What is the Rose Kennedy Greenway in Boston?

 
Stroll the wide open spaces of Boston's Rose Kennedy Greenway. Rose Kennedy Greenway photo by Leslee, via Flickr

The Greenway is a series of parks, stretching about a mile and a half through Boston. Running roughly north to south, Boston's Rose Kennedy Greenway has about 17 acres of open lawns and plazas.

The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, named after the Boston icon and mother of JFK, officially opened in 2008. But it's still changing and growing, as with the installation of new public art in the Summer of 2025.

Fun Things to Do on Boston's Rose Kennedy Greenway with Kids

1. Get Surprised by Harbor Fog

This "Steam Machine” is made up of seawall stones placed in the shape of a boat let out billows of fog and lights. The motion of your child’s scampering feet activates the fun.  

2. Watch the Water Dance

Boston has its own little Bellagio. The Rings Fountain provides endless entertainment for all. Now through the end of October bring a bathing suit and race through it at the risk of getting wet! It's one of the best splash pads in Boston for kids.

3. Enjoy Food Trucks

My own personal fave, choose from a large array of delicious offerings like Sweet Bubble, Tacos Calleteco, Cookie Monstah, Paisani, Daddy's Beantown Burgers, and many, many more. Food Trucks are on the Greenway seven days a week, with locations by the carousel, State Street, and Dewey Square, among others. Check the website for times, locations, and offerings.

 
Get a local at local wildlife in a fun way on the Greenway Carousel. Photo by Lorianne DiSabato, via Flickr.

4. Armenian Heritage Park

This tribute to the Armenian People, and to victims of the Armenian Genocide, features sculptures, as well as the Labyrinth. This winding maze is set into the lawn, and the kiddos will be sure to love tracing its path.

5. Events on the Greenway

From the Lion Dances at the Chinatown Gate to Yoga and Tango classes, there is always something happening at the Greenway. There are festivals, parties, and play days all year long.

6. Ride the Carousel

We finally reached the beautiful new carousel, located between Surface Road and Christopher Columbus Park at the end of the Greenway. Don’t expect your traditional cast of characters here. Instead, it features creatures from land, air, and sea like grasshoppers, falcons, and even cod.  My personal favorite was a giant turtle swimming on its side. My daughter chose the lobster three times in a row, and on the fourth time (yes, I said fourth! ) she opted for the bench featuring a harbor seal.   

We went back again the next day, this time with Daddy in tow. It's one of life's small but beautiful pleasures to stand and watch your child wave happily every time she passes you on a merry-go-round. It just never gets old.  

Some Insider Tips: 

• The bunny with the carrot is the only character that does not go up and down.
• Don’t try to take your child’s picture standing backwards on the moving ride.  You will get dizzy. 
• Apparently it's a big no-no to place your bag on the ride's floor.  (No sympathy for a pregnant mama!)
• Greenway events for families and kids are all on a handy calendar.

Fun Things to Do Around Boston's Rose Kennedy Greenway with Kids

7. New England Aquarium

The Boston Aquariun is located right off the Greenway. Besides having scores of animals, like sea lions, sharks, penguins, and jellyfish, there are whale watches that depart from the pier.

8. Boston Children's Museum

Just across Fort Point Channel from the Greenway statnds Boston Children's Museum. Look for the giant milk bottle and find hours of family fun at Boston's museum for kids.

9. Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

You can't miss the masts of the Boston Tea Party Ships, anchored on the waterfront along the greenway.

10. Faneuil Hall Marketplace & Quincy Market

Explore all the shops, sights, and places to eat in Boston's famous open-air marketplace.

11. Freedom Trail

One of Boston's top attractions, the historic Freedom Trail, crosses the Greenway near Quincy Market. This walking tour of the city is a great paiirng with fun on the Greenway.

12. See the Boston Harbor Hotel Archway.

A massive flags hangs down from the highest peak of the arch; kids love to stand underneath it, or better yet, jump up to try and grab it!  Walk a couple feet to the water’s edge and see some epic yachts. 

All images shared from Flickr are licensed with CC BY-NC-ND 2.0