Boston Day Trip Question

[scoochie75]

We are going to be staying with the grandparents outside of Albany, NY for 3 weeks in August and want to take the two older kids out to Boston for a Day Trip. Is it best to drive right into the city and look for parking or are we better off finding a T-Stop outside the city and taking the T in. We are hoping to go on either a Sunday or a Monday. We are from outside of DC so I know that down here taking the metro in is usually the best bet.

Also what are the best bets for a one day visit - the kids are 6 and 4. I was figuring the Aquarium - but not sure what else!

Thanks -
Kara

 

[thegrimdwarf]

We are going to be staying with the grandparents outside of Albany, NY for 3 weeks in August and want to take the two older kids out to Boston for a Day Trip. Is it best to drive right into the city and look for parking or are we better off finding a T-Stop outside the city and taking the T in. We are hoping to go on either a Sunday or a Monday. We are from outside of DC so I know that down here taking the metro in is usually the best bet.

Also what are the best bets for a one day visit - the kids are 6 and 4. I was figuring the Aquarium - but not sure what else!

Thanks -
Kara

You're always better taking the T into the city. You can buy visitor passes to cover your T Fare.

The Children's Museum in Boston is great - definitely a don't-miss attraction with kids your age. Also consider a Duck Tour - the kids won't be interested in the tour info, but will probably get a kick out of the boats. The Museum of Science also has a child-oriented area.

Have fun!

 

[scoochie75]

You're always better taking the T into the city. You can buy visitor passes to cover your T Fare.

The Children's Museum in Boston is great - definitely a don't-miss attraction with kids your age. Also consider a Duck Tour - the kids won't be interested in the tour info, but will probably get a kick out of the boats. The Museum of Science also has a child-oriented area.

Have fun!

How is parking at the T-Stops outside the city - do we have to plan to be there really early?

 

[WDWFromTheirEyes]

There should be plenty of parking outside the city and cost is minimal.

I agree with the previous posts about the Duck Boats, they are a lot of fun. The tour is on the city streets as well as the water.

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

Definately don't plan to drive into the city...especially on a Monday. And if you go on a Monday, plan to be at the tstops bright and early because the lots fill up quickly on a work day (although not as bad during the summer). Also plan ahead if the Red Sox are in town because that effect the t lots as well.

I would skip the Aquarium personally. I've been there a lot and if you've been to other aquariums, you may be disappointed. It's really not that exciting. I would go to the Museum of Science or do a Duck Boat tour if you can get a reservation.

Also, we do have two local zoos. Stoneham is quite boring so I wouldn't suggest going there. Franklin Park is a much nicer zoo with a really great gorilla exhibit. You can drive there (plenty of free parking) or take public transportation.

 

[thegrimdwarf]

How is parking at the T-Stops outside the city - do we have to plan to be there really early?

If you go on a weekend, you'll have no trouble at all. Work days might be a little more iffy, but then again, it'll be just as iffy getting a spot in a garage in the city and will cost you a ton (both money and aggravation - I was born and raised in Boston, and I still don't like driving there, lol - Bostonians are not courteous drivers...).

 

[buena vista]

Sunday traffic shouldn't be too bad, but parking in town can be pricey and stressful, so the T is your best bet. From the west, you can pick up the T either at Alewife (red line) or Riverside (green line D). www.mbta.com. Kids ride free w/adults.

Parking is plentiful at both locations (over 2,000 spots at Alewife and almost 1,000 spaces at Riverside), but it'll be easier and less stressful on Sunday than Monday.

I agree with most of what my fellow locals said - Duck Tour, Aquarium, Children's Museum and Museum of Science are all good family attractions, but there's so much here to explore and enjoy. Good luck!

 

[DisneyKT]

Another vote for Museum of Science or Duck Tours. Have a good trip.

 

[scoochie75]

Thank you so much for all of the responses - and buena vista thanks for the T stop information. Looks like we will be taking the T in - I have been going back and forth on the Duck Tour only b/c they have done that tour in DC so the thrill of going into the water won't really be there for them. We are planning a day down in Mystic, CT to so maybe I will do the aquarium there and the childrens museum in Boston - Thanks again everyone.

 

[toystorymom]

I agree, the Children's Museum is great, the kids would have a blast. Personally, with kids that age I would skip the Science Museum. Unfortuantely, it's not like DC where all the Museums are free! But there really is so much to do and see. Have fun!

 

[saratogadreamin09]

park outside the city and take the T


i went to college in Boston and their's a lot of one way streets so driving is more difficult then parking. There are a lot of parking garages in the city so parking isn't a big problem but driving is.



Their's so much to do in Boston I wouldn't even know where to start. I'm a history buff so I love historic downtown boston but I know that's not everyone's cup of tea.


One of my favorite things about Boston was all of the free stuff to do., but a lot of these things are at night.

I aso loved the swan boats. And the shopping on Newbury street is awesome, even if you don't buy anything it's a fun experience.



Hope you have a great trip!!!!!!!!

 

[D L and K's Mom]

Take the T. I grew up in Boston. Driving can be crazy. They close streets for construction. Lots of one ways and dead ends. Lots of traffic from tunnels (have not been there driving since the Big Dig though this may have solved it) Parking is hit or miss. Once you get into Boston it is a very walkable city.

Quincy Hall/Fanueil Hall marketplace are fun places. Fun shopping. Lots of pushcart vendors. Street preformers. Great food.
http://www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com/

If you have time the swanboats are fun too.
http://www.swanboats.com/new/welcome.shtml

If you have baseball fans there is a really nice tour of Fenway park that they may enjoy.
http://mlb.mlb.com/bos/ballpark/tour.jsp


Outside of Boston you could do the Salem Witch museums etc. I loved those when I was young. It was fun to be scared silly!
http://www.salemwitchmuseum.com/

Not sure how long you will be staying but see if there are any shows in town. We have seen the Blue Man Group, Wicked, Lion King etc.....
http://www.boston.com/ae/theater_arts/


The Museums are fantastic!!!
http://www.mos.org/
http://www.bostonkids.org/

Duck tours are fun too.
http://www.bostonducktours.com/

The Freedom Trail is to walk to see Old North Church, Paul Reveres house, Old Ironsides etc....I hated it when I was young but found it much more interesting when I was old.....lol like 20!!!
http://www.thefreedomtrail.org/

Boston Visitors Guide with children
http://www.boston.com/travel/boston/for_the_kids/


Not sure if you have girls but my Mom said that the Natick Mall is putting in an American Girls store...supposed to be a big one like New York City. I am pretty sure there is a T stop in Natick behind the mall so maybe you can stop there as well. Not sure if it is already there or not. I guess you could call the Mall or American Girls Inc????
Also not sure how you are driving but if you go through Deerfield stop and visit the HUGE Yankee Candle store/restaurant/ museum
http://www.yankeecandle.com/cgi-bin...+Candle/Visit+a+Flagship+Store/Flagship+Store

Boston is beautiful enjoy your visit.

 

[thegrimdwarf]

Thank you so much for all of the responses - and buena vista thanks for the T stop information. Looks like we will be taking the T in - I have been going back and forth on the Duck Tour only b/c they have done that tour in DC so the thrill of going into the water won't really be there for them. We are planning a day down in Mystic, CT to so maybe I will do the aquarium there and the childrens museum in Boston - Thanks again everyone.

The aquarium in Mystic is much better than the NE one, IMHO.

 

[MandM-Mom]

Not sure if you have girls but my Mom said that the Natick Mall is putting in an American Girls store...supposed to be a big one like New York City. I am pretty sure there is a T stop in Natick behind the mall so maybe you can stop there as well. Not sure if it is already there or not. I guess you could call the Mall or American Girls Inc????
.

I have heard this is not set to Open till November 08, something to keep in mind for your next visit. I know I can't wait to check it out

My dd's loved the Aquarium, its not a huge thing but enjoyable for the little ones.

 

[SmallWorld71]

We've been to all the places mentioned many times, and hands down DD5's favorite is the children's museum. There is plenty for them to do and see at the Science Museum and the Aquarium, but not near as much hands on fun as the Children's Museum. (Out of the three, the Aquarium is the least hands on.) Try to get there at opening to get a jump on the crowds just like you would at Disney.It makes a HUGE difference.
DD also loves the Swan Boats in the Public Garden. If you decide to do this make sure you read "Make Way for Ducklings" as it will make the experience so much better. And, don't forget to check out the bronze statues of Mrs. Mallard and the Ducklings nearby. We like to combine a day at the Swan Boats with a trip to the "Frog Pond" over at the Boston Common. (It's basically a shallow swimming area.) Duck Tours are great, but they are expensive and I think the little ones enjoy the Swan Boats and Frog Pond more.
And, I never drive into the city. Way too stressful and expensive. Children under 11 are free on the 'T' which is great.

Also, FWIW, the majority of the Aquarium in Boston is inside with a small exhibit outside while the one in Mystic has it's best exhibits outside with some inside. In the winter, Boston is where you would want to be, but in nice weather I think Mystic would be great!

 

[FreFam5]

Skip the Aquarium. If you are doing Mystic you will love that much better than the one in Boston.

I was born and raised in Boston and now live just South. We have family memberships to the Museum of Science, the Aquarium and the zoo. By far, the Museum of Science is the best and the favorite of my kids. They also love the Boston Children's Museum but the M. of Science hands down rocks. You can also get the Duck Tours right out of the Museum - just book your tickets on line before as they sell out quickly.

I would take the T in - we were in DC this past April and I do have to say that the Metro is cleaner and easier to manage than the Boston T - but the T is doable and definitely easier than driving in Boston if you don't know the streets.

Have a great time!!!!!!

 

[KEVD]

The Duck Tours, Swan Boats and Fenway Park are in the same general vicinity. All can be accessed via the "Green Line". And Fanuel Hall / Quincy Market is also accessible on the Green line at the Govt Center stop.

The Childrens Museum is great too but it's somewhat isolated and, as far as I know (anyone... feel free to correct me if I'm wrong here), not very convenient to the T (subway).

If you are coming in from the west, I'd reccomend parking at the Riverside T stop on the Green line and take the "D" train into the city. Riverside is right off or route 128/95 in Newton. This will give you easy access to lots of the fun things that other folks have suggested. If you go to www.mbta.com you can get schedules and parking info. I'd suggest a Sat or a Sun to avoid the commuting crowds.

From the Green line
-Fenway Park is at the Kenmore Square Stop
-The Duck Tours... a 5 min walk from the Hynes Convention Center stop
-Swan Boats, right across from Arlington Street stop
-Faneul Hall, a stones throw from Government Center

 

[clori]

I live a few miles north of Boston with easy access to the subway. My kids are 4 and 8 and enjoy visiting Boston periodically and mostly just take the t.

Museum of Science - they love it so much that we have a membership. It is located down the street from the green line Science Park stop. Almost everything has a hands on section and it has areas such as an indoor playground. There is currently a Baseball exhibit which includes a hands on area for adults and kids.

Childrens Museum - the kids enjoy it but Museum of Science is higher on their list. It is located about a 10 minute walk from South Station (red line).

Old State House Museum - small, doesn't take that long, but has plenty of hands on stuff to occupy my younger one.

Boston commons playground is located near Park ST Green Line STop or easy walk from Downtown crossing and the kids like playing there. We do the swanboat ride usually once a year which is a relaxing ride.

Boston Commons has a playground that my kids like to play at and in the summer it has a small sprinkler area. Right nearby is the frogpond which is a big wading pool in the summer time and a ice skating rink in the winter time.

My dd8 went to the museum of natural history on a field trip when she was 6 and absolutely loved it. I have never been but she is usually a very hands on child. There is a Museum of Fine Arts if that interests your children and I think they offer some kids activities.

USS Constitution Museum - the top floor is full of hands on activities such as hammocks to play in, pretend food, games, some climbing thing etc. I walked from North Station but I believe there is a bus that goes closer. My dd enjoyed the USS Constitution tour itself but my 3 year old was bored. If you go there stop in the Visitor Center. If you ask they will give you free National Park booklets that they can get stamped in a few places.

 

[imthatgirl]

ill throw another vote for the T, it used to be parking wasnt too bad, but not anymore.

but i have to say i would skip the museum of science and the childrens museum. sure both are great places to go, but if you are only in boston for the day, id see some of boston. either one of the museums is going to be an all day thing.
i would take the T to government center and walk through fanuiel hall and downtown crossing.
or how about the freedom trail and walking over to the park.
or theres nebury street fr shopping.
the prudential for shopping.

 

[SmallWorld71]

The Childrens Museum is great too but it's somewhat isolated and, as far as I know (anyone... feel free to correct me if I'm wrong here), not very convenient to the T (subway).

It's a short walk from the South Station (red line) 'T' Stop. (5-10 min.) Only a problem in really inclement weather.

Lots of great ideas here. As I said, we've done almost everything mentioned numerous times. I guess the best choice lies with your kids' personalities and what you think they would most enjoy. Like I said, DD5 loves the Swan Boats and the Children's Museum. Although she has been to the Science Museum plenty of times and enjoyed parts of it, this was the 1st year where she REALLY enjoyed it. DS9 on the other hand has loved it for years, because it completely gels with his personality. I don't know where you are from, but another thing to do if you decide to go the outdoor route, is go to the observatory at the top of the Prudential building. Not so exciting if you are from a city with taller buildings, otherwise, it could be worth a look see. Have fun whatever you decide.