring.
24. Swing, slide and climb.
We love the town's Emerson Playground on Everett Street between Stow and Thoreau.
25. Consider a train ride there.
You can drive from Boston on a straight shot out Route 2, but if you really want to make a day of it, especially when the fall leaves are on display, take an easy train ride. Take the Fitchburg line from Boston's North Station to one of two train stations—Concord or West Concord. While most things on our list are closer to the Concord station, West Concord has an appeal of its own (and the two stations are only six minutes apart).
Top photo: Patriots' Day is celebrated at Minute Man HIstoric National Park. Photo courtesy of NPS