Somerville is one of Boston's most exciting and vibrant neighborhoods. Since an early 21st-century renaissance, Somerville has become a destination for families. From a calendar full of FREE and fun events to a slew of cool family attractions, Somerville has something to offer kids of all ages (and their parents too). Here are 25 ideas for family fun, whether you call Somerville home or are just visiting.
For more family fun just north of Boston, check out our picks for 25 Things To Do with Kids in Cambridge. And keep an eye on our events calendar for kid-friendly events in and around Somerville!
What Are the Top Neighborhoods in Somerville, MA?
Somerville is not a big city in terms of size, but it has a lot of people and several bustling, diverse neighborhoods. Some of the top neighborhoods for families include:
Things To Do in Somerville: Family Fun
Located in Somerville’s Assembly Row, LEGO Discovery Center Boston is a fun place to spend a day as a family. There are multiple attractions inside, including rides, a 4-D theater, a VR experience, and plenty of play areas. Kids will love the MINIworld of Boston landmarks and the larger-than-life LEGO characters strolling around. There's even an onsite cafe if you're having too much fun to leave at lunchtime!
Quick question: do you feel lucky? From bowling to arcade games, Lucky Strike puts all kinds of family fun at your fingertips. Also located in the city's Assembly Square neighborhood, Lucky Strike is ideal for indoor fun on a cold or rainy day. And you can reserve lanes online, so you don't have to wait. There's plenty of crowd-pleasing food on the menu, and it's also a great spot for birthday parties!
If your family hasn't tried candlepin bowling (ahem, New England's favorite pastime) THIS is the spot to give it a roll. There are 10 lanes and a retro atmosphere that will make the kiddos forget all about their screens. Best of all, there are lots of delicious flatbread options for a full night out with the family in Somerville.
Speaking of a screen break, an old-fashioned pinball experience can be a revelation. Located in Bow Market, Pop's Pinball has the kind of throwback fun that kids need to experience. It's a small space, but worth a visit!
Need a little more activity than bowling or pinball can provide? The Bouldering Project will challenge climbers of every skill level with an awesome 20,000 square feet of indoor climbing space. And the Bouldering Project has vacation programs and drop-in days for kids in addition to programs, classes, and even coaching.
We're always on the lookout for the best kids indoor playgrounds and play spaces in Boston. And Play Union is one of our faves. Families with smaller kids will appreciate this inviting, drop-in play space, which combines both physical play and creative activities.
Located between Davis Square and nearby Tufts University, the Museum of Modern Renaissance is practically a living work of art. It's an entire house where every inch, inside and out, has been decorated with murals. Even from the outside, this artist space is a truly remarkable example of creativity. The museum offers tours by appointment, but check exhibition times on the Somerville Open Studios website.
Gather the whole family for a fun afternoon of free ice skating at Somerville’s Veterans Memorial Rink. Bring your own skates or rent them during one of several open skating sessions held each week.
Somerville's history has a home smack dab in the center of the city. However, while the Somerville Museum hosts a number of historical exhibits and programs, the main focus is on visual arts. Check the museum's calendar for a full list of events, both onsite and around the city.
This throwback theater in Davis Square screens current hits. But if you're interested in bringing your kids to see classics from days of yore (by which I mean the 1980's), this theater has a full calendar of Hollywood hits. There will even be screenings of silent movies on occasion! Check the theater's site for upcoming showtimes.
Marking the spot where General George Washington had a command post, Union Square's castle-esque Prospect Hill Tower stands as a monument to Revolutionary and Civil War veterans.
On the banks of the Mystic River, Drew Seven State Park has nine acres of beautiful outdoor spaces, paved trails for walking and biking, and athletic fields.
Somerville has two outdoor pools that are open in the summer, Latta Brothers at Foss Park and Dilboy Memorial, and one indoor pool that’s open year-round at the Kennedy School. Latta is free, Dilboy has seasonal family passes and the Kennedy Pool offers lessons and free swim for a variety of prices (Somerville residents get a discount).
Many of Somerville’s parks and playgrounds have been undergoing renovations in the last few years, making them nicer than ever. One of the local favorites is East Somerville’s Chuckie Harris Park, which features a giant slide that kids—and adults—will enjoy.
Somerville with Kids: Where To Eat
With a variety of burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and more, Anna's is perfect for a relaxing stop, takeout for a summer picnic, or even handheld meals to eat on the go while exploring the city. And there are two locations convenient to Somerville, Davis Square and Porter Square (just over the Cambridge line).
Calling all barbecue fans: Redbones has what you're craving. This Davis Square destination has been serving up classic Southern fare for decades. From hushpuppies to classic BBQ (and even beignets), there's so much to love. And maybe too much to finish in one sitting.
Located on Broadway, Louie's is a go-to in East Somerville. Creamy concoctions have been served here for almost 50 years. But make sure it's in the warmer months, as this walk-up fave is only open seasonally.
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Union Square Donuts. This spot makes delicious doughnuts that are always the rage in Boston, and with good reason: they’re fabulous! Take your kids into the Somerville shop for a treat they’re sure to love.
Light up your calendar with these family events in Somerville! Riverfest photo courtesy of Assembly Row
Things To Do in Somerville: Seasonal Events
The city's longest-running street festival, ArtBeat brings thousands of people to Davis Square every June. Activities and performances include live vmusic, dance, theater, food, and interactive exhibits.
Every spring, the streets of Somerville are filled with live music, as performers take to the city's porches. Somerville's Porchfest invites families to stroll the streets and enjoy a wide range of musical genres, as performances cascade across town, from west to east.
The Honk! Festival features three-days of live music and dancing in the streets, as brass bands from around the country descend on Davis Square. The fun starts in Somerville and proceeds into neighboring Cambridge.
Assembly Square hosts Riverfest in mid September. Families flock to this street festival, which has tons of FREE activities for kids, like bounce-houses and fireworks, and two stages of live music.
Somerville's greatest legacy to American cuisine, marshmallow Fluff, boasts its own official celebration, which takes place every September. The What the Fluff? Festival has everything a fluffernutter fan could home for in a food fest.
Somerville's turkey trot takes place every November, raising money for a variety of worthy causes, from aid to the homeless to suppor for veterans. The annual Gobble Gobble Gobble in Somerville features a four-mile course, and every participant gets a medal!
Welcome the New Year: Visit Somerville’s iconic Prospect Hill on New Year’s Day for the Grand Union Flag Raising Celebration, complete with a visit from George Washington and a rare chance to climb the tower for stunning views.