We often went to Boston because my son's doctors were at Tufts Floating Hospital. So, to make the city not all about doctors, we always do something fun too. To make it a fresh trip, explore a new part of town, focus on history, or pick a theme for the day. For example, "Boat Day" was our visit to the Charlestown Navy Yard via the T Water Taxi. Here are my Boston favorites...
Boston Common/Frog Pond
Boston Common is 50 acres in the middle of the city and the beginning of the Freedom Trail. However, the best part for kids is Frog Pond. In the winter, it is a skating rink, a pond in the spring and fall, and a spray pool in the summer. With a great playground and the beautiful carousel in the summer, it makes for a full day. Plus, except for a nominal fee to ride the carousel, its all free! Bring a picnic, balls, kites, and a blanket for a day in the park. Plus, find the
An 80 minute tour, you ride on WWII style amphibious vehicles down the streets of Boston and into the Charles River. The Ducks are famous from the Red Sox victory parades, the drivers are corny and entertaining, and the tour is funny and interesting. It is a unique experience that I recommend splurging for at least once.
Boston Trolley Tours
There are several different tour companies but they are basically all the same. With stops around city, you can get on and off where ever and when ever you want. While on the trolley, the driver gives you a locals perspective tour with comedy and tips. We rode the trolley tour simply because my son was obsessed with trolleys at the time. (thank you Daniel Tiger!) But it is a great way to see the city, hear the history, and get easily from one place to another without a map.
China Town
Often overlooked, China Town is a beautiful cultural experience and the 3rd largest China Town in the country. Walk throughout the area, look and listen to the unique languages, shop in a Chinese grocery, go in the little shops, eat at a delicious Chinese restaurant, and stop to look at the street booths. Make sure to see the architectural gate to China Town and the public art murals. The China Town park combines classic Chinese elements and is a great gathering space.
Freedom Trail
An easy 2 1/2 mile walk around Boston to see the top 16 historical sites. If your children will listen to a guide, there are a variety from costumed speakers who make history come alive for a fee. Or you can do it yourself for free! Take a brochure from the Visitors Center in The Boston Common and do a self guided tour, just follow the red line that runs throughout the city. You can start anywhere, but starting at The Boston Common makes for a smooth day. Some things that work for us to engage children along the Trail...
- Park Street Church- "My Country Tis of Thee" was first sung here on the steps on July 4, 1831. Can your family stand on the steps & sing it?
- Granary Burying Ground- Find Mother Goose's tombstone!
- Kings Chapel- tours are offered of the crypt and the bell tower.
- Old Corner Bookstore- Its a Chipolte now but cross the street to see the Irish Famine Memorial. Boston has the largest expatriate Irish population in the world.
- Old South Meeting House- Rumored to be where the plans for the Tea Party protest started, it also contains a rare original copy of slave Phyllis Wheatley's poetry book, the first African American published book.
- Old State House- Has exhibits of several historical items such as tea from the Boston Tea Party, lanterns from the Sons of Liberty, and a drum from Bunker Hill. Extra fees that are worth it if your children are museum kids!
- Boston Massacre- Challenge children to find out exactly how many died on this day! (5 not really a massacre) Small memorial stones are great to do a rubbing of, bring paper and crayons.
- Faneuil Hall- Don't skip over Faneuil Hall! The basement has nice bathrooms. The main level has unique shopping and the US Park Service desk which offers free tours. Enter in the rear of the building for the 2nd floor which is a hall where meetings and debates were held. There is incredible art and architecture here. The 3rd floor has a collection of military armory.
- Quincy Market- If you started the Freedom Trail in the morning, you are probably starving by now. Quincy Market is the perfect place to stop for lunch with tons of food vendors. Be prepared for crowds. Sit on the steps outside if its nice outside, often there are street performers to watch too. Quincy Market and the surrounding area also has great shopping.
- Paul Revere's House- As you walk through the Italian North End, stop at Mikes Pastry for a treat you will not forget! (cash only!) Then head to the small Revere house which you can tour for a small fee. Gives children a taste of what life was like back then. Play "I spy" inside to encourage them to look at the details.
- Old North Church- The site of the famous "one if by land, two if by sea." Sit in the pew boxes, notice how each one is different, and design what your family's would look like!
- USS Constitution- After you climb the hill and cross the bridge, you will be treated to fun at the Charlestown Navy Yard. The USS Constitution is open for visitors to tour and has a museum. (not on Mondays, we made that mistake once) The Navy Yard also has an interesting visitors center and the USS Cassin Young. When done, take the T Water Shuttle back to the Long Wharf.
Lego Land Discovery Center, Somerville MA
Parking in the garage next door was free. Admission was pricey but look for coupons. Do not plan on eating there- way too expensive. But if you get your hand stamped, you can leave, eat, and return. The surrounding area is cute, leave time to explore around the block. You can do all the activities as often as you want- we rode the Kingdom Quest ride about 5 times! There are 4 of the 4D movies, watch them all, each one is different. In Miniland, check out all the details, someone had a sense of humor. And push the buttons of the underground Boston to see extras, my favorite is the Cheers scene and theme song! Take a class. Even if your kiddo is a lego whiz they will explain a lot of behind the scenes info and details. There are building spots all over to stop at plus a toddler Duplo play area, indoor climbing zone, Merlin's Ride, Ninja zone, car racing station, Lego Friends karaoke, and more! We spent 5 hours there (including our lunch break) and could have easily spent at least another hour. BIG TIP- have your child bring a mini figurine with them. Then, they can trade their figures with staff members and end up with something really cool! My kids brought plain ones and ended up with a minecraft, pharoah, and superhero figure! Don't pay extra for the scavenger hunt or photo booth. Not worth it and not needed. If anything, give your child $5 to spend at the store.
Make Way for Ducklings Statue
A story book favorite is in the Boston Public Garden on Charles Street. The bronze sculpture of Mrs Mallard and her ducklings are from Robert McCluskey's book "Make Way for Ducklings." Pack a picnic, visit the statue, and have a story time in the park. Then, visit the swans and go for a ride on the Swan Boats. Every Mothers Day they even have a parade!
MBTA Subway
Called the "T" the subway is the easiest and cheapest way to get around the city. Don't be intimidated by it, learn the system and ride with confidence. Get a Charlie Card to load with funds, look at a map and plan, and be smart when riding. Children love to ride the T and the street entertainers near the trains are fun to watch.
New England Aquarium
Remodeled in 2013, the Aquarium also has an Imax Theater and Whale Watches. The primary exhibits are the Giant Ocean Tank and the Penguins. Check the schedule for the talks and feedings, they are very interesting and allow children to ask questions. Don't miss the shark and ray touch tank, the coral reef center, and catch a show at the marine mammal center where you can get up close to California Sea Lions. The tickets to the Aquarium aren't cheap, but its worth it for a special day. Often discount coupons are on the back of brochures or passes are available from libraries in the Boston area. (if you know a friend with a library card!) Afterwards, walk out to the Rose F Kennedy Greenway to ride the brand new carousel and see the gardens.
T Water Shuttle
We enjoy just wandering the piers and waterfront to watch the boats. Discovering the T Water Shuttle adds to that fun! For only $3 per person, you can ride one way between Charlestown's Navy Yard Pier 4 (by the USS Constitution) and the Long Wharf (near the Aquarium).
My To Do List for Boston...
Fenway Tour- Fenway Park is unlike any other baseball stadium I've ever been in. I can't wait to take a behind the scenes tour.
Great Wolf Lodge- Opened in summer 2014, this is more than a hotel. I have been to other GWL and loved them. The waterpark is amazing, food is delicious, rooms are beautiful, and the details around the Lodge are fascinating. Plus, they often have family and children programming each day.
