A Family Guide to Exploring Faneuil Hall & Quincy Market

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If you’re visiting Boston with kids, Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market are two stops that check a lot of boxes: history, food everyone can agree on, room to wander, and plenty of entertainment without needing a formal itinerary.

This area is lively, central, and surprisingly manageable for families when you know what to expect. Below is a practical, parent-approved guide to making the most of the Faneuil Hall / Quincy Market area with kids!

Visitors explore the historic Faneuil Hall in Boston, with a statue of Samuel Adams prominently standing nearby

What Is Faneuil Hall & Quincy Market (and Why Families Love It)

Faneuil Hall is one of Boston’s most historic buildings and a key stop on the Freedom Trail. Just next door, Quincy Market is a long indoor food hall flanked by outdoor plazas, shops, and street performers.

Why it works for families:

• Lots of open space for kids to move

• Food options for picky eaters

• Free entertainment outdoors

• Easy to combine with nearby attractions such as the New England Aquarium

Best Things to Do With Kids in the Area

1. Watch Street Performers (Free & Fun)

The outdoor plazas around Quincy Market often feature magicians, musicians, jugglers, and acrobats. Shows are interactive and short enough to hold kids’ attention without committing to a long activity.

Parent tip: Grab a seat on the low stone walls so kids can rest while watching.

A street performer captivates the crowd with a balancing act outside Wagamama at Quincy Market, Boston, MA.

Street performers enthrall the crowd at Quincy Market in Boston, MA, showcasing impressive balance and juggling skills in a dynamic acrobatic display.

2. Eat at Quincy Market (Something for Everyone)

Quincy Market is one of the easiest places in Boston to feed a family. If you’re visiting Boston for the first time, Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall are almost guaranteed to be on your itinerary—and for good reason.

READ - Where to Eat in Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall Guide

Popular kid-friendly picks:

• Pizza, burgers, chicken tenders

• Mac & cheese and fries

• Ice cream and cookies for dessert

Classic Boston options like clam chowder and lobster rolls are there too for adventurous eaters! There are quick meals options within Quincy Market and several sit-down restaurants in the surrounding area.

Parent tip: Split meals—portions are generous and it saves money.

Delicious Treats at North End Bakery at Quincy Market

3. Explore the Shops (Quick & Casual)

The surrounding marketplace has souvenir shops, toy stores, and candy shops. These are great for short browsing sessions without the pressure of a full shopping trip.

Shop Pop Culture items at Newbury Comics

4. Learn a Little History (Without a Museum)

Step inside Faneuil Hall itself to see the Great Hall upstairs, where important speeches shaped American history. It’s free, quick, and gives kids a sense of “being where history happened” without overwhelming them. Best part - it is free!

Visit the First Floor for the National Park Service Visitor Center and Marketplace. Book a FREE walking tour with the National Park Service to hear a riveting historical tour of the Freedom Trail led by a National Park Service ranger.

Visitors explore the historic Great Hall of Faneuil Hall, adorned with grand portraits and American flags, reflecting its significant role in American history.

Getting There With Kids

By Public Transportation

This area is extremely transit-friendly:

• Haymarket Station (Green & Orange Lines)

• Government Center Station (Green & Blue Lines) - right across the street from Faneuil Hall

• State Street Station (Orange & Blue Lines)

From any of these, it’s a short walk—easy even with strollers.

Nearby Family-Friendly Stops to Pair With Your Visit

Faneuil Hall sits right in the middle of downtown Boston and connects naturally to other walkable family spots:

• Boston Harborwalk – Flat, scenic, and stroller-friendly

• New England Aquarium – A top hit for younger kids

• Rose Kennedy Greenway – Seasonal fountains and green space

• Boston Common and Boston Public Garden – Great for running off energy afterward

Practical Tips for Visiting With Kids

• Best time to go: Late morning or early afternoon

• Avoid peak crowds: Weekends midday can get busy—arrive early

• Bathrooms: Available inside Quincy Market

• Strollers: Totally doable, but indoor food hall aisles can be tight during lunch rush

Is Faneuil Hall Worth It for Families?

Absolutely. While it can feel touristy, the mix of history, food, and open-air entertainment makes Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market one of the easiest and most rewarding stops for families visiting Boston—especially if you’re short on time and want maximum variety in one location.

If you’re building a no-car Boston itinerary or visiting with kids for the first time, this area is a must-stop that delivers every time.