Are you planning a trip to Boston? Are you planning to walk the Freedom Trail during your Boston family vacation? If that’s the case, make a point of visiting Faneuil Hall. The fact that there is so much going on at Faneuil Hall sets it apart from the other Freedom Trail stops. Here are 5 things to do at Faneuil Hall with kids. You can also check out my video below with 5 Things to do at Faneuil Hall.
5 Things to Do at Faneuil Hall
Here are five things to do while visiting Faneuil Hall.
1. Eat at Faneuil Hall’s Quincy Market
If you’re visiting Boston’s Freedom Trail, make sure to stop by Faneuil Hall for a snack, lunch, or dinner. Quincy Market is the largest food hall in New England. At Quincy Market, you’ll find 30 different international food vendors.
Traditional New England cuisine such as clam chowder, lobster rolls, and fresh oysters are available. New England clam chowder served in bread is one of my favorites. There are also a lot of food vendors selling kid-friendly food such as spaghetti, pizza, burgers, and hotdogs. Greek food and sushi are also available. There are also bakeries at Quincy Market if you are craving something sweet. And of course, you will find gelato, ice cream, and smoothies at Quincy Market. A perfect treat for families who need it!
2. Shop at Faneuil Hall Marketplace
There are over 100 retail shops at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. There are local merchants selling New England artisan wares from pushcarts. You can also find name-brand stores like Sephora, Kate Spade, Pink, and more.
Fun Fact: Did you know America’s first retail specialty carts program began at Faneuil Hall Marketplace in 1976?
If you are looking for Boston souvenirs, Faneuil Hall is a great place for Boston souvenirs. There are National Parks souvenirs at the National Parks Visitor Center bookstore- you can get National Parks passports and stamps as well as educational souvenirs. The old revolutionary currency replicas and maps of the revolutionary war are a hit with my kids.
3. Watch Street Performers at Faneuil Hall
There are always street performances at Faneuil Hall. You will be entertained by street performers such as musicians, magicians, jugglers, and more. Faneuil Hall has a rotating cast of street performers, you can catch a free show every day!
4. Tour Historic Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market
Faneuil Hall is Boston’s Town Hall- it’s where the colonists first spoke publicly against British rule. Go on a free tour of the Great Hall which is a popular meeting place on the second floor of Faneuil Hall. You can also go on a tour of Quincy Market. You will learn Boston history and architecture.
5. Penny Press Machine at Faneuil Hall
If you’re a fan of souvenir pennies, you’ll want to pay a visit to Faneuil Hall. At Quincy Market, there is a souvenir penny press machine that sells Boston historical attractions pennies. My kids got a Paul Revere penny and a Faneuil Hall penny. Just keep in mind that it’s a pricey penny press machine- a penny costs a $1!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Quincy Market in Faneuil Hall?
Yes, Quincy Market is in Faneuil Hall. What we call Faneuil Hall is actually comprised of several buildings including Quincy Market, North Market, South Market, and Faneuil Hall. It’s a large town square-style plaza that’s usually buzzing with activities.
Where is the Parking Lot near Quincy Market?
Park at the 75 State Street Garage if you are going to Quincy Market or Faneuil Hall. The parking garage is a one-minute walk to Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall. It’s the official parking garage of Faneuil Hall so you can even get parking discount coupons from Faneuil Hall Marketplace vendors.
Where is the Freedom Trail at Faneuil Hall?
The Freedom Trail Red Brick Line can be found right outside the Faneuil Hall Building. Just follow the red Freedom Trail to get to the other historical sights.
Are there Restrooms at Faneuil Hall?
Yes, there are restrooms at Faneuil Hall. You can find the restrooms at Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall building. Faneuil Hall is a good place for a pit stop as you tour the Freedom Trail.
You May Also Be Interested in:
- If you are planning to go on a tour of the freedom trail. Check out our article (and video) with helpful tips for families touring the Freedom Trail.
