The largest city in New England, Boston Massachusetts was founded in 1630 by English Puritan colonists. It is rich in early American history from its battles, to its monuments and historical sites. This diverse city has fantastic attractions for the family, including museums, an aquarium, zoo, and much more. Listed alphabetically, the follow places rank among the best in Boston for families with kids.

Boston Children’s Museum

For fun learning and hands-on activities galore, the Boston Children’s Museum is a big hit

Boston Children’s Museum provides a child-centered environment with delightful hands-on exhibits that help children learn through their innate curiosity about the world around them. Included among the popular exhibits is the Art Studio which allows families and children ages 5 and over to express their creativity through a variety of fun activities using media like clay, paper, paint, fabric and more. The Construction Zone encourages kids to build, dig and play with pint-sized replicas of real world construction site themed paraphernalia. There is a KidStage for performing arts, PlaySpace for infants and tots 0-3 years to safely explore, a Science Playground that engages all the senses through play and lively activities, a 3 story high sculpture called New Balance Climb with paths and colorful platforms for children to safely climb, and lots more. Boston Children’s Museum is open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is located at 308 Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts www.bostonkids.org

Franklin Park Zoo

Franklin Park Zoo is open year-round and features many amazing animals like this gorilla

Established in 1912, the Franklin Park Zoo is run by Zoo New England and is an exotic 72-acre oasis in the middle of Boston. Meander through a tropical rainforest with their amazing gorilla exhibit, lemurs, pygmy hippos, and free-flight birds. The zoo is also home to the African-themed Kalahari Kingdom, Giraffe Savannah, and Serengeti Crossing with lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests and more. Also featured are tigers, kangaroos, birds and butterflies (seasonal). Kids can get up close and personal to farm animals in the zoo’s Franklin Farm that includes a barn and contact corral with goats and sheep. Guests can also hand-feed birds in the Aussie Aviary. The Franklin Park Zoo is open year-round and located at One Franklin Park Road in Boston, Massachusetts www.zoonewengland.org

Freedom Trail

Boston Common is the nation’s oldest park and dates back to 1634

The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile walking trail that takes visitors on a fascinating tour of 16 historical sites that help tell the story of the American Revolution and the ideals and freedoms upon which this country was founded. This is perfect for families with school-aged children. Among the historical sites are Boston Common – the nation’s oldest park founded in 1634, the elegantly domed Massachusetts State House, Paul Revere’s house, the Old Corner Bookstore that had its beginnings as an apothecary shop, the Old State House, Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, Bunker Hill, the USS Constitution, and more. There are many other historical sites off the trail that provide much enrichment as well. The historical tours bring history alive with costumed guides and exciting tales of the bravery of those intrepid colonists who dared to defy Britain and establish a new republic. For more information visit their website at www.thefreedomtrail.org

Museum of Science

The planetarium light shows at the Museum of Science are spectacular (photo courtesy of Museum of Science)

With hundreds of interactive exhibits, live presentations, a planetarium, an IMAX theater, 3-D digital cinema, over 100 live animals, and exciting simulator experiences through space, the deep sea, and much more, the Museum of Science is a wonderful venue for the whole family. Guests can observe real bees go about their work in a glassed-in beehive, get a close view of a 23-foot-long triceratops named Cliff that is 65-millions years old, learn about the fascinating live animals that reside at the museum, see beautiful dioramas depicting New England habitats with touchable collections, explore a rock garden including petrified wood and Egyptian granite, learn all about the first moon landing, and so much more.

Young children from infants through 8 years can play in the discovery station with its many objects, live animals, and activities that foster learning by stimulating their imaginations. A playground exhibit called Science in the Park is a great place for children to learn about the science of motion while playing and exercising on swings and other familiar equipment. Museum of Science is located at 1 Museum of Science Driveway, Boston, Massachusetts www.mos.org

New England Aquarium

The touch tanks offer visitors a close-up encounter with the creatures that live there

This highly acclaimed aquarium is found along Boston’s historic waterfront and home to more than 30,000 animals and 70 exhibits. A variety of large tanks with amazing creatures like seadragons, sharks, tropical fish, sea stars, crabs, octopus, moon jellies and much more await. Other animals at the aquarium include rays, seals, sea lions and penguins. A large touch tank with sharks and rays offers an up close experience for kids and adults. In another touch tank guests can pet sea stars, hold hermit crabs, and explore other species that live in the sea’s tide pools. Younger children can play in the Curious George Discover Corner where they will learn more about the ocean through games, stories, art projects and other activities. There are daily shows and presentations, as well as an IMAX theater with exciting films on a huge screen that makes viewers feel as though they are part of the action.

The New England Aquarium was also featured in our 10 Best Aquariums in the USA article. It is located at 1 Central Wharf Boston, Massachusetts www.neaq.org

This year’s offerings include morning puppet shows, evening poetry slams, curated gallery exhibits, tap dance performances, some opera, non-denominational religious services, Shakespeare, indie folk, and The Nutcracker . One all inclusive, inexpensive First Night “button” allows the wearer access to all events. So bundle up and head to the often-snowy Boston streets for an unforgettable, family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration.

Boston's a great town for a family New Year's Eve celebration

Having recently returned from my daughter’s first East Coast music tour — make MY New Year’s and check her sound at www.nicolelexidavis.com, and if you like what you hear, click “like” on her Facebook page nicolelexidavis for a free download— you’ll want to explore Boston itself even before you partake in First Night events.

After all, Boston with is a fascinating city to explore from it’s American Revolution era history to beautiful parks, fascinating cemeteries, and great museums. Whether you’re interested in the cobblestones of Beacon Hill or the wide open green spaces of the city’s Arboretum, the city is inherently walkable – which is why moving from venue to venue in the city’s core for First Night is easy on parents and children alike. However, the first step to any city’s exploration, particularly one as walkable as Boston, one you may very well be navigating on a crowded New Year’s eve, is to get a feel for its many neighborhoods.

At the city’s core, near both Boston’s famous Common and Public Garden, you’ll find Beacon Hill, gas lamps, cobblestones, pretty brownstones dating from the revolutionary war period. My kids loved running up and down the hilly stone streets, admiring the brownstones and watching the gaslights flare to life as the sun sets. You’ll find antique stores and charming cafes along Beacon Hill’s main drag of Charles Street, too.

The Public Garden and Common are not just centrally located greenspace, it’s here that you’ll find swan boats in the spring and summer, admire statues and meandering paths at any time, including the famous child-favorite the “Make Way for Ducklings” statues.

Heading away from downtown slightly you’ll find Newbury Street, which ends at the Public Garden and moves through Copley Square to Kenmore Square and Boston University, near the Charles River. Newbury is one long stretch of shops, restaurants, and bars, all of them upscale, many of them unfortunately outposts of national boutique chains these days. If you walk on down to the Charles River and it’s not iced, you’ll see rowing teams practice, sail boats sailing, and city residents making good use of the bike and jogging paths along the river bank. River frozen solid? You may see skaters and hockey players.

On the other side of the Public Garden and behind Boylston street, you’ll find more brownstones from a slightly more modern age in the South End. Art galleries, jazz and blues venues, and small, homey cafes are sprinkled throughout this thoroughly gentrified Back Bay community.

The North End is, of course, North of the Public Garden and Common, north too of the brutalist architecture of Government Center and the sports mecca that is Boston Garden. The North End is the traditional  Charles River, and is rife with Italian cafes, restaurants, and gelato stands. More tourist oriented than in days past, it’s still a fun place to visit and find a tasty plate of spaghetti marinara. Or grab a slice from famous  North End . Nearby is Paul Revere’s House, and access to the historic Freedom Trail that will lead you back to Boston Common again.

So many wonderful neighborhoods to explore in Boston - a view of Beacon Hill

En route to the Common you’ll find historic landmarks like Old South Church, and Faneuil Hall. The Hall is historic and a stop for kitschy souvenirs, local-treat oriented fast food stands (oysters on the half shell, more pizza, clam chowder are good examples). From Faneuil you’re only a short walk to the Harbor where those New Year’s Eve fireworks will be bursting at midnight.

A little beyond the walking range of most small children, you can jump on the subway at Park Street Station in Boston Common and take the Orange line out to Jamaica Plain. This neighborhood includes the lovely Jamaica Pond and the floral gardens and trees of
Arnold Arboretum, a lovely afternoon ramble if the weather is fine, or you’re looking for some snow to play in. Be aware that JP has some areas that are not yet gentrified, and treat the outlying edges with some caution after dark. The old Victorian’s and excellent organic-source restaurants in the area are another reason to visit Jamaica Pond even if the weather keeps you from a long stroll in the lovely park.

A more suburban outlying area is Brookline, just west of Boston proper, off the Green Line from Park Street. Exit the subway at Coolidge Corner and you’ll find delis, bookstores, movie theaters, and small, locally owned shops.

Park Street Station’s subway will also take you across the river to Cambridge, home of Harvard and MIT, as well as fascinating shops, ethnic restaurants of all stripes, and music bars and coffee houses, such as Passim’s, which welcomes families with small children. Just north of Cambridge is Somerville, home of Tufts University and more interesting dining and shopping options.

No matter where your Boston explorations take you, be sure to set your compass for Boston Harbor at midnight New Year’s eve and let the New Year explode colorfully for your family.

While the John Hancock Center no longer lets you take in the city view from their observation deck, just walk a few more blocks from Copley Square to Prudential Center. The Pru offers free audio head set tours explaining the landmarks of the city you are viewing, which older kids will find fascinating. Young children will love the view, and the small museum that explores immigrant history into the city in the center of the viewing deck. The area is entirely glass enclosed, allowing small children freedom to take in the view on their own. Very small children will need to be lifted above the adult-waist-high window level. We loved the great view of Fenway Park, the Citgo sign, and the Charles River on one side, the reflection of beautiful Trinity Church in the blue glass of the John Hancock tower in the other.

We loved the enjoyable free audio tour at the Pru Center Observation deck, and the views, of course.

Two levels up you’ll find the Top of the Hub, which offers a partial look at the same awesome view; it’s a great choice in the later evening as the observation deck closes early, at 8 pm. Coming from the west coast we appreciated this alternative, especially as it included dining. Now dining can be a bit problematic in Boston if you’re looking for late night fare, late night fare suitable for children, or late night fare suitable to a variety of diets, all of which our party included this trip.

Top of the Hub’s dining room menu is expensive but accommodating, however after 11 pm you have the bar menu to contend with. We were still able to find salads, a good, if small salmon sandwich, steamed vegetables, and fries on the menu, but service was slow and special requests were handled with some confusion. Did the live jazz band, the ability for the little ones to get up and dance, and the eventual ability of the restaurant to handle dietary specifics make it worthwhile – yes, particularly with the fine view added in.

We tended to keep our late night dining – and there was plenty of it, as my daughter was performing throughout Boston as a musician and gigs tended to run late – near the Copley area, as we were staying at the Hotel Lenox. This is a great hotel for children, with a friendly staff offering to provide – and best of all, following through on providing – “anything you need.” This means chocolate chip trail mix at 9 am and candy bars at midnight. The room included a refrigerator, which is something we’ve come to depend on. If you can’t have a kitchen, a fridge, and a nearby grocery store are the next best thing, and allow us to save money on breakfast and start the morning without cranky, hungry children looking to devour whatever food items are available at the first restaurant they happen upon. We found the space good if not huge, the room clean, the television up to date and offering pay per view.

Along with the fridge, our favorite “amenity” was the large, walk in closet – great for suitcase storing, but also fun for little ones to play “house” inside, and serving for older offspring, as a kind of defacto private dressing room. Most rooms feature this size closet, but do ask if that’s important to you. We had a view, albeit unexceptional, of Exeter Street below us. The hotel has an elegant lobby and an old world charm; there’s nothing old school about the nicely modern bathroom however, the hotel has a family friendly feeling among the staff. Restaurants in the hotel however, as with much of Boston, close early, and while the pub and main restaurant bar offer food items late, they don’t offer them to children. Room service has a limited but quite serviceable menu – thumbs up on the cheese pizza, though small for the price – that goes all night. We loved and appreciated free guest-loaner umbrellas and the always ready door staff who summoned us cabs at all hours.

The location itself is great for sightseeing – a two minute walk brings you to the always awesome Boston Public Library, Trinity Church, and Copley Square, where the green line of the “T” – Boston’s subway system, waits to ferry you cross town or across the river to Cambridge and Somerville.

It’s also great for families like ours who fully make use of that in-room fridge – Shaw Markets has an excellent selection of breakfast items and a deli with snacks ranging from sushi to pudding – just around the corner behind Prudential Center. It’s open 24 hours, too. A little further away, but a delightful walk through the grounds of the beautiful Christian Science Center, is a Whole Foods near Symphony Hall.

Kids love to explore - and dance around - the Christian Science Center Plaza. Fountains are lit up in multi-colors after dark.

One of our favorite family outings was an early evening stroll through Christian Science Plaza – fountains have colored lights that change frequently, the plaza has a vast reflecting pool that shimmers when the sun goes down, the old church building and the modern structures weave in a beautiful architectural symmetry that made for many photographs. With a street performer for a sound track, the small children in our party loved dancing around the slate plaza. Of course going inside the center is awesome too. Kids of all ages and adults alike are thrilled with the stained glass Mapparium – a world globe large enough to walk through.

No matter how many times you’ve been to Boston, coming back and exploring the city at all hours is a delight children and parents will find easy to enjoy.

Oceans, rivers and lakes have captivated people since the beginning of time with living mysteries of every size, shape and color that dwell in their depths. Aquariums offer an up close and personal venue to explore these mysteries while educating visitors about the various ecosystems upon which we rely. The following 10 aquariums (listed alphabetically) stand among the very best in the USA. Come discover our planet’s water world and watch the faces around you light up in wonder.

Aquarium of the Pacific

Aquarium of the Pacific - exterior view (photo courtesy of the Aquarium of the Pacific)

Home to more than 11,000 animals, the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California represents nearly 500 species of fascinating creatures in the Pacific Ocean. Three main regions of the world’s largest ocean are represented here: the warm Tropical Pacific, the moderate waters of Southern California and Baja, and the cold Northern Pacific off the coasts of Alaska and Russia. In addition to the ongoing exhibits there is a wonderful range of programs for children and adults meant “to instill a sense of wonder, respect, and stewardship for the Pacific Ocean, its inhabitants, and ecosystems,” as the aquarium’s mission states.

Aquarium of the Pacific - Tropical Reef Habitat (photo courtesy of the Aquarium of the Pacific)

Galleries and Exhibits

Some of the more popular exhibits are the interactive Shark Lagoon, Lorikeet Forest aviary, and the new Arctic & Antarctic: Our Polar Regions in Peril gallery. Get face-to-face with sharks in the Shark Lagoon with its sand tiger sharks, nurse sharks, reef sharks, and more. Visitors can even touch the more gentle varieties like zebra, epaulette, and bamboo sharks. The displays and daily shark feeding presentations are educational and lots of fun for all ages.

Say hello to the lorikeets in the 5,200 square foot Lorikeet Forest aviary. These colorful birds are native to the Southern Pacific in Australia, south-eastern Asia, Polynesia, and Papua New Guinea. Visitors can purchase a small cup of nectar to feed these friendly little parrots, and watch them closely as they hop on your shoulder, arm and hand to sip at the nectar.

The new Arctic & Antarctic: Our Polar Regions in Peril gallery gives people the opportunity to see polar animals like the arctic fox and king crab up close while learning about what can be done to protect their habitats. Two adorable arctic fox pups have recently joined the Aquarium’s family as well. This exhibit includes a fascinating moon jelly touch tank that is safe for children.

Some of the additional popular exhibits include the BP Sea Otter Habitat, Tropical Pacific Gallery with over 1,000 colorful fish and coral, the Northern Pacific Gallery, Southern California/Baja Gallery with the Seal and Sea Lion Habitat and the Ray Touch Pool, and much more.

Presentations, Encounters and Education

The Aquarium offers daily presentations with its seals and sea lions, sea otters, and sharks as well as underwater presentations with divers, who are equipped with microphones. The Marine Life Theater features daily interactive family education programs, and the Honda Theater offers educational films that relate to our ocean planet, including a 4D film. There are also a variety of education programs that include courses, lectures, kayaking adventures, summer day camps, family sleepovers, parent and child classes and family workshops. Programs feature various marine topics and may include animal interaction.

Location

Aquarium of the Pacific is located at 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 590-3100. For more information visit www.aquariumofpacific.org. Other related articles include: Aquarium of the Pacific Long Beach, CA

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas‎

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas - exterior view (photo courtesy of Audubon Aquarium of the Americas)

Located along the banks of the Mississippi River in the historic French Quarter, the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas explores the waters from the Caribbean, to the Amazon Rainforest to the Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico. 10,000 animals spanning 400 species are featured, representing both the North and South American Continents.

Galleries and Exhibits

There are many wonderful ongoing exhibits showcasing amazing creatures that captivate and engage visitors of all ages. Walk through the Caribbean Reef exhibit’s clear, 30-foot-long tunnel where aquatic creatures of all shapes and sizes can be seen swimming through 132,000 gallons of water. The Gulf of Mexico exhibit replicates an offshore oilrig where various shark species, sea turtles, stingrays and the largest tarpon in captivity swim through the 400,000-gallon tank. The Changing Exhibits Gallery features new and interactive exhibits with a play zone and touch pool.

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas sea turtle (photo courtesy of Audubon Aquarium of the Americas)

Some of the additional popular exhibits include the Sea Otter Gallery, Penguins, Frogs exhibit with a colorful assortment of amphibians, Seahorse Gallery that includes two species of rare seadragons, Jellies exhibit with graceful jellyfish from around the world, many from the temperate waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and the Mississippi River gallery with its catfish, paddlefish, and alligators.

Presentations, Encounters and Education

The animal presentations, feedings and educational shows help visitors understand the creatures of the deep, while the touch pools allow for greater appreciation of these fascinating animals through interactive encounters. The Holiday Camps are a great opportunity for children to have outdoor animal experiences during breaks, and typically include: hikes, classroom lessons, daily animal encounters, arts and crafts projects, animal shows and feedings, presentations and videos. All vary by age and weekly themes. The Audubon Zoo and Audubon Insectarium are conveniently located here as well. There is an Entergy IMAX® Theatre that features terrific films in big bold colors to educate and entertain viewers of all ages.

Location

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas‎ New Orleans is located at 423 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 410-2847. For more information visit www.auduboninstitute.org

Georgia Aquarium

10 million gallons of water may sound like a lot. Perhaps that is because it belongs to the world’s largest aquarium: Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia. With the largest collection of aquatic animals, a fascinating array of exhibits and programs that engage, entertain and educate visitors, this aquarium offers guests an exciting and unforgettable experience for all ages.

This Bluering Angelfish is just one of the colorful animals that call the Tropical Diver Gallery home. (photo courtesy of Georgia Aquarium)

Galleries and Exhibits

There are six galleries within Georgia Aquarium, each representing distinct aquatic habitats, ranging from arctic to tropical waters, featuring the largest collection of aquatic animals.

Ocean Voyager, the world’s largest aquatic habitat, features species from the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, and includes a 100-foot long tunnel which surrounds guests with water and animals on three sides. Here guests can view whale sharks, manta rays, and a variety of sharks as they glide through the waters around them.

Tropical Diver is a 164,000 gallon reef habitat with more than 90 species of fish and live coral beautifully displayed as a living art gallery for viewers to admire.

Georgia Aquarium houses four beluga whales in the Georgia-Pacific Cold Water Quest gallery. (photo courtesy of Georgia Aquarium)

Georgia-Pacific Cold Water Quest features animals from the icy waters of the polar regions to the temperate seas of California, South Africa and southern Australia. Beluga whales, harbor seals, sea otters, and a penguin habitat call this exhibit home.

River Scout is a freshwater gallery boasting species from lakes and rivers from around the world. Waterfalls, logjams and an overhead river entice guests with colorful displays of African cichlids, a variety of electric fish, a striking emerald tree boa, ghost-white albino American alligators, and highly sociable small-clawed otters, amusing guests with their antics. A pop-up window allows kids to get an up-close look at the razor-sharp teeth of the piranha.

Georgia Explorer is a highly interactive gallery which includes a large children’s play area, a simulated shrimp boat and touch pools featuring bonnethead sharks, cownose rays, horseshoe crabs, sea stars and shrimp. This habitat features marine life indigenous to Georgia, from offshore environments all the way to the coast and into the freshwater river systems. Exhibits feature poisonous lionfish, loggerhead sea turtles and fishes of Gray’s Reef, an underwater area off the Georgia coast designated a National Marine Sanctuary.

AT&T Dolphin Tales gallery includes a spectacular theater with live entertainment that takes guests on an exciting interactive journey across the oceans, while educating the public about marine mammals.

Presentations, Encounters and Education

Throughout the galleries guests are entertained and educated by the important animals that live in the various habitats and regions. The 4D Theater allows viewers to experience the underwater world from the perspective of the creatures who live there. It is a wonderful experience that engages visitors through multi-sensory media, drawing them into the deep’s mysterious wonderland. Georgia Aquarium events and programs include the children’s Camp H2O (for children ages 5-11) for interactive animal encounters and explorations. There are also toddler activities for 2-5 year olds, behind-the-scenes tours, lectures, and so much more to discover here.

Location

Georgia Aquarium is located at 225 Baker Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 (404) 581-4000. For more information visit www.georgiaaquarium.org

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Situated on the beautiful California Coast amid salty ocean breezes and the deep blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, the Monterey Bay Aquarium features more than 35,000 animals and plants representing over 550 species of fishes, invertebrates, mammals, reptiles, birds and plants found in Monterey Bay and other marine habitats worldwide.

Galleries and Exhibits

There are approximately 200 galleries and exhibits devoted to the diverse habitats of Monterey Bay. A few highlights include the Kelp Forest (335,000 gallons) where sardines, leopard sharks, wolf-eels and a host of other fishes glide through an enchanted emerald forest of swaying kelp fronds.

Playful sea otters at the Monterey Bay Aquarium

The Sea Otters exhibit (55,000 gallons) showcases two views of these playful creatures: one from the second floor where they can be seen swimming on the surface, and another from the first floor as they dive and swim beneath the water.

Ethereal jellies at the Monterey Bay Aquarium

The Open Sea exhibit is the Aquarium’s largest exhibit with dazzling schools of sardines, tuna, shark and sea turtles swimming across the 90-foot window, while graceful jellies dance through the water.

The Splash Zone has over 45 bilingual interactive exhibits with many new animals, including sea dragons and pot-bellied seahorses. Here children will be delighted by the many features including touch pools, games, and water play areas.

Other exciting exhibits include the Giant Pacific Octopus, Hot Pink Flamingos, Life on the Bay, Mission to the Deep, Monterey Bay Habitats, Sandy Shore & Aviary, Secret Lives of Seahorses, Penguins, and more. This wonderful aquarium houses one of the world’s largest jellyfish galleries as well.

Presentations, Encounters and Education

The various shows and presentations help to entertain while educating viewers about the many fascinating animals and habitats showcased at the aquarium. Feedings present learning opportunities about the important roles they play. Wildlife such as dolphins, sea lions, sea otters, harbor seals, whales, numerous seabirds and much more can be viewed from the ocean view decks. Through fun musical performances, live theater presentations and programs, classes, underwater video cameras, films and more, visitors of all ages will come away with a greater appreciation for the plants and animals they meet, and the conservation efforts to help them prosper in an ever changing planet.

Location

Monterey Bay Aquarium is located at 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, California (831) 648-4800. For more information visit www.montereybayaquarium.org

National Aquarium

National Aquarium combines two venues in Baltimore, Maryland and Washington D.C. which together house over 16,500 animals from more than 660 species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and marine mammals living in award-winning, naturalistic habitats.

Galleries and Exhibits

The Washington D.C. site features more than 1,500 specimens and 250 species of amazing creatures. Its American Freshwater Ecosystems Gallery has animals from freshwater habitats in every region of the United States such as the hellbender salamander and the black-banded sunfish. The Amphibians Gallery highlights salamanders, newts, frogs, and toads, along with endangered or threatened amphibians such as the elusive eastern tiger salamander that is rarely seen in the wild. The Amazon River Basin Gallery features animals like the piranha, freshwater stingrays, tropical tetras, angelfish and an electric eel.

A shark glides through the water at the National Aquarium in Baltimore

The Baltimore site features three pavilions of exciting attractions with hundreds of exhibits. Here visitors can explore the connection between life and water by journeying from the top of the rain forest to the depths of the ocean. Displays of Maryland’s diverse aquatic life and one of the largest sting ray collections in the country are included. A kelp sea forest and vibrant coral reef with more than 500 exotic fish from species such as triggerfish, porcupine fish and hogfish surround visitors as they walk through the exhibit. Guests can also come face-to-face with free-roaming animals in Animal Planet Australia: Wild Extremes and the Amazon Rain Forest exhibits. These extraordinarily recreated habitats feature many animals such as basking lizards and iguanas, colorful birds, turtles, sloths and more. The Jellies Invasion: Oceans Out of Balance exhibit features about nine different species of these stunning creatures.

Presentations, Encounters and Education

Dolphins delight guests with their antics in the Dolphin Show at the National Aquarium in Baltimore

The National Aquarium has lots of educational and interactive elements including games, puzzles, touch tanks and more. The Baltimore venue features an exciting 4-D Immersion Theater where 3-D film and sensory effects such as mist and wind merge to fully engage viewers. There are live dolphin shows at the Lyn P. Meyerhoff Amphitheater, sleepovers for children and their parents at the Baltimore site, daily feedings, special tours, and more wonderful experiences that “inspire people to enjoy, respect and protect the aquatic world,” as their mission states.

Location

The Baltimore venue is located at 501 E. Pratt St. Pier 3 Baltimore, MD 21205 (410) 576-3800. For more information visit www.aqua.org

The Washington D.C. venue is located at 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20230 (202) 482-2825. For more information visit www.nationalaquarium.com

New England Aquarium

A favorite destination for children and adults since its opening in 1969, the New England Aquarium in Boston, Massachusetts sits along Boston’s historic waterfront. It seeks to “protect the blue planet through hands-on programs, live animal and interactive exhibits, public lectures and forums, and research and conservation projects.”

Galleries and Exhibits

There are over 30,000 animals and 70 exhibits representing the diverse habitats of our world at the aquarium. Some of the highlights include the Atlantic Harbor Seals exhibit which is located outside the aquarium’s entrance. Visitors can watch the seals swim and play in the deep cool waters, then snooze on the rocky outcrops of their habitat. Once inside the aquarium, the Penguin exhibit delights guests with more than 80 birds representing several species of penguins. Interactive elements allow guests to learn more about these enchanting creatures.

Closeup of a sand tiger shark at the New England Aquarium (photo courtesy of S. Cheng)

The Giant Ocean Tank beckons viewers with its four-story Caribbean coral reef exhibit in the middle of the Aquarium’s main exhibit galleries, where more than 600 animals including sea turtles, sand tiger sharks, barracuda, stingrays, moray eels and hundreds of colorful reef fish glide through 200,000 gallons of salt water. Six exhibits in the Amazon Rainforest gallery captivate visitors where piranhas, anacondas, electric eels, stingrays, colorful poison dart frogs and a host of other fascinating animals await. The Seadragons exhibit showcases these intricate marvels of nature that use camouflage to hide from predators.

Trust Family Foundation Shark and Ray Touch Tank at the New England Aquarium (photo courtesy of S. Cheng)

Hands-on exhibits for children and adults include the Trust Family Foundation Shark and Ray Touch Tank with their graceful  cownose and Atlantic rays, gentle bonnethead sharks and epaulette sharks; the Edge of the Sea touch tank with sea stars, horseshoe and hermit crabs, lobsters, sea urchins and more; and the Curious George Discovery Corner where small children can explore different shapes, colors and textures of the water world.

Presentations, Encounters and Education

The aquarium offers many lectures, classes and programs including summer camps, field trips and whale watching excursions. A variety of resources including online games and activities also foster appreciation, respect and education about the marine world. The Simons IMAX Theatre presents films about wildlife and fascinating creatures of the deep. The touch pool exhibits and guided behind-the-scenes tours also offer close encounters with a variety of animals that are sure to create lasting memories.

Location

New England Aquarium is located at Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110-3399 (617) 973-5200.  For more information visit www.neaq.org

Oregon Coast Aquarium

Situated on about 40 acres on the edge of Yaquina Bay near the Pacific Ocean in Newport, Oregon, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is home to approximately 15,000 specimens representing 250 species of seabirds, marine mammals, fishes, invertebrates and plants native to the Oregon coast. In addition to its grand exhibit galleries and outdoor habitats, there are beautiful grounds and gardens for exploring including lush meandering estuary trails with lookout points and informative displays.

Galleries and Exhibits

A colorful touch tank at the Oregon Coast Aquarium

The Oregon Coast Aquarium includes both indoor and outdoor exhibits that beautifully replicate the habitats of the animals they showcase. Passages of the Deep connects three indoor galleries with a 200-foot underwater acrylic tunnel. Visitors get the feeling of being immersed in the sea as they view the 3,500 creatures from the wolf eels and rockfish in the shadowy valleys of Orford Reef, to the sturgeon, skate, halibut and flounder swimming along a shipwreck in Halibut Flats, to the Open Sea teeming with huge bat rays, sharks, and schools of fish gliding through the filtered light.

Reptiles at the Oregon Coast Aquarium's Swampland exhibit

Outdoor exhibits include Sea Otters with the largest population of sea otters in the state of Oregon, Seals and Sea Lions, Sea Bird Aviary, the fascinating Giant Pacific Octopus, Swampland – the aquarium’s newest changing exhibit with reptiles, amphibians and fish, Temporary Exhibits and more.

Presentations, Encounters and Education

Animal encounters at the Oregon Coast Aquarium are held twice a month during which participants get behind-the-scenes experience in feeding and caring for the animals. There is the Octopus Encounter – with one of the ocean’s most intelligent creatures, Sea Lion Encounter, Sharks and Finned Friends Encounter and Sea Otter Encounter. Interactive elements engage children’s senses to make learning fun. There are also sleepovers, summer camps, behind-the-scenes tours, and curriculum-based education programs with on-site classes, lab and theater programs.

Location

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is located at 2820 SE Ferry Slip Rd, Newport, OR (541) 867-3474. For more information visit www.aquarium.org

SeaWorld

With three fantastic locations to choose from (San Diego, California; San Antonio, Texas; Orlando, Florida), Seaworld offers visitors the best of an aquarium and amusement park all packaged into one exciting and educational experience for the whole family. There are rides for all ages, stunning exhibits, lively shows, tours and close encounters that “provide an enthusiastic, imaginative, and intellectually stimulating atmosphere to help guests develop a lifelong appreciation, understanding, and stewardship for our environment.”

Rides and Exhibits

Journey to Atlantis thrills guests at Seaworld Orlando. This ride is featured at all three Seaworld parks.

There are plenty of thrill and kids’ rides and exhibits at the three parks. Among their many attractions there is the exciting flume ride/coaster Journey to Atlantis in all three parks, the raft ride Shipwreck Rapids in San Diego, SkyTower with its spectacular views in San Diego and Orlando, the Shamu Express kiddie coaster in San Antonio and Orlando, Rio Loco raft ride in San Antonio, and Paddle Boats in Orlando.

All three Seaworld parks feature penguins

Some of the popular exhibits in San Diego include Wild Arctic with its extraordinary beluga whales, polar bears and colossal walruses, Rocky Point Preserve with its touchable bottlenose dolphins and playful sea otters, and World of the Sea Aquarium with its colorful warm water tropical fish. Among the many San Antonio exhibits there is Dolphin Cove in a spacious lagoon, alligator Alley, and the Sharks/Coral Reef in a stunning 450,000-gallon habitat. Seaworld Orlando has a Stingray lagoon, Manta Aquarium, Dolphin Cove, Shark Encounter, and much more.

Shows, Programs and Encounters

All three parks feature a fun array of shows, programs and encounters designed to inform, educate and entertain viewers about the many animals and habitats showcased at the parks. There are lots of touch/feed pools such as those for bottlenose dolphins and stingrays, behind-the-scenes tours, different animal encounters such as the penguin encounter, and animal experts touring the park with various creatures.

There are numerous thrilling shows with acrobatic performers, killer whales, dolphins, sea lions and more. Educational programs include day camps filled with intriguing age-appropriate activities that offer hands-on exploration, up-close animal encounters, games and crafts. The parks also offer sleepovers for families, school groups and scouts.

Locations

Seaworld San Diego is located at 500 Sea World Dr., San Diego, CA 92109 (800) 257-4268.

Seaworld San Antonia is located at 10500 SeaWorld Drive, San Antonio, TX 78251 (800) 700-7786.

Seaworld Orlando is located at 7007 SeaWorld Drive, Orlando, FL 32821 (888) 800-5447.

For more information visit www.seaworldparks.com

Shedd Aquarium

The Shedd Aquarium overlooks Chicago's Lake Michigan

A national historic landmark, the John G. Shedd Aquarium has been captivating and educating visitors for over 80 years. It is found on the tranquil shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago, Illinois and features about 32,500 animals representing approximately 1,500 species of fish, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, birds and mammals from waters around the world.

Galleries and Exhibits

An eel peeks out from the watery darkness at the Shedd Aquarium

The galleries and exhibits at the Shedd Aquarium recreate numerous habitats in amazing detail. There is the Wild Reef exhibit – representative of the Philippine coral reef – that immerses viewers in an ocean replete with lush coral gardens, a variety of sharks, rays, reef fish and eels. In Waters of the World 80 habitats flourish with hundreds of animals including a giant octopus, moon jellies, sea stars, amphibians, reptiles, turtles and fish from rivers, lakes and the vast sea.

Amazon Rising follows the world’s largest freshwater system in a region that spans many South American countries, bringing guests face-to-face with hundreds of species of animals including piranhas, birds, sloths, insects, snakes, catfish, crocodiles, stingrays and caiman lizards.

The Caribbean Reef’s 90,000-gallon circular habitat gives visitors a 360-degree tour of the animals living here including graceful stingrays, bonnethead sharks, puffer fish, lobsters, moray eels, parrotfish and more. Divers hand-feed the animals and give informative talks five times daily.

Abbott Oceanarium replicates the coastal environment of the Pacific Northwest where Beluga whales, dolphins, penguins, sea otters and harbor seals frolic. Nature trails take guests through a lush wilderness in this region with streams and tide pools that feature sea stars, fishes and anemones.

For a limited time the temporary Jellies exhibit features these amazing creatures that appear to be exquisite artistic creations. Mysterious and mesmerizing, they pulsate and billow in luminous colors. 10 species of jellies are featured here.

Presentations, Encounters and Education

Shedd Aquarium offers programs for children, adults, families and school groups on aquatic and conservation-related subjects that include college-accredited courses, excursions and local field trips, animal encounters, hands-on workshops, sleepovers and more. The Polar Play Zone gives children a place to stretch their imaginations as they explore touch pools, interactive elements and games in an area just for them. The Abbott Oceanarium’s amphitheater features fantastic marine and mammal presentations – such as the exciting dolphin show – with a strong conservation message against a stunning backdrop of Lake Michigan. The 4-D Experience in Phelps Auditorium dazzles viewers with 3-D projection, high-tech audio and a mélange of sensory effects like wind, intriguing scents, sounds and more.

Location

The John G. Shedd Aquarium is located at 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605 (312) 939-2438. For more information visit www.sheddaquarium.org

Tennessee Aquarium

About 10,000 animals swim, fly and crawl in the exquisitely reproduced natural habitats of the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, Tennessee. From freshwater mountain streams and lakes, to the Appalachian Cove Forest and steamy Delta swamp, to the rivers of the world and the deep open ocean, guests can discover the wonderful diversity of the fresh and saltwater creatures and habitats that share our amazing planet.

Delightful penguins at the Tennessee Aquarium (photo courtesy of Todd Stailey)

Galleries and Exhibits

The Tennessee Aquarium showcases a vast assortment of living fresh and saltwater specimens in its two aquarium buildings – the River Journey and the Ocean Journey – each housing hundreds of thousands of gallons of water in galleries and interactive exhibits that lead guests on a wonderful adventure of discovery.

The River Journey takes visitors on an exciting voyage where playful river otters, snakes, giant catfish, primitive-looking paddlefish and sturgeon, numerous turtles, alligators, birds, amphibians and a host of other species captivate onlookers in the various exhibits. The galleries and exhibits recreate the natural habitats in remarkable sensory detail, beginning with the ancient woods of the Appalachian Cove Forest, down through the Tennessee River, various lakes, the Mississippi Delta, on through the Gulf of Mexico, and Rivers of the World.

A cuttlefish on exhibit in the Tennessee Aquarium's Boneless Beauties Gallery at Ocean Journey (photo courtesy of Todd Stailey)

The Ocean Journey features sharks, graceful stingrays, penguins, colorful reef fish, squid, cuttlefish, octopus, crabs, seahorses, jellyfish and much more in the many fantastic exhibits. The galleries and exhibits depict intricate reef systems, tropical rainforests, rocky shorelines, the aquarium’s largest touch station – Shark Island – with harmless sharks and stingrays, and other habitats with vibrant exhibits. Hundreds of butterflies dance in the popular tropical Butterfly Garden, where their gossamer wings shimmer like gems.

Presentations, Encounters and Education

Many of the exhibits offer hands-on interactive opportunities to engage visitors with innovative graphic displays and video presentations. The hourly animal encounter programs and touch pools delight viewers of every age. The new popular Ranger Rick’s Backyard Safari in River Journey unites kids and nature in a fun and educational close encounter with a Eurasian eagle owl, ground hog, talking parrots, and lots more. The Aquarium also has an IMAX 3D® Theater, Environmental Learning Lab, summer camps for children, behind-the-scenes tours, fully equipped classroom, bird shows and dive shows to “inspire wonder and appreciation for the natural world.”

Location

The Tennessee Aquarium is located at One Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN, 37402 (800) 262-0695. For more information visit www.tnaqua.org

We loved the quiet marshland near Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard.

Both Nantucket and the Vineyard are reached via ferries from the Cape Cod coast or Boston harbor. We’ve reached both islands via Falmouth, on the upper cape, spending a night in Falmouth at the very pleasant Inn On The Sound, located on a bluff with a view of the Vineyard island and south. The ocean view and the easy step-out-your-door beach access makes this a special place. The rooms are large and sleek, and families are gladly accommodated. The breakfasts were indulgent; our unit featured a kitchenette which we used for snacks and creating one fresh-fish dinner, fixings purchased from a near by market. The Cape Cod National Sea Shore is a beauty of a beach, long, white, soft and sandy. Great for walks and castle building; and in the summer months the water is balmy. There’s a bike trail too. Our kids love the kitsch in and around Falmouth – mini-golf emporiums, soft serve ice cream, and ZooQuarium’s sea lion extravaganza. Okay, so it was a little hokey. It had an old-fashioned vibe and the sea creatures seemed content, the staff friendly. Best of all was a trip to the near-by Wellfleet Drive In Theater to see Toy Story 3. There’s something nearly perfect about sitting under a warm, starry sky on the roof of a rental car, watching a movie. The kids were enchanted, and I was nostalgic. 

Does any one else miss a time when drive ins were commonplace? I do, but then, piling the kids in the back seat or up on the roof with our own salt-free popcorn wouldn’t be as much of an adventure. 

In the morning we were ready to head for the islands. Hy-Line Cruises offers high speed rides that were pleasantly void of any encounters with sea sickness. We enjoyed the view and the crisp salt air and made it to Martha’s Vineyard in just under forty five minutes. 

The Vineyard has uniformly lovely beaches and several sights that wowed our family. For one, the beautifully colorful gingerbread cottages built mid-nineteenth century. For another, the enormous Aquinnah Cliffs, at the western edge of the island, which is a great spot to watch the sun set. The cliffs multi-colored striations are lovely. There are also five lighthouses to explore, arguably the most famous and certainly the most photographed, is Gay Head located adjacent to the cliffs. Our kids particularly enjoyed the Flying Horses Carousel in the town of Oak Bluffs. The oldest working merri-go-around in the U.S., it was built in 1876, and the hand carved critters are still enchanting after all these years. If you catch the brass ring, you get a free ride. One caveat: it’s open early spring through late fall only. Nearby you’ll find Mad Martha’s ice cream, which has branches in Edgartown and Vineyard Haven too. This means that when your kids get hooked on the huge cones, you can have the freshly made sweet treat all across the island. 

No trip to the Vineyard is complete without getting some muffins or a meal at the Black Dog Tavern in Vineyard Haven. This landmark has hearty food and comfortable dining; we particularly liked the vegetable soup. Our kids just had to have a hat with the famous black lab logo on it, too. 

A great afternoon walk led us to the colorful Aquinnah cliffs and lighthouse.

One last well known Vineyard food stop: Murdicks Fudge. Like Mad Martha’s the rich deserts here are available in Edgartown, Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven. Our kids loved the pecan fudge, and we all enjoyed watching the confectioners stir up their sweet magic, mixing and carving the fudge. 

After consuming all these sugary treats, we needed to walk off the calories and let the kids burn off some steam. Great beach walks are everywhere; we found town strolls are most enjoyable in Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. We enjoyed browsing shops selling tee shirts, blown glass, fishing gear, and fine art. If walking’s not your thing, you can rent a 4 x 4 and ride along the dunes near Katama at the southern end of the island. Or, you can rent a multi-person kayak to explore Edgartown Harbor, or reedy Sengecontacket Pond. We’d intended to do both, but got sidetracked by watching a herd of alpaca at Island Alpaca. Besides an alpaca viewing area there’s a gift store with hats and blankets made of course from alpaca fur. Alpacas look like diminutive llamas and even the adults on our trip enjoyed watching the babies nuzzle their mommas. 

We were side tracked again by some great conversation and afternoon tea and lemonade on the comfortable porch at our bed and breakfast, the Crocker House Inn. Located in a residential neighborhood in Vineyard Haven, this ferry-convenient spot also had an excellent breakfast the next morning, and cozy, quiet rooms. Our room had a king bed and a sleeper sofa along with a lovely harbor view. 

Even without a palm tree in sight, our island stay at Martha’s Vineyard was an unmitigated delight.

If it’s baseball season, take them out to a ball game. No matter what city you’re from, there’s nothing like the compact stadium and passionate crowd of Fenway Park, right in the heart of the city and easily accessible by public transportation. Buy some peanuts and cracker jacks and join the crowd in a sing along to support Boston’s boys of summer, the Red Sox. Fenway Park remains in appearance and home-town spirit, much as it did on the day it opened in 1912. 

If there’s no game scheduled, your kids will still enjoy a guided tour of the park, from bleacher to pitcher mound. 

If you want something a little more refined, try the Isabelle Stewart Gardener Museum. This beautiful home turned museum features burbling fountains, beautiful flowers, paintings , furniture, and tapestries. Your children will love the magical feel of the indoor gardens, and the fairy book – or Harry Potter-esque, as the case may be – feel of the house itself. It was built to recreate the feeling of a 15th Century palace in Venice. The art collection it contains ranges from paintings to furniture displays from Europe and the Islamic world. Stroller friendly, child friendly, and wonderfully compact. 

Time to eat? Try  a fine fish dinner at Legal Seafoods, Boston’s famous and always crowded dining favorite for fish baked, fried, broiled or fileted. You can take a number and get in line – no reservations taken – at the Copley Plaza, Long Wharf, or Pru Center locations. There’s a wide ranging kid’s menu and the crowded, convivial atmosphere makes this restaurant a family friendy winner. 

Something completely different: head downtown to Boston’s compact but flavorful Boston Chinatown, where many restaurants are open twenty-four hours, like Chau Chow City with great egg rolls. Inexpensive and always kid friendly. You’ll find fun souvenirs in a bevy of small shops, and markets with fresh vegetables and exotic spices to browse. 

Chapel on Harvard University Boston

Another option:  take Boston’s great transportation system – the T – across the Charles River to Cambridge. Head into Harvard Square to wander the ivied bricks of America’s academic center. The nooks, crannies, cobblestones and courtyards of America’s oldest university are also great fun for kids to explore. 

Harvard Square itself is an iconic international land mark with shops and restaurants, movie theaters and galleries. Try a sandwich, salad or tasty cheese fondue at Grendel’s Den. A long time student hangout, this reasonably priced, family-welcoming restaurant has many rooms and a library atmosphere – if you could talk and laugh in a library. The fondue is a great hit with kids of all ages. Built from a series of conjoined houses, the restaurant has several different levels and is enjoyable to walk through if the kids get restless waiting for a meal. 

Cafe Pamplona on Bow Street is a sweet, historic spot with fruit drinks, iced chocolate, and coffee and tea for the grownups. Quick fix paninis are great for the family on the go. Pinochio’s Pizza and Lizzy’s Ice Cream are great Cambridge favorites, inexpensive, and what child will not want pizza and ice cream for dinner? 

Harvard Square Harvard Coop

Shopping is equally eclectic. The Harvard Coop began as a cooperative student venture, a place for books and school supplies, heating materials and essential clothing. Now you’ll find great souvenirs for the kids and adults, and those books include an enjoyable and relaxing children’s section. 

If your little ones are old enough to enjoy music, or fall asleep while listening – enter Passim’s Coffee House, the place to check out new sounds of folk, jazz, and acoustic performers of all stripes for more than fifty years. Best of all, with no alcohol served and a homey, comfortable feeling, Passim’s is a perfect place to introduce your kids to some sounds beyond those featured on Radio Disney. 

You can spend at entire day at the science and tech nirvana spot known as the Boston Science Museum. The bird exhibit literally features a specimen of every single New England bird. Bees – explore a glassed in bee hive of thousands. Then there’s the butterfly garden, where you can stroll beneath these beautiful winged creatures in a conservatory filled with beautiful plants and flowers. The exhibit also offers a fantastic view of the Charles River. We spent an hour just enjoying the butterflies, the peaceful atmosphere, the sunlight coming in through the glass walls. Elsewhere in the museum there’s fossils, dinosaurs, x-rays, and computer exhibits too, but best of all for little kids is the discovery center. Clean, modern, and filled with great hands on activities for kids from babyhood up to age eight. Exceedingly well staffed with supportive, interactive docents, the center allows kids to put an animal skeleton together, examine fossils, or observe live animals close up. Frequently changing science experiments and junior engineering challenges are offered here, too. 

From science to – ships. Kids of all ages will enjoy the USS Constitution located in Boston harbor. Built in 1791, and still housing a US Navy crew on board to this day, the ship given the nickname “Old Ironsides” is the oldest warship in the world and loads of fun to explore. 

For an overview of the city, try the John Hancock Tower, the blue glass monolith that reflects the Public Library and plaza in Copley Square. It has over ten thousand panes of reflecting glass. At the top, you’ll have a great, safely enclosed view of the entire city.  When you’re back on ground level look for the names of the Boston marathon winners cut into the stones in Copley Square. 

Wherever you go in Boston or Cambridge, you’ll enjoy a town small enough to walk through, easy on the eyes, stroller friendly, and connected by public transportation that’s simple to map and readily available. You’ll love bringing your babies of any age to Boston.

A beautiful day looking at Boston from Cambridge across the Charles River

The Back Bay is the area of Boston that parallels the Charles River, always pleasantly busy with pleasure craft, rowers and joggers along its banks. The Back Bay area offers open air, free concerts at The Hatch Shell where The Boston Pops Orchestra performs or outdoor films are shown on a large screen in the summer and early fall. The friendly crowds bring chairs, blankets and picnics, and you’ll find this area a great part of the city. Your kids will not be the only ones dancing and enjoying street vendors snacks set up for the concerts or films. Directly adjoining this area as you head toward the compact and picturesque downtown is Beacon Hill, another “B” – here you’ll find cobblestone streets, historic houses, the gold domed court house, eye candy history, and sidewalks to skip down.

B is also for “bargain.” We found hotels often offer substantial bargain rates on weekends; corporate chains mainly cater to week day business travelers and are willing to try harder to fill weekend rooms. Some venues,  like the Sheraton at Copley Plaza, offer special packages for families. Another family favorite is downtown’s Parker House, the oldest American hotel, elegant, with yellow roses on the table in the restaurants and gloved door staff. But not stuffy – small children are more than welcome, and when ours were tiny the restaurant maitre d’ related the very Boston children’s story “Make Way for Ducklings.” More on this childhood classic coming.

No matter where you stay, Boston is an easy city to get around, very walkable, with easy to manage public transportation in the form of the T, Boston’s trolley and subway system.

The only problem you’ll have negotiating this city is what to do first – you have a great many options to chose from. Down by the waterfront, you’ll find harbor cruises and the New England Aquarium.

Your kids will find hours of fascinating exhibits in this gently circular building. You can examine colorful coral reefs, learn all about penguins, whales, sharks and rays, experience touch tanks and tactile, interactive exhibits with state of the art design. Lion fish, stone fish, clown fish, harbor seals and the beloved Myrtle, the green sea turtle.

Nearby when you’re ready for lunch, you can stroll over to The North End, one of Boston’s oldest colonial neighborhoods, and one of the most compact and delightful Little Italy’s in the US. Narrow streets lead you past gelato, pizza, pasta, bakeries, and delis. Just about every restaurant is kid friendly and many are inexpensive, too. The pasta is perfect at Florence’s, and for pizza it’s hard to beat  Francesca’s. Mama Maria’s has excellent fish and lasagna. Cafe Europe is a long time family favorite for desert, and you can sing along with Frank Sinatra on the juke box.

Another dining option is Fanueil Hall Marketplace, just across the street from the harbor. The market is made up of three beautifully restored 19th century buildings. There are seafood, desert and ethnic food, plenty of unique gift shops and literally dozens of street performers. This  historic, enclosed series of buildings contains a wide range of fascinating shops, restaurants and food stands. In business for over 250 years, the marketplace has entertained and purveyed goods and wares for generations – like so much of Boston, you get history and a good time rolled into one experience. There are a number of stores with children’s toys and plenty of vendors with kid- friendly items. The scene is busy but not intimidating. You’ll often find the free entertainment ranges from clowns to musicians; and a bread bowl of clam chowder is an easy on-the-go food to munch while you watch the performances.

In the mood for history? Also near the Aquarium is Union Oyster House, the oldest continuously open restaurant in America, founded in 1826. That’s a lot of oysters! Since then, the restaurant has hosted presidents and princes; a table plaque notes where John F. Kennedy enjoyed a meal; Prince Charles dined here, too. There’s a kid’s menu with a decidedly seafood bent, and old fashioned, gruff but friendly wait staff. An interesting fact: this was the first restaurant to offer toothpicks.

Keeping with the historical theme, walk off your lunch by heading to the pleasantly spooky King’s Chapel Burying Ground. The departed date back to the Mayflower and the headstones are intricate and interesting. Adjoining is Kings Chapel, a granite church featuring the largest bell made by Paul Revere. The Old North Church, built it 1723 is nearby.

The Public Garden, opened in 1837 is a beautiful showcase for flowers and trees. Every spring new floral gardens are planted. And its time for another “B” word – boats. Since 1877, the Swan Boats have been floating in a picturesque lagoon in these gardens. These beautifully constructed swan shaped boats are a classic Boston past time and your kids will delight in the ride, which once cost a nickle, but even now is reasonable at $1 per child.

Duckling statue in the Boston Public Garden

From boats to birds – well, all right, ducklings – a walk up pleasant, gallery lined Newbury Street will take you to Copley Square and my favorite public library, the gorgeous gothic structure opened in 1895 and contains over one hundred and fifty copies of the children’s classic, Make Way for Ducklings set right there in Boston. If you don’t know the story, your children should – the book relates a tale  of two mallard ducks who decide to raise their family in the Swan Boat lagoon in Boston Public Garden.

Set Family Goals

We had a family “pow wow” a couple of months before our scheduled vacation, already toying with the idea of a historical travel destination. I printed out a few choices to review with everyone. Setting family goals through a family meeting (we like to call it “pow wow”) is a great way to get everyone’s opinion about the next family vacation as well as get us excited to the idea.  In our case, we discussed visiting Boston as a strong possibility.  At first, we expected Holly to roll her eyes as when we switch from Cartoon Network to the History Channel.  However, tales about the Boston Tea Party and Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride had the opposite reaction. Holly was insisting we depart the next day!

Make Adjustments on the Go

You can’t be everywhere.  From towering skyscrapers to narrow historic streets, every nook and cranny of the city of Boston seems to hold something special and significant. While we realized we could not see everything in the one week we would be staying there, planning out each step lacked the thrill of discovery our kids seemed to live for away from home.  To compromise between being practical and being spontaneous, we decided to mark a map with the basic route we wanted to cover—an area near our hotel since we had the kids, including a seven month old.  We would stick to the area but follow other points of interest we chanced upon as long as it did not steer us too far from our home away from home. Travelling locally gave us more time in the afternoon and evening to spend quality time just hanging out.

It was not hard to find points of interest in Boston.  History is literally everywhere, not just in the dreaded confines of museums which would have driven the kids crazy not to be outdoors all day.

Boston Harbor

On the actual trip, we found a kid-focused tour called “Boston By Little Feet” (held summers).  This child-level stroll through Boston includes a souvenir Explorer’s Map (now hung up proudly on Holly’s bedroom wall).  It gives a taste of Boston’s importance in the American Revolution and even how the city was built.

Historical sites we passed included Faneuil Hall, the Old State House, and the Old South Meeting House.  Yes, it covered the Boston Massacre but from a kid-friendly perspective which won’t leave them with nightmares.

Our ever precocious Holly found her favourites to be the first public school in the United States and the oldest cemetery.  My favourite was the spot where our founding father Benjamin Franklin supposedly flew the famous kite during his lightning storm experiment.  The “Boston By Little Feet” tour takes 1 hour (perfect for our family of four) and costs $8 per person.

Follow a routine and schedule even on the road.

During our Boston adventure, we stayed at the Boston Harbor Hotel in historic Rowes Wharf. History again, was right outside our room since Boston Harbor is, of course, the location of the Boston Tea Party, a story which Holly wanted to hear Dora her mom, repeat over and over again during our stay.

Make no mistake about it—the Boston Harbor Hotel is a luxury hotel (5 star in fact) but it is 100% kid friendly!  Our plane ride was exhausting, and we were tired by the time we arrived at the lobby front desk to check in, but the kids were re-energized by the milk and cookies and complementary stuffed animals waiting for us in the room.  We applaud the hotel for their efforts to make us all feel at home.  Other convenient amenities included a roll-away bed for Holly, a crib for Lenore (with a diaper kit, powder, and her own infant-sized toiletries), kid’s robes, and games, puzzles, and activity books for family fun time in the room.

Such wonderful attention to detail really made us all feel welcome.  While on our trip we followed a routine of waking up and getting ready for the day at 7am, breakfast at 8am, lunch outside at 12:30pm, afternoon snack at 3pm (the girls enjoyed a tea party at the hotel before we left), and dinner at 7pm. The structured day made everyone feel a little more at home and gave us “breaks” during the day to catch our breath and catch up with each other during meals.

Have a family “pow wow” before your day begins and at the end of the day.

During breakfast, the topic of conversation was the day’s agenda.  For instance, when we were planning the trip, it allowed the excitement and anticipation of being in Boston build-up.  Holly seemed like a  “mini” reporter interviewing us about each spot we planned to visit.  Meanwhile, a “pow wow” at the close of the day during dinner not only allowed her to ask more questions about what she saw and experience that day, but it reinforced the family quality time and togetherness we wanted by recalling our special memories like riding World War II era amphibious jeeps on the Boston Ducks Tour that took us to Bunker Hill, site of the famous battle in 1775, and Boston Common, the oldest park in the United States.

Focus Your Time on Priorities

Keep choices simple.  To maximize our time in Boston, we made life easier by choosing to eat breakfast and dinner at the hotel, in our room (Boston Harbor Hotel has 24-hour In-Room Service), or near the hotel.  Lunch was the only meal we spent outside our hotel’s local radius since we usually went sight-seeing from the mid-morning to late-afternoon.  With two kids, one little girl whose legs easily got tired and an infant who seemed to need changing at the most inopportune moments, we kept our choices simple without feeling left out of the exciting things the city offered.  We were very content ordering room service most evenings.  Dining together and assembling puzzles of the Boston Tea Party while overlooking the Boston Harbor defined contentment.

Little to No TV Time

Set limits on television watching, video games, and phone calls.  This is one rule we always enforce during our family vacations.  After all, we spend enough time being distracted back home.  We are determined  not to let our vacation suffer from the same bad habits.  As tempting as it was to turn on the TV while we got ready in the morning, our day just ran smoother without it. In the evenings, we had plenty to talk about before bed time just reflecting on the day’s events.

Boston Public Garden Swan Boat

Plan mini-activities during free time to replace watching television and playing video games.

As I mentioned before, the temptation to switch on the TV is great.  Therefore, we filled in the blanks (actual spare time on our trip if you can believe that) by playing board games in the room, talking some more, or taking a brisk walk at the Boston Public Garden where our efforts to spend quality time together minus electricity (sorry, Benjamin Franklin) were rewarded by a ride on graceful swan boats that looked like they came from our favourite fairy tales.

Set a bedtime for the kids and yourself during your trip.  Having a regular bed time during vacation also ensured we were well-rested for the next day’s adventures.  This was, of course, much needed considering all the walking we did in Boston.  Speaking of walking, the famous Freedom Trail is something we plan to do down the road when Lenore is older.

There you have it—how to manage your family’s time even in a place like historic Boston where there doesn’t seem to be enough time to enjoy everything, especially with history in every corner!