If you are looking for Where to stay in Boston for family with kids, you are in the right place. In this post, I will outline the best areas and neighborhoods in Boston for families with children of all ages, and the best family-friendly hotels in Boston for all budgets.
Boston is the capital and largest city of the state of Massachusetts. It is one of the oldest cities in the country, founded in 1630 by Puritan settlers. Boston is a significant economic, cultural, and educational hub in the Northeastern United States.
Boston played a crucial role in the American Revolutionary War and is often referred to as the Cradle of Liberty due to events such as the Boston Tea Party and the Battle of Bunker Hill. Many historical sites, like the Freedom Trail, offer visitors a glimpse into its revolutionary past.
The city is home to numerous colleges and universities, including Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Bostonians are passionate about sports, and the city boasts successful professional sports teams, such as the Boston Red Sox (baseball), the Boston Celtics (basketball), the New England Patriots (American football), and the Boston Bruins (ice hockey).
Notable landmarks in Boston include the Massachusetts State House, Fenway Park (home of the Red Sox), Faneuil Hall, John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, and the New England Aquarium.
Boston offers a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses, subways (known as the “T”), and commuter trains, making it relatively easy to get around the city.
Is Boston a good place to vacation with kids?
Yes, Boston is a fantastic place to vacation with kids. The city offers a wide range of family-friendly attractions including the New England Aquarium, Franklin Park Zoo, and Children’s Museum. There are also tons of historical landmarks, museums, for the whole family to explore.
Where to stay in Boston for family with kids?
The best areas to stay in Boston with family are Back Bay, Downtown, Waterfront, Beacon Hill, North End, and Cambridge. These are safe central areas, offering a wide range of family-friendly activities, and accommodations for families with children of all ages, both young and older.
When selecting accommodations, be sure to check if the hotel offers amenities for kids, such as play areas or family rooms. Additionally, consider using Airbnb or vacation rentals if you prefer a more home-like experience with extra space for the family.
Before booking, make a list of the attractions you plan to visit and ensure that your chosen accommodation is well-connected to those places via public transportation or is within a reasonable driving distance. This way, you can make the most of your family holiday in Boston.
During my trip to Boston, I stayed at the mid-range Hyatt Centric Faneuil Hall. It was located in a prime location, easy access to trains, family-friendly attractions, and tourist amenities. They have double room with two double beds that can accommodate up to 4 adults.
Map of areas and neighborhoods in Boston for family. You can scroll down to view the live map:
6 Best areas to stay in Boston for family with kids:
1. Back Bay
Back Bay is often known as one of the best areas to stay in Boston for families with kids. It is a charming and upscale neighborhood in the heart of the city, famous for its elegant Victorian brownstones, tree-lined streets, and proximity to many attractions.
Back Bay is generally considered a safe neighborhood with a low crime rate, making it a comfortable place for families to stay.
This area is centrally located, surrounded by popular Downtown Boston, Beacon Hill, and Beacon Hill, offering easy access to many major landmarks, museums, and family-friendly attractions.
The Boston Common, Public Garden, Newbury Street, and the Prudential Center are all within walking distance or a short subway ride away.
Back Bay is known for upscale shopping and fine dining. Newbury Street runs through the heart of Back Bay and is lined with high-end boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and cafes.
The focal point of Back Bay is the historic Copley Square, which is surrounded by several significant landmarks, including the beautiful Trinity Church, the Boston Public Library, and the John Hancock Tower (also known as Hancock Place).
Back Bay has a wide range of family-friendly amenities, including parks, playgrounds, and recreational areas. The Esplanade along the Charles River offers a scenic spot for family outings, picnics, and biking.
Back Bay is well-connected by public transportation, home to several subway (T) stations in the area, making it easy to explore other parts of Boston without the need for a car.
Back Bay offers a wide range of accommodations for all budgets. Many hotels in Back Bay offer family-oriented amenities and services to cater to the needs of travelers with children.
Best places to stay in Back Bay with kids:
- Luxury ($$$): Fairmont Copley Plaza, 5-star historic hotel in Back Bay area, featuring spacious family rooms, easy walk from Copley Square. It is also close to the Public Library, Trinity Church, Newbury Street shopping area and Copley Place mall.
- Mid-range ($$): The Westin Copley Place, Boston, 4-star hotel, located in the trendy Back Bay area and connected to the Copley Place Mall, walking distance from shops and restaurants in Newbury Street. The hotel has family and wellcome children of all ages to stay.
- Budget ($): Inn at St. Botolph, great 3-star hotel, located in Boston’s historic Back Bay, one block from the Shops at Prudential Center and subway station. You can add extra beds for your kids.
2. Downtown Boston
Downtown Boston is one of the best places to stay in Boston with your children due to its central location, safety, easy access to family-friendly and historical attractions, and wide range of accommodation options.
Downtown is the central business district of Boston, serves as the economic and cultural hub of the city and is rich in history and landmarks. It offers a mix of historical sites, cultural attractions, shopping opportunities, and a variety of dining options.
Many of Boston’s most famous landmarks, such as Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Quincy Market, the Freedom Trail, Boston Common, and Massachusetts State House, are located in or near downtown.
The Freedom Trail is a 4 km red-brick trail that passes through Boston Downtown and other neighborhoods. It passes by 16 historical sites, including the Massachusetts State House, Paul Revere’s House, Old North Church, and the site of the Boston Massacre.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a popular shopping and dining destination, home to four historic buildings, Quincy Market, Faneuil Hall, North Market, and South Market. It offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and food stalls.
Boston Common is America’s oldest public park and is a large green space in the heart of the city. It provides a place for recreation, relaxation, and community gatherings.
Located adjacent to Boston Common, the Public Garden is a picturesque park with beautiful gardens, walking paths, and the iconic Swan Boats.
There are family-friendly attractions in the area, like the New England Aquarium and the Children’s Museum, which can appeal to visitors of all ages.
Downtown offers a wide range of shopping opportunities, from high-end boutiques to popular chains. There are also plenty of restaurants and eateries with diverse cuisine options.
Additionally, Downtown is well-connected with public transportation, including the subway system (known as the “T”), making it easy to explore the city without a car.
The downtown area is generally safe, and many parts are pedestrian-friendly, making it convenient for families to explore on foot.
Best places to stay in Downtown Boston with kids:
- Luxury ($$$): The Langham, Boston, 5-star hotel in Downtown, easy access to major historical sights such as Faneuil Hall, New England Aquarium and Freedom Trail Foundation. Featuring family king rooms and Italian family-style meals at its onsite restaurant.
- Mid-range ($$): Hyatt Centric Faneuil Hall Boston, 4-star hotel, in the heart of Downtown Boston, a short walk from historic Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, Boston Common, and Boston Tea Party Ship & Museum.
- Budget ($): Boston Omni Parker House Hotel, great hotel, located on the Freedom Trail and a short walk from Boston Common. The hotel has family-friendly restaurants and rooms. Children can have a backpack full of games and activities.
3. Waterfront
The Waterfront neighborhood is considered one of the attractive areas to stay in, particularly for families. It offers stunning sea views and proximity to the downtown area with its popular historical landmarks.
The Waterfront is close to many popular Boston attractions like the New England Aquarium, the Children’s Museum, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, and the Boston Harborwalk. Families can enjoy easy access to recreational activities and family-friendly destinations.
With its waterfront location, the neighborhood provides beautiful views of the harbor and city skyline, creating a pleasant and relaxing environment.
It’s generally considered a safe area, which is essential for families looking for a secure environment.
The Waterfront is known for its walkability, making it easy to stroll around with kids and explore the nearby parks and attractions.
There are plenty of dining and shopping options in the area, which is convenient for families looking for places to eat and buy essentials.
Best places to stay in Boston’s Waterfront for family:
- Luxury ($$$): InterContinental Boston, an IHG Hotel, 5-star hotel, located in the Waterfront neighborhood, featuring kid-friendly restaurants, and Babysitting/child services with extra charge. Close to Boston Children’s Museum.
- Mid-range ($$): Boston Marriott Long Wharf, 4-star hotel, located on Long Wharf and is next door to the kid-friendly New England Aquarium. Also offer easy access to A Blue Line Subway Station, North End, Financial District and Seaport District.
- Budget ($): Marriott Vacation Club Pulse at Custom House, Boston, family-friendly hotel located in the great location, easy access to the waterfront area and downtown Boston with its major attractions.
4. Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill is a historic neighborhood, known for its picturesque streets, charming architecture, and rich history. The area is one of the most desirable and affluent neighborhoods in the city.
The neighborhood is characterized by its well-preserved 19th-century brick row houses with beautiful facades and ironwork. The architecture gives Beacon Hill a distinctive and charming appearance.
One of the most photographed streets in Boston, Acorn Street is a narrow, cobblestone-paved lane lined with historic homes. It epitomizes the quaint and picturesque atmosphere of Beacon Hill.
Situated atop Beacon Hill, the Massachusetts State House is the state capitol building. It is recognizable by its gleaming golden dome and serves as the seat of the Massachusetts government.
Charles Street is a bustling street that runs through Beacon Hill and is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
Beacon Hill has a rich historical background and played a significant role in Boston’s past. It was once the home of many notable figures, including politicians, writers, and social reformers.
Beacon Hill played a significant role in the abolitionist movement during the 19th century. The Black Heritage Trail is a historic path that winds through the neighborhood, highlighting sites important to African American history and the fight against slavery.
Beacon Hill is an ideal base for families seeking a convenient location near downtown Boston, making it easily accessible to various amenities and attractions in the city.
Best places to stay in Beacon Hill with kids:
- Luxury ($$$): The Whitney Hotel Boston, 5-star hotel in central Boston, featuring rooms up to 4 guests, close to King’s Chapel, Burying Ground, Boston North Station and TD Garden.
- Luxury ($$$): The Liberty, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Boston, 5-star hotel, in Boston city center, Overlooking the Charles River. It is located within easy distance from the Museum of Science and Kendall Square, Faneuil Hall, and the harbor.
- Budget ($): 94 Charles Street by Thatch, self-catering accommodation, short walk from Boston Common and Charles River Esplanade. Your family can choose to stay in a 3 bedroom apartment, which can accommodate up to 7 members.
5. North End
The North End is a historic neighborhood and is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city and is known for its rich history, Italian-American culture, and vibrant community.
The North End is often referred to as Boston’s “Little Italy” because of its strong Italian-American community. The area has a long history of Italian immigration, dating back to the 19th and early 20th centuries. As a result, the area is known for its Italian restaurants, cafes, pastry shops, and cultural events.
The North End is home to many historic landmarks and sites. One of the most famous is the Old North Church, where the signal lanterns were hung during Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride in 1775.
The Paul Revere House, the oldest remaining structure in downtown Boston, is also located in the North End.
Hanover Street is the main thoroughfare of the North End and is a bustling street filled with shops, restaurants, and cafes. It’s a popular destination for both locals and tourists looking to experience the neighborhood’s lively atmosphere.
In addition to its Italian heritage, the North End is also home to the North End Branch of the Boston Public Library, a historic building that serves as a hub for community activities.
The North End is located on the Boston Harbor waterfront, providing beautiful views of the water. Families can enjoy strolls along the waterfront, providing a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Best places to stay in North End for families with kids:
- Mid-range ($$): Battery Wharf Hotel, Boston Waterfront, 4-star family-friendly hotel located in the North End, right on the Boston Harbor Walk with a Maritime Museum on-site. Its location offers easy access to The TD Garden, Faneuil Hall, and New England Aquarium.
- Mid-range ($$): Bricco Suites, 4-star hotel in North End, within walking distance from the Paul Revere House and Old North Church. Easy access to Italian restaurants, including Bricco, Quattro, Mare Oyster Bar. Your family can choose to stay in a Two-Bedroom Suite.
- Budget ($): Courtyard Boston Downtown/North Station, 3-star kid-friendly accommodation, close to North Station and TD Garden, home of the Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins.
6. Cambridge
Cambridge is one of the best areas to stay in Boston, especially for families. It is a vibrant and diverse city located just across the Charles River from downtown Boston. It offers a mix of historic charm, cultural attractions, and easy access to various amenities.
Cambridge is home to prestigious universities like Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This academic vibe can be inspiring for children and teenagers, and there are often events and activities geared towards families and young learners.
Cambridge offers a plethora of family-friendly activities, including parks, playgrounds, museums, and interactive science centers. The Harvard Museum of Natural History, the MIT Museum, and the Cambridge Common are where families can have fun and learn together.
Cambridge has excellent public transportation options. The MBTA Red Line, for instance, connects Cambridge to downtown Boston and other neighborhoods, making it convenient for families to explore the city.
Best places to stay in Cambridge with family:
- Mid-range ($$): The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square, 4-star family-friendly hotel in the heart of Harvard Square, featuring a classic New England style with award-winning dining, elegant guest rooms.
- Mid-range ($$): Hotel Veritas , 4-star hotel, located in Cambridge, near Harvard University.
- Budget ($): Irving House at Harvard , 3-star guesthouse, set in the heart of Harvard Square, easy walk from the famed Harvard University.
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In conclusion, Back Bay, Downtown, Beacon Hill, Waterfront, North End, and Cambridge are the best places to stay in Boston for a family holiday. They provide safe locations with a wide range of kid-friendly attractions and accommodations for the whole family to explore the city.
Personally, I recommend Back Bay and Downtown as the best and safest neighborhoods for visitors, offering easy access to major sights and amenities. Downtown is the best base for historical attractions, Back Bay is the best base for more dining and shopping options.
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