Fun Things to Do in Boston With the Family

Fun Things to Do in Boston With the Family
Photo Credit Boston downtown image by Alessandro Lai from Fotolia.com

Boston offers a variety of fun opportunities for the family. Whether looking for fun, yet educational, opportunities, or seeking an outdoor adventure, a family trip to Boston fits the bill. Further, the different sites and activities often overlap with one another, and the public transportation makes moving from one activity to the next easy and enjoyable.

Historical Sites

No trip trip to Boston is complete without viewing the city's many historical sites. A great way to do this is by walking the Freedom Trail. The trail is approximately three miles long and visits 16 historical sites. This is not only a great way to visit the sites of our nation's founding, but the trail also leads through shopping districts, such as the Faneuil Hall Marketplace, and great Italian dining in the North End.

On the Water

There are a variety of water related activities in Boston. The Charles River offers canoeing and kayaking, or the day can be spent sailing in Boston harbor. Both canoe and kayak rentals and sailboat rentals are available. Charles River Canoe and Kayak is a well-established business that offers services ranging from hourly rentals to paddling school and race-kayak demonstrations. Whale watching tours also provide a great opportunity for the family to enjoy nature together.

Local Food

Boston has farmer's markets througout the metro area. The Downtown Boston Farmer's Market is located at City Hall Plaza and is open on Mondays and Wednesdays. There is a farmer's market open somewhere in the area every day. These markets not only have produce and meat from local farms, but some also have the freshest seafood you can find. There are also many restaurants that serve local food, such as Teatro and No. 9 Park, both located across from the Boston Commons.

Open Spaces

Boston is a bustling metropolis, but it has expansive open spaces allowing visitors a respite from congestion. The largest and most famous is the Boston Commons. This is a common place for cyclists, runners, and those simply seeking a walk in a more natural environment. Families will also enjoy the famous Swan Boats that take passengers around the waters of the Boston Public Gardens, located inside the Commons.

New England Aquarium

The New England Aquarium is a must see for any family trip to Boston. The Aquarium not only offers an up-close encounter with aquatic habitats and creatures from around the world, it also exposes visitors to conservation efforts underway to save the environment that these creatures depend on. The Aquarium also has an expansive website that allows children to begin their adventure in the aquatic world before visiting the Aquarium and provides an opporunity to continue learning after they go home.

References

Article reviewed by JPC Last updated on: Dec 7, 2010

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