Boston's Best Stuff For Tweens (9-12 Years Old)
IMAX 3D
New England Aquarium
1 Central Wharf
Boston, MA 02110-3309
(617) 973-5200
http://neaq.org
We're not talking about the latest PG-13 Hollywood flick. We're talking sea creatures or space ships on a gigantic, 3D dome screen. That is the thrill that is an IMAX 3D movie at the Aquarium. Their educational films are just under an hour long, and have awe-inspiring visuals. Kids get a special movie experience, and parents win with a little learning and prices lower than a regular movie. Kids $8, parents $10.
Downtown Crossing
http://www.downtowncrossing.org
Shop like a grown up, but at discount prices in Downtown Crossing. Your tween can bring their own money and stretch their dollar while looking for their favorite fashions. Be sure to hit H&M for trendy clothes, So Good or Claire's for accessories, and DSW for the latest shoe and boot styles.
Fenway Park Tour
Yawkey Way
Boston, MA
(617) 226-6666
http://mlb.mlb.com/bos/ballpark/tour.jsp
You can get inside Fenway Park without the cost of a Red Sox ticket. A tour guide versed in all things Fenway and Red Sox will lead you on a 50-minute walking tour of Boston's historic ballpark. Tours run 9-4 p.m. on the hour. Game days they end 3 and-a-half hours before game time. Kids $10, adults $12.
Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra
Various Venues
Boston, MA
(617) 353-3348
http://www.bysoweb.org/index.cfm
How about infusing some classical music into your tween's repertoire? At a BYSO concert they can watch peers their own age, who are already accomplished musicians. Tickets range from $10 to $30, depending on the performance and venue.
Community Boating
21 David G. Mugar Way
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 523-1038
http://www.community-boating.org
Kids can take sailing, windsurfing or kayaking lessons on the Esplanade starting at age 10. Thousands of kids take part every summer. The minimum payment is a$1 registration fee, though Community Boating requests donations of up to $100 per child.
Indoor Rock Climbing
MetroRock
69 Norman Street
Everett, MA
(617) 387-7625
http://www.metrorock.com
There are a couple ways for kids to take part at MetoRock Indoor Climbing. An after-school programs caters skills to specific ages. Their 12-week program costs $350 and includes a membership so they can get some extra practice. They also offer semi-private lessons for kids while parents do their own climbing. The lessons cost $25/first hour and $20/additional hours.
