visit boston tea party

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum: The Complete Guide

TripSavvy / Violet Smirnova

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

When was the last time you helped foment a revolt? If you have to think back to some playground escapade or high school cafeteria food fight, then you really need to get to Boston, where the night of December 16, 1773 is played out every day at the  Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum . You won't be an onlooker: You'll be a full-fledged participant in an act of treason against the crown, so the adrenaline rush will definitely exceed the one you experienced when the principal snatched away your straw loaded with mushy cafeteria peas.

You may have forgotten the date of the Boston Tea Party, but surely you remember a few details of this pivotal event in American history. The bit about riled up colonists donning Mohawk disguises and boarding ships in Boston Harbor. Or their rallying cry: “Boston Harbor, a teapot tonight!” Or perhaps the aftermath: England's Parliament and King George III were not exactly amused by this rebellious act, and within 16 months, the mother country and its colonies were at war.

The staff at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum work passionately each and every day to re-imagine the telling of the Tea Party story and to make the attraction a thought-provoking, moving, interactive drama — not merely a memorable history lesson — for guests. After lightning sparked a fire at the attraction in 2001, it took  Historic Tours of America , its owner, more than a decade to navigate the process of permitting, funding and rebuilding.

What to See & Experience

Unveiled in June of 2012, the new Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum is designed to captivate a modern audience with authentic replica ships, theme park-inspired marvels and a talented cast of reenactors, many of whom spend their nights performing on Boston-area stages.

  Even if you’re not into museums , the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum is a city attraction you won’t want to miss. You’ll be part of the experience from the start as you’re handed a role card and a feature disguise the moment you step inside the attraction's Meeting House at your appointed tour time. You’ll even get to throw the tea overboard. And it all takes place on three ships, which are replicas of the originals down to the hulls covered in copper.

Actors at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum thoroughly research their roles and remain in character, leading to interesting exchanges with visitors and making each tour of the attraction a one-of-a-kind adventure.

In an hour's time, you'll have a deep appreciation for the gritty determination of Bostonians, who played a critical role in the formation of our nation, as well as food for thought to go along with a steaming cup of tea at  Abigail's Tea Room  on-site. Sip one of the same tea varieties that was dumped in Boston Harbor in 1773. July is when they also open up the patio for “Sunset on Griffin’s Wharf” with colonial-themed cocktails.

How to Visit

Hours: The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum are open year-round. During the in-season (April-November), the first tour starts at 10 a.m. and the last tour is at 5 p.m. The gift shop and Abigail’s Tea Room are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. In the off-season (November-March) the last tour is at 4 p.m. The gift shop and Abigail’s Tea Room are open until 5 p.m.

Admission: Tickets  may be purchased at the ticket booth outside the attraction, but you'll save money by buying in advance online. Without the online discount, adults are $29.95 and children are $21.95. You'll save $1.50-$1.10 if you purchase tickets online.

Directions: The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum is located at 306 Congress Street in Boston along the Fort Point Channel.

For more information, visit the  Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum website .

Thing to Do Nearby

There’s plenty to do nearby the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. As it’s located on the Fort Point Channel, you can check out the up-and-coming Fort Point neighborhood , where you’ll find the Children’s Museum and the new Trillium Fort Point , a popular local brewery that also has a restaurant.

The Seaport is also a short walk, another area that is getting built up very quickly. There are now several restaurants, shops and things to do along this waterfront neighborhood. It’s also part of the Boston Harborwalk , a 43-mile public walkway that takes you along the city’s waterfront neighborhoods. 

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Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum

306 Congress St Boston , MA 02210 United States

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On a December night in 1773, members of the Sons of Liberty donned Mohawk Indian disguises to dispense three Boston-berthed ships of their precious cargo of tea. Today, visitors to the historic city may view costumed figures stalking the same body of water. However, these actors are there to educate rather than protest, guiding guests through the immersive experience of the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum.  

Reopened in 2012, the museum thrusts visitors directly into the Boston Tea Party. Provided with the role of a historic participant, guests hear Samuel Adams deliver a fiery condemnation of the tea tax and can hurl crates off authentic replicas of the brig Beaver and trader Eleanor . For artifacts, the museum possesses the Robinson Tea Chest, the only known remaining chest from the event, and a vial of tea collected from the harbor in 1773.  

Technology and participation assist the museum’s efforts to plunge guests into this dramatic event. Holographs present the differing Patriot and Tory perspectives, while talking portraits allow King George III and Samuel Adams to engage in enthusiastic debate. Meanwhile, Abigail’s Tea Room is open to those who prefer to taste their history, as patrons can sample the five blends thrown overboard that historic night.

For the 250th commemoration of the Tea Party, the museum hosts a slew of special events and programs, including a genealogical project, a grave marker initiative and a large-scale reenactment on December 16, to augment its typical hour-long tours. Whether fascinated by the Revolution or looking to drink up some of Boston’s rich history, the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum is an essential stop.

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A Complete Guide To The Boston Tea Party Ships And Museum

Located in Boston, the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum is a must-visit attraction for history enthusiasts and those eager to learn about America’s revolutionary past. This complete guide will take you on a journey through the interactive exhibits and replica ships that recreate the historical events that led to the famous Boston Tea Party. Get ready to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and even tastes of this pivotal moment in American history.

Table of Contents

Overview of the Boston Tea Party

The Boston Tea Party is a significant event in American history that played a crucial role in the fight for independence. It took place on December 16, 1773, when a group of American colonists known as the Sons of Liberty protested against British taxation by throwing chests of tea from British East India Company ships into the Boston Harbor. This act of rebellion became a symbol of American resistance against British rule and served as a catalyst for the American Revolution.

Historical Background

There were several causes leading up to the Boston Tea Party. One of the main grievances was taxation without representation. The American colonists were being taxed by the British government without having any representatives in Parliament to voice their concerns. This lack of representation fueled growing resentment among the colonists.

The Tea Act of 1773 was another pivotal event that led to the Boston Tea Party. The British government passed this act to help save the struggling British East India Company. It imposed taxes on tea imported into the American colonies, making it cheaper than smuggled Dutch tea. The colonists saw this as an attempt to force them to buy British tea and pay the taxes imposed by the British government.

To express their opposition to the Tea Act, the Sons of Liberty, a secret organization of American colonists, organized the Boston Tea Party. They were determined to show their resistance to British rule and refusal to be taxed unfairly.

The Importance of the Boston Tea Party

The Boston Tea Party was a turning point in American history. It marked a significant step towards the American Revolution and ultimately the independence of the United States. The event itself showcased the deep-rooted colonial discontent and defiance towards British rule.

The act of throwing tea into the Boston Harbor was a tangible manifestation of the colonists’ resistance. It displayed their willingness to take action and fight for their rights and liberties. The Boston Tea Party inspired future protests across the colonies and united Americans in their opposition against British tyranny.

Location and Directions

The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum is located at 306 Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts. It is conveniently situated in the heart of the city, making it easily accessible to both locals and tourists.

For those using public transportation, the museum is within walking distance from various subway stations and bus stops. The closest subway stations are the State Street Station (Orange and Blue Lines) and the South Station (Red Line). Buses also regularly stop nearby, and the museum is a short walk from these stops.

If you prefer to drive, there are parking facilities available near the museum. However, due to the museum’s central location, parking can sometimes be limited. It is advisable to arrive early or consider alternative transportation options.

Operating Hours and Admission

The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum is open daily, allowing visitors ample opportunities to explore and learn about this pivotal event in American history. The museum’s operating hours are from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last tour departing at 4:00 PM.

Visitors can purchase tickets at the museum’s entrance or online in advance. Ticket prices for adults are $30, while children (ages 5-17) can enter for $18. Seniors (ages 62+) and students (with a valid ID) receive discounted admission at $26. Guided tours, led by knowledgeable docents, are available throughout the day and are included in the admission price.

Exhibits and Attractions

At the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, visitors have the opportunity to step back in time and experience the events leading up to the Boston Tea Party. Visitors can explore replicas of the tea party ships, including the Eleanor, the Beaver, and the Dartmouth, which were present during the actual event. These replicas offer a glimpse into what life was like on board these vessels and provide insights into the logistics of the protest.

Additionally, the museum houses a vast collection of historical artifacts and memorabilia related to the Boston Tea Party. These items offer a tangible connection to the past and provide a deeper understanding of the significance of this event. From original tea chests to personal accounts of individuals involved in the protest, these artifacts bring the history to life.

Audio and Visual Presentations

The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum offer a range of audio and visual presentations that provide further insights into the events surrounding the Boston Tea Party. Visitors can immerse themselves in documentary films that depict the historical context and significance of the protest. These films offer a comprehensive overview of the events leading up to the Boston Tea Party, as well as its aftermath.

Narrations of historical events by knowledgeable guides add depth to the museum experience. These presentations provide a firsthand account of the events, offering visitors unique perspectives and a comprehensive understanding of the Boston Tea Party.

Interactives and Historical Reenactments

One of the highlights of the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum is the opportunity for visitors to engage in role-playing experiences. By donning period costumes, participants can become actively involved in reenactments of the Boston Tea Party. This immersive experience allows visitors to gain a deeper appreciation for the courage and determination of the American colonists.

Additionally, visitors have the chance to participate in the dumping of tea into the harbor, replicating the iconic act of rebellion. This interactive activity allows individuals to channel their inner revolutionary and experience firsthand the pivotal moment that sparked the American Revolution.

Role-Playing and Tea Tossing

The role-playing experiences and tea tossing activities at the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum are not only educational but also enjoyable for visitors of all ages. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply curious about this significant event, participating in these immersive activities can be a memorable and engaging experience.

Gift Shop and Souvenirs

No visit to the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum would be complete without a visit to the gift shop. The museum’s gift shop offers a wide variety of tea-related merchandise, allowing visitors to take a piece of history home with them. From delicious teas and tea sets to t-shirts and mugs, there is something for everyone.

In addition to tea-related items, the gift shop also offers a selection of books and materials about the Boston Tea Party. Visitors can delve deeper into the history and significance of this event by purchasing one of these educational resources.

Finally, the gift shop also offers a range of memorabilia and keepsakes, perfect for commemorating your visit to the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum. Whether you are looking for a small trinket or a more significant memento, the gift shop has a wide variety of options to choose from.

In conclusion, the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum offers a comprehensive and immersive experience for visitors of all ages. From the rich historical background to the engaging exhibits and interactive activities, this museum allows you to step back in time and witness the events that shaped American history. Whether you’re a history buff or a casual visitor, the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum is a must-see destination that truly brings the past to life.

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Boston Tea Party Museum

An Interactive Experience that Brings History to Life

On the night of December 16, 1773, a group of Boston colonists boarded three British ships and threw 342 chests of tea overboard in protest of oppressive taxation. This event is now known as the Boston Tea Party, and it helped spark the American Revolution. The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum celebrates this historic moment with interactive exhibits and reenactments that bring the experience to life.

The museum is located on the Congress Street Bridge in Boston, and it features two replica ships from the period, Eleanor and Beaver.

Visitors can board the ships and participate in a tea party reenactment, or they can watch a documentary about the event. Additionally, the museum possesses one of two known tea chests from the original Boston Tea Party, and this is part of the permanent exhibit.

Relive American History

Visiting the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum is like taking a step back in time and reliving American history. The interactive exhibits and live reenactments allow you to immerse yourself into the Revolutionary War era.

You’ll also be able to view artifacts from the era and learn about all the events leading up to American independence. 

Abigail’s Tea Room & Terrace

Is all this learning making you hungry or thirsty? The museum’s “cafe”, Abigail’s Tea Room & Terrace, also offers a literal taste of history. Take a step back in time to 1773 and enjoy an afternoon of colonial charm enhanced by beautiful waterfront views. The friendly tea ladies will greet you with a smile and offer several menu choices at reasonable prices.

Sample 5 teas thrown over during the Boston Tea Party, sip on a glass of delicious lemonade, indulge in iced tea or hot apple cider, and don’t forget to try some of our delectable desserts like scones, cookies, muffins and pies. Come for lunch and enjoy an array of grab & go sandwiches, salads and more!

Boston Tea Party Museum Review

I was lucky enough to visit The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum with my daughter on a 5th-grade school trip. In full transparency, I’ve never considered myself to be much of a history buff so I was only there because she really wanted me to chaperone.

I’m so glad I did!

It was a truly engaging and educational museum, and I was in awe with the way they integrated modern technology to bring you real-life experiences of this important time in American history. I get the sense even most Bostonians haven’t been to the museum so I highly recommend it to both tourists and locals, alike. In fact…

Redfin featured Boston Tourism Made Easy in their recent article:  What is Boston Known For? 12 Things That Will Make You Fall in Love With the City | Redfin

When asked to contribute to the article, The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum was my obvious go-to recommendation!

Boston Tea Party Museum History

The Boston Tea Party Museum has been featured in several publications, including The Boston Globe, National Geographic, History.com, and USA Today. In 2017, the Boston Tea Party Museum was named one of the best places to visit in Boston by Boston magazine.

Tea Party Ships Museum Gift Shop

Of course, no museum is complete without a gift shop! The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum gift shop is a unique and special place to find souvenirs and memorabilia from America’s Revolutionary War era. This store offers a wide selection of items ranging from jewelry, clothing, books, and accessories to collectibles and keepsakes. Visitors can take home a special reminder of their journey back in time with Boston-themed items such as t-shirts, mugs, and magnets.

Those looking for something truly special can find handcrafted jewelry, art prints, and sculptures made from historic artifacts found during Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum excavations. Visit the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum gift shop and bring home a piece of the Revolutionary War era. With an ever-changing selection of items, you’ll be sure to find something that will make the perfect memento for your Boston adventure.

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum FAQs

As of August 2022, Boston Tea Party Museum admission is $31.95 for adults, $23.95 for children ages 5-12, and free for children under the age of 5.

The Boston Tea Party Museum is open Thurs – Mon: 10am – 5pm, Tues & Wed: 10am – 3pm. Check the Boston Tea Party Museum website for hours of operation before you visit, as they may change seasonally.

The Boston Tea Party Museum is located at 306 Congress St., Boston, MA.

The Boston Tea Party Museum can be reached by phone at (866) 955-0667.

The Boston Tea Party Museum website is https://www.bostonteapartyship.com/.

The Boston Tea Party Museum offers several interactive exhibits, as well as a documentary film. The museum also has the only known surviving tea chest from the Boston Tea Party, which is part of the permanent exhibit.

The Boston Tea Party Museum is dedicated to educating the public about the historic event that helped spark the American Revolution. The museum strives to provide an immersive and interactive experience that brings history to life.

The Boston Tea Party was a political protest that was carried out by a group of colonists who were opposed to the British government’s taxation of tea. The colonists dressed up as Native Americans and dumped tea into Boston Harbor as a way of protesting the tax.

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Boston Tea Party

By: History.com Editors

Updated: December 6, 2023 | Original: October 27, 2009

The Boston Tea Party was a political protest that occurred on December 16, 1773, at Griffin’s Wharf in Boston, Massachusetts. American colonists, frustrated and angry at Britain for imposing “taxation without representation,” dumped 342 chests of tea, imported by the British East India Company into the harbor. The event was the first major act of defiance to British rule over the colonists. It showed Great Britain that Americans would not tolerate taxation and tyranny sitting down, and rallied American patriots across the 13 colonies to fight for independence.

Why Did the Boston Tea Party Happen?

In the 1760s, Britain was deep in debt, so British Parliament imposed a series of taxes on American colonists to help pay those debts.

The Stamp Act of 1765 taxed colonists on virtually every piece of printed paper they used, from playing cards and business licenses to newspapers and legal documents. The Townshend Acts of 1767 went a step further, taxing essentials such as paint, paper, glass, lead and tea.

The British government felt the taxes were fair since much of its debt was earned fighting wars on the colonists’ behalf.  The colonists, however, disagreed. They were furious at being taxed without having any representation in Parliament, and felt it was wrong for Britain to impose taxes on them to gain revenue.

Boston Massacre Enrages Colonists

On March 5, 1770, a street brawl happened in Boston between American colonists and British soldiers.

Later known as the Boston Massacre , the fight began after an unruly group of colonists—frustrated with the presence of British soldiers in their streets— flung snowballs , ice and oyster shells at a British sentinel guarding the Boston Customs House.

Reinforcements arrived and opened fire on the mob, killing five colonists and wounding six. The Boston Massacre and its fallout further incited the colonists’ rage towards Britain.

Tea Act Imposed

Britain eventually repealed the taxes it had imposed on the colonists except the tea tax. It wasn’t about to give up tax revenue on the nearly 1.2 million pounds of tea the colonists drank each year.

In protest, the colonists boycotted tea sold by British East India Company and smuggled in Dutch tea, leaving British East India Company with millions of pounds of surplus tea and facing bankruptcy.

In May 1773, British Parliament passed the Tea Act which allowed British East India Company to sell tea to the colonies duty-free and much cheaper than other tea companies—but still tax the tea when it reached colonial ports.

Tea smuggling in the colonies increased, although the cost of the smuggled tea soon surpassed that of tea from British East India Company with the added tea tax.

Still, with the help of prominent tea smugglers such as John Hancock and Samuel Adams —who protested taxation without representation but also wanted to protect their tea smuggling operations—colonists continued to rail against the tea tax and Britain’s control over their interests.

Sons of Liberty

The Sons of Liberty were a group of colonial merchants and tradesmen founded to protest the Stamp Act and other forms of taxation. The group of revolutionists included prominent patriots such as Benedict Arnold , Patrick Henry and Paul Revere , as well as Adams and Hancock.

Led by Adams, the Sons of Liberty held meetings rallying against British Parliament and protested the Griffin’s Wharf arrival of Dartmouth , a British East India Company ship carrying tea. By December 16, 1773, Dartmouth had been joined by her sister ships, Beaver and Eleanor ; all three ships loaded with tea from China.

That morning, as thousands of colonists convened at the wharf and its surrounding streets, a meeting was held at the Old South Meeting House where a large group of colonists voted to refuse to pay taxes on the tea or allow the tea to be unloaded, stored, sold or used. (Ironically, the ships were built in America and owned by Americans.)

Governor Thomas Hutchison refused to allow the ships to return to Britain and ordered the tea tariff be paid and the tea unloaded. The colonists refused, and Hutchison never offered a satisfactory compromise.

Facts: What Happened at the Boston Tea Party

That night, a large group of men—many reportedly members of the Sons of Liberty— disguised themselves in Native American garb, boarded the docked ships and threw 342 chests of tea into the water.

Said participant George Hewes, “We then were ordered by our commander to open the hatches and take out all the chests of tea and throw them overboard, and we immediately proceeded to execute his orders, first cutting and splitting the chests with our tomahawks, so as thoroughly to expose them to the effects of the water.”

Hewes also noted that “We were surrounded by British armed ships, but no attempt was made to resist us.”

Did you know? It took nearly three hours for more than 100 colonists to empty the tea into Boston Harbor. The chests held more than 90,000 lbs. (45 tons) of tea, which would cost nearly $1,000,000 dollars today.

Boston Tea Party Aftermath

While some important colonist leaders such as John Adams were thrilled to learn Boston Harbor was covered in tea leaves, others were not.

In June of 1774, George Washington wrote: “the cause of Boston…ever will be considered as the cause of America.” But his personal views of the event were far different. He voiced strong disapproval of “their conduct in destroying the Tea” and claimed Bostonians “were mad.” Washington, like many other elites, held private property to be sacrosanct. 

Benjamin Franklin insisted the British East India Company be reimbursed for the lost tea and even offered to pay for it himself.

No one was hurt, and aside from the destruction of the tea and a padlock, no property was damaged or looted during the Boston Tea Party. The participants reportedly swept the ships’ decks clean before they left.

Who Organized the Boston Tea Party?  

Though led by Samuel Adams and his Sons of Liberty and organized by John Hancock, the names of many of those involved in the Boston Tea Party remain unknown. Thanks to their Native American costumes, only one of the tea party culprits, Francis Akeley, was arrested and imprisoned.

Even after American independence, participants refused to reveal their identities, fearing they could still face civil and criminal charges as well as condemnation from elites for the destruction of private property. Most participants in the Boston Tea Party were under the age of 40 and 16 of them were teenagers . 

Coercive Acts

But despite the lack of violence, the Boston Tea Party didn’t go unanswered by King George III and British Parliament.

In retribution, they passed the Coercive Acts (later known as the Intolerable Acts) which:

• Closed Boston Harbor until the tea lost in the Boston Tea Party was paid for
• Ended the Massachusetts Constitution and ended free elections of town officials
• Moved judicial authority to Britain and British judges, basically creating martial law in Massachusetts
• Required colonists to quarter British troops on demand
• Extended freedom of worship to French-Canadian Catholics under British rule, which angered the mostly Protestant colonists

Britain hoped the Coercive Acts would squelch rebellion in New England and keep the remaining colonies from uniting, but the opposite happened: All the colonies viewed the punitive laws as further evidence of Britain’s tyranny and rallied to Massachusetts’ aid, sending supplies and plotting further resistance.

Second Boston Tea Party

A second Boston Tea Party took place in March 1774, when around 60 Bostonians boarded the ship Fortune and dumped nearly 30 chests of tea into the harbor.

The event didn’t earn nearly as much notoriety as the first Boston Tea Party, but it did encourage other tea-dumping demonstrations in Maryland , New York and South Carolina .

First Continental Congress Is Convened

Many colonists felt Britain’s Coercive Acts went too far. On September 5, 1774, elected delegates from all 13 American colonies except Georgia met in Carpenter’s Hall in Philadelphia for the First Continental Congress to figure out how to resist British oppression.

The delegates were divided on how to move forward but the Boston Tea Party had united them in their fervor to gain independence. By the time they adjourned in October 1774, they’d written The Declaration and Resolves which:

• Censured Britain for passing the Coercive Acts and called for their repeal
• Established a boycott of British goods
• Declared the colonies had the right to govern independently
• Rallied colonists to form and train a colonial militia

Britain didn’t capitulate and within months, the “ shot heard round the world ,” rang out in Concord, Massachusetts , sparking the start of the American Revolutionary War .

A Tea Party Timeline: 1773-1775. Old South Meeting House. The Boston Tea Party. The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. The Boston Tea Party. Massachusetts Historical Society. The Boston Tea Party, 1773. EyewitnesstoHistory.com. The Intolerable Acts. U.S.History.org.

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Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum – tickets, prices, what to expect

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum is an interactive, high-tech, floating museum. 

This tourist attraction is docked on the water to allow visitors to relive the moment that led to the American Revolution. 

The tour of the restored ships and interactive and informative documentary on the American Revolution helps you revisit colonial history. 

The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum tour is an educational, entertaining, and enlightening adventure you can’t miss while holidaying in Boston.

This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets for the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum.

Top Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum Tickets

# Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum tickets

Table of contents

What to expect at the museum, highlights of the experience, where to book tickets, how do online tickets work, boston tea party ships & museum ticket prices, boston tea party ships and museum tickets, how to reach the museum, opening hours, how long does boston tea party ship take, best time to visit, is the tea party ships and musem tour worth it, faqs about the boston tea party ships & museum.

Boston Tea Party played a very significant role in the history of America. 

The act of dumping crates of tea from ships into the water signified an act of protest, an act of resistance, and an act of freedom. 

Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum was established to preserve the political events and cultural objects that sparked the American Revolution. 

At this Museum, you get to touch, feel, see, and hear how the Sons of Liberty disguised themselves as American Indians and ravaged the ships of the East India Company.

On the floating ships, you experience the wave of patriotism and freedom that instilled confidence in the patriots to challenge the colonial regime.

While the whole Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum Tour is memorable, here are some of the tour’s highlights. 

• Start your journey at “The Meeting House” and travel back to rebellious 1773 Boston.
• Explore Griffin’s Wharf on either of the Eleanor and the Beaver ships.
• Participate in the “Destruction of Tea” activity.
• Interact with 3D holographic characters that talk before you. 
• View the Robinson Tea Chest, the only known surviving tea chest from the Boston Tea Party. 
• Step into “Minuteman Theater” and dive into the history via documentaries: Let It Begin Here, Midnight Ride, and The Outbreak Of The War of Independence.
• Visit Abigail’s Tea Room and learn and taste the brewing teas of America.
• Walk into the Gift Shop and bring home some history (teas, gifts, and other collectibles).

The multi-sensory experience that includes exhibits, dramatic reenactments by actors, and replicas of 18th-century ships helps you en route to the history of the Boston Tea Party.

The tour allows you to participate, explore, and learn about the patriots and events that triggered the Great War of Independence. 

Tickets for the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum are available to be purchased at the attraction or online in advance.

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the attraction.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the ticket counters.

When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.

Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, they may sell out during peak days. Booking online also helps avoid last-minute disappointment and delays.

Go to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum booking page , select your preferred date and time and the number of tickets, and buy the tickets right away.

After the purchase, you will receive the tickets via email.

You don’t need to carry printouts.

Show the smartphone tickets at the gate on the day of your visit and enter the museum.

Adult tickets for the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum can be purchased for US$34 for visitors aged 13 and above.

Tickets for children between three and 12 years are available for US$25.

Infants up to two years of age can join for free.

Buy this ticket and transport yourself back in time to become a part of the Boston Tea Party.

The tour brings the history of the American Revolution to life, educating visitors on a fun and immersive tour.

Participate in an interactive museum tour and relive the battle and events through live actors, 3D holograms, and replica ships.

The ticket allows for timed admission to the museum and includes printed foreign language guides available in 14 languages.

Ticket Prices

Adult ticket (13+ years): US$34  Child ticket (3 to 12 years): US$25 Infant ticket (up to 2 years): Free

The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum experience is in English and led by knowledgeable guides and actors. When you book your Boston Tea Party Ships tour tickets, they are good for six months from the date of purchase.

Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum is located on Congress Street Bridge. 

Address: 306 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210. Get Directions

You can reach the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum by both public and private transportation.

By Public Transport

If you’re traveling via subway, bus, or commuter rail, get down at the South Station . 

The Museum is a 7-minute walk from the South Station. 

Plan your trip by visiting the MBTA’s website.  

If you are traveling by car, turn on Google Maps and get started!

You can reserve your parking spot by visiting Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum SpotHero Parking Page .

The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum tour is available throughout the week.

Tours are available between 10 am and 4 pm.

The Gift Shop and Tea Room are open between 9.30 am and 5 pm.

The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum tour lasts about 60 minutes and may extend to 75 minutes during peak season. 

The door for the tour opens 15 minutes before, which is why it is better to arrive early.

During summers and weekends, the Museum gets crowded, which may affect the normal tour timing. 

The best time to visit the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum is as soon as it opens.

Weekends and public holidays are the busiest at the museum, so its best to plan your trip on a weekday.

The ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius said, “I hear, and I forget. I see, and I remember. I do, and I understand.”

In short, it means the best learning comes through experiences. 

The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum lets you experience the historical events that changed American history.

Sailing on 18th-century replica ships, watching theatre acts and documentaries, throwing the tea crates into the water, and walking to Abigail’s Tea Room take you back to old Boston.

The backward time travel lets you taste the bitter colonial history of America. 

The Boston Tea Party Ships and Musem tour is no less than an adventure. 

The Boston Tea Party Ships And Musem Tour guarantees you fun, entertainment, and lifelong memories – making it totally worth it!

Here are some questions visitors usually ask before visiting the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum.

The Boston Tea Party was a key event that led to the American Revolution. It demonstrated the colonists’ willingness to act directly against British authority and catalyzed the Revolutionary War.

Visitors can see a variety of exhibits, including interactive displays, holographic performances, and a replica of an 18th-century ship. The museum also offers guided tours and historical reenactments.

It is best to book your tickets in advance to ensure availability and have a hassle-free experience.

The tour lasts approximately one hour, but visitors can stay longer to explore the exhibits.

Yes, the museum is accessible to visitors with disabilities.

Pictures and videos are only allowed in meeting rooms, on the ships, and on the back deck.

Food and drinks are not allowed inside the museum, but there is a café on-site.

Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs, including t-shirts, mugs, and other items, at the museum gift shop.

Yes, the museum is suitable for young children, and there are interactive exhibits and activities designed specifically for them.

Pets, with the exception of service animals, are not allowed inside the museum.

Sources # Bostonteapartyship.com # Trolleytours.com # Tripadvisor.com # Wikipedia.org The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy .

Popular attractions in Boston

# Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum # Boston Trolley Tours # New England Aquarium # Boston Ghost Tours # Franklin Park Zoo # Codzilla Boston # Fenway Park tours # Boston Harbor Cruises # Whale Watching in Boston # Harvard Tours # Boston Duck Tours

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This article was researched & written by

Nishtha Nogia

Nishtha Nogia loves to explore new places with family and friends. She travels to weave stories packed with fun, surprises, and laughter. For her, traveling is all about hogging local cuisines, interacting with people, and creating lifelong memories. She has a travel bucket list ready and is waiting to start ticking them one by one. Favourite Cities: Seoul, Paris, New York, and Istanbul.

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

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Essential Guide to Visiting the Boston Tea Party Museum with Kids

Boston is the bastion of American history and where many visitors come looking to learn more about the historical events that led up to the American Revolutionary War. Many will walk the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail, but a fun and interactive way to soak up the pre-Revolutionary history is with a Boston Tea Party Museum tour.

One of the attractions on the Boston waterfront, the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum takes a close look at the historical event that led to the American Revolution. Boston is steeped in history, as the Harbor once was with tea, but only the Boston Tea Party Museum offers an immersive experience that lays out the events that led up to the Battle of Lexington, the first battle of the Revolutionary War.

Not every history museum is kid-friendly, but this one was truly designed with kids in mind. Visiting the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum with kids gets them hands-on with history in a way that is relatable and fun.

Read on to see what it is like to visit the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum with kids and the best ages to visit with kids. See what else should be on your Massachusetts bucket list !

What was the Boston Tea Party?

Let’s start with the basics. The Boston Tea Party took place on December 16, 1773, when a couple of hundred Colonial men (also known as Patriots — hence the name of the football team) dumped 340 chests of British East India Tea Company into the Boston Harbor. Those 92,000 pounds of tea would have been worth approximately $1.5 million today!

So why would they do such a thing? It all comes down to “taxation without representation.” In 1773, the British Parliament passed the Tea Act, which taxed the Colonies on tea. There was great resistance in the Colonies because they were being taxed by the British government, but were not given their own elected representatives in Parliament.

Not everyone agreed with this stance and so the “Sons of Liberty,” led by Samuel Adams, conducted this “tea party” in secret, under the cover of darkness. They had tried to block the delivery of the tea and force the ship to return to England but the Lieutenant Governor had decided that the tea must be unloaded and the tax must be paid. And unloaded they were, just not in the way planned! This is the act that spurred a revolution.

Visiting the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum with Kids

Note: Our visit was hosted by the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum for the purposes of this review. All opinions are our own.

Today, over that same body of water, visitors can board the Beaver , a historically-accurate replica of one of the three tall ships which were a part of the events of the Tea Party. Your visit starts first in the Meeting House, where live actors tell the story leading up to the Tea Party events.

The actors involve visitors from the very beginning, assigning them names of actual historic participants of the Boston Tea Party. In the Meeting House, “Samuel Adams” gives a speech protesting the tax on tea to rouse the rebels into action. When we visited, Hannah was assigned a speaking role during the presentation, which made her a bit nervous but she did brilliantly. I thought a bonus was that you can keep these cards and feathers as souvenirs.

From the meeting house, the Patriots don the feathers handed out as part of their “Mohawk” disguise and march to Griffin’s Wharf to board the ship. Everyone can take turns tossing the “tea crates” into the water, which is definitely a big hit with the kids and it does a great job breaking up the heavy work of learning history with movement. After exploring the ships to see what life was like aboard an 18th-century ship, you then move into the museum section.

The first stop inside uses holographic images of a conversation between a Tory and a Patriot woman about the events of the previous night. Then visitors get a glimpse of one of the two remaining tea chests still in existence from the original Boston Tea Party and hear its history and how it came to rest back in Boston. This part is a bit long and hard to follow but true historians can appreciate the importance of this artifact.

If the kids tune out during that bit, they will perk back up when they see the “moving portraits” of King George III and Sam Adams debating politics using language from their actual correspondence. (Imagine the portraits in the Harry Potter movies and you will get a good idea of what this is like.)

The final stop in the museum is a short film, Let It Begin Here , that recounts the events and participants that led up to the American Revolution and the “shot heard round the world.”

Abigail’s Tea Room

The Boston Tea Party museum tour ends with a visit to Abigail’s Tea Room, named after the second First Lady Abigail Adams. The tea room serves drinks, pastries, salads, sandwiches, clam chowder, and some kid-friendly favorites like PB&J and mac n’ cheese.

They also serve five teas, some of which were the same blends thrown overboard during the Boston Tea Party.

Is the Boston Tea Party Museum Good for Kids?

Before I went, I wasn’t sure if the Boston Tea Party Museum would be good for tweens or just younger kids so I enlisted the help of my nearly twelve-year-old to be the judge. After our visit, I asked her a few questions to see if she really understood the history and some of the presentations we had just witnessed.  

The verdict: she passed with flying colors and quickly caught on to my questioning with one of her own…”Is this like a quiz?” She actually remembered much more than I expected…okay, I admit, she remembered more than I did like the dates and names of all three ships.

When I asked her opinion on the best ages to visit the Boston Tea Party Museum she said, “under twelve if you are ‘meh’ on history and all ages if you like history.” So there you have it, from a kid’s point of view.

Planning a Visit to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

• The Boston Tea Party Museum is located at 306 Congress St. on the Congress Street Bridge on the Fort Point Channel, just steps away from the Boston Children’s Museum and a short walk from the New England Aquarium and Faneuil Hall — making it a great addition to visits to either of those attractions.
• A visit to the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum takes about an hour, longer if you stay for the tea.
• The museum hosts a reenactment every year on December 16th with hundreds of re-enactors.
• The museum is open daily from 10 am – 4 pm (5 pm in the summer)
• Massachusetts residents are eligible for a free ticket when they bring along someone who buys a full-price adult ticket as part of the “Hometown Pass” program when they sign up for the program online .
• Museum visitors can receive discounted parking at Farnsworth Street Garage at 17 Farnsworth St. or Stillings Street Garage at 11 Stillings St. with a validated parking ticket.
• They have one of the best-curated gift shops I’ve seen at a historical attraction — worth checking out!

Visiting Boston? Read more:

• Learn how to visit Boston on a budget
• Plan a day trip to Salem, MA
• Plan a day trip to Gloucester, MA
• Plan a day trip to Plymouth, MA

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Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Publisher of We3Travel. A former marketing executive and travel advisor, Tamara is an award-winning travel writer and recognized expert in family travel. Tamara is a member of SATW and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Vacation Mavens travel podcast.

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Publish Date: March 24, 2023

2 thoughts on “Essential Guide to Visiting the Boston Tea Party Museum with Kids”

“Boston is seeped in history, but only the Boston Tea Party Museum offers an”

Hi, thank you for providing all this information. I’m finding it useful in planning a fall break for the kids. I just wanted to point out that in the sentence partially quoted above, you likely meant to write that Boston is “steeped” in history, not “seeped in history”.

Oh boy! Thanks for finding my typo!

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Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

Sense the emotion and determination of our forefathers who fought for our freedom and independence. Come enjoy this unique experience. Huzzah for Griffin’s Wharf”!

What happened in December of 1773 in the Boston Harbor is known as one of the most important events in the history of the USA. It was on this night that a group of colonists became enraged, inspired and ultimately reacted to unfair taxation laws by throwing more than 300 crates of tea into the harbor. The Boston Tea Party took place on December 16, 1773—and now you can travel back in time to be a part of all the action.

Your Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum Includes:

• Reservations are required
• Journey Back in Time to the Famous Event that Changed American History!
• Visit Authentically Restored Tea Ships
• Dump Tea Overboard Just as the Sons of Liberty Did
• Stop in at Abigail’s Tea Room for Tea Time
• Visit the Gift Shop for Special Souvenirs
• See the Robinson Tea Chest from the 1773 Boston Tea Party
• 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Explore Griffin’s Wharf and board an 18th century ship to throw the fated tea into Boston Harbor alongside our costumed historical interpreters and hear the dramatic events surrounding the “single most important event leading up to the American Revolution.” View the Robinson Tea Chest, the only known surviving tea chest from the Boston Tea Party, and experience its amazing story.

In addition to the museum, visit our breathtaking Abigail’s Tea Room where you can enjoy freshly baked goods, lunch items, and a spot of tea and learn more about the types of tea thrown overboard in 1773. And don’t miss our enchanting Gift Shop chock full of gems to bring back home!

The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum is an educational, entertaining and enlightening adventure you just can’t miss while in Boston.

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

Go to Boston Tea Party Ships Schedule .

Phone: (866) 955-0667

*Reservations required. Reservation based tickets are non-refundable. You may reschedule up to 24 hours in advance of tour time. You must check in on-site between 15 minutes to 5 minutes prior to your tour time. Any guest not checked in within 5 minutes of their tour time may be considered a no show and their seats may be re-allocated. We will try and fit any late guests on the next available tour if possible.

4 business lessons from the Boston Tea Party

D ecember 2023 marks the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party , one of the most famous events leading up to the Revolutionary War. On the night of Dec. 16, 1773, Colonists marched aboard three ships and threw more than 90,000 pounds of tea into Boston Harbor. No one died, and the only things injured were the tea leaves, but this event helped precipitate a major war .

I am a business school professor who often drives by the Tea Party site while taking his wife to work. Each time, I ponder the lessons this “party” has for people in business. Many aren’t obvious. Here are four that come to mind.

1) Publicity is important

There were actually 10 “tea party” protests across the 13 Colonies in the late 1770s. However, only one ended up in the history books. The others, including a second one in Boston just four months afterward, were largely forgotten. Getting the word out fast, which in those days was done by newspaper , is key. Otherwise, you can do a lot of work that will be ignored.

2) Dramatic changes in the market can cause problems

The volume of tea imports into the Colonies rose at a very fast rate in the four years leading up to the Boston Tea Party. They went from 55 tons in 1770 , which was close to the amount dumped in the harbor, to 370 tons the year the tea was dumped. This was an increase of almost seven times. The population of the Colonies was about 2 million people in 1770 and didn’t expand much in that four-year period. Basic economics tells us this dramatic increase in supply without more customers meant the price of tea had to fall a lot.

We don’t know for sure the identities of the ringleaders who convinced people to dump the tea. As a business school professor, I believe it’s clear that some protesters were protecting their commercial interests . Shopkeepers, merchants and smugglers who had stocks of tea on hand didn’t want to see 90,000 more pounds of tea flooding the market. It would make them lose money. Dumping the tea in the harbor was a way of protecting their investment.

3) Even relatively small dollar amounts make big impressions

For all the fuss about the tea that was dumped, the damages weren’t huge. The British East India Company reported 9,659 English pounds in damages . That would be about 1.2 million pounds in today’s money, according to the Bank of England’s inflation calculator . Using the current exchange rate of $1.26 to a British pound means the tea dumped cost about US$1.5 million.

To give you a rough idea of how small this is, last year the U.S. imported half a billion dollars’ worth of tea. In terms of my favorite British import, the destroyed tea was worth about the same price as three Rolls-Royce Phantoms .

4) Timing matters … but it isn’t everything

The Tea Party happened on a night when the tide was especially low , with only 2 feet of water under the ships. Because the tide was so low, much of the tea didn’t get wet. Instead, it ended up in a giant pile, mostly dry, beside the boats. This meant the partygoers had to climb out of the boats and spend hours sloshing in the mud moving the tea into the water.

Given that the tea arrived at the end of November , they could have picked a time that would have made the job less difficult. Nonetheless, the revolutionaries weren’t deterred, since hard work can often overcome the worst timing.

When it comes down to it, history is more than just stories we tell children. The past contains many lessons for adults, including businesspeople. This incident, which played a key role in inciting the Revolutionary War that freed the American Colonies from British rule, is so much more than a cartoon image of men dumping chests of tea into Boston Harbor.

• How the Boston Tea Party’s ‘destruction of the tea’ changed American history
• What Alexander Hamilton’s deep connections to slavery reveal about the need for reparations today

Jay L. Zagorsky does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Abigail’s Tea Room & Terrace

Your adventure isn’t complete without a spot of tea.

The comfortable charm of another era, wonderful waterfront and skyline views, a friendly welcome from colonial tea ladies and reasonably priced menu choices make Abigail’s the perfect place to pause for a relaxing break.

Sample up to five different teas with a historic twist, a glass of refreshing lemonade or cool iced tea, a mug of hot or cold apple cider, and hard-to-resist tasty treats: assorted scones, cookies, muffins and pies.

Or, join us at lunch time for a variety of delicious sandwiches, salads, chowders and seasonal soups. Before placing your order, please inform your server if anyone in your party has a food allergy.

Adults looking for a beverage a bit stronger than tea are pleased to see that Abigail’s serves Sam Adam’s Beer as well as “Dark and Stormy’s” and red or white wines.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the special ambiance of Abigail’s Tea Room & Terrace – it hits the spot!

Hours: 9:30am – 6pm in season, 9:30am – 5pm off season

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