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
Shop this list
Every item links to what Kristina would buy. Tap Add to bag on what you're missing, then check out on Amazon in one tap.
Carry-on17
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's 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
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Clothing14
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Lightweight rain jacketCoastal showers pop up in every season.
Fleece for harbor cruisesIt's much cooler on the water, even in July.
Shoes3
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Beach & pool1
Mineral sunscreen
Little ones14
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Copy of Make Way for DucklingsKristina's pickThe statues and Swan Boats mean more when they know the story.
Soft baby carrier instead of a strollerKristina's pickStairs, cobblestones, or trails make strollers hard here.
Little things19
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Small umbrella
Health & toiletries19
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Motion sickness bandsWhale watch boats head out into open ocean swells.
Documents & tech17
Phone lanyard or crossbody case
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
The outfit edit
Nautical
White, navy, signal red, sand
For photos
- Navy and white with a red accent
- Sail-away on deck
Tap any piece to shop the look.
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.