Family safe areas in Downtown Boston in Mid December

Question

We had a vacation planned as a surprise for our children this Christmas to Indian Rocks beach and Tampa but our condo cancelled due to major damage from Helena. We have decided to possible take a trip to Boston or Colorado spring. We have already been to Denver and Colorado spring and would like to go to somewhere we haven’t been. I need family friendly activities and areas to stay downtown that are family friendly. We would likely need to walk to all areas.

Answer

Sorry to hear about your Tampa plans — Boston is a wonderful alternative in mid-December and very family-friendly if you pick the right downtown area. Because you want to walk everywhere and keep things safe and easy for kids, the best approach is to base yourselves in one of the central, tourist-oriented neighborhoods (Waterfront/Long Wharf, North End, Back Bay/Copley, or the Seaport). Each is compact, well-lit, and full of family activities within easy walking distance or a short T ride.

Below I’ll describe the safest, most convenient neighborhoods for families, what to expect there in mid-December, kid-friendly things to do (mostly indoors or short outdoor strolls), and a short sample plan so you can picture how the trip might run.

Best family-safe downtown neighborhoods to stay (walking access to sights)

Waterfront / Long Wharf — Excellent for families: immediate access to the New England Aquarium, harbor walks, and easy, flat walking to Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market and the North End. Hotels here often cater to tourists and families.
North End — Historic, lively but family-friendly during the day, great restaurants (and short walks to the Waterfront and Freedom Trail). Streets are narrow but safe and very walkable.
Back Bay / Copley — Upscale, very safe, excellent shopping (Newbury Street, Copley Place), close to the Boston Public Garden and Boston Common (great for the Frog Pond ice rink). Quiet in the evenings and lots of hotel choices.
Seaport / Fort Point — Modern waterfront neighborhood with big hotel options and family-friendly attractions (holiday markets, harborwalk). Slightly farther walk to some historic sites but still an easy base.

Why these areas are recommended (safety & convenience)

They’re heavily trafficked tourist districts with 24-hour hotel lobbies, good street lighting, lots of families and groups at daytime hours, and straightforward walking routes (few steep hills). In December you’ll also find seasonal events, holiday markets, and ice-skating nearby, which keeps things lively but safe for families.

Top family-friendly activities (good for cold/winter days)

New England Aquarium — Indoor, great for kids (penguins, giant tank, touch exhibits); perfect for a cold day and right on the waterfront if you stay at Long Wharf/Waterfront.
Museum of Science — Hands-on exhibits, planetarium shows, and special holiday programming — excellent for teens and younger kids.
Boston Children’s Museum — Interactive exhibits aimed at younger children (check hours/closures in winter). Good option if your children still enjoy play-based museums.
Ice skating at Frog Pond (Boston Common) — Iconic, family-friendly outdoor rink (rentals available) and surrounded by seasonal lights and holiday displays.
Faneuil Hall / Quincy Market & Holiday Markets — Indoor/outdoor food stalls, seasonal entertainment, and easy strolling with many food options for picky teens.
Short Freedom Trail walks / North End strolls — You can do short, flat chunks of the Freedom Trail from the North End that are interesting and manageable in winter (Paul Revere House, Old North Church).
SoWa / Snowport & Seaport holiday markets — Larger holiday markets and family events in December; good for shopping, photos, and festive foods.

Family-friendly hotels and features to look for

When you choose a hotel, consider one that offers: family rooms or suites, an indoor pool (if you want to let kids swim), on-site dining, and a 24-hour front desk. Good family choices downtown include Battery Wharf / Boston Harbor Hotel / Marriott Long Wharf / InterContinental (Back Bay area) — all of these are in central, safe locations with easy walking access to the Aquarium, Common, or Back Bay shopping.

Sample 3-day family plan (easy walking, winter-proof)

Day 1: Arrive, settle in Waterfront or North End → short Freedom Trail stroll (Old State House → Faneuil Hall) → Quincy Market for casual lunch → early evening aquarium visit or nearby family museum.
Day 2: Museum of Science in the morning (interactive exhibits/planetarium) → Copley Square / Newbury Street afternoon for shops and cafés → Frog Pond skating at dusk (hot chocolate and lights).
Day 3: Seaport holiday market or harborwalk → optional short ferry/harbor cruise (check winter schedules) or visit the Children's Museum → relaxed dinner in the North End (family-friendly restaurants).

Safety tips for December travel

Stick to well-lit main streets after dark (the neighborhoods above are generally busy and well patrolled).
Book hotels with a staffed front desk and family rooms so late arrivals/departures are handled easily.
Wear warm layers and waterproof shoes; Boston pavement can be slippery in December — choose flat walking routes when possible.
Check holiday hours for attractions (many operate on reduced schedules around Christmas/New Year’s) and reserve tickets in advance for museums and skating.

Final thoughts

For your surprise family Christmas trip, I’d recommend choosing either the Waterfront/Long Wharf (best immediate access to family attractions) or Back Bay/Copley (quieter, great shopping and easy access to Common and the Frog Pond). Both are safe, walkable, and full of family options in mid-December.