Boston in 1 Day for Families - Meet at The Embrace sculpture on Boston Common — easy meeting point for families
In Collaboration with Boston History Company. Updated on February 13, 2026.
A storyteller-led 2.5-hour walking tour along Boston's Freedom Trail designed for families. Meet at The Embrace on Boston Common and visit the State House, Granary Burying Ground, Old North Church, Paul Revere House and more — with a family-friendly food-stop at Quincy Market. Short walks, frequent stops, and stroller- and wheelchair-friendly routing where possible.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Boston History Company, inspired by the tour Boston's Freedom Trail: A Revolutionary Walking Tour Through History. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Meet at The Embrace sculpture on Boston Common — easy meeting point for families
- See the graves of founding figures at Granary Burying Ground
- Interactive storyteller moments at Old South Meeting House and Old State House
- Family-friendly lunch/snack at Quincy Market (lots of choices for picky eaters)
- Views of Bunker Hill Monument and USS Constitution from Copp's Hill Terrace
Itinerary
Day 1
2.5-hour guided Freedom Trail walking tour tailored for families: short blocks of walking between stops, restroom/snack break at Quincy Market, and stroller/wheelchair-friendly routing where possible.
Meet your guide at The Embrace (Boston Common)
Gather at The Embrace sculpture just inside Boston Common. Guide will hold a black Boston History Company pennant. Quick safety briefing and what kids will see on the trail.
Tips from local experts:
- Meeting point is right next to the Boston Common Visitor Information Center — an easy landmark for families.
- Stroller-friendly paved paths around the sculpture; arrive 5–10 minutes early to get organized and use nearby restrooms.
- Take a quick photo with the sculpture before departure — a good 'start of adventure' keeps kids excited.
Massachusetts State House — golden dome and quick history
Short stop outside the State House to admire the golden dome and hear a kid-friendly story about Samuel Adams and the building's history.
Tips from local experts:
- The plaza outside is level and stroller-friendly — stay together on the sidewalk to avoid vehicle crossings.
- There are benches for a quick rest; if someone needs shade, the trees on the Common are a 2-minute walk back.
- Keep explanations short and visual for kids: point out the dome, statues, and the ceremonial flags to keep them engaged.
Park Street Church — red brick landmark
Quick exterior stop to talk about the church's role in abolitionist history — guide will use visuals and short anecdotes for younger children.
Tips from local experts:
- Sidewalk is wide and mostly flat; accessible for wheelchairs and strollers (use curb cuts at crosswalks).
- If children are restless, the grassy area nearby (Boston Common edge) is a good short release spot before moving on.
- Remind kids about indoor/outdoor voice levels — the church area is next to pedestrian traffic and the T.
Granary Burying Ground — graves of Hancock, Revere, and Adams
Visit the historic Granary Burying Ground with guide storytelling about the Patriots buried here — short stay suitable for children.
Tips from local experts:
- The paths inside are uneven old stones — hold small children's hands and use strollers only on the main entrance path.
- There is shade from trees and benches just outside for caregivers to rest while kids listen to a story.
- Use a simple scavenger-list approach (e.g., find a tall gravestone) to keep kids engaged.
King's Chapel — stone church and adjacent burying ground
Stop to view King's Chapel and learn a short, family-friendly tale about its history and crypts beneath.
Tips from local experts:
- King's Chapel entrance has steps; the exterior viewing point is still accessible and stroller-friendly on the sidewalk.
- If mobility is limited, the guide will position the group where everyone can hear without climbing stairs.
- Point out the contrast between the stone chapel and red-brick Park Street Church — an easy visual history lesson for kids.
Old South Meeting House — where the Boston Tea Party began
Stop outside the Meeting House; guide will recount the Tea Party story with interactive bits suitable for children.
Tips from local experts:
- There are accessible sidewalks and a small plaza for families to gather; stroller parking is straightforward nearby.
- Short storytelling with role-play prompts (e.g., pretend to clap like a crowd) helps younger children connect to the history.
- Restroom options are limited on-site — plan to use Quincy Market restrooms a short while later.
Old Corner Bookstore — literary history for all ages
Exterior stop to tell children a short story about the building's publishing past — quick photo opportunity.
Tips from local experts:
- Sidewalks are wide here — easy to keep strollers together while the guide points out architectural details.
- If a child loves books, note nearby children's bookstores in the North End for a later visit.
- Keep the stop playful: ask kids to spot carved details on the building façade to make the visit interactive.
Old State House & Boston Massacre site — short dramatic retelling
Guide delivers a concise, age-appropriate retelling of the Boston Massacre with attention to kids' sensibilities; view the circle of stones marking the site.
Tips from local experts:
- The circle of stones is on pedestrian level — good photo moment and safe for kids to stand near under supervision.
- Traffic can be busy on Washington Street — keep the group together and use crosswalks.
- If a younger child is frightened by the 'massacre' story, the guide provides a gentler version focusing on community changes.
Lunch / Snack Break at Quincy Market (Faneuil Hall Marketplace)
Family-friendly food hall with many options for picky eaters, high-traffic restrooms, and seating — 30-minute break to refuel.
Tips from local experts:
- Quincy Market has many counters and a kids' friendly selection (pizza, mac & cheese, gentle spices) — great for fussy eaters.
- Restrooms and family facilities are available near the market; use this time for a diaper/change break or restroom stop.
- If it's busy, split into small groups with an adult assigned to each to avoid long lines; scout seating quickly (upper level often has quieter tables).
Paul Revere House — oldest building and family stories
Exterior visit and storyteller summary of Paul Revere's life; suggest visiting inside later as a family museum stop if time allows.
Tips from local experts:
- Stroller access inside the house is limited; plan to view the exterior with small children or leave the stroller at an accessible spot if entering.
- If older kids want more, recommend a follow-up indoor visit (ticketed) — the guide will point out highlights from the outside.
- This North End area has narrow streets; keep child-sized hands close and watch for bicyclists and delivery vehicles.
Old North Church — 'One if by land, two if by sea' story
Visit the Old North Church exterior and hear the lantern signal story in a concise, family-appropriate way.
Tips from local experts:
- The plaza outside is stroller-friendly and there is a small courtyard area for children to stand while listening.
- Point out the steeple and explain the lantern signal visually to keep younger kids engaged.
- If any family member needs a quieter spot, a bench on the church side street offers a calm place while the guide speaks.
Copp's Hill Burying Ground — Bunker Hill story and cannon emplacements
Short visit to Copp's Hill Burying Ground with an overview of its role in the Battle of Bunker Hill and notable interments.
Tips from local experts:
- Paths are older and slightly uneven — hold small children's hands and avoid running in the graveyard.
- There are nice vantage points nearby for photos and a brief rest; the guide will keep the stop succinct for families.
- Use this stop to preview the nearby terrace overlook where kids can see ships and the monument — a good 'big view' reward.
Copp's Hill Terrace Overlook — view Bunker Hill Monument & USS Constitution
Final short viewpoint stop so families can see the Bunker Hill Monument and Old Ironsides from Copp's Hill Terrace — wrap-up and next steps recommendations.
Tips from local experts:
- The terrace overlooks are a safe, open area for kids to point out ships and monuments — great for a final group photo.
- If families want to continue, recommend the nearby USS Constitution Museum (requires additional time) or a short ferry ride later in the day.
- Use sunscreen and a hat in spring; wind off the water can be cool even on sunny days — keep an extra layer handy for kids.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 13 |
| Total Places | 13 |
| Activities Types | Attraction, Culture, Meal, Outdoor |
