History Is Everywhere in Boston

For families looking for a new vacation spot, we have an unexpected suggestion: Visit a city. From glittering skyscrapers to colorful street vendors, the urban scene buzzes with energy and excitement. In our travels, we've discovered that visiting a city with kids doesn't have to be an expensive or difficult proposition. Our favorite places are beautiful and easy to navigate. They offer countless activities for rainy and sunny days, loads of freebies, beautiful public parks and fascinating ethnic and historic neighborhoods.

There's no doubt we think cities are special. But don't just take our word for it. We hope our written adventures will inspire you to hit the road with your family and experience the wonder of our favorite twinkling skylines, including Boston, Massachusetts, the best mix of old and new.

TEA PARTIES AND FREEDOM TRAILS
Whenever we go to Boston, our kids tear up the town, racing with excitement over the narrow streets as they head toward the site of the Boston Massacre, Granary Burying Ground (resting place of Paul Revere, John Hancock and Sam Adams), and bustling Faneuil Hall. In Boston, history isn't confined to museums. It's everywhere--no more so than along the city's famed three-mile Freedom Trail, a popular walking path leading travelers past 16 historic sites."Is that the real Paul Revere's house?" our kids want to know. "Can we go into that creepy cemetery?" In this 368-year-old city, we're happy to say, the answer is almost always yes.

WHY FAMILIES LOVE IT
In Boston, learning about history is a blast. On Boston Duck Tours, families can hop aboard "ducks" (World War II amphibious vehicles), cruise on land by the major tourist sites, then splash down into the Charles River for the waterborne part of the tour. Conducktors, as the drivers are called, make goofy jokes, play kazoos, dress funny and honk at passersby. Tours are held from April through November. The cost is $25 for adults, $16 for kids ages three to 11, and $3 for kids ages two and under. Call 617-723-3825.

FRIENDLY HOTEL
Conveniently located next to Faneuil Hall marketplace, the Millenium Bostonian Hotel will cost a family of four from around $189 and up nightly depending on the day of week and time of year. Pricey, yes, but you can walk nearly everywhere from the hotel, saving cab fare and the considerable stress of driving in downtown Boston. Call 617-523-3600.

A LOCAL FAVORITE
La Famiglia Giorgio's, in Boston's Little Italy, offers comfortable family dining. Call 617-367-6711 for prices.

BEST MUSEUMS
The multicultural Children's Museum of Boston, one of the country's best, invites kids to cut loose on a giant indoor climbing structure, journey to Japan, and celebrate the holidays of other cultures. Admission is $9 for adults, $7 for kids ages two to 15, $2 for one year olds, and free for infants. Call 617-426-6500.

TOP OUTDOOR FUN
Head to the Public Garden to ride the swan boats and check out the bronze ducklings of Make Way for Ducklings fame.

DON'T LEAVE TOWN WITHOUT
Signing up for a stroll with Boston By Little Feet, a tour that gears its guided historic walks to kids ages six to 12. These kid-friendly walks are held only in the summer. Call 617-367-3766.

YOU COULD SPEND A WHOLE DAY
Investigating more than 600 interactive exhibits at the Museum of Science. Take in the lightning show in the Thomson Theater of Electricity, pay your respects to the three-story-high Tyrannosaurus rex, and catch a larger-than-life flick at the Mugar Omni theater. Combination tickets to the museum and theater cost $19 for adults and $15 for kids ages three to 11. Admission is free for kids ages two and under. Call 617-723-2500.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Call the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau at 888-SEE-BOSTON, or click here.

Diane Bair and Pamela Wright write from their office in Newburyport, Massachusetts.

Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated July 2005.