Boston Family Days
Our program provides students who live in Boston and their families free access to many of the City's world-class cultural institutions.
Boston Family Days is an extraordinary public-private partnership between the City, corporate and philanthropic partners, and 21 of our City’s leading cultural institutions to help Boston school-aged children feel at home in places that can expand their learning and show them the world.
Through Boston Family Days, all students who live in Boston (grades K-12 and Boston Pre-K) and two guests can explore 14 cultural institutions for free on the first and second Sunday of each month until December 2026.
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Partners
This program is made possible with the generous support of the following funding partners: Amazon, Barbara and Amos Hostetter, Barr Foundation, Bob and Michelle Atchinson, and Jim and Cathy Stone.
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Participating Institutions - 1st & 2nd Sunday
Museum of Fine Arts
Sunday Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
World-class art from ancient civilizations to contemporary masterpieces in stunning galleries.
Institute of Contemporary Art
Sunday Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. *Pre-Registration Suggested*
Cutting-edge contemporary art with innovative exhibitions and interactive installations.
Museum of Science
Sunday Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. *Pre-Registration Suggested*
Hands-on STEM discovery with interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and science theater.
Boston's Children's Museum
Sunday Hours: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. *Pre-Registration Suggested*
Interactive play-based learning designed for young minds with age-appropriate creative exhibits.
New England Aquarium
Sunday Hours: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Explore underwater worlds, marine life from around the globe, and ocean conservation in action.
Franklin Park Zoo
Sunday Hours: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Last Entry 3 p.m. *Pre-Registration Suggested*
Wildlife from around the world with conservation education and up-close animal habitat experiences.
The Museum of African American History
Sunday Hours: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Rich heritage and powerful stories of African American history fundamental to Boston's identity.
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
Sunday Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Last Entry 3:30 p.m.
Landmark honoring JFK's legacy with exhibits on his life, presidency, and vision for a better world.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Sunday Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. *Pre-registration suggested* Use Promo Code ISGMBFD
A Venetian-style palace filled with art, gardens, and mystery.
Paul Revere House
Sunday Hours: 11/ 1 – 4/14: 10:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. 4/15 – 10/31: 10:00 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Step into Revolutionary War history at the home of the patriot famous for his midnight ride.
Old North Illuminated
Sunday Hours: 12:30 - 5 p.m.
Historic church where "one if by land, two if by sea" signal launched America's fight for independence.
USS Constitution Museum
Sunday Hours: Museum: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Ship: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Explore "Old Ironsides," the world's oldest commissioned warship, with hands-on naval exhibits and historic ship tours
Revolutionary Spaces: Old State House & Old South Meeting House
Sunday Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Birthplace of American democracy where the Boston Massacre trials and Tea Party planning took place.
MassArt Art Museum
Sunday Hours: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. *Pre-Registration Suggested*
Contemporary artwork by emerging artists, students, and faculty showcasing innovative creativity.
Participating Institutions - Performances
Arts Emerson
Performances: TBA
International performances featuring experimental theater and culturally rich arts
The Boch Center
Performances: TBA
Broadway-caliber musicals, plays, and cultural performances in historic venues
The Boston Ballet
Performances: TBA
World-class classical and contemporary ballet performances by renowned dancers
The Huntington Theater
Performances: TBA
Professional regional theater featuring thought-provoking drama, comedy, and new works
Boston Lyric Opera
Performances: TBA
Grand opera combining music, drama, and visual spectacle in stunning productions
Boston Symphony Orchestra
Performances: TBA
World-renowned classical music performed in one of the world's most acoustically perfect halls.
The Wheelock Family Theater at Boston University
Performances: TBA
High-quality theater productions created specifically for children and family audiences
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQsAll students who live full-time in Boston and are enrolled in grades K-12 or Boston Pre-K are eligible. This includes students attending:
- Boston Public Schools
- Independent Boston charter schools
- METCO programs
- Boston-based parochial and independent schools
- Home school programs
- Private schools outside Boston (as long as the student lives in Boston)
Each eligible student can bring up to 2 guests.
BPS Families: If your child is enrolled in Boston Public Schools or Boston Pre-K, you are automatically signed up! You'll receive your Boston Family Days pass directly through BPS. Make sure your email address is updated in the BPS system.
Non-BPS Families: You must register online with the City. After signing up, you'll receive your Boston Family Days pass via email before each program weekend.
Boston Family Days occurs on the first and second Sunday of every month through December 2026.
Each participating institution has specific Sunday hours that may vary. Check individual institution details for exact operating hours on Family Days weekends.
It depends on the institution:
- Reservation Suggested: Institute of Contemporary Art, Museum of Science (families can call 617-723-2500), Boston Children's Museum, Franklin Park Zoo, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, MassArt Art Museum
- Walk-ins Welcome: Most other institutions
These institutions are popular and frequently reach capacity, so we encourage planning ahead by checking each institution's policy and pre-registering when possible.
Performance tickets work differently from museum visits:
- When: Dates and times vary based on each performance
- How to get tickets: Enrolled families receive email notifications when tickets are released for specific shows
- Reservation: All performance tickets must be reserved in advance directly through the venue - no tickets available day-of-show
- Limited availability: Each show has a limited number of free tickets available
Yes! Your Boston Family Days pass doesn't expire, so you can use passes from previous months. However, you'll receive a fresh pass via email before each Family Days weekend with the most current information.
Simply show your Boston Family Days pass at the institution entrance. You can display it on your mobile device or bring a printed copy. The pass is your student's personal entry pass and cannot be transferred to another person.
Each eligible Boston student can bring up to 2 guests. So a maximum of 3 people total (1 student + 2 guests) can enter for free with each pass.
Boston Family Days specifically occurs on the first and second Sunday of each month. If you miss one weekend, you'll have another opportunity the following weekend, and then again the next month.
Unfortunately, the free admission only applies during designated Family Days weekends and cannot be used on other days.
Yes! Your Boston Family Days pass works at all participating institutions on both Family Days Sundays each month. You can visit as many institutions as you'd like on the same day, time (and energy!) permitting.
Just remember that some institutions require advance reservations, so plan accordingly.
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Who's Involved:
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Partners
This program is made possible with the generous support of the following funding partners: Amazon, Barbara and Amos Hostetter, Barr Foundation, Bob and Michelle Atchinson, and Jim and Cathy Stone.
