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Skyline view of Boston at night during a Boston ghost tour

Family-Friendly Things To Do At Night in Boston

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Looking for family-friendly things to do in Beantown after dusk can be a daunting task; not because of a lack of things to do, but quite the contrary. With so many things to do at night in this grand, cosmopolitan melting pot of culture, art, and commerce, the choices seem endless. Luckily, you’re reading the right blog! We’ve laid out all the must-do things to do with your family when the sun goes down in one of America’s most important and historic cities. Read on!

Skywalk Observatory At Night

For your first family-friendly nighttime outing, just take a walk!

This stroll takes you 700 feet above the city streets where you’ll gasp at the stunning 360-degree views of this densely-packed metropolis. Open until 8pm, depending on weather conditions, from this perch, it is said that you can see Boston’s past, present, and future. For a more immersive experience, you can take an audio tour or go on a multi-media journey in the observatory’s state-of-the-art theater for one of two short films that simulate flight above the city sky!

Museum Of Science At Night

As you might expect, a city like Boston takes history pretty seriously. For almost two centuries, Boston’s Museum of Science has been widely-acknowledged as one of the city’s leading cultural institutions. Millions come through its doors every year in the hope of exploring its more than 700 exhibits and activities. Among those, nighttime activities in the museum have been designed with families in mind. The Night Sky program lets families explore the celestial bodies of our galaxy. Feel like you want to relax? Spend the night in the museum with family-friendly programming that includes hands-on exhibits and demonstrations.

Ghosts & Gravestones Tour

The original “frightseeing” tour had its beginnings in Boston in 1998 when public interest in the supernatural was at an all-time high. With national recognition from The Today Show, The Sci-Fi Channel, and The Travel Channel, this family-friendly excursion (albeit, families with children 13 and over) into Boston’s spooky past is the ultimate nighttime activity for some serious thrills and chills! Enjoy exclusive after dark access to the famed Granary Burying Ground (NOTE: burial grounds on the tour are subject to change), where John Hancock, Paul Revere and Samuel Adams are buried, retrace the steps of the notorious Boston Strangler and much more as costumed “gravediggers” guide your family on a spine-tingling ride on the Trolley of the Doomed!

Boston Celtics Basketball Game

Boston’s passion for history extends to its pro sports teams which features one of the most fervent fanbases in the country.

Since 1957, the Celts, as the faithful affectionately call them, have racked up a record 17 NBA Championship titles and remain one of basketball’s most storied franchises. If you want to take the family for a night of hoops and hooplah, a visit to The Garden is a must to include on your nighttime activity calendar (The NBA regular season begins on the last week of October to April of the following year, so plan accordingly!)

Boston Red Sox Baseball Game

One of the shrines to ‘America’s Pastime,’ Fenway Park is home to the beloved Boston Red Sox.

Since 1912, generations of families have enjoyed a day out in the old ball field shagging foul balls and munching on peanuts and Cracker Jacks. Besides enjoying some long ball and watching one of the most consistently competitive teams in the sport, if you have young kids in tow, let them let off some steam at Wally’s Clubhouse.

Eat At Time Out Market Boston

For a great ballpark bite, Fenway covers all the bases. With the grand opening of the Time Out Market in the summer of 2019, this legendary ballpark is now home to world-class eats as well. Inspired by a similar endeavor in Lisbon, Portugal, this upscale food hall is sure to please the palette of every member of your family. The 25,000-square-foot space comprises 15 food and beverage concepts from some of Boston’s top chefs and multiple bars serve craft beers and wine for the adults to enjoy. Middle-Eastern fare, classic lobster rolls, off-the-hook burgers, and even vegan delights can be found here. Take me out to the ballgame, indeed!

Outdoor Movie Screenings In The Summer

When the frost melts away, Boston comes out to play and one of the favorite things locals like to do is grab their lawn chairs and picnic baskets and head to one of the many outdoor movie screenings happening all over the city. Whether it’s the Hatch Shell, the Family Film Festival at the Prudential Center, Summer Movie Nights in the Parks, or the Boston Harbor Hotel’s Movies by Moonlight, your family-friendly thing to do at night is ready for action!

These top spots for family-friendly fun at night are just a sampling of what this dynamic city has in store. Make sure you coordinate your visit to include all these great places to see and explore the next time you and your family travel to Boston!