See how much family fun awaits you this summer on the streets of Boston and around New England!

Only in Boston: Summer 2025

1. Freedom Trail — Various Locations

One of Boston's top attractions, the coolest spots for kids on the Freedom Trail are a must-do when exploring the city. And the best part: this walking tour through history is FREE!

2. 4th of July Fireworks — Esplanade

The city might have the best fireworks show in the country, and the festivities include musical guests at the Esplanade Hatch Shell. The massive fireworks display includes a live performance from the Boston Pops.

3. Boston Duck Tours — Boston

Departing from 3 different locations (The Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and the Back Bay’s Prudential Center), Boston Duck Tours provide a unique look at Boston by land and water. 

4. Fenway Park — Fenway

Whether catching a game or Touring Fenway Park, a visit to the "Sistene Chapel of baseball" is a bucket-list stop for tourists and baseball fans.

5. Boson Tea Party Ships & Museum — Fort Point Channel

Recreate history's most famous caffeine-based political protests as you throw "tea" into Boston Harbor at this popular tourist attraction.

6. MIT Museum — Cambridge

Greater Boston has some prestigious school, and few can compare with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Young scientists can explore robotics, optics, and more engineering marvels at this Cambridge museum.

7. Salem Witch Museum — Salem

You don't have to wait for Halloween for some spooky fun. A Summer day trip to Witch City can bring a few chiolls when you're looking to cool off. This Salem museum covers the true story of the world-famous witch trials.

8. Walden Pond — Lincoln/Concord

See the beauty of this local pond that inspired a local writer, Henry David Thoreau, to write on of America's great works of literature. Stay to splash in the cool water, and don't forget to look for the resident turtle!

9. National Basketball Hall of Fame — Springfield

Massachusetts is thge birthplace of one of the most popular sports in the world. And the Hall of Fame is only about an hour from thw western suburbs of Boston. See the greatest men and women in the history of basketball, located in the very city where it was invented.

10. Plymouth Rock & Mayflower II - Plymouth

The story of the Pilgrims includes these two local landmarks, which dominate the shoreline of Plymouth. Marvel at how remarkably small the Mayflower was!

Top FREE Things To Do In The Summer In Boston 2025

11. USS Constitution — Charlestown

Old Ironsides has been drawing visitors for generations, who flock to the Charlestown Navy Yard to see this historic vessel.

12. Rose Kennedy Greenway — Various Locations

Running from the North End, through Downtown to Chinatown, this public park feature fountains, splash pads, art, vendors, and more.

13. Arnold Arboretum — Jamaica Plain/Roslindale

This beautiful public space is perfect for a free nature expedition in the city of Boston.

14. Bunker Hill — Charlestown

Charlesown's Bunker Hill Memorial is one of the most recognizable Boston landmarks. And visiting is FREE!

15. Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival — Charles River

Every summer, spectators can enjoy the dragon boats on the Charles for FREE!

16. Boston Common — Downtown

The oldest public park in the country, Boston Common has play spaces, public performances, demonstrations, and great views of the city.

17. Boston Public Garden — Downtown

Boston Public Garden is one of the most lush and beautiful green spaces in the city. This public park is filled with manicured gardens and statues. Don't forget to say "hi" to the Ducklings!

18. Massachusetts State House — Beacon Hill

Located right off the Freedom Trail, the Massachusetts State House if free to visit, and even offers free tours to the public.

19. Boston Pride for the People — Back Bay

Boston's Pride celebration in mid-June includes a parade and a festival.

20. Commonwealth Museum — Dorchester

This FREE museum has exhibits and artifacts that show the history of life in the Bay State. and its location on Columbia point makes it perfect for a pairing with the JFK library.

21. 15th Annual African American Festival of Boston — Various Location

This summer festival celebrates African American culture through art music, dance, and food.

22. Boston Fire Museum — Back Bay

This free museum has enough fire truck equipment and history to enthrall kids of all ages. These fire fighters won't pop the hydrant, but they will show you some cool things on a hot day.

23. Castle Island — South Boston

This peninsula in South Boston has beaches, activities, and a fort (Paul Revere actually began its reconstruction after the Revolution) The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Castle Island Association offer FREE tours of the fort.

24. Free Outdoor Movie Nights — Various Locations

Enjoy free summer outdoor movies under the stars at many spots around the city.

Top FREE Things To Do In The Summer Near Boston 2025

25. Free Entrance Days in the National Parks — Various Locations

On June 19th and August 4th, visitors can enjoy free entrance to the many National Parks and National Historic Sites in Greater Boston, as well as around New England.

26. Blue Hills Reservation — Boston

This 7,000-acre state reservation has miles of trails as well as a trailside museum and nature center that hosts activities and opportunities to learn about Massachusetts wildlife.

27. ArtBeat 2025 — Somerville

Somerville's free art festival takes place in Davis Square every summer.

28. Harvard Museums — Cambridge

One of the world's foremost centers of learning has world-class museums of art, science, and culture. Many of Harvards museums are free to the public, while others are free to Massachusetts residents on Sunday mornings.

29. Minuteman National Park — Lexington & Concord

Boston has been called the Cradle of Liberty for its role in the American Revolution. The "shot heard round the world" is celebrated at this expansive National Park that includes Battle Green and other famous sites.

30. Saugus Iron Works — Saugus

This restored 17th century site recreates where settlers brought ironworking to Greater Boston. The park grounds are always open, but free tours of the various buildings are offered in the summer.

31. Adams National Historical Park — Quincy

The family estate of two presidents (John Adams and John Quincy Adams) this historical site has a museum, visitor center and historic, colonial-era homes.

 
Explore nature at the Boston Harbor Islands. Photo by Tom Kates, courtesy of the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism.

Top Boston Attractions To Visit In The Summer 2025

32. Boston Children's Museum — Fort Point Channel

One of the most beloved attractions in Boston, the Children's Museum has all the hands-on, engaging exhibits that little ones crave on a summer day trip!

33. New England Aquarium — Waterfront

Boston's aquarium is a world-class exhibit of penguins, sharks, seals, and more. The star of the show is the aquarium's 200,000-gallon giant ocean tank.

34. Museum of Science — West End

Boston's Museum of Science has everything little science lovers crave: dinosaurs, outer space, hands-on exhibits....even a lightning show!

35. Franklin Park Zoo — Franklin Park

Boston's zoo is home to some amazing animals, including gorillas, giraffes, lions, camels, and more fuzzy, feathered, and creeping critters.

36. Harbor Islands — Waterfront

Some 34 islands make up the Boston Harbor Islands, one of the Commonwealth's treasures of natural beauty. Fort Warren on George’s Island, lighthouses, and a calendar full of fun summer activities are just a few of the reasons to visit.

Top Museums in Boston To Visit in Summer 2025

37. Museum of Fine Arts — Longwood

The Museum of Fine Arts exhibits works of art from around the world, including ancient civilizations like Egypt, China, Nubia, Greece, and Rome. Of course, there is classic and contempoirary works of art too. The MFA prides itself on offering kid-friendly ways to explore the collections.

38. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum — Longwood

One of Beantown's gems, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum houses priceless works of art, including paintings and sculptures. A work of art in its own right, this recreation of a Tuscan villa has manicured gardens and stunning architecture, right in the heart of the city. 

39. ICA — Seaport

The Institute of Contemporary Art is Boston's modern art museum, and the building has some of the best views of the city and the harbor. Kids will be dazzled by the quirky, vibrant and bold works of art.

40. JFK Presidential Library & Museum — Dorchester

The presidency of Massachusetts' native JFK was cut too short, but the history remains alive at this striking museum on Columbia Point.

 
Salem's sights will enchant kids. "The Pod" Photo courtesy of the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem.

Top Boston Theme Parks & Water Parks - Summer 2025

41. Six Flags New England — Agawam

With a new roller coaster for 2025, Six Flags in Agawam is even more worth a summer day trip from Boston than ever before. This amusement park has rides for all ages, from breezy family attractions to awesome thrill rides. And the water park is massive!

42. Water Country — Portsmouth NH

Water Country might be New England's favorite water park—and it claims to be the biggest. It's easy to stay cool at this spot on a hot summer day!

43. Canobie Lake Park — Salem NH

Just over the border in New Hampshire, Canobie Lake Park has been drawing visitors from greated Boston for over 100 summers. This park is family-owned and the parking is FREE!

44. Edaville Family Theme Park — Carver

Train lovers will delight at a visit to this family theme park that is perfect for little ones.

45. Story Land — Glen NH

The White Mountains of New Hampshire are home to this beloved theme park, with rides designed for younger kids.

Top Attractions Near Boston To Visit In The Summer 2025

46. Peabody Essex Museum — Salem

Visitors to Salem enjoy the art, history, and unique exhibits on display at the Peabody Essex Museum.

47. Stone Zoo — Stoneham

Boston's north-suburban zoo has a variety of animals and a calendar full of summer events. 

48. Southwick's Zoo — Mendon

Boston's largest zoo is located just south of the city, where you can find gorillas, lions, tigers, giraffes, and more!

49. deCordova Museum and Sculpture Garden - Lincoln

This Lincoiln museum features stunning exhibit halls, as well as a really cool outdoor sculpture garden that is fun to explore on a summer day.

50. EcoTarium — Worcester

Curious minds will delight in exploringg Worcester's EcoTarium, where dinosaurs, live otters, outer space, and more fascinating exhibits await.

51. Great Falls Discovery Museum — Turner

This museum, operated by the Massachusetts State Parks, has a variety of indoor exhibits and several outdoor programs for families.

52. Whydah Pirate Museum — West Yarmouth

Little buccaneers can see what life was like for real pirates at this Cape Cod museum. The Whydah Pirate Museum has real artifacts from real pirate ships—no animatronic Cap'ns here!

53. Plimoth Patuxet Museums — Plymouth

Take the family on a journey through time, back to the days of the Pilgrims, and see how both Indigenous People and the first Massachusetts colonists lived.

54. Old Sturbridge Village — Sturbridge

Another historic recreation, Old Sturbridge Village shows how hardy New Englanders lived in the 1830's.

55. Heritage Museum and Gardens — Sandwich

From classic car exhibits (including President Taft's car) to the adventure park outside, there's enough here for a full day of summer fun!

56. Castle Hill — Ipswich

Castle Hill is a 60-thousand square foot mansion, so striking it has been used in a number of Hollywood productions. The property's grounds are amazing, and activities and events are offered throughout the summer.

57. Dr. Seuss Museum —Springfield

This Springfield museum (right in Dr. Seuss' home town) pays tribute to the wild imagination of one of the world's most cherished writers.

Boston's skyline will sparkle for the 4th of July 2025, with fireworks for Harborfest and Independence Day.

Top Events In Boston Summer 2025

58. Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl — Downtown

This annual event benefits one of the city's most notable charities, as visitors get to indulge in all-you-can-eat ice cream. 

59. Boston Pizza Festival — Downtown

Boston's all-you-can eat pizza festival keeps the slices coming at this annual summer tradition.

60. Boston Beanfest — Greenway

Celebrate Boston's nickname at this festival. Enjoy a variety of cuisine as well as music and games that all feature beans.

61. Harborfest — Various Locations

The days up to the 4th of July are filled with Harborfest's patriotic celebrations all around the city of Boston.

62. Fisherman's Feast — North End

This Sicilian tradition took root in Boston's North End over a century ago, and the festival is celebrated every summer.

63. Summer Concerts — Various Locations

Boston has a variety of summer concerts and music series that take to the streets every summer.

64. Saint Anthony's Feast — North End

Another Italian tradition, St. Anthony's Feast fills the streets with music, food, and celebration.

The beaches of Greater Boston will be filled with fun-seekers for Summer 2025!

Best Activities Near Boston Summer 2025

65. Revere Beach Sand Sculpting Festival — Revere

This annual festival north of Boston brings artists from around the world to compete for the finest sand-castle creation.

66. Cambridge Jazz Festival — Cambridge

Live music fills the streets of Cambridge, as this summer tradition celebrates all things Jazz.

67. Bridgewater Arts & Music Festival — Bridgewater

Art, music, dance, and food are on the agenda for this local festival.

68. Lowell Folk Festival — Lowell

One of the largest folk festivals in the country, Lowell Folk Festival gathers creatives from all around the world for live performances and cultural expressions.

69. Yankee Homecoming in Newburyport

This summer festival features a full week of games, live music, events, and fireworks.

70. Gloucester Waterfront Festival — Gloucester

Gloucester's waterfront comes alive with vendors, and the menu is loaded with local favorites and international cuisine.

71. Cape Cod Baseball — Various Locations

See baseballs stars of tomorrow play summer baseball all along Cape Cod.

Outdoor Fun Around Boston Summer 2025

72. Swan Boats — Boston

A leisurely ride on the Swan Boats in Boston Public Garden has been a tradition since 1877.

73. Whale Watching  — Various Locations

Whether departing from the Boston Waterfront, Gloucester, or Newburyport, whale watching is a bucket-list worthy summer activity! 

74. Strawberry Picking and Summer Strawberry Festivals — Various Locations

It wouldn't be summer without a bucket full of ripe, delicious strawberries from a local farm.

75. Splash Pads in Boston — Various Locations

Beat the heat at one of Boston's splash pads and spray decks.

76. Drive in Movie Theaters — Various Locations

Kick it old school with a drive-in flick at one of these New England throwbacks.

Indoor Fun around Boston Summer 2025

77. Indoor Water Parks — Various Locations

Stay cool on a hot summer day, AND avoid a sunburn with a trip to a local indoor water park

78. Trampoline Parks — Various Locations

Beat the heat by staying cool indoors at one of the top trampoline parks in Greater Boston.

79. Indoor Go Karts — Various Locations

Some of Boston's best go-kart track are indoors, perfect for riding out a heat wave!

Top Day Trips & Weekend Getaways from Boston Summer 2025

80. Salem

Just north of Boston, Salem is perfect for a getaway. There are plenty of attractions, Halloween-y and otherwise, to fill more than a weekend.

81. Cape Ann

The beaches, shops, and restaurants of Gloucester and Rockport are made for long summer days.

82. Plymouth

Plymouth has miles of lovely beaches to go with the historic sights accociated with the Pilgrims' landing.

83. Worcester

From the EcoTarium to WooSox games, to exploring Central Massachusetts, Worcester is a great spot for a summer visit.

84. Springfield

Springfield has so much to offer families, from kid-friendly museums (like Dr. Seuss') to the basketball hall of fame and Six Flags.

85. Cape Cod

The Cape has more beaches than it knows what to do with, and summers on Cape Cod are synonymous with Massachusetts summers.

86. Berkshires

Summer days are perfect for a trip to the Berkshires, where outdoor activities, art galleries, and Tanglewood concerts entice visitors.

87. Maine Beaches

From Ogunquit to Down East, the Maine coast is a summer paradise for thousands of New Englanders.

88. Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard has long been drawing summer visitors to its beaches, shops, and restaurants.

89. Nantucket

Visitors have found their way to Nantucket for centuries, but the whalers have given way to the sun-worshippers!

90. Portsmouth NH

New Hampshire's coastal gem boasts a wealth of shops, dining, and fun family activities.

91. White Mountains

The White Mountains of New Hampshire have tons of indoor fun and outdoor activities for Boston families.

92. Newport RI

Come for the cottages, stay for the great food, cool events, and summer fun.

93. Providence RI

The Rhode Island capital attracts visitors with the quaintness of College Hill, the Italian eateries of Federal Hill, and the col attractions, like its world-class zoo.

All photos by Kyle Klein Photography courtesy of the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, unless otherwise noted.