Boston Freedom Trail Self Guided Tour With Kids In Tow (16 Stops)

Are you looking to add a touch of history to your next family vacation? Considering visiting New England? Boston, MA is the perfect place to visit to explore America’s history all while having a fun-filled family vacation, with a Boston Freedom Trail Self guided tour being one of the best ways to experience the city’s history.

We have visited Boston multiple times, and each time we have incorporated some of the freedom trail. You can choose to walk it in its entirety at once, or break it up into smaller sections. After having completed all of the stops, we have created this guide to make your Boston Freedom Trail self guided tour seamless!

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About The Boston Freedom Trail

The Boston Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile long walking tour through the city that takes you to 16 historical sites, including churches, graveyards, meeting halls, and battlegrounds. Each stop gives you a new perspective of the nation’s history, with the chance to add in some family fun at nearby stops.

The Freedom trail is connected through a thin red brick trail and a Freedom Trail plaque that marks each site of the trail, so it is difficult to get lost. The Boston Freedom Trail self guided tour is perfect for families because it gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore the trail at your own pace.

Parking

Like any major city, parking is always a factor and may be difficult to find. Boston is no exception. There are parking garages available at either end of the Freedom Trail-but do note there are fees. Despite the fees, I would recommend using one of these parking garages for ease of mind.

You can park and start the trail from that end or park and take the public transportation to the opposite end and work your way back to your car. If you are planning on doing the Freedom Trail in one day, I would recommend this. You will be back at your car at the end of the trail and not have to worry about making your way back when you are exhausted (and chances are you will be if you spend a whole day walking and exploring Boston!).

Parking Near Boston Common

Some options for parking include the Boston Common Parking Garage, One Beacon Garage, and City Place Garage. I would recommend parking in the Boston Common Parking Garage, it will bring you right up (via elevator) to the Boston Common the first stop of the Freedom Trail.

Parking Near Bunker Hill

Parking options near Bunker Hill includes Nautica Parking Garage and Flagship Wharf Parking.

Stops For A Boston Freedom Trail Self Guided Tour

Boston Common

For this Boston Freedom Trail self guided tour we will start at Boston Common and end at the Bunker Hill Monument. However, you could choose to do the trail in the opposite direction if you wanted.

Boston Common is the oldest public park in the United States, having been founded in 1634. The area has a rich history, including being used to graze livestock until 1830, use as a site for Puritanical punishment (including a whipping post and execution site), and a training and gathering area for the Redcoats.

Today the area is a public park with greenery, a pond that is home to ice skating in the winter, a splash pad, a carousel, the Public Garden and swan boat rides, and plenty of space for enjoying a relaxing walk through nature or a picnic lunch.

The Massachusetts State House

The Massachusetts State House or “New State House” sits on Beacon Hill and is the current capitol building of the state and home of the Massachusetts government. The building has served as the seat for the MA government since it was built in 1798. The building’s architecture was designed by Charles Bulfinch, who went on to be the lead architect on the US Capitol Building.

Today you can enter and view the building on weekdays and take a self guided tour you or can take a public tour of the building to learn more about the history and daily operation of the building.

Reservations are required and can be made by calling ahead. We did not take the tour of the building, so I can’t comment further on that, but the photographs I have seen from other travelers are beautiful.

Park Street Church

Sitting at the corner of Tremont and Park Street, the Park Street Church is the next stop on the Boston Freedom Trail self guided tour. The Park Street Church was founded in 1809 and continues to function today as an active church.

Visitors can attend a church service on Sundays or can visit Tuesday thru Saturdays during the summer months. The church stands tall at 217 feet and was once the tallest building and first one visible when approaching the city of Boston.

Boston Freedom Trail Self Guided Tour: Granary Burying Ground

The Granary Burying Ground is one of Boston’s oldest, historic cemeteries, dating back to 1660. It is the final resting place of an estimated 5,000 Bostonians, with some of the most notable Americans in history buried here, including Paul Revere, James Otis, Samuel Adams, the Boston Massacre Victims, John Hancock, and Robert Paine.

You can turn a visit to the Granary Burying Ground into a historic scavenger hunt for kids. Have them find the names of some of the famous historic figures buried here, while learning about what they contributed. Always be sure to be respectful when visiting the cemetery.

King’s Chapel and Burying Grounds

The next stop on the Boston Freedom Trail self guided tour is King’s Chapel. King’s Chapel was the first Anglican church founded in Boston in 1686. The current building was rebuilt around the original structure in 1754. While it started as an Anglican church, after the British evacuated Boston after the war, many members left. The remaining members reorganized into the first Unitarian congregation.

Today you can view the sanctuary and one of America’s oldest pulpits and participate in educational events. A variety of guided tours are available in King’s Chapel, including the Bells & Bones Tour, the Journeying Through Freedom Tour, the Crypt Express Tour, and the Gallery Express Tour.

The King’s Chapel burying grounds are located adjacent to the church and was the first proper burying grounds in Boston. It is the final resting place of many notable people, including John Withrop (Massachusetts’s first governor) and Mary Chilton (first woman to step off the Mayflower).

Ben Franklin Statue and Boston Latin School

The next stop on the Boston Freedom Trail self guided tour is the Ben Franklin Statue and Boston Latin School. The Boston Latin School was the oldest public school in America, being founded in 1635. Boys were educated at the school while girls continued to attend private home schools. Five of the signers of the Declaration of Independence attended the Boston Latin School.

The original building is no longer standing, but the school was rebuilt and currently sits in Fenway. The original site of the school is marked by the famous Benjamin Franklin statue and is located near King’s Chapel. The statue is located near Old City Hall, so be sure to check that out while in the area.

Old Corner Bookstore

The Old Corner Bookstore is the oldest commercial building in Boston. It was built in 1718 and first served as an apothecary shop. The shop became a bookstore in 1828 and would become home to many famous publishing companies, including Ticknor and Fields. Today the building is used as commercial space, but you can still view the outside of the building. It is currently occupied by a Chipotle restaurant, so you can also grab a bite to eat.

Old South Meeting House

The next stop on the Boston Freedom Trail self guided tour is the Old South Meeting House. Built in 1729, the Old South Meeting House was home to many historic meetings, Puritan sermons, tea tax debates, and a final meeting that started the Boston Tea Party. The Old South Meeting House is open today as a public museum.

Closeby you will find the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. While this is not an official stop on the trail, it is a great option when visiting with kids and will bring history to life for them. You can take a walk through a replica of an 18th century ship and even “throw” some tea overboard. The Boston Children’s Museum is also located nearby for another fun, family-friendly activity.

Old State House

The oldest standing building in Boston, the Old State House was built in 1713. It was the site of the Massachusetts Court until 1798. Many debates over British rule took place here. It was also outside the Old State House that the Boston Massacre took place.

Today you can visit the building, enjoy a self paced tour, and enjoy performances by costumed staff. You can also visit the Freedom Trail Museum and see artifacts from historic Boston.

For a kid friendly activity in the area, take the 5 minute walk to the Museum of Illusions, which features optical illusions and fun exhibits. A 10 minute walk will take you to Long Wharf, where you can join a whale watching tour. The Greenway Carousel is also located nearby.

Boston Freedom Trail Self Guided Tour: Boston Massacre Site

The site of the Boston Massacre is marked today with a cobble stone site marker. The Boston Massacre took place in March of 1770 as a confrontation between British soldiers and a group of local people.An argument between the Redcoats and locals led to a riot, which led to the Redcoats firing into the group, killing five.

Faneuil Hall

Faneuil Hall, the next stop on the trail, was the site of Boston’s first town meeting. It would become the site of many important meetings/debates in the history of the nation’s birth, including protests against the sugar and stamp act and establishment of the “no taxation without representation” doctrine. The Great Hall, located on the second floor in Faneuil Hall, served as an assembly room where Samuel Adams and others gave speeches.

Today Faneuil Hall is open as a marketplace with many stores and restaurants. Outside the hall you will often find live entertainment, while inside the marketplace you can grab a bite to eat and go shopping for souvenirs and unique gifts. Also located in the Faneuil Hall Marketplace are the Quincy Market, the North Market, and the South Market.

Paul Revere House

The home of the famous patriot Paul Revere, who warned that the “British were coming” as their troops moved toward Lexington and Concord can be viewed both from the outside and inside. The home, built in 1680, is open for tours, allowing you to learn about the history of Paul Revere, Boston, and the birth of America.

At certain times, living history presentations, music, and craft demonstrations are also available. The home is the oldest building in downtown Boston.

Old North Church

Old North Church is the oldest church in Boston and is the church in the famous midnight ride by Paul Revere. The Old North Church campus is made up of the church, five gardens, Captain Jackson’s historic chocolate shop, Patriots’ Corner, and the Old North Church Bookshop.

Guided tours are available that takes visitors through the footsteps of Paul Revere when he rang the church bells. Also available is a Bones and Burial Tour.

Boston Freedom Trail Self Guided Tour: Copp’s Hill Burying Ground

Copp’s Hill Burying Grounds was Boston’s largest colonial burying ground and dates back to 1659. The burying grounds was also used by the British to train their cannons during the Battle of Bunker Hill.

Notable burials include Edmund Hartt (builder of the USS Constitution), Robert Newman (placed the lanterns at Christ’s Church on the night of the midnight ride), and Prince Hall (anti-slavery activist).

USS Constitution and Museum

The USS Constitution and Museum is one of the best stops on a Boston Freedom Trail self guided tour for kids. This stop allows you to explore an actual U.S. Navy Ship and explore the interactive exhibits at the museum. The USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship that is still floating. The ship was launched in 1797 and was used in the war of 1812.

While the museum and ship are free to visit, donations are accepted. All visitors of the USS Constitution who are 18 and older must have valid ID to enter the ship.

Bunker Hill Monument

The last stop (or first-depending on which direction you choose to go in) is the Bunker Hill Monument. Bunker Hill is the site of the first major battle in the American Revolution that was fought on June 17, 1775. The British won the battle, but suffered heavy losses.

The Bunker Hill Monument now sits at the site to commemorate the battle. You can climb the monument free of charge (there are 294 steps), but you have to get a pass from the Bunker Hill Museum. Passes are available on a first come, first serve basis. You can also visit the Bunker Hill Museum and explore the grounds.

Tips For Walking the Boston Freedom Trail

• Give yourself extra time: Naturally, it will take longer to get through a Boston Freedom Trail self guided tour with young children. Avoid having to rush by not packing too much into a short amount of time. Splitting the trail into two days gives you plenty of time.
• Skip the tours. While you may enjoy some of the tours, it can be difficult for young children to make it through without getting antsy. Instead, spend more time in the outdoorsy locations where the children will have more freedom and can run.
• Bring plenty of fluids, especially in the summer months.
• Wear comfortable shoes. There is a lot of walking and wearing comfortable shoes will make the day more enjoyable for you.
• Print out a map for your child. You can prepare them for the trip ahead of time using this, and they can use it during the trip to follow along. My daughter absolutely loves being in control of the map anywhere we go.

Public Tours of the Boston Freedom Trail

While I recommend a Boston Freedom Trail self guided tour when visiting with children, there are also guided tour options that I thought were worth mentioning.

• Walk Into History Tour-a 90 minute tour that takes you to 11 of the 16 stops of the Freedom Trail, starting at the Boston Common and ending at Faneuil Hall. The tour will give you a history of the locations as you visit them one by one.
• African American Patriots-a 90 minute tour that explores the history of African American patriots involved in the American Revolution as you explore many of the sites along the Freedom Trail, in addition some sites that are significant in the history of the African American Patriots.
• Revolutionary Women-a 90 minute tour that explores the role of women in the American Revolution while visiting many of the stops along the Freedom Trail.
• North End Tour-a 90 minute walking tour that highlights the stops along the North End Freedom Trail, including Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere House, Old North Church, and Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, along with some other historic places in Boston’s oldest neighborhood.
• Lantern Tour-a 90 minute walking tour that explores the darker side of the Freedom Trail’s history, including sword duels, pirates, and the punishment and execution of convicted witches.

Frequently Asked Questions

***The Navigating Mom (and this post) may contain affiliate links. If you purchase from one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.****