14 Best Outdoor Things to do with Kids in Boston: Summer 2024

Happy Summer! Now that your kiddo is done with science fairs and math tests, it’s time to celebrate the sunny weather. Warm temps mean plenty of time to play outside, and June’s the perfect month to bond with your little one. Fam-friendly Boston is our specialty, and we’ve got the perfect activities for you to check out this season. By Kenneal Patterson Splash it out at a public splash pad Where: Various locations Cost: FREE  What: It’s heating up in Boston, and there’s no better way to cool down than to splash around with your lil tadpoles. Let your kiddos play at the <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/north-point-park-spray-deck-cambridge-422076">North Point Park Spray Deck</a> (along with <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C7P9nNKsqq1/">11 other spray decks operated by the DCR</a>), the <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/christian-science-plaza-children-s-fountain-boston-422077">Christian Science Plaza Children's Fountain</a>, any of the seven <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/water-fountains-on-the-greenway-boston-422078">Fountains at The Greenway</a>, the interactive water playground area at <a href="https://www.boston.gov/departments/boston-centers-youth-and-families/pools-and-tot-sprays-map">Government Center</a>, or the <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/the-boston-common-frog-pond-spray-pool-boston-385836">Boston Common Frog Pond Spray Pool</a>, which is set to open in June 2024.  Enjoy a family night out  Where: Various locations  Cost: FREE What: It’s fun for the kids and parents alike. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/thursdays-on-the-lawn-at-the-loring-greenough-house-jamaica-plain-384981">Thursdays on the Lawn</a> at the Loring Greenough House invite all families to enjoy live music, food trucks, and kids activities (plus a beer garden for the grown-ups when the kids are off playing!) Over at Cambridge Crossing, <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/cx-summer-nights-2024-free-outdoor-concerts-at-cambridge-crossing-cambridge-461515">CX Summer Nights</a> welcomes you to three installments of fam-friendly (and pet-friendly) concerts, along with local brews, food trucks, lawn games.  Wander down Newbury Street Where: Back Bay Cost: FREE What: <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/open-newbury-street-2024-boston-460411">Open Newbury Streets</a> returns this July with fun for all ages. The street is completely shut down and car-free so that pedestrians can walk around freely! It’s a fun and safer way for kiddos to explore the city.  Take a trip to Cider Hill Farm  Where: Amesbury, MA  Cost: FREE What: The long drive is worth it. Take a day trip to Cider Hill Farm and explore the natural world. You can pick your own strawberries during the mid-June <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/strawberry-festival-2024-amesbury-448899">Strawberry Festival</a> or attend a “buzz-worthy” celebration of birds, bats, ladybugs, and other critters at the <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/pollinator-festival-at-cider-hill-farm-amesbury-411740">Pollinator Festival</a>.  Spend a day on Memorial Drive  Where: Riverbend Park, Cambridge Cost: FREE What: <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/memorial-drive-recreation-sundays-2024-cambridge-460429">Memorial Drive Recreation Sundays</a> are back for the season, which means the street is shut down for everyone around the city to enjoy the riverfront. Bring your kids for a fun day of roller-skating, cycling, running, or strolling.  Watch an outdoor movie  Where: Jamaica Plain Cost: Varies  What: Three, two, one, action. Enjoy a summer series of the very best outdoor movies, from Disney favorites to classic comedies. See <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/barbie-friday-night-at-the-movies-jamaica-plain-461518">outdoor movies</a> at the Loring Greenough House, <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/?search=Coolidge+%40+The+Speedway">Coolidge at the Speedway</a>, and <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/user/76395">movie nights</a> at Boston Landing. Learn history with a walking tour  Where: Various locations Cost: Varies What: Are you and your kiddo a history buff? Learn the history of some of Boston’s best spots with a walking tour of <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/walking-tour-of-jamaica-pond-jamaica-plain-458788">Jamaica Pond</a>, a <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/self-guided-boston-graffiti-and-street-art-tours-boston-445798">Self-Guided Boston Graffiti and Street Art Tours</a>, <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/walking-tour-of-hyde-square-jamaica-plain-457105">Hyde Square</a>, or Seaport through a <a>free trivia tour</a>. Ride on a swan boat  Where: Downtown Cost: $3-4.50 What: It’s one of Boston’s most famous attractions. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/boston-public-garden-swan-boats-boston-416531">The Boston Public Garden Swan Boats</a> invite people of all ages to enjoy the beauty of summer while gliding on the water.  Soak up sun at a beach  Where: Various locations Cost: FREE What: What’s summer without a beach day? Boston’s got some of the <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/15-beaches-around-boston-to-check-out-this-summer-boston-387019">best beaches</a> in all of New England, so make sure to lather up sunscreen, bring a beach ball for the kiddos, and take a family trip to the shore! Visit a kid-friendly museum Where: Cambridge Cost: $10-15 What: Okay, sure, this one is inside. But the <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/harvard-museum-of-natural-history-cambridge-407397">Harvard Museum of Natural History</a>, the <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/boston-children-s-museum-boston-406168">Boston Children’s Museum</a>, the <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/friday-nights-free-at-discovery-museum-acton-ma-acton-410065">Discovery Museum in Acton</a>, and the<a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/boston-museum-of-science-boston-406176"> Museum of Science</a> all have entire worlds hidden behind their doors. Explore sea creatures, cool rocks, ancient peoples, and more. Plus, check out a cool art display in Wellesley (better known as <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/ribbit-the-exhibit-at-the-garden-at-elm-bank">Ribbit the Exhibit</a>) and introduce your kids to sculpture art with 18 frog-tastic copper statues.  *Pro tip: Get free tickets if you sign up for a local library card.  Party at an outdoor festival  Where: Brookline Cost: FREE What: Enjoy a celebration for the whole family. The three-day <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/international-sand-sculpting-festival-revere-451647">Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting Festival </a>is a sight to behold, and you and your kids will both be awed by the sandy creations. Plus, grab a slice at the <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/boston-pizza-festival-2024-boston-419596">Boston Pizza Festival</a> (extra cheese, please!).   Learn to skate Where: Various locations Cost: FREE What: Tony Hawk who? Bring your kids to skateboard lessons in Boston this summer and learn the coolest tricks in the city. On June 21, or Go Skateboarding Day 2024, GOSKATE hosts <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/free-skateboard-lessons-in-boston-hyde-park-420228">free lessons</a> at multiple public skateparks. If you miss the event, you can take a lesson at any time.  Dance and sing at an outdoor concert Where: Various locations Cost: Varies What: Outdoor music? Say less. There’s no better way to shape a youngster’s mind than to introduce them to the best tunes.Check out <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/seaport-smalls-boston-442636">Seaport Smalls</a> for a rotating selection of free children’s programming for ages 0-8 years old, all hosted outdoors. Bonus, check out <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/punk-rock-aerobics-for-kidz-somerville-451203">Punk Rock Aerobics for Kidz</a> at Play Union (not outdoors).   -- <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CsQ8SqXOS1L/">Photo</a> by @cityofboston

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S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

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S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

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S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

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S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

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S28: calendar experiences

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S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

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S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

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S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

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S3 (A): trending experiences

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S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Discover kid-friendly fun in Boston, Massachusetts, and surrounding areas! Enjoy hands-on exhibits at the Boston Children’s Museum, explore the New England Aquarium, and visit the Franklin Park Zoo. Find parks, playgrounds, and seasonal events perfect for families across Massachusetts.

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Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

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14 Best Outdoor Things to do with Kids in Boston: Summer 2024

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