Kids Fun In Boston

Acquaint yourself with the distinguished city of Boston; here are Family Travel Forum reviews of the top things to do with school-age kids touring Bean Town.

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 or visit Boston USA or Mass Vacations.

The Freedom Trail
Boston, MA 02133
Plan your own self-guided walking tour of up to 16 historical sights by following the "footsteps" of colonial Boston's early patriots. It will be your own journey to independence, geared to your kids' interests. Marked by a three-mile-long red path, 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 give regularly scheduled guided tours of select sights and are a great way to engage kids in the living history of this important city. For one weekend every August, the city welcomes costumed re-enactors to set up their tents on Boston Common and relive the days surrounding the city's siege by the British in 1812.

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."

Boston Tea Party Ship and Museum
Congress Street Bridge
Boston, MA 02127
617/338-1773
[FTF Note: This attraction is temporarily closed and will reopen in Summer 2011.]
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.

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.

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 four-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 is the collection inherited 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.

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.

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. Don't miss the remarkable collection of intricately assembled glass flowers, to botany what Audobon's bird drawings are to ornithology. Contact the museum for a schedule of fun family activities and exhibits.

Faneuil Hall
4 South Market Building, 5th Floor
Boston, MA 02109
617/523-1300
Combining shopping, food, and street performers into one complex near the waterfront, 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. Older kids will appreciate the scene at night, when outdoor cafes draw lots of street life.