Beaches for Families in Boston

1. Carson Beach—South Boston

Just a short walk from the JFK/UMass Red Line stop, this lively urban beach offers lifeguards, a renovated bathhouse with changing rooms and showers, as well as volleyball courts and ample sand for kids to play. Tip: Visit on weekdays or early mornings to find better space, as weekends tend to draw big crowds.

2. Constitution Beach—East Boston

Ideal for families, this protected shoreline features lifeguards, shade pavilions, a playground, picnic areas, and easy access via the MBTA Blue Line. Tip: Bring binoculars for plane-spotting fun as aircraft regularly fly overhead from Logan Airport.

Beaches for Families North of Boston

Crane Beach has lots of room to play, plus a snack bar and renovated restrooms. Photo by B Handelman

3. Crane Beach—Ipswich

Set on the stunning Crane Estate, this beach offers four miles of soft sand, gentle waves perfect for kids, a snack bar, and upgraded restrooms with changing areas. Tip: Combine your beach visit with a dune hike or a stroll through the historic mansion grounds.

4. Plum Island—Newburyport

With miles of sandy coastline ideal for beachcombing, Plum Island is also home to the Parker River Wildlife Sanctuary and tide‑pooling at Sandy Point. Tip: Time your visit to coincide with low tide to explore the marine life, and then stop in nearby Newburyport for lunch afterward.

5. Singing Beach—Manchester‑by‑the‑Sea

Known for its “singing” squeaky sand, this half-mile beach is surrounded by scenic rocks, has lifeguards, a snack shack, restrooms (with an accessible changing room), and nearby commuter rail access. Tip: Arrive early or take the train—parking is limited, especially on summer weekends.

6. Salisbury State Beach—Salisbury

This state-run beach, situated at the mouth of the Merrimack River, offers multiple parking lots, restrooms, changing rooms, and a classic boardwalk arcade with a carousel nearby. Tip: After splashing in the waves, treat the kids to a ride and arcade fun at Joe’s Playland just off the sand.

7. Good Harbor Beach—Gloucester

Offering fine white sand, shallow gentle waters, a fascinating sandbar for kids to explore at low tide, plus restrooms, showers, and a concession stand, this scenic beach is perfect for families. Tip: Parking fills fast—reserve via Blinkay up to 10 days ahead and arrive early to enjoy the tide‑pool island adventure.

8. Wingaersheek Beach—Gloucester

This family-friendly beach boasts soft sand, scenic views, and calm waters ideal for younger kids. At low tide, Wingaersheek transforms into a tide-pooling paradise, revealing rocks and shallow pools perfect for spotting crabs and minnows. Tip: Arrive early—parking is limited and fills quickly, especially on sunny weekends.

9. Revere Beach—Revere

America’s first public beach stretches over three miles, boasts lifeguards from late June through Labor Day, paved walkways (including beach wheelchair access), restrooms, and easy access via the Blue Line. Tip: Plan for a 4-hour visit if parking along the boulevard, or hop on the T for stress-free access, then enjoy the annual sand-sculpting contest.

10. Winthrop Beach—Winthrop

This open‑ocean beach features gentle, protected swimming zones thanks to offshore “Five Sisters” breakwaters, with lifeguards in the summer, restrooms, free parking, and nearby playgrounds and parks. Tip: Stay late for community events like the Sandcastle Festival and Family Beach Day, often held in July .

11. Devereux Beach—Marblehead

This charming beach combines sandy and cobble shores with picnic pavilions, playgrounds, restrooms, parking, and scenic views at the neck’s tombolo. Tip: Although there are no lifeguards, water tends to be calm—bring a picnic to enjoy by the pavilion while kids play onshore

Beaches for Families South of Boston

12. Duxbury Beach—Duxbury

With six miles of barrier beach to explore, families will enjoy swimming, tide-pooling, and searching for sea treasures, all backed by a convenient bathhouse and snack shack. Tip: Pack buckets and shovels—rocky zones at low tide are great for little explorers.

Head to Hull for ta day of fun at Nantasket Beach. Photo courtesy of Hull Nantasket Chamber of Commerce
 
13. Nantasket Beach—Hull

A classic South Shore escape, Nantasket features gentle slopes, tide pools, a 1.5-mile promenade, restrooms, arcades, the historic Paragon Carousel, and summer concerts on the beach. Tip: Stick around after sunset to catch family-friendly concerts right on the sand.

14. Quincy Shores Reservation—Quincy

This 2.3-mile stretch offers sweeping views of Boston Harbor Islands, lifeguards, playgrounds, picnic areas, restrooms, and local fried-clam stands just steps from the beach. Tip: Enjoy the best of land and sea—spend the morning swimming and the afternoon grabbing seafood across the street.

This post was originally published on June 23, 2019, and updated​ on June 17, 2025.