This Weekend in Boston, MA

Charles River Esplanade

Back Bay

The Esplanade stretches three miles along the Boston side of the Charles River, from the Museum of Science to the BU Bridge. Part of the larger Dr. Paul Dudley White path that loops 17+ miles through Boston, Cambridge, and Watertown. Paved, flat, scenic. Access from multiple points along Storrow Drive. Also has outdoor fitness equipment stations.

The Beehive

South End

Restaurant in the South End's Boston Center for the Arts with live jazz, blues, and funk seven nights a week. No cover. The food is actually good (not just bar food), and weekend brunch has live music too. Subterranean space with an eclectic, art-filled vibe.

Boston Public Library - Children's Library

Back Bay

Copley Square library with an entire Children's Library on the second floor. Free storytimes, crafts, STEM activities. ToddleTown (ages 3-5), StoryScape dress-up, a sensory wall for sensory needs, and therapy dog programs. All free.

Clougherty Pool

Charlestown

Free outdoor pool in Charlestown, part of the BCYF system. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 8am to 7pm during summer months. Boston residents only -- bring ID or proof of residency. Lifeguards on duty. Swim lessons offered for kids.

Boston Common - Frog Pond & Tadpole Playground

Beacon Hill

Oldest public park in America. Frog Pond spray pool is free for kids 12 and under in summer (late June on). Ice skating in winter. Tadpole Playground has frog-themed climbing structures. Seasonal carousel.

Titus Sparrow Park

South End

Small neighborhood park with free outdoor basketball and tennis courts, a playground, community garden, and seasonal events. Located in the South End near Back Bay. Courts are first come, first served. A local hub for after-work pickup basketball.

Artesani Playground & Wading Pool

Brighton

Playground and free wading pool on the Charles River in Brighton. Pool is ankle-to-knee deep with lifeguards in summer. Climbing structures, swings, free parking, picnic tables, concession stand. Less crowded than the Esplanade playgrounds.

Hatch Memorial Shell

Back Bay

Outdoor concert venue on the Charles River. Best known for the Pops July 4th show, but the real move is the free summer concerts (GroundBeat series, Landmarks Orchestra) on weekends and weeknights. Bring a blanket and a picnic. No tickets for most events.

Greenway Carousel

Waterfront

Carousel on the Greenway where kids ride a lobster, whale, harbor seal, owl, or butterfly instead of horses. 14 characters total, all Boston-themed. $4 a ride. Between the North End and Seaport, surrounded by fountains.

Melnea A. Cass Memorial Pool

Roxbury

Free outdoor pool and spray deck in Roxbury operated by DCR. Lifeguard on duty. Open summer months (late June through Labor Day). Swim lessons available. Restrooms on-site. One of the better-maintained public outdoor pools in the city.

Boston Common - Frog Pond & Tadpole Playground

Beacon Hill

Oldest public park in America. Frog Pond spray pool is free for kids 12 and under in summer (late June on). Ice skating in winter. Tadpole Playground has frog-themed climbing structures. Seasonal carousel.

New England Aquarium

Waterfront

Four-story Giant Ocean Tank with sea turtles, sharks, and rays. Penguins, touch tanks, and whale watch cruises (seasonal, extra). Under 2 free. First and second Sundays of each month are discounted Boston Family Days.

Blue Hills Trailside Museum

Milton (suburb)

Nature museum at the base of Blue Hills with live owls, snakes, and turtles, plus easy trails for little hikers. Outdoor exhibits open daily. 10 miles south of downtown. Good half-day trip when you need actual nature.

USS Constitution Museum

Charlestown

Museum for Old Ironsides, the oldest warship still afloat. Kids try on sailor uniforms, load a cannon, scrub the deck. Pay-what-you-wish. The actual ship next door is free to board.

LEGO Discovery Center Boston

Assembly Row (Somerville)

Rides, 4D cinema, building workshops, and a MINILAND Boston made from millions of bricks. Ages 3-10. Book online, it's way cheaper than walk-up. Orange Line to Assembly Row.

Boston Harbor Islands

Waterfront

Ferry from Long Wharf to Georges Island (explore a Civil War fort) and Spectacle Island (beaches and trails). Junior Ranger programs all summer. Ferries May-October. Under 3 ride free.

Paradise Rock Club

Allston

933-capacity rock club on Comm Ave since 1977. U2, The Police, and Radiohead all played early shows here. Indie, punk, electronic, hip-hop. Standing room with a balcony. Tickets $20-50.

House of Blues Boston

Fenway

2,500-capacity venue on Lansdowne Street. National touring acts, all genres. It's a chain, but the Southern decor gives it character and the Sunday gospel brunch is legit. Tickets $30-80. Standing floor, seated balcony. Restaurant and bar open pre-show.

Nick's Comedy Stop

Theater District

Stand-up since 1977 in the Theater District. Shows Fri-Sat at 7:30pm. Tickets $20-30, cheaper than the bigger clubs. Seinfeld, Denis Leary, and Steven Wright have all been through here.

Laugh Boston

Seaport

300-seat comedy club in the Westin Hotel lobby in the Seaport. National touring comedians on weekends, local showcases midweek. Tickets $20-45. Full bar. Group rates for 20+.

The Mendoza Line at The Dugout Cafe

Fenway

Comedy nights at a cafe near BU. Stand-up, roasts, open mic. $5-15 cover. Way more casual than the proper clubs. Popular with the college crowd. Check their social media for the weekly lineup.

Paradise Rock Club

Allston

933-capacity rock club on Comm Ave since 1977. U2, The Police, and Radiohead all played early shows here. Indie, punk, electronic, hip-hop. Standing room with a balcony. Tickets $20-50.

House of Blues Boston

Fenway

2,500-capacity venue on Lansdowne Street. National touring acts, all genres. It's a chain, but the Southern decor gives it character and the Sunday gospel brunch is legit. Tickets $30-80. Standing floor, seated balcony. Restaurant and bar open pre-show.

Nick's Comedy Stop

Theater District

Stand-up since 1977 in the Theater District. Shows Fri-Sat at 7:30pm. Tickets $20-30, cheaper than the bigger clubs. Seinfeld, Denis Leary, and Steven Wright have all been through here.

Laugh Boston

Seaport

300-seat comedy club in the Westin Hotel lobby in the Seaport. National touring comedians on weekends, local showcases midweek. Tickets $20-45. Full bar. Group rates for 20+.

The Mendoza Line at The Dugout Cafe

Fenway

Comedy nights at a cafe near BU. Stand-up, roasts, open mic. $5-15 cover. Way more casual than the proper clubs. Popular with the college crowd. Check their social media for the weekly lineup.