College Move-In Season: Where to Take Your Family Visiting Boston

Start at the Top: The View Boston Experience 

A great way to begin your Boston family weekend is by visiting View Boston, the city’s premier observation deck atop the Prudential Tower. As the highest viewing point in the city, it gives you and your family a full 360° look at your new home, from the Charles River to the Harbor, and a clear view of your new campus from the top. It’s a wonderful way to get to know the city together. 

Right now, the experience includes Summer Reimagined, a bright and colorful immersive installation on the 52nd floor. It features vibrant florals, dramatic ceiling treatments, and interactive design moments, making it one of the most photogenic spaces in New England. There are only a few weeks left to see it, so be sure to visit before it wraps up on September 7th!  

Here’s the best part for college families: View Boston is offering 25% off general admission tickets for the whole family with a valid college ID, available at the box office only, through September 13th. Just bring your college ID and see your new city from the top. If you’re visiting with younger siblings, kids enter free all summer long, through September 6th! 

Pro Tip: Make View Boston your family’s first city stop. Seeing everything from above helps everyone get their bearings, and you can point out the Freedom Trail, Fenway, and the Harbor from 52 floors up before you explore them on the ground. Ask about the college ID discount at the box office, then head to viewboston.com to plan the rest of your day.

Walk the Freedom Trail 

Once you’ve seen Boston from above, enjoy it on foot. The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile red-brick path connecting 16 historic sites, from the Paul Revere House to the Old North Church. It’s one of the city’s most iconic destinations, and it’s an easy, free way to give your family a helpful intro to the city to now call home. You can walk the trail on your own or join a guided tour.

Visit the New England Aquarium

Down on Central Wharf, the New England Aquarium is a family favorite that’s always a blast. The four-story Giant Ocean Tank, playful penguin exhibits, and hands-on touch pools make it a hit with younger siblings and parents alike. Book ahead, since weekends and holidays tend to sell out.

Stroll the Boston Public Garden 

For a slower pace, wander the Boston Public Garden, home to the iconic Swan Boats and some of the city’s loveliest greenery. It’s free to stroll, affordable to ride, and a nice spot for family photos with the Boston skyline in the background.

Explore the Museum of Fine Arts 

If your family loves art and culture, the Museum of Fine Arts is one of the most comprehensive art museums in the country. With free admission for kids under 6 and discounted student access, it’s a budget-friendly way to spend an afternoon indoors.

Catch a Game at Fenway Park 

No Boston visit is complete without a Fenway Park trip. Whether you pick up Red Sox tickets or just take a walking tour of the oldest ballpark in MLB, the energy around the area is warm and welcoming, and a great way to share the city’s love of sports with your family.

See More for Less with Boston CityPASS 

If your family wants to visit several of these spots, the Boston CityPASS is a smart way to save. It bundles one-time admission to four top Boston attractions and saves you up to 45% compared to individual tickets. You can visit at your own pace, in any order, over nine days, which is perfect for a relaxed family weekend. 

Here are the attractions you can choose from: 

• View Boston Observation Deck:

   360° views from the indoor and outdoor decks, plus interactive exhibits and Summer Reimagined 

• New England Aquarium:

   The Giant Ocean Tank, penguins, and hands-on marine life 

• Museum of Science:

   Hands-on exhibits and planetarium shows for all ages 

• Boston Harbor City Cruises:

   Scenic waterfront views from the water 

• Franklin Park Zoo:

   A fun outdoor stop for younger siblings 

• Harvard Museum of Natural History:

   Dinosaurs, gems, and natural wonders 

• Museum of Fine Arts, Boston:

   World-class art collections 

Since View Boston is one of the included attractions, you can start your family weekend at the top and then explore three more favorites, all on one easy mobile ticket. It’s a friendly, budget-conscious way to see the best of the city together.

Plan Your Visit 

College move-in season is a busy time, and summer at the top is almost over. With Summer Reimagined wrapping up and the 25% off college discount only available through September 13th, now is a great time to bring everyone up. Ready to see Boston differently? Buy your tickets today, and don’t forget to ask about the college ID discount at the box office. Learn more about Summer Reimagined and start planning your family’s Boston adventure. 

View Boston Differently. 🌆