Plan a Family Outing with the Commuter Rail

It’s important to spend time together as a family, and the best way is to plan a day out that your kids will love. But when you’re traveling with children, comfortable, fast, and convenient transportation is a must. Instead of driving everywhere, fighting for parking spots, and getting stuck in traffic, take the Commuter Rail. Since you won’t have to focus on driving, you’ll be able to put your full attention on your kids, spending quality time with them as you travel from stop to stop.

The best part about taking the Commuter Rail is how budget-friendly it is. Kids 11 and under always ride for free, no matter what day of the week it is, and they can ask the conductor for kid-friendly activity books to enjoy during the ride. Meanwhile, adults can take advantage of the $10 Weekend Pass, where you can ride any line on the Commuter Rail as much as you like for the whole weekend.

Beaches

Manchester

Get off at Manchester Station to visit Singing Beach (0.6 mile) for a day of swimming and sand castles. You will need to get Walk-On passes for everyone ages 12 to 65 at the beach from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, but if you go frequently, season passes are available. This way you can have family beach days all summer long.

Rockport

Rockport has several beaches to choose from so it’s the ideal location to plan a family day at the beach. Enjoy fun in the sun and beautiful waters at Back Beach Landing (0.5 miles), Front Beach (0.4 miles), Cape Hedge Beach (1 mile), and Old Garden Beach (1.2 miles). The latter two beaches you will want to catch a rideshare to if you’re traveling with small children, but it’s a short drive so you’ll have plenty of time for fun.

Food

Ipswich

When you and the family need to make a pit stop for food, Riverview Pizza (440 ft) is ideal because it’s so close to the station. Little tummies won’t be rumbling for long as they chow down on delicious pizza for dinner.

Needham Junction

It’s not a proper day out with your family if you’re not getting ice cream. Hop off the Commuter Rail to grab a cone at Needham Junction Ice Cream (141 ft). This seasonal ice cream shop is right at the station. Because of that, if your child is really in the mood for ice cream, they’ll get it practically right away!

Entertainment

North Beverly

North Shore Music Theatre (1.3 miles) is a popular theater for family-friendly live shows. Their show season includes musicals, fairytale-inspired performances, and the annual production of A Christmas Carol. Show your kids the magic of live theater and watch their faces light up in wonder at the music, the costumes, and the actors’ incredible performances.

Museums & Tours

Gloucester

Have your kids ever wanted to see a real castle? Then grab a rideshare from Gloucester Station over to Hammond Castle Museum (2.9 miles) to take them on a self-guided tour of this eccentric inventor John Hammond’s historic home. This seaside castle will wow your children with its incredible architecture and magical atmosphere.

Salem

Salem, Massachusetts is filled to the brim with museums, tours, and other cool things that your kids will love and learn from. Check out attractions like the Real Pirates Salem (0.5 mile), Salem Kids Tour (0.3 mile), the Salem Witch Museum (0.4 mile), and the Witch Dungeon Museum (0.2 mile). These attractions cover a wide variety of age ranges, meaning whether you’re traveling with toddlers or with teens, you’ll have something to do while in Witch City.

South Acton

Do you have young children with a love of learning? Take the Commuter Rail to the Discovery Museum (0.5 mile). Filled with STEAM-centered exhibits that teach through hands-on learning and play, your kids will gain a greater understanding of nature, science, and more, all while having fun. Reserve admission tickets in advance, then watch your kids discover the world through play. There’s even a Train Room exhibit where kids can pretend to operate the train, play conductor and passenger, build tracks, and more. By the time they get back on the train home, they might be inspired to become a train conductor when they grow up.

South Station

If you’re looking for family-friendly activities where your kids will come away with some awesome new knowledge, Boston is the place to go. Kids can play, learn, and explore at the Boston Children’s Museum (0.4 mile), learn about incredible Marine life at the New England Aquarium (0.6 mile), or see the city from both the land and water with the Boston Duck Tours (0.6 mile).

Nature

Forest Hills

Take the train to Forest Hills so your family can visit Franklin Park Zoo (1.9 miles) for an incredible animal experience! Come see African lions, emus, giant anteaters, gorillas, owls, and more as you explore the grounds and learn about different habitats throughout the world. It’s a family favorite and an attraction your kids can spend the whole day enjoying.

South Station

There are so many incredible, iconic things to do within a mile of South Station. If your kids love the outdoors, take them to the Boston Public Garden (0.6 mile), Boston Common Frog Pond (0.7 miles), and the Swan Boats (0.8 mile). The kids can run around, appreciate beautiful scenery, and you can get some amazing photos of the kids riding the swan boats and posing with the Make Way for Ducklings statue.

Ipswich

If your kids love the farm, call a rideshare from the station and take them to Russell Orchards (2.8 miles). Open May through November, your family can visit the farm animals, pick your own fruit, and enjoy a picnic with food from the farm store. Kids can run around and learn about where fresh food comes from, while parents can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and great food.

Gloucester

Near Gloucester Station, Cape Ann Whale Watch (0.9 mile) offers families the incredible sailing experience with guaranteed whale sightings. This whale watching excursion has been dazzling visitors with sightseeing tours aboard the fastest, largest, and most elegant whale watching vessel in the state. It’s an unbeatable family experience and one you’ll all remember for a lifetime.