Boston's Best Summer Vacation Activities
Boston Duck Tours
4 Copley Place,,Suite 4155
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 267-3825
www.bostonducktours.com
There is nothing more unique to Boston than the city's delightful amphibious duck boat tours. With daily departures from three locations in the city (Prudential Center, Museum of Science and the New England Aquarium), there's no excuse to miss this one-of-a-kind adventure. The duck boats were used in World War II and each vessel has a special color, name and "ConDUCKtor" (tour guide). These fellas are not only tour guides, but entertainers in their own right. The tour itself takes passengers to all of Boston's highlights and culminates in an exciting "Splashdown" into a beautiful cruise down the Charles.
The Arnold Arboretum
125 Arborway
Boston, MA 02130
(617) 524-1718
www.arboretum.harvard.edu
Harvard University was smart enough to preserve 281 acres of land in Boston and dedicate it to botanical education. The Arnold Arboretum was created in 1872 and is a National Historic Landmark. A perfect place to spend a summer vacation afternoon, this living collection of trees, herbs and other vegetation is free and open to the public year-round. The arboretum is part of the Emerald Neckace of Conservancy, a non-profit organization that protects and maintains the various parks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.
Newbury Street
Newbury St.
Boston, MA 02115
www.newbury-st.com
A trip in itself, Newbury Street in Boston is mandatory for any visitor interested in shopping or art. This historic neighborhood was once submerged under Boston Harbor, but was eventually built into what became known as Boston's Back Bay. Starting at Boston Common and walking westward, one can learn the history of this section of Boston with its European flair - one of the first residential neighborhoods in the city to have both indoor plumbing and coal-burning heat units. Just window shopping and gallery hopping alone are fun activities without having to spend a lot of money. But shoppers beware; things can get pricey on the "Rodeo Drive of the East."
Related: Boston's Best Holiday Travel Tips
Boston Children's Museum
308 Congress St.
Boston, MA 02210
(617) 426-6500
www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org
Let's not forget the kids on summer vacation in Boston. Celebrating 100 years of learning and fun this year, Boston Children's Museum is one of the oldest children's museums in existence. Kids get a hands-on experience in arts, science, health, environmental awareness and other creative aspects. This museum is one of only a handful of children's museums with collections including some 50,000 items of significance in Americana, natural history, dolls and dollhouses and more. Adults are more than welcome to join in the fun with their kids.
Boston Harbor Cruises
One Long Wharf
Boston, MA 02110
(617) 227-4321
www.bostonharborcruises.com
No trip to Boston would be complete without a cruise of the "hahbah," Boston Harbor that is. There are many options for a relaxing cruise on the water famous for The Boston Tea Party. Grab a camera and choose a sightseeing cruise full of educational tidbits, a cruise to Boston Light, a sunset cruise or a trip to the Charles River. The possibilities abound.
Related: Boston's Best Haunted Graveyard Tour
Kathleen Mueller moved to Massachusetts as a toddler and has lived in many communities throughout the Bay State. Currently splitting her time between Worcester county and Cape Cod, she enjoys spending time at the beach with her dogs, reading, and taking scenic drives in New England. Kathleen is a frequent contributor to examiner.com check her out at Examiner.com.
