Is the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum Worth a Visit? Yes!

One hundred percent, yes! I was honestly so impressed with how the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum isn't just a "look-but-don't-touch" kind of place. It's a full-on immersive experience. From the moment you step into the "meeting house," you're part of the story. The live actors are amazing—they're energetic, stay in character, and are fantastic at getting the kids excited and involved.

Instead of just walking through quiet halls, you get to be a Son or Daughter of Liberty for an hour. You'll attend a fiery town meeting, storm down to the waterfront, and yes, you actually get to throw "tea" overboard into the harbor. My kids went absolutely wild for this part! It’s history that they can see, hear, and touch, and that’s a total win in my book.

Must-See Things at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

The whole tour is one big experience, but a few parts really stood out for us:

Raise your hand if you love liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and historical reenactments!

1. The Town Meeting

This is where it all begins. A live actor gets the crowd riled up about "taxation without representation!" and hands everyone a secret identity card. The energy is fantastic and sets the stage for everything to come.

Get patriotic when you have your own Boston Tea Party at the namesake museum! 

2. Throwing the Tea Overboard

This is the main event and the part your kids will talk about for weeks! You get to go aboard one of the two replica 18th-century ships, the Beaver or the Eleanor, and heave bundles of "tea" (they're on ropes so they can be hauled back up) into the harbor. It’s so satisfying and makes for the best photos.

3. Exploring the Ships

After the tea-tossing, you have a few minutes to explore the ships. It's amazing to see the crew's quarters and get a feel for how small these vessels really were.

4. The Robinson Tea Chest

Inside the museum building, you get to see one of only two known surviving tea chests from the actual Boston Tea Party in 1773. After just "throwing" tea overboard, seeing the real thing feels extra special.

Get a modern glimpse of colonial life at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum.

5. The Holograms & 3D Movie

The museum uses some really cool tech to tell the rest of the story. The talking portraits and the 3D movie about the aftermath of the protest are surprisingly engaging and kept my kids glued to their seats.

Know Before You Go

Strollers Are a No-Go: This is my biggest tip for parents of little ones! You cannot bring strollers on the tour. The ships have steep stairs and narrow passageways. If your toddler isn't a confident walker or is in that extremely independent stage, you absolutely need to bring a baby carrier or wrap. You'll be standing and walking for the majority of the hour-long tour.

Best Ages: I'd say the sweet spot for this museum is ages 5-12. They're old enough to get into the role-playing and understand the basic story. Toddlers and preschoolers will still love throwing the tea, but some of the historical talk might go over their heads.

Reservations are a MUST: This tour is super popular and operates on a timed-entry basis. It sells out, especially during peak season (April through September) and on weekends. Book your tickets online in advance to get the time slot you want and avoid disappointed kids.

It’s a Guided Tour: This isn't a museum you can wander through at your own pace. You stay with your tour group for the entire one-hour experience, moving from one area to the next with your guide.

Eating Near the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

You can't bring food or drink on the tour itself, but there are options for when those "I'm hungry!" cries start.

Abigail's Tea Room:

Located at the end of the museum tour, this is a super charming spot to relax. What is unique about here is that you can actually try the same type of tea that was thrown overboard during the Boston Tea Party! They also sell a variety  of sandwiches, salads, and sweet treats like cookies (highly recommended) and scones. It has beautiful views of the harbor. 

Nearby Restaurants:

You're right on Fort Point Channel, so there are tons of kid-friendly options just a short walk away. The Barking Crab is a classic Boston seafood shack experience right down the street. For a quick and easy bite, there's a Shake Shack just across the bridge, and Flour Bakery + Cafe is a local favorite for amazing sandwiches and pastries.

Visiting the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

Hours: The museum is typically open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with tours running every 30 minutes. Hours can change seasonally, so it's always best to check their official website before you go!

Tickets: As of June 2025, ticket prices are around $37 for adults and $26 for children (ages 3-12). Kids under 3 are free! Again, these prices can change, so check their website for the most current information and to book your tickets.

Have a fantastic time storming the ships! Let me know how your little patriots enjoy the adventure.

All photographs are courtesy of the museum unless otherwise noted.