The problem you'll have in Boston isn't what to see, it's what NOT to see! On a brisk fall day, start with a walk. You'll notice a red line painted on the sidewalks that sometimes turns to a brick line for a while. This is the Freedom Trail it is a 2.5 mile loop through the city that passes every major historical landmark in Boston and is well worth a wander. It will take you past Paul Revere's House and the Old North Church, past the site of the Boston Massacre, Faneuil Hall, Old Iron Sides and much, much more! Stop along the way, visit a few of the museums, and introduce your kids to the sites and characters of the American Revolutionary War.
For young children there is no way you can miss Boston Common and the Public Gardens. Make time to play in the playground on the Common and splash in the frog pond (skate on it in winter!). Take a swan boat ride in the Gardens (it's only $2 a person!) and take your child's picture with the brass ducklings from the popular children's book Make Way for Ducklkings by Robert McCloskey. Sit on the bench by the ducklings and read the book in the shade of the big oak tree.
Pre-school and early elementary aged kids will LOVE the Boston Children's Museum. This is one of the best children's museums in the country (second only to that of Indianapolis, in my opinion) and is a garden of educational delight, from the physical exercise afforded by the huge, three story climbing structure, to the multi-cultural experience of the play food market, to the construction themed floor inspired by the Big Dig happening under the city. The Boston Children's Museum makes a great rainy day activity, or as a "play day" in the middle of an otherwise busy touring week!
The New England Aquarium is another great stop in downtown Boston. It's a wonderful place to learn about the marine life of New England and the world. Be sure to see their Marine Mammal Center. You can even have your own underwater adventure without ever getting wet in their Imax theater.
Hungry yet? There are so many wonderful places to eat in Boston that I hope you WON'T stop at the McDonalds on the corner of Quincy Market. Instead, head into the market building and eat from one of the local vendorsÂ… a lobster roll, would be traditional for Boston! Baked beans, maybe? For desert, there is no contest. Walk into the Italian North End and find Mikes Pastry and order their signature Lobster Tail cream horn, or one of the other many delicacies packaged in a white paper box and tied with a string. They've delivered to the White House, so why not treat your kids to the same desserts that presidents have enjoyed?!
There is SO much more to say and SO much more to see and do in Boston! This last recommendation is a family secret; so don't tell. It's my husband's favorite restaurant in the world. It is where we take all of our friends when they come to town. It's L'Osteria. Be sure you go HUNGRY. Order the antipasto for four and the Pasta Amatriciana for my husband. Tip heavy, they're worth it, and tell them we sent you!
A special thanks to our friend, Lucy Head, for the pictures!
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