Boston Southie

Things To Do In The City

Things To Do In The City

Kid Friendly

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Boy with His Mom Observing Dinosaur Skeleton in Museum

Don’t let gray skies dampen family plans; discover seven dynamic indoor escapes across Boston that cater to every age this fall.

At-a-Glance

Ages: 0–15
Duration: 2–4 hours each activity
Total cost: Free–$$ (see below)
MBTA/Parking: Red, Green, Orange lines; Commuter Rail (for Natick)
Bathrooms/changing tables: Yes (at all museums; varies at Imagine & Level99)
Accessibility: Stroller/wheelchair accessible at major museums; check individual venues
Sensory-friendly times: Boston Children’s Museum, Museum of Science, MFA often run sensory-friendly hours
Rain backup: All activities are fully indoors
Nearby snacks: Cafés or food halls at each venue

0–2 Years

Boston Children’s Museum — Fort Point/Seaport

Boston Children’s Museum is the perfect rainy-day escape for families with toddlers. Peep’s World and PlaySpace are designed with crawlers and preschoolers in mind, while older siblings can climb through the giant three-story structure or dig into the Construction Zone. The museum is highly stroller-friendly and includes family restrooms, changing tables, and nursing rooms, making it one of the easiest outings with little ones. Weekday mornings are calmer, while weekends pick up quickly.

  • Price: $24 for adults & kids (1–15); infants free
  • When: Wed–Mon, 9 am–4 pm (closed Tues)
  • MBTA/Parking: Red Line to South Station; garage nearby
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair & stroller accessible; nursing rooms
  • Link: bostonchildrensmuseum.org
  • Last checked: Sept 6, 2025

3–6 Years

Imagine Playspace — Cambridge 

Imagine Playspace is a cozy indoor world built just for young children. Rainy days here are spent exploring pretend grocery stores, running trains through miniature towns, and playing with sensory tables that spark curiosity. The environment is scaled perfectly for little ones, so parents can relax while kids independently explore. It’s best for preschool and early elementary ages, though babies can also enjoy soft areas. Always call ahead to confirm hours, since the venue has relocated in past years.

  • Price: Varies; check website
  • When: Daily, 9 am–6 pm
  • MBTA/Parking: Red Line to Porter; limited street parking
  • Accessibility: Stroller-friendly; call ahead to confirm
  • Link: imaginecambridge.com
  • Last checked: Sept 6, 2025

7–10 Years

LEGOLAND Discovery Center — Somerville 

Kids Enjoying Indoor Activities in Legoland Discovery Centre

LEGOLAND Discovery Center at Assembly Row is built for rainy-day magic. Families can dive into MINILAND Boston, watch LEGO bricks come alive in a 4D Cinema, or hop on the kid-friendly rides. Elementary-aged kids will stay busy for 2–3 hours building and exploring, while younger siblings still find plenty of hands-on fun. Timed entry tickets help avoid crowds, and booking online saves money. The in-house café offers sandwiches and kid-sized meals for a break mid-visit.

  • Price: ~$25–37 (online vs. day-of)
  • When: Daily, ~10 am–5 pm
  • MBTA/Parking: Orange Line to Assembly; Assembly Row garage
  • Accessibility: Stroller-friendly; family restrooms
  • Link: legodiscoverycenter.com
  • Last checked: Sept 6, 2025

11–15 Years

Level99 — Natick Mall 

Level99 is a massive indoor adventure park built for tweens, teens, and parents who want a challenge. Think escape-room puzzles, climbing elements, arcade-style games, and team missions spread across dozens of themed rooms. Teens can roam freely in groups, while families can compete together in timed challenges. It’s especially fun on rainy afternoons when kids need an active outlet. Plan for a half-day outing and cap it with a meal at the Night Shift pizzeria next door.

  • Price: Varies by game/pass
  • When: Daily, ~11 am–10 pm (Fri–Sat to midnight)
  • MBTA/Parking: Commuter Rail to Framingham + rideshare
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair access in main mall areas; call for details
  • Link: level99.com
  • Last checked: Sept 6, 2025

All Ages

Boston Public Library – Central Library — Back Bay 

Rainy days don’t have to be expensive, and the Boston Public Library proves it. The children’s wing is stocked with picture books, toys, and cozy corners for storytime. Older kids can explore Teen Central or use the library’s tech stations. Families often stop in just to pick up free museum passes, making this a budget-friendly hub. It’s quiet, dry, and a great reset when the weather turns.

  • Price: Free
  • When: Mon–Thu 9–8; Fri–Sat 9–5; Sun 11–5
  • MBTA/Parking: Green Line to Copley; limited garage parking
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible; stroller-friendly
  • Link: bpl.org
  • Last checked: Sept 6, 2025

Museum of Science — Science Park 

Young School Boy Enjoying Play and Learn Activities in Museum of Science

The Museum of Science is Boston’s ultimate STEM playground, packed with more than 700 exhibits and endless rainy-day discoveries. Kids can marvel at dinosaur fossils, stand inches away from a live lightning show, or fly through the galaxy in the Charles Hayden Planetarium. Interactive labs and animal encounters keep even short attention spans engaged. Arrive early to beat the crowds, and plan for at least 3–4 hours if you’re adding the IMAX or planetarium shows.

  • Price: ~$20–30 per person
  • When: Daily, 9 am–5 pm
  • MBTA/Parking: Green Line to Science Park; museum garage
  • Accessibility: Fully wheelchair & stroller accessible
  • Link: mos.org
  • Last checked: Sept 6, 2025

Museum of Fine Arts — Fenway 

The MFA offers a calmer, creative outlet on stormy days. Families can borrow gallery guides, play “I Spy” among the art, or join hands-on art cart programs. Special exhibitions add fresh reasons to return, while sensory-friendly mornings make it accessible for kids who prefer quieter spaces. Parents can linger in galleries while kids get involved in discovery-based activities, creating a balanced outing for mixed ages.

  • Last checked: Sept 6, 2025
  • Price: Adults $27; Youth 7–17 $10; under 6 free
  • When: Thurs–Mon, 10 am–5 pm (closed Tues/Wed)
  • MBTA/Parking: Green Line E to MFA; nearby garage
  • Accessibility: Fully accessible; sensory-friendly programs offered
  • Link: mfa.org

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Looking for a full-day family outing that keeps kids curious, active, and smiling? Boston has three standouts that work for every age band: the Boston Children’s Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), and the Museum of Science (MoS). Each has something kids love right now, plus exciting new exhibits on the way.

At a Glance

Boston kid
  • Ages: 0–15
  • Duration: Full day (3 stops)
  • Total cost: Around $20–$30 per ticket; under 3 often free
  • MBTA/Parking: Red Line South Station (Children’s Museum), Green Line MFA, Green/Orange Science Park (MoS)
  • Bathrooms/Changing Tables: All three equipped
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller friendly, elevators available
  • Sensory-friendly times: Monthly at Children’s Museum
  • Rain backup: All indoors
  • Nearby snacks: Flour Bakery near Children’s Museum; cafés inside MFA and MoS

0–2 Years: Safe Spaces & Gentle Play

  • Children’s Museum: PlaySpace is made for this age with soft mats, low climbing, sensory tables. Parents can relax while little ones safely explore.
  • MFA: Galleries are stroller-friendly, and babies often enjoy the colors and people-watching. Nursing areas and family bathrooms are available.
  • MoS: Planetarium shows may be too much, but the Discovery Center (check availability during renovations) offers toddler-safe stations.

3–6 Years: Climbing, Colors & Stories

  • Children’s Museum: The climbing tower and bubble room are the big wins. Staff recommend mornings for lighter crowds.
  • MFA: Storytime hours and Art Connections Cards give young kids a scavenger-hunt way to see art.
  • MoS: Illusion stations at Perception Playground feel like magic tricks, and animal films in the Omni Theater grab attention spans.
Boston Childrens Museum

7–10 Years: Builders & Explorers

  • Children’s Museum: Construction Zone lets kids wear hardhats, move blocks, and “be the builder.” The dinosaur dig (Explore•a•Saurus) is another hit.
  • MFA: Kids this age enjoy the Arms and Armor collection; let’s face it, knights and swords are hard to beat.
  • MoS: Hands-on physics demos and live electricity shows keep this age group riveted.

11–15 Years: Independent Curiosity

  • Children’s Museum: May feel “little kid” by this age, but tweens often enjoy mentoring younger siblings in the more physical exhibits.
  • MFA: Teens connect with global art—photography, modern installations, or cultural collections. New exhibitions keep it fresh.
  • MoS: Robotics, engineering labs, and advanced science shows (space, genetics) are strong for middle schoolers.

Recommendations

Boston Children’s Museum — Fort Point

A bright, interactive museum where play leads the way. Younger kids climb and splash while older ones tackle dinosaurs and building zones.

  • Price: $
  • When: Best mornings, weekdays lighter crowds
  • Reservations/Wait: Timed entry online
  • MBTA/Parking: South Station (Red Line); garage on Sleeper St.
  • Accessibility: Stroller/wheelchair friendly, elevators throughout
  • Link: bostonchildrensmuseum.org
  • Last checked: Aug 26, 2025

Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) — Fenway

Boston MFA

One of Boston’s great art collections, made family-friendly with story hours, art cards, and weekend family days.

  • Price: $$
  • When: Weekend mornings, Family Days recommended
  • Reservations/Wait: Walk-in, free for kids 6 and under
  • MBTA/Parking: MFA stop (Green Line E); Museum Rd garage
  • Accessibility: Fully wheelchair/stroller accessible
  • Link: mfa.org
  • Last checked: Aug 26, 2025

Museum of Science (MoS) — West End

Interactive exhibits from illusions to robotics plus the giant Omni Theater. Some areas are under renovation, so check first.

  • Price: $$
  • When: Afternoons less crowded for Omni shows
  • Reservations/Wait: Timed entry; planetarium/Omni separate ticket
  • MBTA/Parking: Science Park (Green/Orange); onsite garage
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair/stroller accessible, elevators
  • Link: mos.org
  • Last checked: Aug 26, 2025

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Boston’s bike scene shines in every season, but fall brings extra color to the region’s rail trails and riverside paths. These eight routes balance convenience, scenery, and rideability, with MBTA access and suburban reach for anyone planning a two‑wheeled outing.

At-a-Glance

  • Start points: Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Newton, Concord
  • Time: 1–4 hours
  • Distance: 3–20 miles
  • Surfaces: Paved or stone dust
  • Bathrooms/water: Available at most trailheads and parks
  • MBTA/parking: Red, Orange, Green lines; commuter rail options
  • Dogs/strollers: Allowed on multi-use paths
  • Season: Year-round, best foliage Sept–Nov
White Bike on a Boston Trail

Charles River Bike Path

The Charles River Bike Path is Boston’s signature ride, stretching about 17 miles from the Museum of Science to Norumbega Park in Newton. It offers flat, paved miles alongside the water, with skyline views and leafy stretches perfect for fall foliage. Popular with commuters and casual riders alike, it connects seamlessly with city parks. Expect some crowding on weekends, but the views are worth it.

  • Distance: ~17 miles
  • Surfaces/elevation: Paved, flat with some road crossings
  • Bathrooms/water: Public restrooms at Esplanade, BU Bridge, Herter Park
  • MBTA/parking: Red and Green lines at multiple entry points
  • Dogs/strollers: Multi-use friendly
  • Season/cautions: Year-round; fall brings heavy leaf‑peeping traffic
  • Link: mass.gov/charles-river-bike-path
  • Last checked: Aug 25, 2025

Southwest Corridor Park

Running four miles from Back Bay to Forest Hills, the Southwest Corridor Park is a green commuter artery through the South End and Jamaica Plain. The paved path passes playgrounds, basketball courts, and gardens, making it lively but not overwhelming. It’s a reliable ride for anyone seeking color without leaving the city. Evenings bring heavier bike traffic, but mornings are calm.

  • Distance: 4–5 miles
  • Surfaces/elevation: Paved, flat
  • Bathrooms/water: Available at Ruggles and Forest Hills
  • MBTA/parking: Orange Line along route
  • Dogs/strollers: Multi-use, family friendly
  • Season/cautions: Best in fall for tree color; watch for commuter cyclists
  • Link: boston.gov/southwest-corridor-park
  • Last checked: Aug 25, 2025

Minuteman Bikeway

Tracing Paul Revere’s historic ride, the Minuteman Bikeway runs from Alewife Station through Arlington and Lexington to Bedford. Over 10 miles of paved rail trail, it’s shaded and wide, with plenty of trailheads and signage. In fall, the leafy canopy adds a vibrant backdrop. Popular with both leisure riders and distance cyclists, it’s one of the region’s most beloved paths.

  • Distance: 10.1 miles
  • Surfaces/elevation: Paved, gentle grades
  • Bathrooms/water: Arlington Center and Lexington Depot
  • MBTA/parking: Red Line Alewife; parking in Arlington and Bedford
  • Dogs/strollers: Allowed
  • Season/cautions: Year-round; peak fall weekends are busy
  • Link: minutemanbikeway.org
  • Last checked: Aug 25, 2025

Arnold Arboretum Loop

Within Boston’s Arnold Arboretum, this 4.5-mile loop mixes gentle climbs with vibrant fall foliage. Paved roads wind past historic plantings and sweeping views of Boston from Peters Hill. Cyclists share space with walkers, but wide roads and slow traffic keep it relaxed. It’s best enjoyed as a leisurely ride paired with leaf peeping.

  • Distance: 4.5 miles
  • Surfaces/elevation: Paved, rolling hills
  • Bathrooms/water: Visitor Center at Arborway entrance
  • MBTA/parking: Orange Line Forest Hills; street parking nearby
  • Dogs/strollers: Dogs on leash; stroller-friendly
  • Season/cautions: Gorgeous in fall; some paths close in icy weather
  • Link: arboretum.harvard.edu
  • Last checked: Aug 25, 2025

Deer Island Trail

Deer Island offers a 4.6-mile paved perimeter loop with harbor views and historic markers. The ride mixes breezy shoreline with rolling terrain, plus access to picnic areas and restrooms. It’s a tranquil alternative to city rides, especially in fall when the air is crisp and crowds are thinner. A ferry ride adds adventure for those starting downtown.

  • Distance: 4.6 miles
  • Surfaces/elevation: Paved, rolling
  • Bathrooms/water: Facilities near trailhead
  • MBTA/parking: Ferry from Long Wharf; parking on site
  • Dogs/strollers: Allowed
  • Season/cautions: Best fall views; windy in winter
  • Link: mwra.com/deer-island
  • Last checked: Aug 25, 2025

Somerville Community Path

The Somerville Community Path extends 3.2 miles through Davis Square and toward East Cambridge. Recently expanded, it links smoothly with the Green Line Extension and Red Line at Alewife. The path is paved and lined with murals, trees, and neighborhood energy. In fall, the blend of foliage and city makes it one of the best short rides.

A shot of Boston Skyscrapers from a bike lane
  • Distance: 3.2 miles
  • Surfaces/elevation: Paved, flat
  • Bathrooms/water: Limited along route; Davis Square nearby
  • MBTA/parking: Red Line Alewife, Green Line Lechmere
  • Dogs/strollers: Allowed
  • Season/cautions: Year-round; short but highly used
  • Link: somervillema.gov/communitypath
  • Last checked: Aug 25, 2025

Bruce Freeman Rail Trail

Stretching over 20 miles from Lowell through Acton and Concord, the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail is one of the longest suburban rides near Boston. Wide and well-maintained, it passes wetlands, woodlands, and neighborhoods, all lit up in fall color. Cyclists love it for long-distance, low‑stress riding. Future expansions will add even more mileage.

  • Distance: 20 miles (current open section)
  • Surfaces/elevation: Paved, flat to rolling
  • Bathrooms/water: Town centers along route
  • MBTA/parking: Commuter rail Concord/Acton; trailhead parking
  • Dogs/strollers: Allowed
  • Season/cautions: Stunning foliage in fall; open year-round
  • Link: brucefreemanrailtrail.org
  • Last checked: Aug 25, 2025

Mass Central Rail Trail (Wayside)

The Mass Central Rail Trail’s Wayside section links Weston, Wayland, and Waltham. Still expanding, it features a mix of paved and stone‑dust surfaces through woods and wetlands. It’s less busy than Minuteman, offering a quieter suburban alternative. Fall highlights include colorful foliage and peaceful wetland views.

Bikers at night in Boston
  • Distance: 10+ miles (varies by open sections)
  • Surfaces/elevation: Paved and stone dust
  • Bathrooms/water: Trailheads in Weston and Wayland
  • MBTA/parking: Commuter rail to Waltham; parking at trailheads
  • Dogs/strollers: Allowed
  • Season/cautions: Best in fall for foliage; incomplete connections
  • Link: masscentralrailtrail.org
  • Last checked: Aug 25, 2025