Can Kids Go to Encore Boston Harbor? Everything Families Need to Know

So your curious little ones have spotted that gleaming glass resort across the harbor from Logan Airport, and now you’re wondering: can kids go to Encore Boston Harbor? As a local parent who’s navigated this question with my own crew, I totally get it. That massive, shimmering building in Everett is pretty hard to miss, and it definitely catches kids’ attention!

The short answer is yes, children are allowed at Encore Boston Harbor, but with some important caveats that every Boston-area parent should know before making the trek. I’ve been living in the Greater Boston area for over a decade, and I remember when this spot was still undeveloped waterfront. Now it’s home to New England’s most luxurious casino resort, and while it’s primarily designed for adults, there are actually some family-friendly elements that might surprise you.

Let me walk you through everything you need to know about visiting Encore with kids, from the practical logistics to the best (and worst) times to go, plus some insider tips I’ve learned from our own family adventures in the area.

What Kids Can Actually Do at Encore Boston Harbor

When most Boston parents ask “can kids go to Encore Boston Harbor,” they’re usually thinking about the casino floor – and that’s definitely off-limits to anyone under 21. But here’s what caught me off guard during our first visit: there’s actually more to Encore than just gambling.

The waterfront promenade is absolutely stunning and completely accessible to families. We love taking evening strolls along the harbor walk, especially during those gorgeous New England fall months when the leaves are changing. The views of the Boston skyline from here are honestly some of the best you’ll find anywhere in Greater Boston, and it’s totally free to enjoy.

The shopping area, called the Wynn Plaza Shops, welcomes families during daytime hours. My kids were fascinated by the elaborate floral displays and the sheer opulence of the space. Pro tip: if you’re visiting with toddlers, bring your stroller – the marble floors can be slippery for little feet, and it’s a lot of walking.

Several restaurants at Encore do allow children during certain hours, particularly for lunch service. We had a lovely brunch at Red 8 (their dim sum is incredible, though pricey at around $40-60 per person). The staff was surprisingly accommodating with high chairs and kid-friendly options, though this definitely feels more like a special occasion spot than your typical family dining.

Getting There: Transportation and Parking with Kids

Getting There: Encore is located at 1 Broadway in Everett, which is technically outside Boston proper but easily accessible from most Greater Boston neighborhoods. If you’re taking the T, the closest stop is Sullivan Square on the Orange Line, followed by a short ride on the complimentary Encore shuttle bus. The shuttle runs every 15-20 minutes and is actually pretty fun for kids – they love the fancy bus with leather seats!

From our home in Cambridge, we usually drive because it’s just easier with car seats and diaper bags. Take I-93 North to Exit 28 (Route 99/Broadway), and you can’t miss the giant resort. Parking is free for the first three hours, then $25 per day after that. Heads up: the parking garage is massive and can be confusing – take a photo of your parking spot level and section number!

Public Transportation with Strollers: The shuttle buses are stroller-friendly, but they can get crowded during peak hours (evenings and weekends). If you’re planning to bring a stroller, I’d recommend visiting during weekday afternoons when it’s less busy.

Best Times to Visit Encore with Children

Timing is everything when you’re wondering whether kids can go to Encore Boston Harbor comfortably. Based on our experiences and what I’ve observed from other families, here are the sweet spots:

Weekday Afternoons (11am-4pm): This is prime time for families. The casino crowd is lighter, restaurants are more accommodating to children, and you won’t feel out of place pushing a stroller through the halls. The natural lighting in the main areas is beautiful during these hours too.

Weekend Mornings (before 2pm): Saturday and Sunday mornings can work well, especially if you’re planning to grab lunch at one of the restaurants. After 2pm on weekends, the atmosphere shifts more toward the adult entertainment crowd.

Avoid: Friday and Saturday nights are absolutely not family-friendly. The energy changes completely, it gets crowded and loud, and you’ll definitely feel like you’re in the wrong place with kids in tow.

Seasonal Considerations: Those brutal New England winters actually make Encore more appealing for families – it’s a warm, bright place to walk around when outdoor activities aren’t great. But honestly, our favorite visits have been during spring and fall when we can enjoy both the indoor spaces and the waterfront areas.

Practical Tips for Visiting with Young Children

Let me share some hard-earned wisdom from our family visits to help answer that question of whether kids can go to Encore Boston Harbor successfully:

Stroller Navigation: The main floors are all stroller-accessible with elevators, but some restaurant areas and the waterfront promenade have steps. The marble floors can be slippery, so if your little ones are walking, keep a close eye on them.

Restroom Facilities: The family restrooms are actually quite nice and clean, with changing tables in most locations. There’s a particularly good one near the main entrance that’s rarely crowded.

Food and Snacks: This isn’t Faneuil Hall or the Children’s Museum – there aren’t kid-friendly snack options everywhere. Pack some crackers or fruit pouches, especially if you have picky eaters. The restaurants that do welcome children tend to have basic kids’ menus, but everything is pricey (think $15-20 for kids’ pasta).

Nursing Mothers: While there aren’t dedicated nursing rooms, the customer service staff has always been helpful in directing nursing mothers to quiet areas. The shopping area has some comfortable seating that’s relatively private.

One thing that really impressed me during our visits was how respectful the staff has been toward families. They clearly understand that Encore isn’t primarily a family destination, but they don’t make you feel unwelcome when you’re there appropriately with children.

What to Expect: The Reality Check

Here’s the honest truth about whether kids can go to Encore Boston Harbor: yes, they can, but should they? That depends on your family and your reasons for visiting.

This isn’t like taking the kids to the Prudential Center or Legacy Place in Dedham. Encore is fundamentally an adult entertainment venue that happens to allow children in certain areas during certain hours. The atmosphere, even during family-friendly times, is sophisticated and adult-oriented.

My kids (ages 4 and 7) were initially wowed by the fancy decorations and the harbor views, but after about an hour, they were ready to leave. There just isn’t much designed specifically for children’s entertainment. It’s more of a “look but don’t touch” experience.

The waterfront area is genuinely lovely, and if you combine an Encore visit with some time along the harbor walk and maybe lunch at one of the restaurants, it can make for a nice afternoon outing. But I wouldn’t recommend it as a primary destination for a family day out.

Good to Know

Hours: The resort is open 24/7, but family-friendly dining and shopping areas typically operate 11am-6pm on weekdays, extended hours on weekends Ages: All ages welcome in non-gaming areas, but 21+ only for casino floor Cost: Free to walk around and enjoy views; dining ranges from $20-60+ per person Parking: Free for first 3 hours, then $25/day Best for: Ages 6+ who can appreciate the views and won’t be bored quickly

Nearby Family Activities

Assembly Row (5 minutes away): This is honestly where we usually end up after visiting Encore. Assembly Row has a playground, family-friendly restaurants like Legal Sea Foods and Five Guys, plus the AMC theater and LEGOLAND Discovery Center. It’s much more geared toward families and makes a perfect second stop.

Mystic River Reservation (10 minutes away): If the weather’s nice, the walking and bike paths along the Mystic River are beautiful and completely free. There are several playgrounds along the route, and it’s a great way to let kids burn off energy after sitting in restaurants or walking on marble floors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can babies and toddlers go to Encore Boston Harbor?

Yes, babies and toddlers are welcome in the non-gaming areas of Encore. However, be prepared that this isn’t a toddler-friendly environment. The floors are slippery marble, there are lots of glass surfaces and expensive decorations, and the atmosphere is quite formal. Strollers are allowed and can actually be helpful for keeping little ones contained. I’d recommend visits during quieter weekday afternoons if you’re bringing very young children.

Are there any activities specifically for kids at Encore?

No, Encore doesn’t have any activities designed specifically for children like you’d find at other Boston-area destinations. The main attractions for kids are the impressive architecture, harbor views, and the novelty of being in such a fancy place. Most children find it interesting for about an hour before getting restless. The waterfront promenade is the most kid-friendly area, especially during nice weather.

What restaurants at Encore allow children?

Most of Encore’s restaurants welcome children during lunch hours and early dinner service (before 6pm). We’ve had good experiences at Red 8 for dim sum and Rare Steakhouse for lunch. However, all dining is upscale and expensive – expect to pay $15-25 for basic kids’ meals and $40-80 per adult entrée. Evening dining (after 7pm) tends to be more adult-focused, and some restaurants may have age restrictions during peak hours.

Is it worth visiting Encore just for the views?

If you’re already in the Everett area or looking for a unique (and free) way to see Boston’s skyline, the waterfront views at Encore are genuinely spectacular. Combined with a stop at nearby Assembly Row or the Mystic River paths, it can make for an interesting afternoon. However, I wouldn’t recommend making a special trip from other parts of Greater Boston solely for the views – there are other great skyline viewpoints that are more accessible and family-friendly.

Can kids use the pools or spa areas at Encore?

No, children are not allowed in the spa, pool, or wellness areas at Encore. These facilities are 18+ only. The resort’s recreational amenities are designed exclusively for adults, which is why the casino floor, spa, and pool areas are all off-limits to children.

The Bottom Line

So, can kids go to Encore Boston Harbor? Absolutely – but with realistic expectations. This isn’t a family destination in the traditional sense, but it can be an interesting stop as part of a larger Everett-area adventure, especially if you’re curious about the harbor views or want to grab lunch somewhere different.

Our family has visited Encore a handful of times over the past few years, usually when we’re showing visiting relatives around Greater Boston or when we want to see how the waterfront development has progressed. The kids always enjoy the novelty of the fancy building and the harbor views, but it’s never been more than a 90-minute stop for us.

If you’re looking for a true family day out, I’d honestly recommend starting at Assembly Row and maybe walking over to see Encore’s exterior and waterfront area rather than making Encore your main destination. But if you’re curious about this impressive addition to Greater Boston’s landscape, don’t let having kids stop you from checking it out – just plan accordingly and keep those expectations realistic!