Guide to Boston Sightseeing With Teens
Teens -- they're just about the most difficult bunch to please. Between the eye rolls and constant phone checks, it’s hard to get a read on what activities teens would really love to participate on vacation. But Boston has plenty to offer even the most sullen young members of your family. TPG's picks are close to the city’s major universities so if you’re in town for a college tour, which feels like a necessary rite of passage these days, the teens in your family — and everybody else for matter — will really appreciate these welcome distractions. Even better, Boston is well connected by the city’s subway system, the T, which means your teen can even check off these sights independently and still be within close range.
Many family-friendly Boston points hotels also appeal to teens because of on-site pools, cool yet historical settings, waterfront locations or close access to trendy shopping areas. When you're ready to plan your Boston getaway, add these spots to your teen's sightseeing checklist:
Fenway Park
Close to Boston University, Fenway is affectionately called America’s Favorite Ballpark for good reason: It has oodles of old-fashioned charm and history is seeped in every stand of the historic sports venue. Boasting the iconic Green Monstah, Fenway Park is home to the city’s beloved Red Sox, who have won a fair number of World Series titles much to the delight of its adoring fans. Boston’s Green Monstah is so famous that it has spawned a series of creations modeled on the original, including the Green Monstah at Boston Burger Company.
You might spot the Cookie Monstah ice cream truck trundling along in the neighborhood, in which case try the Green Monstah ice cream sandwich (chocolate chunk cookies with green monster ice cream, i.e., mint Oreo) to complete the experience. You can catch a tour of Fenway where you can learn about the park’s history or even a game during the season, which typically runs March through October. Tours cost $21 for adults and $15 for kids 12 and under. Whatever you do, just don’t bring your Yankees hat along for the ride.
MIT Museum
If you’re in the area for a college tour, the MIT Museum is a must-see. Teens will appreciate the many rotating exhibitions and can easily spend a rainy afternoon or two exploring the museum’s extensive permanent collection of holograms. MIT is easily accessible via the city’s red line on the T and public transport is recommended as finding parking in Cambridge can often be challenging. The Kendall Square area, which houses the museum, is also packed with popular lunch spots, including Bon Me and The Toast Factory, so you can easily make a fun-packed afternoon out of your visit. Admission to the museum is free the last Sunday of each month, from September through June. Otherwise, admission is $10 for adults and $5 for seniors 65+ and kids aged 5–18. Children under 5 are free.
Paddle Up
One if by land, two if by sea? If land is too lame for your teens, they might love kayaking on the Charles, the river that separates Boston from Cambridge. The bonus: spectacular views of both skylines. Close to many area schools, including Boston University, MIT and Harvard, the Kendall Square location of Paddle Boston offers sunset tours, which allow even those who have never paddled before, to participate. Tickets for a two-hour guided tour plus rental a double kayak costs $49 for an adult and $45 for child ages 8 to 15. Paddle Boston also offers paddleboard tours from the same location. Weather permitting, tours are usually hosted from May through October.
Skywalk Observatory
OK, it might not be Seattle’s Space Needle, but Boston boasts its own 360-degree views of the city from a majestic vantage point. The Skywalk Observatory, with audio tours outlining the city’s historical and cultural highlights, offered in a variety of languages, is great fun for teens as a way of capping off a busy day visiting area schools. Northeastern University is a few blocks away as is Berklee College of Music. The Skywalk is located above the Prudential Center, a popular shopping destination that is close to many of the city’s major hotels. Upscale shopping at Newbury Street nearby is an added draw as is the spectacular Boston Public Library, which is just a couple of blocks away. Adults cost $20, seniors 62+ and students with ID are $16 and kids 3–12 are $14. Students 3 and younger are free.
New England Aquarium
Located right on Boston's downtown Waterfront, the New England Aquarium is a beloved city landmark. Teens who are lucky enough to visit during popular feeding and cleaning times are in for an additional fun spectacle with the fish and/or penguins. The institution hosts a variety of rotating interactive exhibits and, from March to November, offers popular whale-watching tours. Boston’s famous Legal Sea Foods is located right next door to the aquarium so tongue-in-cheek teens can pop in here after a visit to make a meal out of Dory or Nemo’s cousin. There are a variety of ticket options that include just the aquarium or add on an IMAX movie or whale watch cruise in Boston Harbor. Tickets to the aquarium run about $28 for adults, $26 for seniors 60+, $19 for ages 3–11 and free for children under 3.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Quincy Market
Close to Suffolk University, this is also a popular stop on Boston’s Freedom Trail, which winds its way around the city, stopping at major historical landmarks. Faneuil Hall, which has hosted many a famous speaker including Susan B. Anthony to Ted Kennedy, is known as the “Cradle of Liberty.” These days, the hall and neighboring marketplaces are home to many local artisans and a variety of dining options. Your teens can try authentic Boston clam “chowdah” as well as lobster rolls here. The cobblestone square outside Quincy Market sets the stage for an impressive rotating selection of street musicians and dancers who are bound to keep your teen engaged and excited.
Lawn On D
Want to be a real hit with your teens? Bring them to one of Boston’s most Instagrammed attractions, the Lawn on D, located in the city’s tech hub: the Seaport District. The park includes a whole set of grown-up, tire-shaped swings that light up. Close to the Tufts University School of Medicine and the Convention Center, the park hosts many live events and community activities. Fun concessions also make this a hip place to visit in Beantown.
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Bottom Line
Boston is the place to take your teens to learn about American history and our country's diverse melting pot. In spring and summer, there are plenty of outdoor diversions and Boston's take on the holidays is second to none. Make a plan to spend some time in one of New England's most vibrant cities soon while using points at some family-friendly hotels (one of which was even a former jail -- sure to be a hit with teens).
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.