Let’s pretend you only have 24 hours in Boston. Instead of sitting in a corner biting your nails that you have such a short period of time in this great city, you can actually do a lot to enjoy it. Boston is home to so many important events that have shaped the history of the United States that you can spend a year visiting them all. However, thanks to a journalist, William Schofield, who since 1951 had promoted the idea of a pedestrian trail to link together important local landmarks now called the Freedom Trail. Here’s my full visit to the Freedom Trail with kids.
Freedom Trail in Boston
Marks the Most Historic Places to See in Boston
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile, red brick-lined route, with 16 historic sites mainly centering around the America Revolution period.

What You Will See At The Freedom Trail (in order from beginning to end)

- Granary Burying Ground
- King’s Chapel
- King’s Chapel Burying Ground
- Benjamin Franklin statue and the former site of the first public school (Boston Latin School)
- Old Corner Bookstore
- Old South Meeting House
- Old State House Site of the Boston Massacre
- Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall



Tips for Doing the Freedom Trail With Kids
We weren’t able to visit all the trails in one go. We did bits and pieces. Traveling with a three-year-old and a nine-year-old during the summer can be tough. However, Boston is so small you will definitely hit the trail (voluntarily or involuntarily) over and over again. It’s kind of like the yellow brick road in Oz, it’s always there. Also, having a Freedom Trail Map in hand helps a lot. You can get them all over town for free, or print out a copy for the link. If you have adventurous kids who are up for the 2.5 walks, this could take a full day because of most of the attractions you can enter and visit. Otherwise, you will always find yourself crossing over the bricks during your visit.
Make sure to make room to visit Union Oyster House, one of the oldest restaurants in America. It’s an incredible experience full of history.
Facts About the Freedom Trail
By 1953 nearly 40,000 people had walked the trail.
The 16 historical sites cover two and a half centuries of America’s most significant past.
- It is said that it is one of the best collections of the American revolution sites.
Related Read: Free Things To Do In Boston

Places To See in Boston – The Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is a great way to start seeing Boston. There’s something about Faneuil Hall that keeps me going back there whenever I’m in Boston. I get a real sense of history inside that place. Great city!
Hey Cathy,
My favorite part was the 2nd floor for the main hall of Faneuil Hall itself.
Thank you for the reminder! Boston is a gorgeous city and it would be fantastic to spend a day exploring it via the Freedom Trail! Great suggestion!
We did part of this on our day in Boston – loved it!
Hey Andrea,
I know it’s sooo much fun!