Fun Boston Winter Activities For Kids

Let’s be real—winter can feel LONG, especially when the kids are home from school and climbing the walls. The struggle to keep them entertained (without handing them a tablet every five minutes) is real. And honestly? We’re all just trying to survive until bedtime. But don’t worry, Boston has plenty of fun ways to shake off the cabin fever! Whether your family is up for bundling up for some outdoor adventure or would rather stay cozy indoors, we’ve got you covered with some awesome ideas to keep everyone happy this winter.

Winter in Boston is such a fun and magical time, with plenty of ways to get out and enjoy the season. Whether you’re up for some outdoor adventure or looking for something cozy indoors, there are tons of great options for kids and families. From ice skating to museum visits, Boston winter activities for kids offer so many opportunities to create special memories. No matter what your family enjoys, there’s something exciting to do this winter!

Planning Winter Activities For Kids

Planning fun winter activities isn’t just great for the kids—it’s a win for the whole family! It’s the perfect way to spend quality time together, take a break from screens, and make lasting memories. Whether you’re up for some outdoor adventure or looking for something cozy indoors, there are tons of great options for kids and families. From ice skating to museum visits, Boston winter activities for kids offer so many opportunities to create special memories. No matter what your family enjoys, there’s something exciting to do this winter!

Here are five of the best Boston winter activities for kids, along with some tips on how to make the most of them.

Best Museums for Kids

When the winter chill sets in, museums become the perfect indoor escape for kids in Boston. These places offer more than just exhibits—they provide hands-on, interactive experiences that are fun for the whole family.

• Boston Children’s Museum
  • A must-visit spot for families with younger kiddos. The museum is filled with engaging exhibits like the Construction Zone, where kids can build and create, and The Art Studio, where they can experiment with colors and textures. The museum also features a KidStage, where little ones can enjoy puppet shows, live performances, and more!
• Museum of Science (Boston)
  • If your kids are curious about how the world works, the Museum of Science is the place to be. With hands-on exhibits like The Hall of Human Life, The Butterfly Garden, and the Lightning Show, there’s no shortage of interactive activities. Don’t miss the Planetarium for a cosmic adventure or the Mugar Omni Theater for a fun and immersive movie experience.
• The Discovery Museum (Acton)
  • The Discovery Museum offers hands-on exhibits that spark creativity and curiosity. With interactive displays in the Science, Nature, and Imagination areas, this museum is perfect for children who love to explore, experiment, and play. It’s an exciting winter activity where learning meets fun!
• Peabody Essex Museum (Salem)
  • Don’t miss their exciting art and culture experiences for kids. The Art & Nature exhibit invites children to interact with art and natural history, while the Interactive Art Lab allows young ones to create their own masterpieces. The museum also features a variety of family-friendly activities like art-making workshops.

Get Out On the Ice

One of the most iconic Boston winter activities for kids is ice skating. There are some great spots for family-friendly ice skating in Massachusetts. Here are a few favorites: After a fun skating session, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate from a nearby café and take a stroll with your family to enjoy the winter scenery.

• Boston Common Frog Pond
  • This is the most iconic ice skating rink in Boston. It’s centrally located in Boston Common and offers skate rentals. It’s a great spot for families with young kids, especially during the holiday season when they have special events.
• Kelly Outdoor Rink (Jamaica Plain)
  • Located in Jamaica Plain, this rink offers a family-friendly atmosphere and is often less crowded than some of the more central rinks. It’s a great option for families looking for a more relaxed skating experience.
• Larz Anderson Park (Brookline)
  • Known for its outdoor ice rink with scenic views, Larz Anderson provides a great place for families to enjoy skating. It’s a little quieter than downtown options, making it more relaxed for families with small kids.
• Berkshire East (Charlemont)
  • If you’re willing to head a bit further out, this rink in the Berkshires offers both outdoor skating and a great setting for a winter adventure. You can combine ice skating with other fun winter activities like tubing and skiing.

Visit the New England Aquarium

If you’re looking for a fun way to stay warm while still keeping the kids entertained, the New England Aquarium is the perfect spot. Located on the Boston waterfront, it offers a variety of interactive and kid-friendly experiences that both children and adults will love. Here are some highlights for families visiting the aquarium:

• Giant Ocean Tank
  • The centerpiece of the aquarium is the Giant Ocean Tank, a 200,000-gallon tropical reef filled with sea turtles, rays, sharks, and colorful fish. It’s a mesmerizing sight for kids and adults alike, and they can watch the marine life swim up close as they circle the tank.
• Interactive Exhibits
  • Touch Tanks: Children can touch and feel creatures like starfish, sea urchins, and rays in the aquarium’s interactive touch pools.
  • Penguin Colony: The penguin exhibit is a fan favorite! The playful penguins are always a hit with little ones, who can watch them waddle around and swim in their cool habitat.
• Kid-friendly programs
  • Discovery Center: A hands-on space where children can explore marine life through books, games, and activities.
  • Special Events: Throughout the year, the aquarium offers special events for kids, including themed exhibits and activities. They also host programs for school groups and birthday parties.
• IMAX Theatre
  • The aquarium also has an IMAX theater, offering educational and family-friendly films about the ocean and wildlife. The large-screen experience is engaging and perfect for kids to learn more about marine life in an exciting way.

Top Sledding Spots

For an exciting outdoor adventure, grab a sled and head to one of these popular sledding spots, offering just the right amount of thrill for kids of all ages. It’s a great way to burn off some energy and enjoy the fresh air. Just make sure to bundle up in warm layers and bring extra gloves in case they get wet. And of course, don’t forget to stop for some hot chocolate afterward to warm up! Massachusetts offers a variety of great spots for sledding and tubing during the winter months. Here are some of the best places to go for family-friendly winter fun:

• Flagstaff Hill in Boston Common
• Blue Hills Reservation (Milton)
• Nashoba Vallery Ski Area (Westford)
• Berkshire East Snow Tubing Park (Charlemont)
• Weston Ski Track (Weston)
• Loon Mountain (Lincoln)

Fun At The Library

For a warm and cozy indoor winter activity for kids, visit your local library! Most libraries offer wonderful children’s areas- typically full of books, puzzles, and interactive activities, making it a great place to spend a cozy afternoon. Families can enjoy storytime sessions, craft workshops, and other fun events throughout the winter. Here are some popular library events to check out:

• Preschool Story Time
  • Most local libraries offer early childhood programs. With stories, rhymes and crafts designed to support early literacy- it’s a great way to spend a morning or afternoon with your kiddo.
• Music Programs
  • Entertaining and educational music programs are often scheduled by larger libraries. Check your local library’s calendar to see what’s available near you!
• Winter Reading Challenge
  • The Boston Public Library is hosting a Winter Reading Challenge encouraging participants to read books by authors from six geographic regions: Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania. This challenge runs from January 1 through the winter season.

Meet Local Boston Author Claire Crean!

Claire Crean’s passion for reading and writing began at a young age. She earned an English degree at Florida State University and has spent years immersing herself in literature. She will be visiting libraries across the state this winter to share her new children’s book Jazzcat The Cool Cat Who Followed His Musical Dreams! Jazzcat’s story is a charming tale of following your passions, staying humble, and spreading happiness through music. Perfect for young readers, this book encourages children to dream big and pursue what they love.

You can find Claire at Everett Public Library on March 15, 2025 and at the Reading Public Library on May 3, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. Come visit with a wonderful local author and join Jazzcat on his journey to discover how a little music can make a big difference!

Enjoying Boston Winter Activities For Kids

Boston is packed with fun winter activities for families, whether you’re looking for outdoor thrills like ice skating and sledding or prefer cozy indoor adventures at the library or aquarium. No matter what you choose, these experiences are a great way to make the most of the season. Which activity are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments!

Looking For A Boston Family Photographer?

Are you looking ahead to warmer weather and want to get a jump start on Spring (or Fall!) family portraits? Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed by the process- planning outfits, finding a good location, getting your partner on board, managing kiddos during photos etc. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. If you’re looking for an experienced Boston Family Photographer who takes care of all of the hard stuff for you: Send Me A Message.

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Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed “Fun Boston Winter Activities For Kids” feature.

Molly Katherine is a Boston Newborn and Family Photographer offering organic, connection-filled portraits and a refined, full-service experience. From a beautifully curated wardrobe to a light-filled studio space and complimentary artwork design, Molly delivers it all with exceptional client experience in mind. Molly Katherine Photography serves Boston, MA and the surrounding metro areas including Brookline, Newton, Natick, Weston, Wellesley, Sherborn, Hopkinton, Westborough, Grafton and Shrewsbury as well as Middlesex and Worcester county.

I’d love to connect and share more about my process with you! To reserve your 2025 maternity, newborn or family portraits, visit Molly Katherine Photography or send an email to mollykatherinephotography@gmail.com.

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