With summer in full swing and Boston Harbor within reach, what better way to spend quality family time than with a boat ride on the open seas?

Our city has a deep and exciting nautical history, and kids really enjoy a venture offshore. Boston Harbor has whale watch trips, speedboats, schooners, and even a ship shaped like a duck—enough seafaring options to satisfy every member of the family. 

For more fun on the water this summer, check out these Boston-area beaches and swimming lakes and ponds.

Greater Boston has so many great parks and playgrounds for kids birthday parties If your child was born in late spring, summer, or early fall, hosting their birthday party at a local park or playground is an easy, fun, and super-affordable option. Fortunately, there are a number of green spaces from Waltham to the waterfront where kids parties' are possible. The best part of all? Most are free (or nearly free). Just be sure to call or email each park in advance to reserve a spot to spread out (if necessary) and find out what kind of food and extras—like bounce houses or live entertainment—are allowed.

For more celebration ideas, see our Birthday Party Guide for Boston Kids. And our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds in Boston is full of our expert picks for the best of outdoor fun!

Boston kids are ready to get outside and play! Even if you live outside the city, consider a day trip to one of these innovative Boston-area playgrounds, which feature nature-inspired layouts, brain-boosting equipment, and wheelchair-accessible structures that promote inclusivity. These new-school playgrounds—two of which are also on our "destination playgrounds" list—are beautiful, safe spaces for kids of all ages and abilities to entertain and challenge themselves, so parents can watch from a distance as kids do what they were born to do: play. 

If it's an especially warm day, consider a day trip to one of these Massachusetts spraygrounds and splash pads, too.