Discover the best activities for families in Bean Town - Boston, Massachusetts - from reliving the days of America's early colonies to touring the country's most famous colleges.

There's so much to be done in "Beantown." From colonial history to swan boats to Fenway and more, here are Family Travel Forum's best bets for indoor and outdoor family activities in Boston, Massachusetts. For further general information, be sure to contact the Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau at 888/SEE-BOSTON or 617/536-4100, visit Boston USA or check out the broader Mass Vacations site.  For information regarding accommodations, see Hotels and Motels in Boston.

Great Fun for the Kids

(Toddler to Age 8)

The Swan Boats
At the Public Garden
9 Arlington Street
Boston, MA 02116
617/522-1966
Read your children the classic "Make Way For Ducklings," visit the charming statues of Mrs. Mallard and her eight ducklings all lined up in a row, and then buy a ticket for a swan boat ride around the lagoon. This timeless book takes place in the Public Garden, which makes a visit all the more exciting for the kids -- especially the little ones. The Public Garden is across Charles Street from the Boston Common, the oldest public park in America. The swan boats run seasonally.

Puppet Showplace Theater
32 Station Street
Brookline, MA 02445
617/731-6400
This company performs children's favorite fairy tales and legends with professional puppeteers, year-round. After the show you can view old and charming puppets, or buy a variety of gifts at the Lobby Store.

Franklin Park Zoo
1 Franklin Park Road
Boston, MA 02121
617/541-LION
With 72 acres to explore, come meet gorillas, baird's tapirs, leopards and free flying-birds (in the African Tropical Forest, of course). Come face to face with kangaroos and wallabees at the Australian Outback Trail, where the animals roam freely. The Children's Zoo is a fun way to spend the day, and the Bird's World is an adventuret. Tours give an explanation of the animals' natural habitats, and each species' evolutionary history.

Children's Museum
300 Congress Street
Boston, MA 02210
617/426-8855
It is practically impossible to enjoy this museum without touching, so it's perfect for kids with eager hands. Designed for toddlers to 10 year olds, there are many different exhibits -- ranging from creating your own music mix to learning about Boston's diverse neighborhoods. There is even a Recycle Resource Center, where you can purchase arts and crafts supplies.

Fun for Older Children

(Up to Age 18)

Faneuil Hall
4 South Market Building, 5th Floor
Boston, MA 02109
617/523-1300
Combining shopping, food, and street performers into one complex, there is lots of stuff to buy, including music, jewelry, clothes, and chatchkas at Faneuil Hall. There's also plenty of entertainment and good eats. Visit on a weekend, when you really can get a feel for the B-town scene.

Newbury Street
Boston, MA 02116
There is even more upscale shopping on Newbury. This street is filled to the brim with little boutiques, art galleries, and cafés. Stores on this street can get quite pricey, but others are well within reason.

Boston Tea Party Ship and Museum
Congress Street Bridge
Boston, MA 02127
617/338-1773
Here your kids can participate in a reenactment of the Boston Tea Party aboard the Beaver II, an authentic replica of one of the three British brigs moored that historic December night. Believe it or not, it is actually quite fun to throw tea off the side of a ship! Guides dressed up in colonial garb are very resourceful, and genuinely pleased to answer any questions you may have. Check out the museum's newly renovated space and join in the Revolution.

The Freedom Trail
Boston, MA 02133
A self-guided walking tour of 16 historical sights allows you to experience the "footsteps" of colonial Boston's early patriots and their journey to independence. Marked by a three-mile-long red brick path or painted red line on the sidewalk, the trail begins in Boston Common at its Information Center at 146 Tremont Street. Sights include the Common, the Massachusetts State House, the site of the first public school, the Old Corner Bookstore, the Granary Burying Ground, The Paul Revere House and Faneuil Hall. They are open to the public for exploration. An introductory audio-visual presentation, maps, information and free guided tours can be arranged at the Boston National Historic Park Visitor Center at the Charleston Navy Yard (617/242-5601).

Established in 1958, The Freedom Trail Foundation (617/357-8300) works to preserve and promote these cherished resources and make them more accessible to residents and visitors. Their Freedom Trail Players, a troupe of costumed actors, portray historical characters and share lively anecdotes about their lives in Colonial Boston and their contributions to the cause. They can be booked for personal tours and events, and give regularly scheduled guided tours of select sights. For the past few summers in mid-August, a group of re-enactors has set up camp on the Trayning Grounds, recreating the events of 1775 through 1776 when the British held Bostonians in a blockade. The special weekend becomes a living history experience where families can participate in the daily life of an 18th century British soldier through drills; cooking; making clothes, shoes and equipment; visiting a ssurgeon’s tent; watching a skirmish with Colonists and more.

John F. Kennedy Library
Columbia Point
Boston, MA 02125
866/JFK-1960, 617/514-1600
History comes to life at this combination museum/library dedicated to the legacy of JFK and his brother Robert. Nestled on a 10-acre park, the glass pavilion overlooks the dramatic Dorchester Bay, and the displays of artifacts, memorabilia and photographs are enhanced by audio and video presentations. History students, parents and grandparents (who probably remember exactly where they were on that fateful day of November 23, 1963) will find this to be a fascinating museum and a moving experience.

Harvard Museum of Natural History
26 Oxford Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
617/495-3045
Presenting exhibitions about science and nature from the extensive collections of Harvard University's Botanical Museum, Museum of Comparative Zoology and the Mineralogical and Geological Museum. Contact the museum for a schedule of fun family activities and exhibits.

Shear Madness
Charles Playhouse
74 Warrenton Street
617/426-5225
A must-do among the city's show options is Shear Madness, a murder mystery/whodunnit set in a hair salon and the longest continuously running play in the United States. Be prepared to participate and expect a few liners that only locals will understand unless you've really learned your more recent Boston history. The cast of Shear Madness is very witty and the show is sure to generate laughs; perhaps the most notable thing is that it includes a good deal of improv, which makes the thespians that much more clever.

First Church of Christ, Scientist
210 Massachusetts Avenue
Boston, MA 02115-3195
617/450-2000
Along Huntington Avenue off the Green line, you'll see the massive First Church of Christ, Scientist, aka Mary Baker Eddy, the church's founder. The daunting domes of the church are hard to miss and are a good opportunity to use correctly the word, "awesome." More humble, however, is the original church housed inside, painted pink and adorned with quotations from Jesus Christ and the founder herself. Tours are offered daily throughout the week free of charge, though donations are encouraged.

Fun for the Family

Prudential Center Skywalk
800 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02199
617/859-0648
Located atop the Prudential Tower, 50 floors above the ground, this is a great place to begin your visit. A complete 360 degree views and breathtaking vistas of Greater Boston will get your group right into the mood for sightseeing. The completely enclosed observatory is open from 10am-10pm from March through October and .10am- 8pm November through February.

Mapparium
SI200 Massachusetts Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
888/222-3711
Adjacent to the First Church of Christ, Scientist, the Mapparium is an eye-popping attraction for all ages, who can stand on the glass bridge of this giant luminescent sphere. Once inside, a brief video is shown explaining the purpose and creation process of the 608-painted-glass-panel globe. Upstairs, The Quest Gallery gives a more in-depth look at Mary Baker Eddy and the founding of her unique church. On your way out through the main entrance, you'll find the Hall of Ideas, where words and ideas of wisdom are projected from above and crawl the space of the hall.

Museum of Science
1 Science Park
Boston, MA 02114
617/723-2500
One of the country's most renowned science museums housing over 400 interactive exhibits in all areas of science, live animal presentations, making weather, lightening bolt demonstrations, a Discovery Center for pre-schoolers, Planetarium and Omni IMAX theater showing 3-D films on subjects such as whales, tornadoes and mountain climbing. The 4 story domed screen and incredible sound system gives you the feeling you are in the film! Especially interesting to the all the computer buffs in your family, the MOS now houses several exhibitions from the former Computer Museum of Boston. Check out the "Virtual Fishtank" where you create your own fish and watch them interact in a virtural undersea world, and the constantly up-dated "Best Software for Kids" gallery.

Fenway Park
4 Yawkey Way
Boston, MA 02215
877/RED-SOX9
While you're in town, why not take in a Red Sox game or take a family tour of Fenway Park? Dating from 1912, this renowned park is the oldest ball field in the major leagues and still employs a hand-operated scoreboard. Batter-up!

Charlestown Navy Yard
Charlestown Navy Yard
Building 22
Charlestown, MA 02129
617/426-1812
Often referred to as "Old Ironsides," a nickname she acquired during the War of 1812, this ship was launched in 1797 and is the oldest commissioned warship in the world. Guided tours offered by members of the Navy provides interesting historical information and takes visitors through the Gun Deck, the Berthing Deck (where the crew slept in hammocks), Captain's quarters, sick-bay and other areas of the vessel, demonstrating the difficult conditions of life aboard. Adjacent to the ship, the USS Constitution Museum houses over 3,000 artifacts which present the history of this treasure of the US Navy. Hands-on activities and video presentations appeal to visitors of all ages. Also part of this complex, you can visit the USS Cassin Young, a destroyer commissioned in 1943, which experienced combat during World War II and the Korean Conflict. Tours given by National Park Service Rangers provide information on it's battles and restoration and presents it as a modern contrast to "Old Ironsides."

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
465 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
617/267-9300
Boston's answer to New York City's Met, this museum boasts collections from all over the world. With MFA's ongoing schedule of exhibitions and collections, families can see impressionist paintings and art from around the world. Call ahead to find out about current exhibits, as adults may need tickets for these shows.

Institute of Contemporary Art
100 Northern Avenue
Boston, MA 02110
617/478-3100
Situated along Boston's pristine waterfront, the ICA has very few exhibits on display, but the ones featured are just enough to take in, artsy-fartsy hipster or not.

New England Aquarium
Central Wharf
Boston, MA 02110
617/973-5200
Your family will be welcomed by seals and sea otters swimming in their outdoor pool. While you're here, visit with 7,000 other fish and aquatic animals. Inside, the incredible variety of sealife lives in a cylindrical tank, viewed from a spiral ramp. Looking for a way to see the animals get a little lively? Catch a glimpse of the divers entering the tanks for feedings several times a day. Families can also go aboard the Voyager III and travel to Stellwagen Bank. This feeding area for whales, dolphins and other sea animals gives you an up close and personal look at these unique natives. Visitors can also pay for a whale watch and interact with naturalists, experience the hands-on navigation station and learn information about whales. Reservations are strongly recommended for this 3 to 4-hour trip.

TOURS & SIGHTSEEING CRUISES:

Unofficial Hahvahd Tours
One Mifflin Place, Suite 400
Cambridge, MA 02138
617/674-7788
Come March, this tour company heats up its operations with cowboy-hatted guides leading tours through the university, startling passers by with the tour's conclusion with the Primal Scream. Tours last for about 70 minutes and include historical tidbits of the campus and its former famed students, adding a little humor into the mix as well.

Boston Duck Tours
800 Boylston St
Boston, MA 02199
617/723-DUCK
The most innovative way to tour the city is aboard a re-conditioned World War II amphibious landing craft, or "duck." Your 80-minutetrip is narrated by costumed characters known as "conDucktors" who are both knowledgeable and entertaining! The tour takes you to Trinity Church, Faneuil Hall and through the historic North End, but the highlight is when the duck waddles down a ramp and splashes into the Charles River for a waterside view of Boston. If they're lucky, your kids may even get a chance to pilot the craft while it's afloat!! The heated vehicles operate from April through November, rain or shine, every day from 9am until an hour before sunset.

From Spring through Fall, you can enjoy cruising the waters surrounding Boston and touring the Harbor Islands. Contact the sampling listed below, or obtain a complete list from the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Boston Harbor Cruises
One Long Wharf
Boston, MA 02110
877/SEE-WHALE, 617/227-4321

Massachusetts Bay Lines
60 Rowes Wharf
Boston, MA 02110
617/542-8000