The bustling New England city of Boston offers plenty of options for teen activities. Whether you are visiting for a few days or new to the city, the most difficult task is to decide which options to pursue. Shopping, sports, the arts, history and just hanging out at the waterfront offer some of Boston's finest and fun things for teens to explore.
Shopping
Boston's retail shops come in all shapes and sizes for teens who enjoy shopping. From large chain department stores to one-of-a-kind boutiques to shopping malls, you will find them throughout Boston's neighborhoods. In historic Boston, Downtown Crossing is the place to shop. For upscale browsing and buying head to Newbury Street in Back Bay where you will also find bargain shops and malls. Cambridge Side Galleria and Harvard Square continue the shopping options. There is no sales tax on clothing under $175 and a 6.25 percent tax on all other items.
Sports
No matter the weather, Boston offers indoor and outdoor sports of every kind. Boston Commons' Frog Pond is a cooling fountain in the heat of summer and an ice skating rink in winter. For skiing and snowboarding, load up your gear and head out to nearby Weston Ski Track or the Wachusett Mountain Ski Area. Canoe and kayak rentals are available in Newton and Charles River. For professional sports enthusiasts, catch a Red Sox baseball game at Fenway Park or enjoy ice hockey with the Bruins, basketball with the Celtics and football with the Patriots. Private and group lessons are available throughout the area for everything from bowling to gymnastics to soccer.
The Arts
Visual and performance arts thrive in Boston. Teens may visit world-class art exhibits at the Harvard Art Museum, the Boston Public Library and the Museum of Fine Arts. Music and dance lovers appreciate the finest in opera, musical theater and classical music with performances by the historic Handel and Haydn Society. Founded in 1815, the H and H is America's oldest organization of its kind. The Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Pops and Boston Ballet add their artistic touches to the mix for visitors and residents alike.
A Touch of History
Walk the Freedom Trail passing Bunker Hill, Boston Common, Paul Revere House, the Old Stone Church down to the harbor and the USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides. The 1.6-mile Black Heritage Trail takes you to pre-Civil War historic sites. Animal lovers will enjoy the historic Franklin Park Zoo or Stone Zoo where tours, special programs and wildlife exhibits abound.
Things to Consider
The legal drinking age in Boston is 21. A blood alcohol of .02 is considered "under the influence" for drivers under 21 and you will be required to take a Youth Alcohol Program with driving privileges suspended for 210 days, A junior operator's license may be obtained upon completion of training and passing of written and road skills tests. No child under 18 may have a driver's license without parental approval.
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