Trip to Boston with a Teen for a 16th Birthday

Question

My wife and I are traveling with my daughter for a 16th birthday present. She's a big Boston Celtics fan and we're seeing two games while we're in town. So beyond the games we don't have any plans. It's late December so outside activities may be limited. We're staying at the Battery Wharf hotel in the north end but happy to go to any part of the city. I'm looking for ideas during the day and then also a nice dinner spot with seafood for New Years Eve that is teen friendly. Not looking to be there until midnight, just a nice quality dinner. Thank you in advance for your help.

Answer

Celebrating a 16th birthday in Boston—especially for a Celtics fan—is a fantastic idea, and late December offers plenty to do even if the weather is cold. Since you’re staying at Battery Wharf in the North End, you’re already steps away from great food, historic sites, and easy transport to the Garden for the games.

Below are detailed ideas for daytime activities, indoor-friendly options, unique experiences for a teenager, and several great seafood dinner choices for New Year’s Eve that are welcoming to families and not late-night party-focused.

Daytime Things to Do (Teen-Friendly & Mostly Indoors)

Boston has excellent museums, interactive exhibits, and holiday events that work well in winter. Here are the top options:

Sports Museum (TD Garden) – A must for a Celtics fan. Located inside the Garden, full of memorabilia and historic exhibits. Great to pair with your game days.
New England Aquarium – One of Boston’s best attractions in winter: penguins, sharks, giant ocean tank, plus indoor viewing areas with no weather worries.
Museum of Science – Lots of hands-on exhibits, lightning show, planetarium, and interactive displays teens usually enjoy.
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum – Surprisingly fun and immersive, with actors, interactive presentations, and the famous “tea-throwing” moment.
Faneuil Hall + Quincy Market – Heated indoor food hall and holiday entertainment; great for wandering and quick snacks.
Duck Boat Tour (depending on weather) – They sometimes run limited winter tours. Even teens usually think it’s fun and quirky.
Shopping on Newbury Street & Copley Place – Warm indoor shopping for clothing, sneakers, books, and Boston-themed gifts.
Visit Harvard Square – Easy trip on the Red Line. Bookstores, cafés, and a fun college vibe.

Winter/Holiday Seasonal Activities

Late December is festive in Boston, so if temperatures cooperate even a little, these are great options:

Ice Skating at the Boston Common Frog Pond – Classic winter experience; rentals available.
Holiday Market at Snowport (Seaport District) – A big and lively holiday market with food stalls, hot chocolate, gifts, and great photo spots.

Walk the North End + Freedom Trail Highlights

Take a Harbor View Walk – From Battery Wharf you can do a short scenic harbor stroll even in cold weather.

Special Experiences for a Memorable 16th Birthday

Celtics ProShop (TD Garden) – Custom jerseys, limited-edition merch, and great photo ops.
Celtics Team Store at ProShop – Sometimes has game-day exclusives—fun souvenirs!
Escape Room Experience (Trapology or RoomEscapers) – Excellent for families with teens; indoors and fun.
Time Out Market Boston (Fenway) – Huge food hall with many options—fun energy and great for lunch.

Seafood Restaurants for New Year’s Eve (Teen-Friendly, Not Rowdy)

Since you want a nice dinner without staying out until midnight, these places fit perfectly. All are quality restaurants, good for families, and comfortable rather than party-heavy.

Legal Sea Foods – Long Wharf or Seaport – A classic Boston choice. Great chowder, lobster, oysters, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for a family New Year’s Eve dinner.
The Daily Catch (North End, waterfront location) – Casual but excellent Sicilian-style seafood and pasta; your teen might love the squid ink pasta. Very close to your hotel.
Row 34 (Fort Point) – Trendy but approachable seafood spot with fantastic oysters, lobster rolls, and seasonal dishes. Teen-friendly early seatings.
Saltie Girl (Back Bay) – Amazing seafood, small plates, lobster dishes, and creative preparation. Fun for a foodie birthday, though reservations are important.
Luke’s Lobster (Back Bay or Seaport) – More casual but excellent quality; perfect if you want a low-key dinner before returning early.

North End Dinner Options (close to your hotel)

Il Molo – Seafood-focused and polished but welcoming to younger guests.
Boston Sail Loft – Great chowder and seafood plates in a casual harbor-view setting.
Aragosta (in Battery Wharf Hotel) – Convenient and upscale, especially if the weather is harsh on New Year’s Eve.

Suggested 2–3 Day Activity Flow

Here’s an example plan to make the most of your time:

Day 1: North End exploration → Faneuil Hall → Boston Tea Party Museum → Early dinner in North End → Celtics game.
Day 2: Aquarium → Harborwalk stroll → Seaport Snowport Holiday Market → Row 34 dinner.
Day 3: Museum of Science or Harvard Square trip → Newbury Street shopping → New Year’s Eve seafood dinner.

Boston is a wonderful winter city, especially when combined with the excitement of two Celtics games.