Boston's Allston and Brighton neighborhoods have so much to offer. These two neighborhoods have so much in common, from the Green Line's B Train that runs down Commonwealth Avenue, to higher learning institutions (Boston College and Boston University) that bookend the two neighborhoods. Allston-Brighton, that part of the city between the Charles and Brookline, has long attracted vibrant immigrant communities and lively college scenes. And Allston-Brighton continues to hum with its own unique energy.
For more neighborhoods to explore around the city, be sure to check out Things To Do in Charlestown with Boston Kids and 25 Things To Do with Kids in Cambridge.
Top Things To Do in Allston-Brighton: At A Glance
Best spot for dinner and candlepin bowling: American Flatbread/Brighton Bowl
Top spot for STEAM-lovers: Waterworks Museum
Best way to see Allston-Brighton: Paddle Boston
Top spot for gamers: Balance Patch
Best venue for FREE outdoor concerts: Riverstage at Herter Park
Top things To Do in Allston-Brighton: Outdoor Activities
See a remarkable side of Allston-Brighton from the Charles River. Photo courtesy of Paddle Boston
Best for: Active families & boat lovers
Whether by canoe, kayak, or paddlebard, THIS is the coolest way to explore Allston-Brighton. The folks at Paddle Boston have everything you need, from rentals to lessons. All ages are welcome (even infants!), and the calm water of the Charles River is perfect for youngsters just starting out.
Best for: Getting your steps in
Not feeling the paddle experience? The Charles River's green space run's along the northern edge of Allston & Brighton, with miles of biking, walking, and strolling trails.
Best for: Football Saturdays in the autumn
There are not one but two college football stadiums in Allston-Brighton. Harvard University might call Cambridge home, but the Game against Yale takes place in Allston, at one of the oldest stadiums in America. Boston College plays at Alumni Stadium, just inside Brighton in Chestnut Hill; major ACC games against teams like Clemson, Miami, and Florida State take place every fall.
Find playgrounds and splash pads at Allston-Brighton's parks. Herter Park photo courtesy of Charles River Conservancy
Top things To Do in Allston-Brighton: Parks and Playgrounds
Best for: Outdoor concerts
Christian Hester Park in Allston is another great outdoor space in Allston-Brighton, with a wide-open lawn, playground, and spray deck. And Riverstage, the outdoor amphitheater at Herter Park, hosts FREE outdoor performances from June through September.
5. Artesani Playground
Best for: Cooling off in the summer
One of the best splash pads in Boston, Artesani Playground has a wading pool and spray deck, along with ample parking. The park is located right on the Charles River in Brighton.
Best for: Teens and tweens
Allston's Smith Park Pump Track has plenty of room for skateboarders and bikers to ride a concrete course complete with street elements. The 15-acre park also has a playground, street-hockey rink, basketball courts, and more places to explore.
Top things To Do in Allston-Brighton: FREE Museums
Best for STEM fanatics
The Metropolitan Waterworks Museum is an impressive piece of history. The centerpiece is a three-story steam-powered water pump that supplied the city of Boston with water from the Chestnut Hill Reservoir. This Brighton museum has rotating exhibits, fun events, and admission is always FREE!
Best for: Art afficionados
The McMullen Museum of Art at Boston College is home to a permanent collection, including works of sculpture, stained glass, and painting. The McMullen Museum also hosts an ongoing series of world-class exhibitions and educational events. Check the museum's website for hours and exhibits (tip: there's a lot more going on during the school year) and fun opportunities, like tours. And, the museum is FREE!
Best for: Budding astronomers
Stargazers are welcome at Boston University's Coit Observatory, which hosts Public Open Night on most Wednesdays. While the event is FREE, it's important to reserve your places by registering online.
Top things To Do in Allston-Brighton: Indoor Fun
Best for: Family fun in the winter
Both Boston College and Boston University (in Brighton and Allston, respectively) play Division 1 hockey and basketball for both men and women. Hockey is a big rivalry between the schools, competing against each other in the Hockey East Conference, as well as in the local Beanpot hockey tournament every year.
Best for: Concerts and shows
Beyond hockey and basketball, Boston University's Agganis Arena hosts a variety of live events. From Disney on Ice to Sesame Street Live, Agganis Arena is one of the top destinations for families looking for live events in Boston.
Best for: Fams on the run
The state-of-the-art running facility hosts international track meets, as well as clinics for adult and youth runners. So whether you're an avid spectator or you're training for the Boston Marathon, you can find something worth running to. And the Track at New Balance hosts a variety of other sporting events and clinics, from basketball to volleyball and indoor soccer.
Best for: Toddlers and young children
My Gym has classes and programs for babies, toddlers, and kids up to 10, like gymnastics and ninja training. There are also individual events, like Summer Fun Days and community events. And My Gym has "Parents Night Out" evenings, when you can drop the little one off for some active fun (while you enjoy some grown-up time).
Best for: Gamer families
Balance Patch arcade offers computers, gaming booths, and even couches for social gaming. Gamers can choose from PC games, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox 360, and Nintendo 64, Switch, and Wii, and there are dozens of games for each. An onsite cafe offers sandwiches, fried treats, sodas, shakes, and more.
Best for: Enjoying Boston's unique version of bowling
If you have never tried your hand at candlepin bowling, the lanes at Brighton Bowl are calling. While the play is similar to tenpin bowling, there are a few wrinkles that make the experience kid friendly. The balls are lighter and smaller, much closer to a skeeball than a standard bowling ball. And you get to use the fallen pins to knock down the standing ones. Best of all, Brighton Bowl is inside one of the top spots to eat in Brighton.
Find nine lanes of candlepin bowling and delicious food at American Flatbread/Brighton Bowl. Photo courtesy of the venue
Top Places To Eat in Allston-Brighton: Family-Friendly Dining
Best for: Artisanal creations
Home to Brighton Bowl, American Flatbread's Brighton location offers a unique take on traditional pizza. Offerings include vegan options as well as artisanal or house-made toppings. And there are apps and salads to round out a great meal to pair with a few strings of candlepin bowling.
Best for: Traditional steaks
The Stockyard has changed ownership over the years, but steak lovers have been finding their happy place here for over half a century. In addition to traditional steakhouse faves, seafood offerings, and weekend brunch the restaurant serves up plenty of history; the site was once a stockyard that provided provisions fro Gorge Washington's troops. And the bar in the Tavern Room once belonged to Al Capone.
Best for: Outdoor dining
The Charles River Speedway has cool shops and fun event spaces, but the food tops the bill at this Brighton spot. There are a variety of options, from the creative conceptions at the Pizza Project, to Salvadoran cuisine courtesy of Dos Manor Kitchen. There is a large courtyard for outdoor dining. And the craft beer at Notch Brewing is a welcome treat for the grown-ups.
Best for: Breakfast treats
In House cafe has a fantastic breakfast menu, packed with creative omelettes, savory crepes, thick waffles, and fluffy pancakes. In House Cafe uses fresh ingredients and makes Syrian bread and hummus in house.
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