One of our favorite parts of working at NAPA is meeting families who travel here for intensive therapy. While therapy is of course the focus of your time with us, exploring the area can be a fun way to make the most of your stay.
If you’re looking for family-friendly, accessible things to do in Boston while attending NAPA, here are some favorite recommendations organized by season, because New England truly gives us the four seasons!
If you’re looking for an interactive and accessible indoor activity, Boston Children’s Museum is always at the top of my list. It’s hands-on and has a wide range for different ages and developmental levels.
They also offer the Morningstar Access Program, which provides accommodation and sensory supports for children with disabilities.
The New England Aquarium is another fantastic year-round option. The exhibits are visually engaging without being overwhelming, and the layout allows you to move at your own pace.
They provide accessibility supports, including wheelchair access, sensory resources, and planning tools to help families prepare in advance. It’s a great morning or afternoon outing, right on Boston’s waterfront.
Hitting up the local library is an easy, lowkey activity. The Waltham Public Library offers children’s programming and events throughout the year. It’s calm, accessible, and perfect for a quieter reset between busy therapy days (they welcome out-of-town visitors!)
Summer in Massachusetts opens endless possibilities. From the North Shore to the South Shore, down to Cape Cod, and even up the coast to Maine, there are beautiful beach towns everywhere.
If you’re heading to the Cape, just be prepared for the notorious Cape traffic, especially on weekends! Many (but not all) tourist beach towns require parking permits and/or reservations to be made in advance.
As a North Shore local, I’m always happy to give specific recommendations if you’re looking for something manageable and family-friendly while you’re here!
Nahant Beach is one of the most accessible beach options in the area. It’s a beautiful and far more accessible beach experience for many of our families.
It features:
If you’re planning outdoor adventures, the SMILE Mass Equipment Loaner Program offers adaptive equipment for beaches, trails, and outdoor recreation. They can be a handy resource for families wanting to explore more comfortably while visiting Massachusetts.
During hot summer days, splash pads are an easy win. Waltham has several free spray parks that are great way to cool off and burn off energy after therapy or on the weekends. My top pick would be the splash pad at the new universal playground in Waltham (200 Trapelo Road). It’s a win-win for both proximity and other accessible play options.
After a full or long week of therapy, sometimes simple is best. Pizzi Farm is a local favorite for ice cream, complete with picnic tables outside. It’s casual and close to the clinic, and perfect for relaxing outside.
Nothing feels more quintessential “Boston” than a Red Sox game at historic Fenway Park. Even if your child isn’t a big baseball fan, the experience and atmosphere are memorable.
Fenway offers a detailed Disability Access Guide to help families plan seating and accommodations ahead of time on their website.
Fall in New England is truly spectacular! Here are some recs to get outside and enjoy the beautiful foliage!
Honey Pot Hill Orchard delivers classic New England fall fun complete with Apple picking, hayrides, mazes, and farm animals. In the summer, there are also additional “seasonal fruit pickings” including blueberries, peaches and plums.
Lookout Farm offers seasonal activities, including apple picking, pumpkin patches, and holiday-themed events (think gingerbread house building at the holidays; Easter Bunny pictures and Leprechaun hunts in March!). The semi-enclosed greenhouse also offers snacks and a taproom for the adults to grab a bite or drink!
Running through late fall, the Waltham Farmers’ Market is another lovely local stop for fresh produce, baked goods, and homemade treats. It’s easy to navigate and makes for a relaxed post-therapy activity, or maybe even scooping up souvenirs!
Salem in the fall is iconic, especially leading up to Halloween. It can be a fun experience for families who enjoy history and festive energy.
Be warned, crowds start building toward the end of September and continue through October. If your child is sensitive to large crowds or overstimulation, I recommend visiting earlier in the fall season or going on a weekday morning.
This recently designed and opened sensory-friendly and fully accessible playground has been the talk of the town! Thankfully the crowds and parking frenzy have quieted a bit. The equipment is thoughtfully designed for children with varying physical and sensory needs, and it’s a great option in both warm and cooler weather.
If you’re up for a short drive and beautiful waterfront views, Menino Park is worth it. This inclusive playground sits along the water and offers accessible equipment in a scenic setting. Ideal for a warmer day as it can get quite crisp being right off the water!
If your little one can hang into the evening, ZooLights at Stone Zoo is such a fun evening option. Festive lights, manageable and accessible walking distances, and something exciting for siblings too.
A quick stroll through Boston Common during the holidays can feel festive without requiring much planning. The tree and surrounding lights are beautiful, and it’s easy to keep the outing short and sweet during colder temps!
The Seaport often hosts a holiday market with small vendors and seasonal treats. If families choose to go, I usually recommend weekday mornings to avoid peak crowds.
The Boston Children’s Museum, Museum of Science, and New England Aquarium are always reliable when it’s cold out, but you need to get out of the house for a bit! For a unique indoor experience, the Museum of Ice Cream is bright, interactive, and memorable, a good pick if your family is up for something a little different.
