From Guest Blogger: Nancy Soloman of Ciao Bambino. Nancy is an avid traveler and writer for Ciao Bambino. She lives outside Boston and has four children 9, 8, 5 and 1 with whom she enjoys sharing the world. Here is her take on great family things to do in Boston.
photo credit to NEAQ.org
New England Aquarium: Although some may say that the aquarium is a tad dated, this still remains one of our favorite attractions in Boston for three reasons: it’s a quick stop, the kids love it, and it’s an easy launching point for either Faneuil Hall or the North End.
The centerpiece of the aquarium is the 200,000-gallon glass tank filled with sharks, turtles, fish and eels. The giant glass windows at each level allow the kids to put their faces within inches of the sea animals- feeling shockingly close! Additionally, the three variations of penguins are fun to watch as they zip in and out of the water. If you’re pressed for time, enjoy the seals outside and skip the seal show. In the summer months, there is a shark and ray petting tank that offers the kids a hands on experience. Check their website for both daily activities and iMax show times- the shows give tired feet some time to re-coupe.
faneuilhallmarketplace.com
For us, as parents, it’s the area surrounding the aquarium that’s the big draw. Truthfully, I go to the aquarium as an excuse to eat in the North End or stroll through Faneuil Hall. Across from the aquarium, on the new Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, “Rings” pop-up fountain is a great place to cool off on a hot day. Faneuil Hall is an easy spot to grab lunch and enjoy entertainers. Think upscale, delicious food court and terrific if your kids need space to walk around while you’re eating. If you’re up for a real Yankee experience you can try Durgin Park Restaurant where you get New England food, shared tables and brash waitresses. Best of all, you are within walking distance to the North End (don’t miss this ethnic Italian neighborhood. Regina’s Pizza, Monica’s Restaurant and Mike’s Pastry shop are some of the best).
Family-Friendly Boston
Kid photo courtesy of Nancy Soloman
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3 Responses
Great post, Nancy! However -Boston has much more to offer – and some are on the cheap! Please don’t forget the Public Garden (with a much photographed tribute to Make Way for Ducklings), Boston Common (visitor’s center, view of the state capital, costumed reenactors like Ben Franklin, a playground and space to run-good for picnic lunches), the Freedom Trail (an ambling walk through Boston’s most historic destinations), Amphibious Duck Tours (see the city on land and travel the Charles River-$), the Museum of Science (a favorite with our 4 year old-$), and Fenway Park (tours are offered on select days – and they used to be free!). Also, tall ships are coming to Boston this summer – which is a great celebration of Boston’s sea merchant beginning, and just amazing to see!
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@ JenEsq: Thank you so much for the comment. You couldn’t be more accurate. It’s always challenging to narrow the choices down in Boston. It’s a family-friendly city that has both entertainment and history within a fairly condensed area. In this post, I tried to focus on just one attraction/area, but the list could go on. I like your suggestions and there is also the ICA which is currently running an excellent exhibit with Shepard Fairey’s work, Museum of Science has the Frogs, and there are many festivals approaching. One in peticular is in Waltham with sheep shearing. You can see my Top 5: Family Friendly Excursions in Boston on our website http://www.ciaobambino.com.