Our trip to Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood didn’t start off great.
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We took an evening flight in on a Saturday, which meant battling busy Saturday night traffic to get from Logan Airport to our hotel, the Fairmont Copley Plaza.
My son had just turned one, was overstimulated by the travel day, and as a result was screaming and crying in the Uber, no matter how much I tried to console him.
This was only our second trip with him, and I wondered if I had made a mistake.
I had pictured stroller walks through the historic brownstones, window shopping at the high-end boutiques on Newbury Street and enjoying fresh New England seafood, but that idyllic vision was fading from my mind fast.
By the end of the first evening, my son calmed down, we had checked in to our gorgeous and comfortable hotel, and enjoyed the rest of our stay in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood.
It’s incredibly stroller-friendly, walkable, has so many family-friendly activities, and my original Boston trip visions actually became reality.
If you’re planning a trip to Back Bay Boston with kids, this guide is for you!
I’m covering the best things to do with little kids, including the Swan Boats and Frog Pond just steps away in Boston Common, why Back Bay is one of the most stroller-friendly neighborhoods in the city, where to eat, and more on that gorgeous and comfortable hotel.
Why should families visit Back Bay?
Back Bay is what most people picture when they think of a classic Boston neighborhood.
It has wide, tree-lined streets, stunning Victorian brownstones, and a slightly slower pace than downtown.
It’s home to iconic spots like Newbury Street, Copley Square and the Boston Public Library, plus has easy access to the Charles River Esplanade.
On our trip to Boston, we thought it strikes a great balance: there’s plenty to do, but it doesn’t feel as hectic or crowded as downtown.
What makes Back Bay a neighborhood I’d recommend, specifically for families, is that it’s so easy to get around and is centrally located in the city.
There isn’t cobblestone like downtown. And most of the major attractions are within easy walking distance of each other.
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Boston with kids, Back Bay is one of my top picks because you’re close to so much but have a little bit of distance from the busiest areas.
Best Things to Do in Back Bay with Kids
The Esplanade
The Charles River Esplanade is one of the most underrated things to do in Back Bay Boston with kids, and honestly one of my favorite spots in the city.
It’s a beautiful riverside park that stretches along the Charles River with paved, stroller-friendly paths, multiple playgrounds, gorgeous water views, and plenty of wide open spaces for high-energy toddlers to run around.
The northern section of the Esplanade is close to the Museum of Science if you are planning to include that on your Boston with kids itinerary, and admiring the river views is a great free activity that my son personally loved.
I’d recommend spending 1-2 hours here, maybe more if you have great weather. Weekday mornings will have the fewest crowds, and bring snacks as there aren’t a ton of food options right on the Esplanade.
The Prudential Center Skywalk Observatory
The Prudential Center Skywalk Observatory is a great rainy day activity in Back Bay Boston for families.
It’s also a perfect first-day activity to get your bearings before diving into your Boston itinerary.
The 360-degree observation deck on the 50th floor gives you incredible views of the entire city.
And the interactive exhibits inside help kids learn about Boston’s neighborhoods and landmarks, which is a great setup if you’re spending multiple days exploring.
Plan to spend about an hour here, and buy tickets online to save time when you arrive.
The Prudential Center has tons of great family-friendly restaurants for lunch or dinner, so plan your stop here around a meal time!
Newbury Street
Newbury Street is worth visiting, even if shopping isn’t really your thing.
Honestly, I’d argue it’s especially enjoyable with kids if you approach it as a long, leisurely walk rather than a shopping trip.
The architecture along this stretch is gorgeous, the people-watching is excellent, and there are so many cafes and ice cream shops (like our favorite, J.P. Licks) that you’re never more than a block away from a treat when someone starts to lose steam.
I’d recommend starting at the Public Garden (where Newbury Street meets Arlington Street), and walk until you hit Massachusetts Avenue.
Weekday mornings on Newbury Street are significantly less crowded than weekend afternoons, so plan accordingly!
Boston Public Library
The Boston Public Library is one of the best free things to do in Back Bay Boston with kids, and can be a spot that families overlook.
It’s located right in Copley Square and has a newly renovated children’s library with whimsical, colorful decor and thousands of picture books.
Make sure to check the calendar of events for story time and playtime programming throughout the week.
And beyond the kids’ section, the building itself is absolutely stunning. It has beautiful architecture and an Italian-style courtyard.
Boston Common and Public Garden
BEST FOR: SWAN BOATS, DUCK SPOTTING, FROG POND, CAROUSEL
Boston Common and the adjacent Public Garden are technically in the downtown Boston neighborhood, but they sit right on the border of Back Bay and are an absolute must if you’re staying in the area. Together, they make up one of the best free activities in Boston for young kids, and are one of the most iconic things to do in Boston with toddlers. In Boston Common, don’t miss the Frog Pond (ice skating in winter, spray pool in summer, carousel spring through fall) and a fenced playground perfect for little ones. In the public garden, the Swan Boats and the beloved Make Way for Ducklings bronze statues are non-negotiable stops.
PRACTICAL TIPS:
- Plan for 1-3 hours depending on activities
- Weekday mornings are less crowded
- Swan Boats cost approximately $4 for adults, $3 for kids (under 2 is free) and operate April-September.
- Bathroom facilities are available in Boston Common
Don’t miss my full list of 15 things you need to do in Boston with preschoolers.
Where to eat in Back Bay with kids
When it comes to family-friendly restaurants in Back Bay Boston, you have a lot of great options. This area has everything from quick and casual to proper sit down dinners. Here are some great options.
The Capital Burger
Best for: upscale but kid-friendly, newbury street location
The Capital Burger is the perfect spot when you want a meal that feels a little elevated but is still totally relaxed with kids. It’s part of The Capital Grille family, so the quality is excellent, and the kids’ menu covers all the classics. Located right on Newbury Street, it pairs perfectly with a pre- or post-dinner stroll.
Joe’s on NewburyÂ
Best for: fresh seafood, large kids menu, casual vibe
Joe’s on Newbury is a great casual American option for families visiting Back Bay, with a large kids’ menu full of staples like hot dogs and chicken tenders alongside a solid New England seafood menu for parents. If you like oysters, clam chowder and crab cakes, this restaurant is for you! They also have a fun cocktail menu, which honestly is always appreciated after a full day of sightseeing with toddlers.
(Note: If you’re spending time in downtown Boston, don’t miss their sister restaurant, Joe’s Waterfront, one of our favorite kid-friendly restaurants in Boston overall).Â
Finagle a Bagel
Best for: breakfast, quick and easy, budget-friendly
When we stayed in Back Bay, we stopped at Finagle a Bagel almost every morning for breakfast. I had absolutely no problem eating a bagel breakfast sandwich there every single day. It’s fast, easy to grand and go, and located right in Copley Square, which makes it incredibly convenient if you’re heading out to explore. Order Finagle’s Famous Egg Sandwich and customize it however you’d like. It’s the perfect low-stress start to a day of exploring Back Bay with kids.
Dillon’sÂ
Best for: casual Sports bar vibes, outdoor seating, easy with kids
Dillon’s is the kind of place I love visiting with a toddler because I know there will be something on the menu he’ll actually eat, even without a separate kids’ menu. It’s casual and lively, which means no one’s stressed about noise levels, and the outdoor seating is fantastic on a nice day. Not the more refined dining experience, but sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
Parking, the T, and Strollers: Getting Around Back Bay with Kids
Back Bay is extremely stroller-friendly. It has wide, flat sidewalks and none of the cobblestones you’ll deal with in parts of downtown Boston. If you’re visiting Back Bay with kids, skip the rental car. Parking in this neighborhood is expensive and stressful, and you genuinely don’t need it. The Copley T stop (Green Line) puts you right in the heart of the neighborhood and makes it easy to get anywhere else in the city. Back Bay Station is also nearby with access to the commuter rail if you’re coming from further out. Your feet and your stroller are really all you need!
What I Wish I’d Known Before Visiting Back Bay with Kids
- Back Bay makes a great home base for your whole Boston trip, not just a day visit. It has excellent hotels, fantastic restaurants, and is still walkable to major downtown attractions like Faneuil Hall and the Freedom Trail.Â
- Newbury Street gets crowded on weekends; go in the morning. With so many great dining and shopping options, it has its peak times. Especially with little ones, it’s so much more enjoyable when it’s not at full capacity.Â
- Don’t skip the Esplanade. It’s one of the most underrated family-friendly spots in the city and gives kids so much room to run. It’s the perfect way to spend a nice afternoon in Boston.Â
- Visit during the shoulder season if you can. Hotel options in Back Bay tend to be on the pricier side, and spring and fall bring better rates, thinner crowds and great weather for walking the neighborhood.
Done with Back Bay? Here’s Where to Head Next
- Downtown Boston
- Seaport District
Back Bay with kids is one of those experiences that just makes you feel good to be in the city. The wide, tree-lined streets, the stunning brownstones, the Charles River right there at the edge of it all. It’s the kind of place where even the walk between activities feels like part of the trip.
Is it the cheapest neighborhood in Boston? No, and hotels here can reflect that. But the combination of beautiful outdoor spaces, easy walkability, and the Esplanade alone makes it completely worth a full day (or more) on your Boston itinerary.
What I love most about Back Bay with kids is that it doesn’t feel like you’re fighting the city to have a good time. The sidewalks are wide and stroller-friendly, the pace feels a little more relaxed than Downtown, and there’s always a park, a café, or an ice cream stop within easy reach when someone starts to melt down. And someone always melts down.
If Back Bay isn’t already on your Boston itinerary, I hope this guide convinces you to add it. And if you’re already planning a visit, bookmark this page and share it with your travel crew!
