Neighborhood Guide: Guide to Back Bay Boston with the Family

Published on November 21, 2019 - Updated on November 21, 2019

Neighborhood Guide to Back Bay Boston

Located along the Charles River, the Back Bay neighborhood has a lot to offer. Between Newbury Street, the Esplanade, and being a short distance from the Boston Commons and Gardens this neighborhood is one to check out!

Take a walk, run, or bike ride along the Charles River Esplanade. Such great views and a few wonderful trees to stop and climb up. Two playgrounds located along this route, the Big Kid Playground and the Esplanade Playground. On nice days vendors and beer gardens pop up along the Esplanade.

Head over to Commonwealth Avenue Mall for a beautiful walk amongst the trees, a favorite of mine when the leaves are changing in Fall. This is a great place to go for a run, let the kids scooter, or just walk around. A great shaded playground to check out when you are in this area is the Back Bay-Beacon Hill Playground.

On a cold day if hot chocolate is needed then head on over to LA Burdicks! Then take that hot chocolate and walk along Newbury Street. Lots of people watching and shops. In the summer once a month they close the street to cars and make it a pedestrian-only area! If you need to cool off then head on over to JP Licks on Newbury Street for some ice cream!

The Boston Public Library is a great indoor option in the neighborhood. Check out the gorgeous building with your kids and make sure to go to the children’s room! Another great indoor option is Eataly, where you can check out different italian food options to eat or buy! If you and your child need a water option in the summer head over to the Christian Science Plaza for the fountains to play in!

A great restaurant to check out for any meal in the Back Bay area is the Friendly Toast. We love sitting outside and people watch. Across the street is the Frieda Garcia playground that we love to go to when we are waiting for our table or after we eat to burn some energy off. Flour Bakery is also located in the area which we love for on the go coffee, treats, or a quick lunch option!

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Thoughtfully captured by:

Jennifer de Merode

The Head of Accounting and Boston Ambassador, Jenny has been living in Boston for almost 10 years. Before Boston, she lived in Washington, DC for 8 years, and previous to that grew up on Long Island, NY. Along the way, she spent a few months in Amsterdam with her family biking all around and exploring that beautiful city! Jenny has always enjoyed being active - from organized sports to jogging, and of course, being in the garden as much as possible when the weather is cooperative. She tries to include her children in all of her active hobbies. With two toddler boys, ages 3 and 5, she and her husband spend their time discovering new places and things to do in the New England area. Spending time outdoors in all types of weather and encouraging her children to love all seasons is very important to her - and so is helping and encouraging others to do the same. Jenny and her family love spending time at the beach, traveling, taking walks and hikes, and of course, finding new playgrounds!