OT - Boston or Chicago?

[samepoohdifferentday]

I am thinking of planning a trip to Boston or Chicago this summer. I haven't been to either. Flights out of Buffalo seem cheap, but hotels seem expensive. I may book through Hotwire or Priceline.

Our family is DW, DH, DD10 and DD7. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[LSmith]

My vote would be for Boston. It's one of my favourite cities.

The Boston Children's Museum is first rate and we go every summer. It's the best we've ever been to and only costs about $9.00 per person. My youngest are 10 and 11 and never tire of it. You and your kids can easily kill 5 hours there.

You are also right on Boston Harbour which means you are at the ocean. There are lots of excellent beaches within half an hour to 40 minutes. Also great whale watching. We went in August and saw tons of whales. You can't beat the ocean.

Excellent New England Aquarium downtown. You can get a cheaper ticket if you combine the whale watching and the aquarium. Good deal and nice boat.

There is an American Girl store at Natick Mall which your daughters may love. It's quite the spectacle and a must do when we are there. Bring lots of money though.

Faneuil Hall is a great cobblestoned outdoor place to shop, eat and people watch and we always go there as well.

The subway is easy to get around on. It's a very neat old transit system and so different than Toronto's.

The people are very friendly and helpful if you need directions.

One note. If you stay in the centre of the city and you need parking it's very expensive so you should factor that into your hotel price.

That said I may be going to Chicago in 6 weeks so I'll be able to compare the two.

 

[LSmith]

My vote would be for Boston. It's one of my favourite cities.

The Boston Children's Museum is first rate and we go every summer. It's the best we've ever been to and only costs about $9.00 per person. My youngest are 10 and 11 and never tire of it. You and your kids can easily kill 5 hours there.

You are also right on Boston Harbour which means you are at the ocean. There are lots of excellent beaches within half an hour to 40 minutes. Also great whale watching. We went in August and saw tons of whales. You can't beat the ocean.

Excellent New England Aquarium downtown. You can get a cheaper ticket if you combine the whale watching and the aquarium. Good deal and nice boat.

There is an American Girl store at Natick Mall which your daughters may love. It's quite the spectical and a must do when we are there. Bring lots of money though.

Faneuil Hall is a great cobblestoned outdoor place to shop, eat and people watch and we always go there as well.

The subway is easy to get around on. It's a very neat old transit system and so different than Toronto's.

The people are very friendly and helpful if you need directions.

One note. If you stay in the centre of the city and you need parking it's very expensive so you should factor that into your hotel price.

That said I may be going to Chicago in 6 weeks so I'll be able to compare the two.