Inside: Top things to do in Boston with teens to make memories.
There is this beautiful period in every parent’s life that they’ve looked forward to since they first had their child, and that is the teen years! Okay, I know what you may be thinking. But the teen years are awful, right?
I will admit that having teens comes with its own line of challenges, but it is also an amazingly fun time in both your lives. They are finally old enough to be able to experience some more adult things, so gone are the days when you spend your time in the kiddy section of the amusement park!
You’re in the big league now. If you are planning a trip to Boston soon, then I have some wonderful recommendations for you. Below you will find a list of the most entertaining things to do in Boston with teens. Check it out!
Things To Do In Boston with Teens
First, I wanted to highlight the must-see attractions that Boston has to offer. Your teens are going to love these, and the best part, you will too! Take a look below to see which attractions sound like a good time for you and your family.
1. Take A Boat to Boston Harbor Islands – “Made up of 34 unique islands and peninsulas, the Boston Harbor Islands have something for everyone.”
2. Take a Tour of Harvard University – “The free, student-led public walking tour through Harvard Yard provides a history of the University, general information, and a unique view on the students’ individual experience.”
3. Catch a Game At Fenway Park – “Though generations have come and gone, Fenway Park remains, much like it did the day it opened on April 20, 1912.”
4. Boston Zoo Idea – “Zoo New England’s mission is to inspire people to protect and sustain the natural world for future generations by creating fun and engaging experiences that integrate wildlife and conservation programs, research, and education.”
5. Freedom Trail – “The Freedom Trail is a unique collection of museums, churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, parks, a ship, and historic markers that tell the story of the American Revolution and beyond.”
6. Rowing Center – “At CRI, we invite individuals of all backgrounds, abilities and experience to grow through rowing. ”
7. Common Park – “Hear the echoes of 350 years of the most extraordinary history of America’s oldest park.”
8. Emerald Necklace – “The mission of the Emerald Necklace Conservancy is to restore and improve the Emerald Necklace for all.”
9. Kendall Square – “Located in Cambridge, MA, Kendall Square is an internationally recognized innovation district that is propelled by the synergies of imagination and ingenuity.”
10. Six Flags New England – This one needs no description.
Educational Boston Attractions
If you are hoping to expand your teen’s mind a bit, I recommend something educational. But don’t worry; you can still have so much fun with these! Look below to find which museum or experience interests you most.
13. Isabella Steward Gardner Museum
14. Institute of Contemporary Art
15. Boston Tea Party
16. JFK Library
17. Harvard Museum of Natural History
19. Museum MIT
20. Ether Dome
21. USS Constitution
Amusement Parks In Boston
I think we can all agree that amusement parks are the cream of the crop when it comes to vacations for teens. Take a look at the list below, and be prepared to scream.
22. Palace Playland – Here is a fun playland for your teens.
23. Conobie Lake Park – “Test your skills at our many, exciting Midway Games! And enjoy Tax-Free Shopping at our numerous Gift and Retail Shops located throughout the Park for everything from everyday items to life-long keepsakes.”
24. Water Park – This park is located in Six Flags.
25. Quassy Amusement – “Quassy was founded as an amusement park in 1908, originally called Lake Quassapaug Amusement Park. Located in Middlebury, Connecticut, the amusement park and waterpark sits on the south shore of the beautiful Lake Quassapaug.”
26. Central Rock Gym – “Central Rock Gym exists to provide our members and guests with access to world class indoor rock climbing and fitness facilities. We strive to create an experience and atmosphere within our gyms that is welcoming and accessible to all climbers, regardless of experience or background.”
27. Boston Zipline – “Zip lining is your chance to literally fly between the trees in our 6 acre park in Central Massachusetts. Each zip line is strategically placed throughout our 9 rope courses.”
28. Boston Paintball – “Step into an adventure and escape the modern world at either of Boston Paintball’s two locations. ”
29. Arcade Idea – “Lucky Strike Fenway is electric with a full arcade and an eye-popping 800-square-foot video wall for catching the big plays between your big plays.”
30. IMAX Theater – Imax theaters are always a fun experience for those who haven’t experienced this big of a screen.
31. Korean Garden BBQ – It doesn’t get much more fun than getting to grill your own food at your table.
Amazing Things To Do In Boston with Teens
Lastly, I wanted to show you some seriously amazing things to do in Boston with teens. I think you are going to need to plan more than one trip to do all of these, but it’s worth it.
32. Escape Room – “Escape The Room’s three exclusive escape rooms are like no game you’ve ever played. You’ll have to use your powers of observation, cunning, and wit to be able to get out of our rooms. As the original escape room in Boston, we’re all about giving you the greatest gaming experience around.”
33. Bunker Hill – “Learn about the history of the site at the Bunker Hill Museum. Here, park staff are available to answer questions and there are restrooms open to the public. Additionally, explore views from the top of the monument through 360 degree Live Webcams. ”
34. North End Food Tour – “Experience little Italy of Boston with Lifelong Local. No Passport Required.”
35. Trinity Church – “Rooted in Jesus. Reaching our Worlds.”
36. Witch Trials Salem – “The Salem Witch Museum examines one of the most enduring and emotional events in American History, the Salem witch trials of 1692.”
37. Artspace Boston – “Lighthouse Artspace is the first experiential entertainment multi-plex, aiming to cultivate community and creativity through large-scale events and exhibitions of all art forms.”
38. Boston Aquarium – “The New England Aquarium is a global leader in ocean exploration and marine conservation. With more than 1.3 million visitors a year, the Aquarium is one of the premier visitor attractions in Boston and a major public education resource for the region.”
39. Boston Bike Tour – Have fun exploring the city on bike!
40. Skywalk Observatory – “On a clear day, you can see up to 100 miles away—a great way to get acquainted with this lovely city. Visitors gain a bird’s eye view of Boston’s Hancock Tower, Fenway Park, the Boston Common and Public Garden, the Esplanade and Hatch Shell, the Charles River, MIT, Harvard University, and countless other Boston landmarks.”
41. Boston Jetboats – “Looking for some fun Boston tours for teens that you’ll also enjoy? Start with Boston’s most unusual sightseeing tours with irresistible themes: ghosts, whales, high-speed boat rides, and movies.”
Planning a trip with a teen can be such a fun experience, especially when you take your teen’s interests into account. So perhaps have your teen help you with the planning portion of the trip as well; that way, they feel included, and you know they will love where you are going.
Boston holds so many fun little treasures for you and your family to experience, so I hope that you have fun. If you are looking for more trip inspiration, I have got you covered. Check this out to plan your next get away!
I am Natalie, the eldest sister of two teens. I hope to bring not only a fresh outer perspective but an internal one as well when writing here.