Boston Things To Do
Fenway Park, Newbury Street, Frog Pond & more
What are the quintessential Boston things to do? Truthfully, given the city’s diversity, that’s kind of hard to say…
Some would say it’s spending time on the Charles River. Or a trip to Fenway Park to see the Red Sox play.
Others would say it’s about the history you experience on the Freedom Trail or a visit to Harvard Yard.
I’ve done my best to organize this guide in a way that makes it easy to find the things that interest you the most…
The majority of landmark sights and attractions are included in this Boston sightseeing section of the website.
And, if you have something specific that you’re looking for, you can always check out our entire Sitemap.
In addition, I’ve included a thorough museums section and a full Boston Sports Guide for Tourists. And information about Boston trolley tour as great way to see the city.
Ok, enough business! Here are some of our family’s favorite Boston things to do. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
Fenway Park
Fenway Park is the oldest pro baseball park still in use. It’s a must-do experience for anyone who truly wants to know what Boston and Bostonians are about.
4 Yawkey Way, Boston
T Stops: Green Line to Kenmore Station or Fenway Station.
Click here for loads more info on Fenway Park including tours, directions and Fenway Park secrets.
Here you’ll find great accommodation options around Fenway Park and ideas about where to go near the famous ballpark.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Visiting Faneuil Hall Marketplace has always been one of my favorite Boston things to do. It’s got a fun and vibrant energy that you can’t help but enjoy. I don’t know if it’s a result of it’s proximity to the harbor or what, but it’s got a sort of magical feel that I just love.
As a kid, visiting Faneuil Hall Marketplace meant getting to eat Rock Candy and watch fantastic street performers. Nowadays, I’m more interested in the unique events, great shopping and scrumptious food!
From about mid-April through mid-November, there’s a carousel just behind the Marketplace (right in front of the Boston Harbor). The last time we went on it, Siena chose the horse named America – seemed quite appropriate given we’d recently moved back!
Christmas at Faneuil Hall Marketplace
From mid-November until New Years Eve, Blink! is the six-week holiday celebration that takes advantage of this excellent venue. Learn all about Blink! at Faneuil Hall Marketplace, and see a video of its first ever Christmas tree lighting extravaganza.
Btw, if you’ve got kids, you’re almost always likely to run into someone making “balloon art” for tips. Siena’s last pink balloon-flower served as a great source of entertainment for her and our “new friends” on the T on the way home!
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
North Market Street, Boston
T Stops: Blue Line to Aquarium Station, Green Line to Government Center Station, or Orange Line to State Station.
For a taste of Beantown’s street performers (buskers), check out this video. Many of the performances featured were filmed at Faneuil Hall. FYI, Harvard Square’s another great place to find creative and inspiring street performers.
Newbury Street Shopping
Newbury Street is a super-trendy and upscale shopping mecca of downtown Boston. Great place to go for coffee, maybe buy a wedding dress (I got mine at an amazingly reasonable price at Jessica McClintock on Newbury Street), get your hair done or simply window shop to your heart’s content.
And, one of my favorite (and useful) Boston quirks: The streets crossing Newbury from Arlington to Hereford are in alphabetical order.
- Arlington Station is at the top of Newbury Street near the Public Garden.
- Copley Station is at the half-way point (both Arlington and Copley Stations come out on Boylston Street, so you’ll need to walk over a block or two to Newbury).
- Hynes Convention Center is at the end (train station is right by Newbury Street).
The Frog Pond
The Frog Pond now has activities all through the year. A great place to stop and relax on your own, or go for some playtime as a family, especially with the Boston Common tot lot nearby.
Boston Common
T Stop: Red Line or Green Line to Park Street Station.
Click here to learn about skating, playing and relaxing at the frog pond.
The Zoo
If you’re in the mood for a zoo, you may have two options (depending on your transportation situation) – the Franklin Park Zoo and the Stone Zoo.
Franklin Park Zoo
One Franklin Park Road, Boston
Phone: 617-541-LION
Stone Zoo
149 Pond Street, Stoneham
Phone: 781-438-5100
Explore additional shopping choices in the Boston area here: