Boston Fun Activities For Toddlers

Your Tiny Traveler (and you) can have a blast in Boston, Massachusetts all year round.

There's so much to be done in "Beantown." From swan boats to a great children's museum and more, here are Family Travel Forum's best bets for indoor and outdoor toddler-friendly activities in Boston, Massachusetts. For further general information, be sure to visit the Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau (888/SEE-BOSTON or 617/536-4100) or Mass Vacations.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Boston 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.