Boston - fun ideas?

[mrsap]

Hey everyone! We were thinking of visiting Boston for a long weekend in July. We have never been, so I was wondering if anyone can give us some suggestions for fun places to go with our little ones. Also, would love some restaurant recommendations! Thanks so much!!!!!!!

 

[CalDisneyMomof2]

How old are your little ones?

 

[JCMHutch]

Lots to do in Boston: http://www.boston-discovery-guide.com/boston-kids-activities.html

 

[bigmamimia]

If you like theme parks there is a six flags in Springfield Mass. Also look at a place called 5 wits at Patriot PLace. They aren't in Boston but they are fairly close. If you don't like huge roller coasters try Canobie LAke PArk instead it is in nearby Salem, NH. I would not recommend Faneuil Hall market it is a tourist trap. The New England Aquarium is a nice place for a one day visit. Boston museum of science could take you a couple of days in my opinion. I don't know where you live but Boston museum of science has an annual pass and it gives you entry into many museums around the country. Look up the list to see if they are associated with a museum near you. Then you can get an annual pass and use it many times all year. Just walking around Boston is pretty cool.

 

[seb65]

How old are the kids? Will you have a car? The Duck Boats are great for a tour around Boston. Groupon often has deals. There is the Freedom Trail with lots of history along the way. USS Constitution was a favorite with the boys. Boston Tea Party Museum was interactive and fun. FAnueil Hall has a food court/shops. North End has many good places to eat. You must go to Mike's Pastry. Boston Common is pretty to walk through. Swan Boats are fun. There is an Earl of Sandwich there.

 

[bigmamimia]

How could I forget to write about the freedom trail!

 

[CookieandOatmeal]

I would check out the Museum of Science and the duck boats. Very fun for kids. Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market is a must when you visit Boston IMO. Maybe even go check out the campuses of Harvard/MIT. Very nice to walk around even if you can't go into the individual buildings.

 

[kj2mom]

If you have any sports fans, Fenway Park has a tour that is pretty cool even if you don't like the Sox. You can take a trolley tour that will let you off at each stop to explore (the Duck Boat Tour is awesome but you don't get off so the trolley offers a little different perspective).

ETA: Cheers is often times a fun place for those of who grew up watching the show but of course there are lots other great places also.

 

[clori]

age of kids makes a difference - for preschoolers/young elementary school age the Boston Commons is fun in the summer with the giant wading pool and tadpole playgroud, kids usually get to drive the duckboat, Old State House Museum is small but has fun hands on activtiies for young kids etc.

 

[mrsap]

You guys are amazing!!! Thank you all so much!!!!! My kids are 7,2! I love so many of the ideas I can't list them all!!!! I'm definitely going to check out Groupon!! Now we just have to book a hotel! We have been racking our brains for a fun little trip to keep us busy till Disney. this is perfect!! We were thinking 4th of July weekend... Does anyone know if they do anything special? Thank you all again!!!!

 

[Denise W]

You guys are amazing!!! Thank you all so much!!!!! My kids are 7,2! I love so many of the ideas I can't list them all!!!! I'm definitely going to check out Groupon!! Now we just have to book a hotel! We have been racking our brains for a fun little trip to keep us busy till Disney. this is perfect!! We were thinking 4th of July weekend... Does anyone know if they do anything special? Thank you all again!!!!

Uh, 4th of July? There is a Boston Pops concert at the Esplanade and then incredible fireworks. Thousands of people go to that. It is free, but very crowded.
Denise

 

[HubbDave]

I echo the 5 Wits post. Very clever and fun. Patriot Place is great.
Take a tour of Harvard across the river...interesting history
USS Constitution is interesting
For young kids try the a Children's Museum. The aquarium is sorta meh compared to others. Harbor Islands are amazing. Ferry out to George's Island is a great way to see the city from the water

We might still have snow on the ground.

 

[PollyannaMom]

You guys are amazing!!! Thank you all so much!!!!! My kids are 7,2! I love so many of the ideas I can't list them all!!!! I'm definitely going to check out Groupon!! Now we just have to book a hotel! We have been racking our brains for a fun little trip to keep us busy till Disney. this is perfect!! We were thinking 4th of July weekend... Does anyone know if they do anything special? Thank you all again!!!!

Yes, Harborfest. Check out this website:

http://www.boston-discovery-guide.com/boston-harborfest.html

 

[burberryplaid]

A Duck Boat Tour, Fannueil Hall, Museum of Science, and the Aquarium would all be fun for your family.

I also recommend a harbor tour or whale watch. The whale watch is a bit pricey (You might find a deal on Groupon) but so fun and worth it!

Try booking.com for a hotel. If you are fine not being right in the city look for a hotel in Cambridge which is on the other side of the Charles. The hotels are generally cheaper & just as accessible to the city.

 

[deb24k]

Boston Pops on the Esplanade for the 4th if you are willing to withstand the crowds!

I would choose The Children's Museum for the ages of your children.
Duck Boats
Ferry to George's Island
Swan Boats/and The Frog Pond at Boston Common.
Definitely a meal in the North End followed by dessert at Mike's Pastry

 

[WannaGoDW]

I second the ferry to George's Island! Bring a flashlilght!

 

[sharona]

July 4th weekend will be packed everywhere. Lots of fun things to do. The kids will like the Children's Museum ($1 on Friday after 5), the Museum of Science is also great for kids.. outdoor activities you can sail on the Charles, take the duck boat tour (check reviews on Trip Advisor as there are several options), the USS Constitution has tours, and around the 4th there may be one of the big Navy carriers offering tours as well. Fenway Park has a great tour available to the public... The Aquarium... If you're here on the 4th don't miss the Pops concert and the fireworks.

 

[hsmamato2]

I would check out the Museum of Science and the duck boats. Very fun for kids. Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market is a must when you visit Boston IMO. .

yes.... great fun here..... and if you head a bit past quincy market, along where the $$$ ferry rides go out,they run a city water taxi, fare is like 1.50 pp to ride across the harbor to see the USS constitution,etc. lots of fun for cheap! I like the historical buildings around Quincy market, my sons always got bored ;-)

 

[sharona]

Quincy Market has basically turned into a boring mall. No more unique and unusual stores...it's all been replaced by GAP and Abercrombie or overpriced souvenirs. The historical building where Faneuil Hall is will have some decent street performers around and there's this awesome couple who dress up as Ben Franklin and wife. My DD loves to look for them. Definitely walk to the North End for food. We like the Modern instead of Mikes pastry.

 

[Jen_in_NH]

The 4th of July will be busy. The Pops concert is fantastic, but mobbed.

If your kids are into boats and history, right around the 4th is when the Constitution goes out for it's annual sail - you can get tickets to go out on it. It was fantastic- we went when my son was 6, and he loved every minute of it.

The duck boats are fun, the Franklin Park Zoo is also a fun afternoon.