1 Day Itinerary for Families Near Quincy Market, Faneuil Hall & the New England Aquarium
- Lori S.
- Jan 3
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 11
Affiliate Disclosure:
This post may contain affiliate links. If you book through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tours and experiences I genuinely believe are helpful for visitors to Boston. If you’re visiting Boston with kids and want 1 day that’s easy, walkable, and packed with variety, it’s hard to beat the area around Quincy Market, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, and the New England Aquarium.
This part of the city is one of the best places to experience Boston with a family — no car required, tons of food options, interactive attractions, and plenty of spots to slow down when kids need a break. Whether you’re in town for a weekend or just one full day, this itinerary keeps things fun without feeling rushed.
Morning: Start the Day at the New England Aquarium
Kick off your family day at the New England Aquarium, one of Boston’s most popular attractions for good reason. It opens earlier than many nearby attractions, which makes it the perfect first stop before crowds really build.
Inside, kids can circle the giant central ocean tank, watching colorful fish, rays, and turtles swim overhead as they climb the spiral ramp. The penguin exhibit is always a highlight — expect lots of laughs and lingering here — and the jellyfish displays tend to mesmerize kids of all ages.
Outside, don’t miss the harbor seal exhibit, which is free to view and a great place to take photos or enjoy some fresh ocean air.
Family tips:
Arrive right when doors open for the calmest experience
Restrooms and stroller access are easy here
Plan 1.5–2 hours, depending on your kids’ pace
Late Morning: Walk the Waterfront to Faneuil Hall
After the aquarium, enjoy a scenic stroll along the waterfront toward Faneuil Hall. This short walk is flat, stroller-friendly, and gives kids a chance to reset after indoor exhibits.
You’ll pass boats at Long Wharf, see views of Boston Harbor, and feel the energy of downtown start to pick up. It’s a great moment to grab a coffee, a snack, or simply enjoy being outside before lunchtime crowds roll in.
Lunch: Quincy Market & Faneuil Hall Marketplace
By lunchtime, head straight into Quincy Market, where finding food everyone agrees on is refreshingly easy. The food hall is casual, fast-moving, and ideal for families who don’t want a long sit-down meal in the middle of the day. READ Where to Eat in Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall: A First-Time Visitors Guide
You’ll find:
Clam chowder and lobster rolls
Pizza, pasta, and mac & cheese
Sandwiches, snacks, and desserts
Outside, Faneuil Hall Marketplace often features street performers — musicians, magicians, and living statues — which adds built-in entertainment while parents enjoy a break.
Why families love it here:
Lots of seating and restrooms
Quick food options for impatient kids
Easy to split up and regroup if needed
Afternoon: Play, Explore & Let Kids Burn Energy
Once everyone’s refueled, it’s time to let kids move.
Just a few minutes from Quincy Market, the Rose Kennedy Greenway is a perfect family stop. In warmer months, kids love running near the fountains, and the Greenway Carousel is a whimsical ride inspired by New England animals and sea creatures.
Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park is another great option nearby, offering wide open space, harbor views, and shaded benches — ideal for downtime or a snack break while kids roam.
If your family prefers indoor fun, there are also interactive museums and kid-friendly attractions close by that keep energy high without adding more walking.
Late Afternoon: Optional Add-Ons Nearby
Depending on your timing and energy level, consider one of these optional experiences:
The Museum of Illusions Boston for hands-on, mind-bending fun
Browsing shops and historic buildings around Faneuil Hall - there is a lot of variety from souvenirs, to candy stores, clothing and to pop-culture shops.
This flexibility is what makes this area so ideal for families — you can do more or less without needing transportation.
Dinner: Easy, Family-Friendly Restaurants Nearby
Wrap up the day with an early dinner near the water or back around Faneuil Hall. Many restaurants here are used to families and happy to accommodate kids. READ Where to Eat in Quincy Market & Faneuil Hall: A First-Time Visitors Guide
Popular options include:
Boston Sail Loft for cozy seafood classics
Legal Sea Foods – Long Wharf for reliable Boston staples
Bostonia Public House for American favorites
Eating earlier helps avoid long waits and keeps everyone happy after a full day of exploring.
Why This Area Is Perfect for Families Visiting Boston
What makes this part of Boston so special for families is how effortless it feels. Everything is walkable, attractions are close together, food options are plentiful and flexible, and there’s a great balance of education, play, and downtime.
It’s an ideal one-day itinerary for first-time visitors — and a favorite repeat area for families who come back to Boston again and again.
