Budget Trip to Boston

[clori]

For the kids check out 5wits.com. The USS Constitution Museum is small but really fun for the kids. If the weather is nice my kids always loved the playground at the Boston Commons. If you have a local museum membership check for recipricality. Either the Children's Museum or the Museum of Science would be good for the kids. I also recommend skipping the aquarium but I have not gone since it was refurbished.

 

[jackie101]

sign up for living social and group on for Boston. I know they just had tour bus and duck tour deals

 

[CalDisneyMomof2]

There is no public transportation in Foxboro. It is a small town that just happens to have a stadium. I will tell you there is a train that runs from Boston just on game days. I don't know much about it except it stops right behind the stadium only on game days. It has just a few pick up and drop offs as it was never really a true stop. Wyndham Becon Hill is your best bet if that is the chain you want to stay use. There is a hotel connected to the stadium. The traffic to the game will be tough. For the young ages the Children's Museum of Boston is great. The duck boats will be closed.

Thanks for all the info

Is the traffic as bad on the weekends/worse? We'll be arriving at the airport around 3:30 on a Saturday and just plan to lay low. Sunday will be all about the game(unless they change the game to a Sunday night game which is very possible and we'll have time to tour in the morning). Unless it is a REALLY tight game (which between these two teams it most likely will be) we head out early because of the boys. They tend to get restless around the end of the 3rd quarter. I've been reading that it is a nightmare to get out of there-but I've dealt with that nightmare before having been to many Dodger's games. I usually just sit in my car for an hour or so before even turning it on to head out!

Monday will be a day just to tour so I'll be looking into everyone's recommendations. Tuesday we'll need to be at the airport around 3 so we won't have too much time to do anything unless it's done first thing in the morning.

This will be just a quick little vacation-when the boys are older and can understand better I want to do at least a week long in DC/BOSTON/NEW YORK.

I was actually thinking about staying at the new Wolf Lodge down the way having never been to one thinking the boys would love it but I'd much rather stay for free!

 

[rnrlover]

I'd choose the Museum of Science over the Aquarium, plus there are Duck tours that leave right from the MOS, so that would be very convenient.

I'm underwhelmed by our Aquarium. I feel like you can spend an hour there and see most of it.

I do not recommend the Aquarium. Even with our library passes which deducted almost 50% off the price, I thought I was ripped off. It took us an hour tops. I don't think it's much bigger than the aquarium (Nemo) area in Epcot.

Skip the aquarium and the duck tour. The aquarium is small, hot, overcrowded and dirty. The last time we were (last summer) there we couldn't believe how dirty the displays were. Some had so many finger prints on them that you couldn't see through the glass and it wasn't a days worth of dirt either.

The duck tour is awful. You will literally sit in traffic forever and breathe fumes from the exhaust. We went with a school field trip and even the kids hated it. It is long and boring and you can't wait to get out if there.

Another vote against the aquarium. I'd recommend walking over there and visiting the seal exhibit outside for free and that is about it. I find it super dated, dark and depressing.

Aquarium is small and costs a fortune; We really enjoy Quincy market area.

We went to the aquarium this past winter. It was recently redone and we really liked it.

I'll just reiterate what many others have said:

Huge NO to the aquarium
Modified yes to the duck tour (fun but can be pricey)

I also recommend skipping the aquarium but I have not gone since it was refurbished.

Oh no! This makes me incredibly sad. I would highly recommend the aquarium! I don't know how recently many of you have been, but the aquarium has gotten some fantastic updates in the last few years.
In 2011, the aquarium opened a shark and ray touch tank (The Trust Family Foundation Shark and Ray Touch Tank, to be specific)! And most recently, the aquarium just finished a large refurbishment period. They entirely refurbished the Giant Ocean Tank (GOT) (the big one in the middle of the spiral), replacing everything from the windows to the coral structures. Additionally, the top of the tank was redone, lighting was replaced, and exhibits were added, including the Yawkey Coral Reef Center.
With the tanks, every day they have live presentations at the top of the GOT, at the harbor seal exhibit, and the New Balance Marine Mammal Center (fur seals and sea lions). Plus, they will occasionally bring live animals for presentation to a space on the ground floor (as soon as you enter, to the left) for questions and fun facts.
I know the aquarium is expensive (I'm a student...) but I promise it is WORTH IT. You can definitely get your money's worth!
(But if money isn't the problem, some months of the year they have programs where you can feed and interact with the harbor seals or the animals in the New Balance Marine Mammal Center, and they recently added an experience where you can meet Myrtle, the green sea turtle, also known as the queen of the GOT)

I hope you consider visiting!

 

[3boymthr]

For the kids check out 5wits.com. The USS Constitution Museum is small but really fun for the kids. If the weather is nice my kids always loved the playground at the Boston Commons. If you have a local museum membership check for recipricality. Either the Children's Museum or the Museum of Science would be good for the kids. I also recommend skipping the aquarium but I have not gone since it was refurbished.

Both activities at 5 Wits are very good and they offer coupons via email. BUT avoid 5 Wits if your kids are at all sensitive to noise or sudden flashing lights. My kids love it but we took a younger friend and I had to take him out of there in a hurry as he was afraid of the lights and noise and had a meltdown. Luckily they do have an escape hatch if this happens to you.

Oh no! This makes me incredibly sad. I would highly recommend the aquarium! I don't know how recently many of you have been, but the aquarium has gotten some fantastic updates in the last few years.
In 2011, the aquarium opened a shark and ray touch tank (The Trust Family Foundation Shark and Ray Touch Tank, to be specific)! And most recently, the aquarium just finished a large refurbishment period. They entirely refurbished the Giant Ocean Tank (GOT) (the big one in the middle of the spiral), replacing everything from the windows to the coral structures. Additionally, the top of the tank was redone, lighting was replaced, and exhibits were added, including the Yawkey Coral Reef Center.
With the tanks, every day they have live presentations at the top of the GOT, at the harbor seal exhibit, and the New Balance Marine Mammal Center (fur seals and sea lions). Plus, they will occasionally bring live animals for presentation to a space on the ground floor (as soon as you enter, to the left) for questions and fun facts.
I know the aquarium is expensive (I'm a student...) but I promise it is WORTH IT. You can definitely get your money's worth!
(But if money isn't the problem, some months of the year they have programs where you can feed and interact with the harbor seals or the animals in the New Balance Marine Mammal Center, and they recently added an experience where you can meet Myrtle, the green sea turtle, also known as the queen of the GOT)

I hope you consider visiting!

My kids went in February my 11 yo deemed it "Lame." The 14 yo liked the aquarium in Mystic much better.


CalDisneyMomof2 - You definitely want to rent a car.

If there is not a game or other event the traffic on a weekend or even at rush hour on Route 1 around the stadium is not too bad. There are delays at rush hour but nothing earth shattering. Most weekdays at rush hour I'd only add an extra 10 minutes to Google Maps travel time for destination around the Stadium. On an average Saturday the traffic is pretty much clear sailing. But if going to Boston allow double the time on Google Maps at Rush Hour and an extra half hour on a Saturday. Quadruple that on a game day.

There is definitely a lot to do at Patriot Place if just hanging out on a Saturday. In addition to 5 Wits and the movie theatre they are also opening a bowling alley (Splitsville) at Patriot in just a few weeks. And Bass Pro almost always has kids activities and there is a nature hike behind Bass Pro around a cranberry bog. In addition, just a short drive down Route 1 (about 15 minutes away in Norwood) there is a Monster Mini Golf - there are constantly Groupons for this.

Make sure to pack winter clothing or lots of layers. Evenings in November can be very cold. Heck day time can be cold.

ETA - the hike behind Bass Pro is free and depending upon how quickly your kids hike can take 45 minutes to an hour.

 

[katie111]

CalDisneyMomof2- we live about 5 miles from the stadium. It is about 45 minutes from the airport to Foxboro if there is no traffic. You shouldn't hit any on a Sat afternoon unless there is an accident or construction going on. If you stay near the stadium a few suggestions for activities either on Sat or before the game-

Jumptrax- this is an indoor playspace with huge inflatables about 2 miles from the stadium. For $10 per child they get 1.5 hours of jumping. There are 2 large rooms with different inflatables and they switch rooms after 45 minutes. My kids love it there and it totally tires them out!
Bass Pro Shop- really fun to walk around in. Next to the stadium. Kids love it.
Monster mini golf- about 5 miles from the stadium in Norwood. Glow in the dark mini golf course.

On the day of the game, I would actually try to head in a little late if you do not plan to tailgate. We often leave our house about 10 minutes before game time and we are able to sail right up Rt 1 and into the main parking lot. You may miss the first 10 minutes of the game but it is usually worth it. If you leave by the end of the 3rd quarter, you may be able to get out without too much traffic. Generally, if we stay till the end, it takes us about an hour to get home (5 miles). Even if you wait awhile, traffic can still be pretty bad. Honestly, if you could time it right, going to a movie or dinner at Patriot Place after the game would not be a bad option.

On Monday, I would head into Boston after rush hour (around 9:30ish) and head to the the Children's museum. It should be quiet as it's a school day. You could easily spend 2-3 hours there & your kids will love it. Head over to Faneuil Hall for lunch. Huge food court with lots of great options & really fun to walk around. Lots of shops, Build a Bear, etc. I would walk around the city some, maybe check out some of the Freedom trail. For dinner, I would head to the North End for Italian. Other option would be the Science Museum but I think the Children's museum is much better for the ages of your kids.

 

[abmitch01]

for small kids, I would do the Children's Museum. My kids would spend from opening to closing there and that was before the big remodel

 

[laughinplace199]

Someone mentioned that the Duck Tours will be closed, but according to their website, they're open till November 30.

 

[trinchick]

The shark and ray tank at the aquarium is pretty cool, but you have to push your way through the crowd to get to the edge of the tank and then I felt rushed as there are so many people waiting. The rest is no great shakes. I have more fun standing outside and watching the sea lions than going inside.

 

[Minnie-Mickey]

Sorry, my mistake. I ment to say the swan boats close at the end of summer not the duck boats.

 

[WVMomof3]

Joining this thread as we will be in Rhode Island at the end of June for Region 1 soccer tournament. We will definitely add a trip to Boston. Not sure if we will be able to devote a whole day or have to work around a game. Off to go look at some suggestions on this thread. Any other must see things in the Rhode Island area we can do as a day trip? We will be staying in Mystic, Ct tournament is at University of Rhode Island. Kids are 16/13/12.

 

[ProudMommyof2]

Joining this thread as we will be in Rhode Island at the end of June for Region 1 soccer tournament. We will definitely add a trip to Boston. Not sure if we will be able to devote a whole day or have to work around a game. Off to go look at some suggestions on this thread. Any other must see things in the Rhode Island area we can do as a day trip? We will be staying in Mystic, Ct tournament is at University of Rhode Island. Kids are 16/13/12.

URI is in the southern portion of RI. You may want to consider Mystic Aquarium and Seaport.
If you are here on a weekend, i would find out if a Waterfire is happening in Providence. Very cool.
Boston is about 2 hours from where you will be.

 

[Minnie-Mickey]

Water fire, Mystic Aquarium, Seaport, Newport Mansions

 

[It's A Happy Day]

Sorry about the Bronco's fan thing But I'm sure you'll catch a great game!

Gillette Stadium - it sounds like you got some good recommendations from others who have stayed in or live around the area. The stadium is attached to and next to an outdoor mall - lookup Patriot Place online for a complete listing of stores and restaurants but off the top of my head - Cinema/Movie theater, Trader Joe's, Michaels (or one of the craft stores), Christmas Tree Shop, Staples, Bass Pro (fun store to just walk around in), the Pro Shop which also has a Museum in it (cost associated) of Patriots memorabilia. 10 minutes down the road is Wrentham Outlets if your interested in shopping... I highly recommend the apples at Rocky Mountain Fudge Shop

Boston
Aquarium - I would skip. Your on a mini trip here so I would go for maximum impact. Aquarium is high cost, time consuming, and IMO not enough return for the what your paying. Biggest sites here are the penguin exhibit, huge tank in the center floor to ceiling 3 stories high, and the sea lion show which is kinda short.

Duck Tours - good or bad rating really depends on who is driving the duck. We've been on several and had good and bad experiences. The Elvis impersonator and Crocodile Dundee act a like were two of the better ones. Not cheap but I would recommend this route for your kids age level and the amount you get out of Boston. I think you would see the most of Boston while also getting the history of several of the sites. Also would give you an insight of things you might want to see on a return trip. You wouldn't have to drive in bad traffic, walk miles and miles, and you get entertainment with it! They sell duck beaks where you board for the kids - they will love them, you, not so much There are 3 boarding places - aquarium, museum of science, and prudential center. The aquarium is an abbreviated tour for the same price as the longer other 2 pick up spots. I highly recommend if you choose this route that you make a reservation online/prepay so you know you have a seat and have an assigned time vs. walking up and possibly having to wait, find a way to kill time. Your kids are also a great age for this because they will get to drive the duck during the water portion of the tour - bring your camera for this photo op and the kids LOVE doing it.

Musuem of Science - love it but my main question is do you want to see Boston or do you want to go to a museum? Large museum, can kill a 1/2 day here or the whole day. My kids love the electricity show. Loud and you get to see lightning indoors.

Blue Man Group has a show in Boston at the Charles Playhouse

We live about an hour from both Gillette and Boston so we frequent them several times a year (I was at Gillette and Wrentham last week!). Our ideal trip when the kids were younger was to take the train into South Station, walk over to the Children's Museum, spend 1/2 the day there (always got a hand stamp in case we wanted to return same day). Then walk over to the Aquarium to see the outdoor seal/sea lion exhibit (free). Then continue our walk over a couple blocks to Fanhueil Hall - shops, food food and more food, live entertainment a lot of the times - outside musicians and other artsy type stuff. Then we would walk back to South Station and take the train home.

If you had a vehicle, Boston isn't your only option. Boston by MapQuest is about 35-40 minutes. You could also head to Plymouth Plantation, Plymouth Rock, the ocean (about 50 minutes) - I know not beachy weather but enjoy heading to the ocean anytime I can. I guess it really depends on what your looking to get out of the trip.

Have fun with whatever you decide on... we love Boston and make it a point to go there frequently.

 

[It's A Happy Day]

Joining this thread as we will be in Rhode Island at the end of June for Region 1 soccer tournament. We will definitely add a trip to Boston. Not sure if we will be able to devote a whole day or have to work around a game. Off to go look at some suggestions on this thread. Any other must see things in the Rhode Island area we can do as a day trip? We will be staying in Mystic, Ct tournament is at University of Rhode Island. Kids are 16/13/12.

We are members at Mystic Aquarium... LOVE it here! Outside walkways you can take your time walking around. Big frog pond - kids love looking for the HUGE bullfrogs in here as well as fish & turtles. Beluga Whales, Sea Lions - they also have a sea lion show, penguins, petting Ray tank, petting shark tank as well as the regular exhibits, an Imax theater, and a Titanic exhibit. Much better IMO than the Boston Aquarium. I think what I love about here is I never felt rushed. Even when it's busy we were never crowded and you can take your time moseying around vs. trying to get it all in.

If you like to beach it - Misquamicut (sp?) is right there - big waves, open ocean, state park so there are facilities there - pay for parking. If your heading RI way, we love Roger Williams Zoo, Providence Place (huge mall) is also right there and there is a Dave & Busters there (teen/young adult arcade chuck e cheese place). Also "in the neighborhood" there are 2 casino's - yeah, adult land but they also have restaurants, shops, an arcade for the kids. We stay overnight at Foxwoods sometimes and the kids enjoy eating there, swimming in the pool, and hitting the arcade.

 

[plummer925]

I'm a bit surprised that no one has mentioned the Beantown Trolly. We're going to Boston in 2 weeks (I live in Maine) - a friend is visiting from Oklahoma and flying in and out of Boston - we'll be staying outside of the city (Minuteman Campground in one of their cabins) and taking the Commuter Rail into the city and travelling by the "T" and by Beantown Trolly while in the city.

SO much great things in Boston. I haven't been to the Aquarium in a few years, but when I went in the past it was overly expensive for what you got. It was amazing though...but I did not do the Imax (I get motion sick from it...which is weird as it's about the only time outside of fast spinny rides that make me sick!).

I do NOT recommend the whale watch - as many have said the seas are ROUGH. One person said something about liking to watch others while on it and that post kind of sounded mean to me. Like I said - I'm from Maine (directly on the coast). I've been on MANY boat rides and whale watches and the one in Boston was the WORST - both my husband and I got VERY sick from it...and when you're feeling green, seeing others vomiting just is NOT a good thing!

When in the Quincy Market area make sure to go into Fanuiel Hall - the inside is beautiful.

Buy the Charlie Card (the subway card) - it will cost about 1.25 per ride, per person, but you can get a 3-day pass for unlimited rides. I do not know the current price but I seem to think that it made sense at about 8 or 9 rides.

Have fun!

 

[WVMomof3]

Thanks for all the suggestions, and sorry to hijack the OPs thread.... but, we have decided to tack on a few days at the end instead of trying to get to Boston on same day as a soccer game. Looking to move a little closer and catch the train into Boston. Right now looking at Norwood or Plymouth. I am just going by map and trying to find hotels, so open to any better suggestions.

Also looks like it is fairly equal to take I95 back (this is the way we will come) or take I84 back. I believe both take me to Tappan Zee bridge. Any difference, traffic wise, which we should take. We will be leaving Tuesday, July 2, if that makes a difference.

Thanks so much for all the help!

 

[rdevine10]

Thanks for all the suggestions, and sorry to hijack the OPs thread.... but, we have decided to tack on a few days at the end instead of trying to get to Boston on same day as a soccer game. Looking to move a little closer and catch the train into Boston. Right now looking at Norwood or Plymouth. I am just going by map and trying to find hotels, so open to any better suggestions.

Also looks like it is fairly equal to take I95 back (this is the way we will come) or take I84 back. I believe both take me to Tappan Zee bridge. Any difference, traffic wise, which we should take. We will be leaving Tuesday, July 2, if that makes a difference.

Thanks so much for all the help!

I would recommend going onto the tripadvisor forums (there is one for Boston). They can help direct you on where is a good location to stay. IE: we are going in June as well and tagging along for DH's business trip. We are staying in Norwood, as that is where he needs to be for work, BUT, its not the best area for sight seeing for Boston. I will need to take the commuter train. You would be much better off finding a hotel on the T route with free parking and a shuttle to the T station (or walking distance). It will be much cheaper! Have fun!

 

[rdevine10]

Also, I live in CT and find 84 a better ride than 95. The tappan z is OK for a bridge, but avoid ALL rush hour times with any of the bridges near NYC. HTH

 

[Minnie-Mickey]

So from my posts you know I live in Foxboro. Small town. Patriots place and the stadium are main draws to town. I work in Norwood. There is not much to do in Norwood. You are still out a ways from Boston, maybe 35 -40 min depending upon where you are going. I used to live in Plymouth. I vote for that town. You have Plymouth plantation, the Mayflower, Plymouth rock (pebble) and lots of shopping and places to eat on the water. It is a short drive to the cape to check out places. You would be half way between say Boston and Cape Cod. If you are staying in Norwood you would still have to park in Boston if you headed in. It is not so expensive or maybe I am used to the prices. $35 or so for the day sometimes more or less. You could also drive to the T and take the train Quincy Adams or Braintree have fairly large parking garages. We like Quincy Adams.