USA & Canada · Best May–Jun & Sep–Oct
Boston packing list for families
Boston is a walking city with brick sidewalks, harbor breezes, and New England weather that can shift in an afternoon. This is the list I use so the kids stay comfortable from the Freedom Trail to the whale watch.
Photo by Ilse Orsel on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Boston
- The Freedom Trail is about two and a half miles of brick sidewalk, and Beacon Hill has steep, uneven streets. A carrier works better than a stroller for little ones, and supportive shoes matter more than cute ones.
- My favorite toddler stop is the Make Way for Ducklings statues in the Public Garden. Read the book on the flight, then let them find the ducks and ride the Swan Boats if they're running.
- Check the calendar before you book. Marathon weekend in April, Head of the Charles in October, and college move-in and graduation weekends all fill hotels and change traffic.
Best timeMay–Jun & Sep–Oct
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyUS dollar
PassportNot for US citizens
Your packing edit
Boston
This time of year
Check off what you already have. Tap "Add" on anything you still need, then send your whole list to your cart in one click.
Carry-on8
Carry-on suitcase per personOur pick
Packing cubes, one color per personOur pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Clothing6
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Lightweight rain jacketCoastal showers pop up in every season.
Fleece for harbor cruisesIt's much cooler on the water, even in July.
Shoes1
Broken-in walking sneakersOur pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Beach & pool1
Mineral sunscreen
Little ones6
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineOur pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Copy of Make Way for DucklingsOur pickThe statues and Swan Boats mean more when they know the story.
Soft baby carrier instead of a strollerOur pickStairs, cobblestones, or trails make strollers hard here.
Health & toiletries4
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Motion sickness bandsWhale watch boats head out into open ocean swells.
Documents & tech3
Phone lanyard or crossbody case
Portable phone chargerOur pick
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
The outfit edit
Nautical
White, navy, signal red, sand
For the grown-ups
- Stripes and white denim
- An outfit for formal night
- A warm layer for windy decks
For the kids
- Swimsuits for every day
- Something dressy for formal night
- A hoodie for the evenings
For photos
- Navy and white with a red accent
- Sail-away on deck
Month by month
Boston weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 37°F 3°C | Cold and often snowy, with nor'easters and icy sidewalks | |
| February | 39°F 4°C | Cold and often snowy, with nor'easters and icy sidewalks | |
| March | 46°F 8°C | Cold and often snowy, with nor'easters and icy sidewalks | |
| April | 57°F 14°C | Cool, changeable spring with chilly sea breezes and blooming trees by May | Boston Marathon on Patriots' Day, the third Monday in April Swan Boats on the Public Garden lagoon, spring through late summer Whale watching trips from the harbor to Stellwagen Bank |
| May | 67°F 19°C | Cool, changeable spring with chilly sea breezes and blooming trees by May | Swan Boats on the Public Garden lagoon, spring through late summer Whale watching trips from the harbor to Stellwagen Bank |
| June | 77°F 25°C | Warm and sometimes humid, cooler by the harbor, with afternoon storms | Swan Boats on the Public Garden lagoon, spring through late summer Whale watching trips from the harbor to Stellwagen Bank |
| July | 83°F 28°C | Warm and sometimes humid, cooler by the harbor, with afternoon storms | Swan Boats on the Public Garden lagoon, spring through late summer Whale watching trips from the harbor to Stellwagen Bank Fourth of July concert and fireworks on the Charles River Esplanade |
| August | 81°F 27°C | Warm and sometimes humid, cooler by the harbor, with afternoon storms | Swan Boats on the Public Garden lagoon, spring through late summer Whale watching trips from the harbor to Stellwagen Bank |
| September | 74°F 23°C | Crisp, sunny fall with peak foliage in October and colder November days | Swan Boats on the Public Garden lagoon, spring through late summer Whale watching trips from the harbor to Stellwagen Bank |
| October | 62°F 17°C | Crisp, sunny fall with peak foliage in October and colder November days | Whale watching trips from the harbor to Stellwagen Bank Fall foliage and the Head of the Charles Regatta in October |
| November | 52°F 11°C | Crisp, sunny fall with peak foliage in October and colder November days | |
| December | 42°F 6°C | Cold and often snowy, with nor'easters and icy sidewalks |
Questions families ask
Boston with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Boston with kids?
The best time is May–Jun & Sep–Oct. Crisp, sunny fall with peak foliage in October and colder November days
What's the weather like in Boston?
Typical daytime highs range from about 37°F (3°C) in January to about 83°F (28°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Boston?
US citizens don't need a passport, but bring a government ID for adults.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Boston?
None. Boston uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Boston with kids?
The Freedom Trail is about two and a half miles of brick sidewalk, and Beacon Hill has steep, uneven streets. A carrier works better than a stroller for little ones, and supportive shoes matter more than cute ones.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.