Ready for a change in how you feel about the democratic process? Take the kids along on a walk through time in one of America's oldest cities, Boston.

If the political process of electing a president has captivated you, like record numbers of other young Americans, why not introduce the kids to where it all began? If parents are interested in learning more, "Yes we can" is the motto of this city. Yes, you can expose tiny visitors to a child- and parent-friendly version of our heritage and history, and combine it with some more traditional and familiar tourist stops for the younger visitor.

Strolling Around Boston, Tots in Tow

If your tiny ones can walk, you can traverse part of the 2.5-mile-long Freedom Trail and take in whatever historical sites you choose along the way.  Highlights include the 1680-circa Paul Revere House and the Granary Burying Ground, which in addition to having many patriots is the resting place of Elizabeth Vergoose, better known as Mother Goose. The Trail is well parked and paved, with only a few cobblestone patches to make the stroller rough going, and most sites can be appreciated from the outside, so you won't have to climb steps.

If you're not tired yet, the 47-mile-long Boston Harbor Walk ending along the waterfront offers parks with seating areas, boat ramps, cafes, exhibit areas, museums and waterfront taxis. There are free family events all summer long and tons of playgrounds so your little ones can run around. Take a fast ferry to the Boston Harbor Islands National Park, which includes 34 islands where families can picnic, tour forts and listen to free music.

At the Boston Harbor, you can also see where the most famous tea party in history took place. There are authentic replicas of the Brig Beaver II and the Eleanor, which were docked in Boston harbor on the historic night when 342 chests (just over 123,000 pounds of tea) were dumped into the harbor.

Nearby is the Public Garden in the Common, which is home to the city’s famous Swan Boats and the inspiration for Robert McCloskey’s book Make Way for Ducklings. As a cheap, but fun, treat you can take a 15-minute ride in the boats and observe the beautiful scenery, plus kids will love being on the water with a huge white swan behind them.

One of the best of the many parks here is the Esplanade, which runs along the banks of the Charles River. There are several different play areas featuring swings, slides and animal climb-ons.  Another famous park, Boston Common is the oldest public park in the United States and over the years, it has been used for public hangings and other forms of punishment. Today, visitors can enjoy picnics while listening to concerts and cooling off in summer months at the frog-less Frog Pond.  Winter months bring or rent ice skates and let the kids take a few lessons on the pond, then warm up with some hot chocolate and treats.

For spectacular city views, head over to the Skywalk Observatory.  Visitors ride up 50 floors in a mere 32 seconds for a small fee. On clear days, you can see all the way to the mountains of New Hampshire and the beaches of Cape Cod.

Rainy day or modern day activities include the Boston Children’s Museum (617/426-6500), which encourages everyone to touch. Children can see themselves on TV in Arthur’s World, climb aboard a life-size boat in Boats Afloat, scale towers and tubes in the New Balance Center or perform in a live theatrical show on Kidstage. PlaySpace offers a separate area for the youngest children. And at the Museum of Science (617/723-2500) kids can be surrounded by over 400 butterflies at its Butterfly Garden.

All kids love games and adventure (and even of they deny it, adults do too), so a visit to 5WITS might be the perfect indoor activity. This interactive walk-through adventure features hands-on puzzles that promote teamwork. Everyone has to work together on the physical and mental challenges to progress through the quest. The theme changes a few times a year and features anything from tombs of Egypt to a spy thriller.

Boston Dining: More than Beantown

Boston is full of upscale steakhouses such as Morton’s, but perhaps because it is a college town, there are also a huge variety of inexpensive eating-places such as Mr. Bartley’s Burger Cottage (617/354-6559). Located near Harvard University, it offers one of the best burgers in New England.

For Mexican fare, try Anna’s Taqueria with numerous locations throughout the area. They offer quick, cheap food that is often less expensive than what you get from a supermarket. 

If you're looking for cafeteria style, which some kids find irresistible because of the variety on display, visit the Aceituna Café (617/252-0702) for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food -- for well under $10.

No visit to Boston would be complete without a trip to Faneuil Hall. Stop by Quincy Market for a stroll down the food hall where everyone will find a delicious snack and, if it’s nice weather, watch some street performers outside.

My Favorite Boston Family Hotels

There are a variety of family-friendly hotel packages scattered throughout the city. Packages at the Radisson Boston Hotel (617/482-1800) start at about $200 and include breakfast for two adults and two children, as well as parking (always a consideration in a large city).

Mothers and fathers shepherding very small children will appreciate the Langham Boston Hotel (617/326 3403). It’s expensive but also a stately place with an AAA Four Diamond rating. It offers a V.I.B. (Very Important Baby) package offering pre-ordered baby food and unlimited Huggies, among other services.

The Omni Parker House is conveniently located near the Quincy Market Place and has a “Omni Sensational Kids Program” complete with “goodie bags” and a list of top family attractions, local emergency numbers and a safety kit. First night visitors can also expect a delivery of milk and cookies.

Although expensive, you can’t beat the novelty of the 16-floor, 298-room Liberty Hotel (888/471-8734), a former jail with all the familiar amenities including a restaurant called Clink.

Hotel room rates in Boston are seldom a bargain, but you can get a large room for under $200 at the YMCA's Constitution Inn (617/241-8400). Children under 12 stay for free and cots and cribs are also available.

Details, Details

Families should check the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau (888/SEE-Boston) for more information on its “Kids Love Boston” programs. Bargains include “family fare” ranging from free sodas with any dinner at the Quincy Market Building to discounted prices at a variety of restaurants. The C&VB is always working with local area hotels to promote special discounts, too.

And yes, there's plenty to do in Boston for a week's worth of adventures. But, for a day trip popular with all children, try nearby Salem, once a major seaport now known as Witch City.

Uncover the history of the 19 accused witches hanged on Gallows Hill, and the lives of over 100 people imprisoned in 1692. The Salem Witch Museum (978/744-1692) has 13 (the perfect number) life-sized dioramas filled with eerie sights and sounds reflecting the area's heritage. Although more educational than scary, you may want to find another activity for easily frightened toddlers.