Road Trip: Boston With The Kids
You don't have to go far for a fun-filled family vacation. Boston is a great city to visit with kids. It offers the excitement, hustle and bustle of a major city along with history, adventure and outdoor opportunities.With museums, major sports teams, theatre and restaurants available there is something here for everyone.Stay overnight or make a couple of daytrips and enjoy all the city has to offer.
DUCK TOUR
Acquaint yourself with the history and sights of the city with a ride on a Boston Duck Boat. These fun filled tours are conducted on WWII styled amphibious landing vehicles. They drive on the streets of Boston and float on the Charles River, giving you and your family the chance for a unique view of Boston.
For Duckboat Schedule, Rates, Locations: (617) 267-DUCK (3825)
PUBLIC GARDEN & BOSTON COMMON
Swan Boats
On a beautiful sunny day grab the kids and take a leisurely ride on the Swan Boats in the Public Garden. The kids will be fascinated by the human powered, swan shaped, pedal boats. Then locate the "Make Way for Ducklings" statues based on the classic children's book by Robert McCloskey.
For Swan Boats Schedule, Fares & Parking: (617) 522-1966
Frog Pond
When you're finished in the Public Garden, head across to the Frog Pond on the Boston Common. The kids will love splashing in the waters of the Frog Pond wading pool and will wear themselves out playing at the nearby playground. When their legs are too tired for any more fun, treat them to a ride on the carousel.
Frog Pond: (617) 522-1966
FREE MOVIES & CONCERTS
Plan a summer night outdoors on the banks of the Charles River. Pack a blanket and picnic dinner and head over to a Free Friday Flick at the Hatch Shell. The moves start at sunset and are all family friendly.
Free Friday Flicks Hotline: (617) 787-7200
The Hatch Shell is also a hot spot for free summer concerts. Every Wednesday evening get treated to some Classical music, and The Temptations and The Beach Boys are coming to the Hatch Shell in July.
Free Concerts: Hatch Shell Concert Schedule | Oldies 103.3 Concert Series
BOSTON HARBOR ISLANDS
Take a short ferry ride from Long Wharf, enjoy a unique view of the Boston skyline, and head for one of the 34 Boston Harbor Islands. The islands offer a wide array of activities and each island offers something different. Activities include swimming at an island beach, camping under the stars, exploring a historic fort and visiting the nation's oldest lighthouse. There are also free concerts, plays, tours, lessons and tide pools to explore.
Some of the more popular islands are:
George's Island - Home to the Civil War prison of Fort Warren. This is a good spot for ghost sightings of the infamous 'Lady in Black'.
Little Brewster Island - This island houses the oldest lighthouse site in the country and is the only remaining lighthouse staffed by the US Coastguard.
Remember the weather is cooler on the ocean, so bring an extra layer. Bring your own sunscreen, food and water as many of the islands do not offer these amenities.
Event Schedule, Accessibility: (617) 223-8666
MUSEUMS
A visit to Boston offers the chance to visit museums of all sorts. There are venues specifically designed for children, art museums with child friendly activities and science museums waiting to be explored.
Boston Children's Museum is a great stop for children up to about 10 years old. Located at 300 Congress Street on the Boston waterfront, the museum features three floors of interactive exhibits which encourage children to touch and explore.
By Phone: (617) 426-8855
Boston's Museum of Science straddles the Charles River and has something to offer for all ages. Within their wide variety of exhibits you can find something appropriate for any age. Trips into their IMAX theatre and planetarium are popular picks, but do cost extra.
By Phone: (617) 723-2500
The Museum of Fine Arts on Huntington Avenue offers activities and classes designed for children ages four and up. They also offer special children's programs during school vacation weeks.
By Phone: (617) 267-9300
