Swan Boats

Location: Boston Public Garden

Time: Mid-April to mid-September

Age appropriateness: All ages

Cost: Varies

The Swan Boats of Boston have been a part of the city’s landscape for nearly 130 years. Situated on the lagoon at the Boston Public Garden, a ride on one of these boats is a must for families visiting Beantown.

First designed to carry only 8 passengers, the “swan” was placed on the boat in order to hide the captain, who uses a pedal-powered propulsion system to make the boat move.

Today’s boats are similar in design but now boast 5 or 6 benches and accommodate about 20 people. Descendants of the man who began this enterprise, Robert Paget, still operate the boats to this day.

The Swan Boats give passengers of all ages a close look at the 24-acred Boston Public Garden on a serene 15-minute ride through the calm waters of its lagoon.

Many Bostonians measure the coming of spring with the arrival of the boats, which are sure to be around for at least 100 years. Tickets can be purchased in advanced and may be used at any time. The boats operate from April through Labor Day

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