Boston Pass: 40+ Things To Do – Includes Franklin Park Zoo

Discover Boston with the Go City 40+ Attraction Pass for $79

The Boston Pass: 40+ Things To Do, offered by Go City, provides a straightforward way to explore Boston’s highlights at a reasonable price. For $79 per person, visitors gain access to over 40 attractions with a mobile ticket, allowing flexible scheduling over 1 to 7 days. This pass is especially convenient for those who want to customize their itinerary without the hassle of individual ticket purchases.

The tour’s main advantage lies in its sheer variety — from museums and historic sites to cruises and zoo visits. However, some reviews highlight seasonal closures and issues with ticket activation, so understanding its features and potential limitations helps make the most of this experience. Ideal for independent travelers, families, or groups eager to see Boston at their own pace.

Key Points

• Access to over 40 attractions across Boston with a mobile ticket.
• Flexible options for 1, 2, 3, 5, or 7 days.
• Includes popular stops like Franklin Park Zoo, the Museum of Science, and Harvard University.
• Seasonal closures may affect availability; some attractions may not operate year-round.
• Some reviews note issues with ticket activation and partner cooperation, so planning ahead is recommended.
• Perfect for independent travelers seeking value and customization in their Boston visit.

How the Boston Pass Offers Value for Money

At $79, the Boston Pass offers a practical way to visit more than 40 attractions at a lower combined ticket cost. The all-in-one digital pass simplifies entry — just save it on your mobile device and tap at each site. The more you visit, the more you save, especially if you plan to hit multiple stops in a short time.

The pass includes entry to well-known sites like Museum of Fine Arts, Harvard Yard, and Franklin Park Zoo. Additional tours such as the Hop-on Hop-off Trolley and Boston Harbor cruises are also part of the package, supporting a comprehensive experience.

However, some attractions may require reservations, and the pass’s flexibility allows you to choose the duration that best suits your schedule, from one to seven days. While reviews show some frustrations with seasonal closures and ticket issues, many visitors find true value when planning their days carefully.

Starting Point: Mobile Ticket Convenience

The digital nature of the pass means you’ll receive your QR code instantly after purchase. You can download the Go City app to access your tickets easily or use the PDF guide. This setup avoids the need for paper vouchers, streamlining the entry process at each attraction.

Be aware, however, that some tickets bought through third-party providers like Viator may encounter activation issues, as noted in reviews. To prevent delays, check your tickets before arriving and contact Go City customer service if problems arise. The maximum group size for this tour is 99 travelers, making it suitable for both individual explorers and small groups.

Popular Stops Included in the Pass

Museum of Science: Over 700 Interactive Exhibits

One of the largest science centers globally, the Museum of Science features more than 700 exhibits covering topics from dinosaurs to electricity. Visitors spend about three hours here, engaging with hands-on displays designed to stimulate curiosity.

Boston’s CityView Trolley Tours: A Classic Way to See the City

The CityView Trolley Tour offers an open-air, narrated hop-on hop-off experience valid for two days. The tour lasts around 1 hour and 30 minutes and hits major sites, shopping districts, and museums, providing a practical overview of Boston’s neighborhoods.

Note: This activity operates seasonally, from April to November. During off-peak months, it is unavailable, which may limit options depending on travel timing.

The Historic Paul Revere House and Salem Witch Museum

The Paul Revere House provides insight into American Revolution history and is one of Boston’s oldest buildings. The Salem Witch Museum takes visitors back to 1692 Salem, dramatizing the witchcraft trials through engaging stage sets. Each stop takes about 45 minutes to an hour.

Observation Deck at Prudential Tower: Breathtaking City Views

From the 52nd floor, the Boston Observation Deck offers 360-degree views of the city. This experience lasts about an hour and provides photo opportunities of Boston’s skyline.

Family-Friendly Attractions: Boston Children’s Museum and Swan Boats

The Boston Children’s Museum emphasizes hands-on learning and fun activities for kids, including maze navigation and art creation. It typically takes around three hours.

The Swan Boats offer a relaxing 30-minute pedal-boat ride across a lagoon, a Boston tradition for over 100 years. It’s an enjoyable way for families to unwind outdoors.

Educational and Cultural Stops

The Harvard Museum of Natural History showcases fossils, meteorites, and artifacts, often taking around 1 hour and 30 minutes to explore. The Harvard Yard tour is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, led by students who share insights into the campus’ history.

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum offers an intimate art browsing experience in a striking Venetian-style building, with visits taking about 90 minutes.

Historic Sites and Maritime History

Buckman Tavern played a key role in the American Revolution, offering a self-guided tour of the 18th-century tavern. The USS Constitution Museum presents stories of the famous warship from 1797.

Seaside and Nature Cruises

The Boston Harbor City Cruises provide a 90-minute tour of Boston Harbor, with tales of Revolutionary War history and insights into the harbor’s transformation. The Hy-Line Cruises at Hyannisport offer an hour-long boat ride through local landmarks.

Additional Museums

The Peabody Essex Museum displays 1 million works, including maritime artifacts and art from diverse cultures. The House of the Seven Gables in Salem, built in 1668, offers a glimpse into colonial architecture and literary history.

Distinctive Boston Experiences

The Graham House and Grist Mill provide historic insights into early American industry. The Samuel Adams Brewery in Jamaica Plain, although currently unavailable, celebrates Boston’s brewing history.

Considerations Based on Reviews and Seasonal Factors

Several reviews mention seasonal closures affecting attractions like the Harvard Museum of Natural History, Graham House, and Plimoth Grist Mill. It’s essential to check availability before visiting. Some guests experienced ticket activation issues with QR codes and contact problems with customer support, so planning and early verification are advisable.

The trolley tour is only operational from April to November, limiting its use in winter months. Plus, some attractions do not accept the pass or are not included in the package, which could lead to disappointment if expectations aren’t managed.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of the Pass

• Activate the pass early to maximize its validity period.
• Download the Go City app for seamless access and detailed attraction information.
• Be aware of reservation requirements at certain sites, using the app to plan ahead.
• Double-check seasonal closures and attraction hours to avoid missed opportunities.
• Keep in mind that food and drinks are not included unless specified, and transportation outside the listed attractions is not covered.

Final Thoughts on the Boston Pass Experience

The Go City Boston Pass offers a cost-effective way to explore key attractions like the Museum of Science, Harvard, and Franklin Park Zoo, especially if you enjoy a flexible schedule. Its digital ticket system simplifies access, and the variety of included sites supports a well-rounded visit.

However, seasonal closures and ticket activation issues can pose challenges. Many reviews point out the importance of early planning and verification of attraction availability. For travelers with a short stay or focused interest, this pass can save money and time when used wisely.

This tour suits those who want a customizable, budget-friendly way to experience Boston’s diverse offerings. It’s best for independent explorers comfortable with self-guided planning, prepared for occasional hiccups, and eager to discover Boston’s history, culture, and scenery at their own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Boston Pass include transportation?
No, transportation to and from attractions is not included unless specified.

Can I visit the attractions multiple times?
No, each attraction can only be visited once with the pass.

Are the attractions open year-round?
Not all attractions operate year-round; seasonal closures are common, so check ahead.

Is the pass valid for multiple days?
Yes, you can choose a 1, 2, 3, 5, or 7-day validity period, activated upon your first use.

How do I access my tickets?
Your tickets are delivered as a QR code that can be saved on your mobile device or accessed via the Go City app.

What should I do if my QR code doesn’t work?
Contact Go City customer support to resolve activation issues, as some reviews suggest this can sometimes be tricky.