During your child's hospital stay, you might have a chance to visit Boston attractions or need a place to take a break with a sibling. Here are some places to see, as well as a list of area shopping. Please note: Hours are subject to change, and some museums and attractions are closed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Museums
- Museum of Fine Arts, Boston: The MFA's collection includes almost 500,000 pieces. It is about a 15-minute walk from the main building. 465 Huntington Ave., Boston; 617-267-9300
- Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum: The museum, which opened in 1901, has long been a mainstay of Boston. It is about a 10-minute walk from the main building. 25 Evans Way, Boston; 617-566-1401
- John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum: Contains exhibits on Kennedy's life as well as historic papers. Columbia Point, Boston; 617-514-1600
- Boston Children's Museum: Exhibits focus on science, culture, environmental awareness, health and fitness, and the arts. 312 Congress St., Boston; 617-426-6500
- USS Constitution Museum: The museum collects, preserves, and interprets the stories of “Old Ironsides,” the oldest commissioned ship in the U.S. Navy. The Constitution is tied up next to the museum. Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston; 617-426-1812
- Museum of African American History: It is on the site of the African Meeting House, which was the center of Boston’s Black community. 46 Joy St., Boston; 617-725-0022
- Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum: View re-enactments of one of the best-known events of early American history. 306 Congress St., Boston; 866-955-0667
- Museum of Science, Boston: One of the more popular attractions in Boston. 1 Science Park, Boston; 617-723-2500
Parks and recreation
- Emerald Necklace: This is a chain of six parks extending seven miles designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. It includes the Back Bay Fens, the Riverway, Olmsted Park, Jamaica Pond, Arnold Arboretum, and Franklin Park. The parks all offer differing characteristics.
- Boston Common and Boston Public Garden: These adjacent parks in downtown Boston and the Back Bay offer a brief respite from the hectic nature of the city. The Common is considered America's oldest park. The Public Garden was the first public botanical garden in America. Take a luxurious ride on the Swan Boats during the summer.
- Charles River Esplanade: The 64-acre park runs alongside the Charles. The Hatch Shell is the site of Boston's renowned Fourth of July festivities.
- Rose Kennedy Greenway: The lush greenway covers the land once occupied by an elevated highway that divided Boston's downtown from its waterfront.
- Blue Hills Reservation: The park, located on the outskirts of Boston, offers 125 miles of hiking trails. The peak of Blue Hill offers a fantastic view of the Boston skyline.
- Middlesex Fells Reservation: The Fells covers 2,200 acres features a number of hiking trails.
Sports facilities
- Fenway Park: The home of the Boston Red Sox, which opened in 1912, is located about a 20-minute walk from the Boston Children's Hospital main building. Tours are offered throughout the year. 4 Jersey St., Boston; 617-226-6000
- TD Garden: The home of the NBA's Boston Celtics and NHL's Boston Bruins also hosts concerts, political conventions, and other events. Guided tours are offered through the Sports Museum. 100 Legends Way, Boston; 617-624-1000
- The Sports Museum: The museum, located inside TD Garden, features more than a half-mile of exhibits celebrating sports in Boston (and beyond). 100 Legends Way, Boston; 617-624-1234
Other attractions
- New England Aquarium: The aquarium is home to the four-story Giant Ocean Tank. Central Wharf, Boston; 617-973-5200
- Bunker Hill Monument: Pays tribute to a key battle during the Revolutionary War. Monument Square, Charlestown
- Freedom Trail: The 2.5-mile trail, which features red lines on sidewalks, passes by 16 significant historic sites. 617-357-8300
- Boston Public Library: This is the country's first large free municipal library. 700 Boylston St., Boston; 617-536-5400
- Faneuil Hall: The building, originally a meeting hall and a market place, opened in 1742. 0 Faneuil Hall, Boston; 617-242-5642
- New England Holocaust Memorial: Monument located near Faneuil Hall. Congress at North streets, Boston
- Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston: Located in the Seaport, it features the works of 20th- and 21st-century artists. 25 Harbor Shore Drive, Boston; 617-478-3100
- Franklin Park Zoo: The zoo hosts more than 100 types of animals, including red pandas and giraffes. 1 Franklin Park Road, Boston; 617-541-5466
Shopping
Among the retailers within walking distance of the hospital campus:
- Blick Art Supplies: 401 Park Drive
- Marshalls: 126 Brookline Ave.
- Official Red Sox Team Store: 19 Jersey St.
- REI: 401 Park Drive
- Target: 1341 Boylston St.