For families

1 Boston Duck Tours

Board a refurbished, World War II era, amphibious vehicle that plies the Charles River waters as smoothly as it navigates Back Bay streets. This historic tour encompasses all the peninsula and is conducted by courteous drivers and informative, entertaining guides who are great at keeping kids engaged.                                                                  

Location: Prudential Center and Museum of Science
Address: Boston Duck Tours, 3 Copley Place, Suite 310 Boston, MA02116                                
Phone: 617 723 3825
Opening info: Open Apr–Nov: 9am–dusk daily

2 Children’s Museum

This venerable funhouse pioneered the interactive-exhibit concept that is now utilized in museums worldwide. Accolades aside, the Children’s Museum is an absolute blast for kids and parents alike. It includes a climbing wall, a sprawling jungle gym, and cultural experiences like a walk-through, simulated Latin American supermarket.

Address: Boston Children's Museum, 300 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210                                                    
Transport: Boston Children’s Museum is easily accessible by both South Station (MBTA Commuter Rail, Red Line, Amtrak and Private Bus Carriers) and Courthouse Station (Silver Line Waterfront).
Phone: 617 426 8855
www.bostonkids.org

3 Swan Boats

If Boston were to have a mascot, it would most likely sport white feathers and a graceful, arching neck. The swan boats have been a Public Garden (see Swan Boats) fixture since the first fleet glided onto the garden’s shimmering pond in 1877.

Address: PO Box 301487, Boston MA, 02130 Public Garden                                           
Transport: The MBTA Green Line Arlington Station is the closest "T" stop. From this stop, it is approximately a four minute walk through the Public Garden.
Phone: 617 522 1966
Opening info: Open mid-Apr–mid-Sep: usually 10am–5pm daily
www.swanboats.com

4 Museum of Science

Hands-on learning exhibits, like developing animated fish in the Virtual FishTank and racing marbles on sloping tracks, teach children about the physical world. The Omni Theater thrills with its fast-paced IMAX projections, while the planetarium places the cosmos within reach.

Address: Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617 723 2500
Opening info: open 9am–5pm daily (to 9pm Fri; Jul–Aug: 9am–7pm daily)
Admission charge applies
www.mos.org

5 The New England Aquarium

The sea pervades nearly every aspect of Boston life, so it’s appropriate that the New England Aquarium is one of the city’s most popular attractions. What sets this aquarium apart from similar institutions is its commitment to presenting not only an exciting environment to learn about marine life, but also to conserving the natural habitats of its gilled, feathered, and whiskered inhabitants.

Transport: “T” station: Aquarium (blue line)
Location: Central Wharf
Phone: 617 973 5200
Opening info: Open 9am–5pm Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm Sat & Sun
(Extended hours Jul–Aug)
Admission charge: $15.95

 

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