2026 Boston Marathon Kid Friendly Activity Guide
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Boston Marathon Weekend Kid-Friendly Activity Guide
The energy in Boston this time of year is unparalleled and contagious. It’s the kind of buzz you feel after a great run with friends or teammates — that uplifting, joyful feeling that sticks with you all day. Our Running Peas Boston T-Shirt is a celebration of my time living, working and training in Boston. Runs along the Charles with friends are among my happiest memories. My husband even proposed to me after a long run throughout the streets of Boston! I am extremely grateful for that time of my life, and the lifelong friendships and relationships that persist to this day. 🏃
🙌 In celebration of the Boston Marathon spirit we’ve gathered our favorite kid friendly Boston Marathon activities for your enjoyment! Our Running Peas family typically brings scooters to explore Boylston and Newbury Streets in search of fun pop-ups and ice cream. Then we head out to the Charles River to explore the many playgrounds.
NEW THIS YEAR! COME VISIT US IN PERSON AT:
BRAND HAUS BOSTON, 332 Newbury Street
We are so excited to be a part of Brand Haus Boston, a women-led running collective Pop-Up Shop on Newbury Street.
Event Dates & Hours:
- Friday, April 17: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM
- Saturday, April 18: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM
- Sunday, April 19: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Brand Haus Boston brings together a curated group of female-founded running brands for a weekend centered around community, movement, and connection. It’s a great stop for parents, runners, and especially kids looking to be part of the Boston Marathon excitement in a welcoming and inclusive space.
Fun for Kids at Running Peas
We will be fully stocked with all your favorite Running Peas gear. Your kiddos can also enjoy:
- Boston-themed coloring pages
- Fun prizes, stickers, key chains, shoe charms and more...
- Custom Boston T-shirts
It’s a perfect opportunity for kids to engage with the spirit of the marathon in a creative and playful way.
Special Event: Meet Olympian Carrie Tollefson
Families won’t want to miss a special Q&A with Olympian Carrie Tollefson on Sunday, April 19 at 2:30 PM. It’s an inspiring chance for young runners (and their parents!) to hear from an elite athlete in an informal and approachable setting.
Whether you're in town for the race or just looking to take part in the excitement, Brand Haus Boston offers a unique, family-friendly experience right in the heart of Newbury Street.
Marathon Daffodil Dash (April 18, Suffolk Downs; 10:30 a.m.)
The annual Marathon Daffodil Dash will be held on Saturday, April 18th from 10am – 1pm at The Track at Suffolk Downs. Celebrate Marathon weekend in the city with a kids race on the historic racetrack! The Track will be filled with ‘Marathon Daffodils’ that line the streets of Boston leading up to the Boston Marathon finish line. There will be three 50-yard dash races for grades K-2, grades 3-5, and grades 6-8. The races will not be timed, and all participants will receive a bib number and t-shirt. The races will begin at 10:30am.
Special note: The Daffodil Dash is an absolutely fabulous event, I highly recommend it! Read more about our experience last year here.
BAA Youth Mile
(April 18, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Boylston Street Finish Line area)
Cheer on the inaugural B.A.A. Youth Mile presented by Boston Children's Hospital -- a free and fun event! Ages 7-14 can experience the thrill of running on Boylston Street and crossing the Boston Marathon Finish Line on Saturday, April 18. Registration for 2026 is sold out.
BAA High School Invitational Mile & Middle School 1K
(April 18, 11:00 a.m., Boylston Street Finish Line)
Head to Copley Square to cheers on top scholastic boys and girls from the cities and towns of the Boston Marathon course, as well as a field of professional male and female milers from around the world, take off in the B.A.A. Invitational Mile on marathon weekend. The race route is a loop covering Boylston, Dartmouth, Newbury, and Exeter Streets. Middle Schoolers will race 1K.
Schedule:
11:00 AM Girls Middle School 1K Race Start
11:10 AM Boys Middle School 1K Race Start
11:25 AM Girls Scholastic Mile Race Start
11:35 AM Boys Scholastic Mile Race Start
11:50 AM Men’s Mile Race Start
12:00 PM Women’s Mile Race Start
Fan Fest (April 17-19), Boston City Hall Plaza)
Free and open to the public, this three-day event at City Hall Plaza features appearances by Boston Marathon champions, live music, activities, a final race clinic, and more.
*City Hall Plaza playground is a new(ish) playground right in the middle of the city! The famous slide can’t be beat!
Mile 27 Post-Race Party (April 20, Boston City Hall Plaza)
This Marathon Monday post-race party takes place at City Hall Plaza. There will be a livestream of the marathon starting at 12 p.m. and live entertainment and snacks available for purchase in the evening at the beer garden. Kids under 12 get in for free, and tickets ($10) can be purchased here.
Revolutionary Scavenger Hunt
(April 21, 12 Depot Square, Lexington Green)
More Lexington Patriots Day Events
