– By Laurie Wilson –
If you’ve got it, flaunt it. And Boston does. Especially for families this winter.
Snow-frosted cobblestoned streets, comfy flannel shirts, warm fireplaces and hot comfort food are what winter is all about in this historic Massachusetts city, the state capital. Nostalgic pastimes that evoke childhood memories are Boston’s magic. And the party’s just got going — in New England, winter is a sport that goes extra innings.
Bundle up — here are kid and family friendly spots to eat, stay and play. Some experiences, like the Freedom Trail, bring to life the pages in a children’s history book and there are also places that tickle the imagination, like the Boston Children’s Museum. Other spots, like the Holocaust Wall, tug at the heart.
And, since many teens would rather be grounded than go on vacation with — horror of horrors — a parent, in Boston you’ll also find tween-and-teen-friendly hotels and activities.
Enhance your stay with Meet Boston’s special “Pick Your Perk” winter promo. Visitors get admission to two activities, like the Harry Potter exhibit, and a $50 e-gift card to Legal Sea Foods when they book a two-night stay at select hotels in Boston and Cambridge
Bonus: Cape Cod is just an hour away, and a road trip for an overnight is recommended for moody winter beach walks and to experience one of Mother Nature’s most beautiful places on earth. So, we’ve included some family-friendly favorites there, too.
Family Play in Boston
Make Way for Ducklings Statues Robert McCloskey’s timeless story of Mr. and Mrs. Mallard’s search for a home ended in Boston’s Public Garden. Keep a look out for the bronze statue of the Mallard clan created by sculptor Nancy Schon. In winter, the ducks are often dressed in cold weather garb like scarves and Boston Bruins jerseys. Kids love to sit on the ducklings. http://www.schon.com/public/ducklings-boston.php
Ice Skating on Frog Pond Lace up those skates and twirl figure eights on the Frog Pond in Boston Common (you can rent skates on-site and take lessons, too.) The setting is pure Boston charm. Even if skating isn’t in your plans, you’ll want to visit to experience Boston’s best winter tradition. https://bostonfrogpond.com/winter-programs/
The View Boston This new Observation Deck crowns the Prudential Tower in the middle of the Back Bay neighborhood. Expect panoramic views of the city, and a pair of restaurants, too—and a clear day you can see forever. https://viewboston.com/
Fenway Park Winter throws a curve ball into taking in a Red Sox game, but baseball loving families can tour America’s oldest baseball park (1912). Take the winter tour (through the end of March) and you’ll see the famed Green Monster, up-close bullpen views. https://www.mlb.com/redsox/ballpark?msockid=0ca8847f388564cc23a190c139786561
The Freedom Trail Hear ye! One of Boston’s iconic attractions, the 2.5 mile red-lined trail takes in 16 historic sites, including the USS Constitution, Paul Revere’s House and the Bunker Hill Monument. Start at the Boston Common and end in Charlestown, you can do it yourself, at your own pace, or book one of many organized tours. https://www.thefreedomtrail.org/
Boston Children’s Museum
The Boston Children’s Museum is a must-visit. Founded in 1913 by a group of Boston teachers, the space features many exhibits, including a play space for newborns to three-year-olds and the Snowmazing polar playground. https://bostonchildrensmuseum.org/
Harry Potter: The Exhibition
Another perfect indoor cold-weather experience for kids is this interactive exhibit in Cambridge (just across the Charles River.) It’s in town through the season until April 27. Expect all the bells and whistles including costumes and props associated with Harry Potter. https://harrypotterexhibition.com/
Curling in Boston
During winter break in February, The Liberty Hotel has a synthetic outdoor rink and a curling package for up to six players that include curling and fun foods like handmade pop tarts and a carafe of hot cocoa. www.libertyhotel.com.
King’s Dining & Entertainment
Another find for cold winter indoor fun is this family-friendly experience with bowling, retro and modern arcade games and kid-friendly food like wings, sliders and pizza. The ‘rents can enjoy cocktails. There are several locations in Boston including Back Bay and Seaport. https://www.playatkings.com/
Family Friendly Places to Eat in Boston
There are many family-friendly restaurants in Boston. It’s not a fancy, pretentious town–you’ll find most restaurants welcoming to kids. And the culinary scene continues to evolve in a town known best for its fresh-from-the-sea lobster, clam chowder, baked beans and Boston cream pie.
The Barking Crab
Respect: Boston’s historic Fort Point Channel is home to The Barking Crab, one of Boston’s best restaurants that’s earned a prominent seat at Boston’s crowded restaurant scene table since 1994. Its iconic yellow-and-red-striped tent greeting visitors to the Seaport District may not scream luxury, not at all, but it’s a special kind of luxury in a town known for celebrating winter—thanks to that wood-burning stove, as well as clam chowder, steamed lobster and crab legs—Boston’s comfort food classics. And there’s nothing more luxurious in Boston than warm, drawn butter dripping down your chin. www.barkingcrab.com
Time Out Market A sprawling indoor eatery complex (think wicked cool food court) with an impressive roster of interesting restaurants like Anoush’ella (Eastern Mediterranean) and Inchu (Asian-fusion rice bowls) as well as kid favorite items like Union Square Donuts and A & B Burgers. https://www.timeout.com/time-out-market-boston/eat-and-drink
Union Oyster House The country’s oldest continuously operating restaurant turns 200 next year. Belly right up to the oyster bar where Daniel Webster used to hang (kids will love to watch the shuckers do their thing) or sit upstairs in a booth in one of the rambling rooms. Another thing this restaurant has going for it—it’s on The Freedom Trail. Expect clam chowder, lobster, Boston scrod, Boston cream pie, and a kid’s menu, too. http://www.unionoysterhouse.com/
The North End New York’s Little Italy is Boston’s North End—small streets lined with colorful restaurants and bakeries—Mike’s Pastry (mikespastry.com) and Modern Pastry (modernpastry.com) are two of the most popular spots for cannoli’s.
Where to Stay in Boston
The Colonnade This hotel in Copley Square just turned 50 and its one of the residential-style suites that families will want to book—they’re spacious with floor-to-ceiling windows. The hotel is a skip from the Boston Public Library, Newbury Street and the South End. And there are complimentary snacks in the lobby. https://www.colonnadehotel.com/
Hyatt Centric Faneuil Hall A welcoming gas fireplace in the lobby, and close to Faneiul Hall, the fun winter package here includes an in-room hot chocolate bar, milk and cookies room service and hot toddy turndown service for the adults. Bonus: Boston-themed beanies, gloves, scarves and socks, too. https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-centric/bosct-hyatt-centric-faneuil-hall-boston
The Eliot Hugging a perfect corner on storied Commonwealth Avenue, the elegant yet unpretentious hotel is a hop from Newbury Street. The hotel celebrates its 100th birthday this year and Old-World sophistication and hints of Paris charm guests. The guestrooms are meticulously decorated with European flair, and the continental breakfast spread is a treat. The hotel is also home to James Beard winning chef restaurant Uni. Book the winter package for a stay in a one-bedroom suite, complimentary breakfast for two and comp valet parking. https://www.eliothotel.com/
Boston Harbor Hotel This five-star beauty promises serene winter waterfront views from many of the 232 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites. Located at the historic Rowes Wharf on Boston Harbor, the hotel’s Rowes Wharf Sea Grille is spot-on for Grand Afternoon Tea—sweet if celebrating a special tween/teen birthday perhaps. The Seaport district is steps away and so is Faneuil Hall. The outstanding health club just debuted after an extensive reimagining and sets the bar high in Boston—state-of-the-art fitness equipment, a golf simulator, individual exercise pods, and more (an indoor pool opens this spring). The hotel also offers many packages and specials this winter. www.bostonharborhotel.com
Staypineapple Small rooms but with whimsical pineapple décor that guarantee smiles. It’s got a South End location that’s a quick walk to Newbury Street and the Prudential Center. A fun restaurant downstairs and cookies (yes pineapple shaped) every afternoon in the lobby. Got a dog? This February the hotel features a Pineapple Pup Plus One Promotion–pet fees are waived and more. The hotel is also known for its European double duvets—cozy winter snuggles. https://www.staypineapple.com/
W Hotel Boston This hip hotel brand is a fun idea for families especially with tweens/teens who appreciate the trendy vibe with custom murals and “Wow Suites.” And it’s an unsuspecting spot for one of the best lobster rolls in town, you’ll find it in the the fun W lounge restaurant. Also, it’s got a good location just blocks from Boston Common. https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/boswh-w-boston/overview/
Yotel Boston Another hip hotel that speaks to tweens and teens—they’ll love to control the mood lighting in the room. But it’s the Apres@Deck12, an over-the-top winter-themed rooftop experience, that will really wow the family. It’s a winter wonderland of heated gondolas, chair lifts, and ski-themed Adirondack chairs and magical city views. And, fondue, of course. https://www.yotel.com/en/hotels/yotel-boston
Newbury Hotel It’s wintertime in New England and you want a wood-burning fireplace in your room, right? What could be better than a room with a flue. There’s a curated hearth-side menu and the expert services of a Fireplace Butler who prepares the fire. The suites have separate living and sleeping areas and guests choose from a menu of wood varietals—the New England Maple sounds perfect to complement the S’Mores Kit and hot apple cider. The hotel is a snowball throw from the lovely Public Garden and Newbury Street shopping is around the corner. Italian-concept Contessa restaurant on the rooftop is perfect for special celebrations. https://www.thenewburyboston.com/
Seaport Hotel One of the first hotels to pop on the scene in this glam South Boston neighborhood, the hotel’s heated indoor pool is a huge magnet for families in winter. The Wave Health and Fitness club is impressive—and offers classes, too. This winter break, kids get a welcome package, and there is also a special winter rates promo. Guest rooms look over Boston Harbor and Boston Fish Pier. Snuggle by the lobby fireplace and indulge in a bowl of New England clam chowder at TAMO restaurant. This hotel is a great Seaport spot to be snowed in—it’s all about that pool for kids. https://www.seaportboston.com/
Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport Boston’s Omni Seaport is a shiny presence in the Seaport District with 1,054 guest rooms and the Breve Spa—mom and daughter mani peds on a winter day are a treat. The best part of the hotel in winter: the heated rooftop pool and hot tub that is open year-round—and remember, this is Boston, we’re talking epic winters. Snow? No bother, a path is shoveled straight to that outdoor hot tub for a Sweden meets Boston experience. Grab a gourmet hot cocoa (gingerbread, hazelnut, peppermint) at Cocorico, a French-inspired boulangerie in the hotel and take it up to the rooftop pool/hot tub. There are several restaurants, including The Sporting Club with rows of TVs for Celtics and Bruins games. https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/boston-seaport
The Dagny It’s got a discreet location in the heart of the city between downtown and the financial district and is within walking distance of The Boston Children’s Museum and The Museum of Science. Scavenger hunts and coloring activities will be offered in the hotel during February winter break. https://www.thedagnyboston.com/
The Verve Natick Parking can be pricey at hotels in Boston and driving can be especially challenging for first timers. This hotel in nearby Natick is a solid option because room rates include free parking on-site and you can take the T train into Boston, it’s a quick half hour ride. The hotel is also eye candy for kids—the themed decor is inspired by four decades of 20th century American pop culture (each floor highlights a different time with displays and exhibits and fun pops of color). The lobby has a gas fireplace and there’s the mysterious Violet Thorn restaurant—push through the beaded doorway and you’re in. https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/bosqeup-the-verve-hotel-boston-natick/
Natick is also very family friendly. The Natick Mall is directly across the street from the hotel. Puttshack is also a chip shot away for fun indoor tech mini golf and games and food (there is also a location in Boston’s Seaport district). Down the street, SKYBOKX 109 sports bar and restaurant is where you’ll go for Celtics game watching and wings. And Bosse just debuted at the mall—it’s the place for indoor pickleball and entertainment (pickleball lessons are offered) even glow in the dark pickleball. Also, kid-friendly eats like oven-fired pizzas. Super popular, too, is the Invictus Sports Theatre with Full Swing golf simulators.
CAPE COD
The Cape is shaped like a muscular arm — you’ve got the darling village of Chatham at the elbow, Falmouth at the shoulder Provincetown at the wrist. Ribbons of pristine beaches and quaint villages appear at every curve.
There is nothing better than an invigorating winter walk with the salt air blowing and the towering dunes topped with snow. The Cape Cod National Seashore is Cape Cod’s treasure, a 40-mile necklace of land and sea between Eastham and Provincetown. There are almost a dozen self-guided trails for families to explore, and two visitor centers, too.
Where to Stay on Cape Cod
Bayside Resort This old-school Cape resort in West Yarmouth has the trimmings of a proper Cape Cod getaway, the kind that take you back to the good old days of Cape vacays. For the kids, there is a game room with many arcade games. The icing on the cake—the indoor heated pool. There’s also a complimentary breakfast each morning. And it’s centrally located, near Hyannis, and the super popular Wydah Pirate Museum down the street. The rooms are perfectly sized for families—choose one with a view of the marsh and little beach area, there’s a firepit too. For February vacation week, the kids package includes free ice cream, arts and crafts goodies at check-in, and interactive kiddie shows and more. https://baysideresort.com/
Margaritaville Resort Cape Cod
This new resort splashed on the scene just recently and families are loving it. Kids are wowed by the indoor Fins Up! Water Park—water slides, lazy river floats and warm island feels. Adults can surrender to the treatment at the Somewhere Spa. The 276-room resort has a beachy vibe and themed eateries like the LandShark Bar & Grill and Feeding Frenzy. There are many special activities planned for February winter break, too. https://www.margaritavilleresorts.com/margaritaville-resort-cape-cod
Sea Crest Beach Resort If you want beachfront, we’ve got a winner. Located in North Falmouth and just a few miles from the fascinating Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, this is a good place to stay to explore Woods Hole and enjoy beach walks. The hotel sits on the iconic Old Silver Beach and some guest rooms tumble right onto the beach. There’s also a collection of fun dining options from lobster rolls to pizza to ice cream cones. https://www.seacrestbeachresort.com/