Summer is here and so are family vacations. The first question anyone asks when planning a summer getaway is, "where should we go?" Some people enjoy relaxing on a beach, while others prefer to explore a new city. If you or your family wants a place in-between the two, the Boston, Massachusetts is the perfect place to bring the family. Although Boston is an expensive city, with prices similar to those of California, it really does have something for everyone. So if you're thinking about taking your summer vacation to Boston, here's a few things you should have on you to-do list.
1. Walk the Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile long trail that takes you to areas of historical significance within Boston. The trail mainly focuses on the Revolutionary War, but has some sights along the way that deal with the Civil War or other historical events. The trail begins in Boston Common, where the visitor center offers maps of the trail. Although guided tours are available, you can also opt to walk the trail on your own. It's a great sight if you're interested in American History and Museums. This trail will bring you to the burying sight of Patriot heroes like Samuel Adams and Paul Revere as well as historical sites such as the Old North Church or Bunker Hill. The trail seems small enough but don't be deceived, you'll spend a lot of time on your feet. Because the trail can involve stopping into historical sites or museums, it's estimated that it should take about 3 hours to complete (add on 30 minutes for every young child you have accompanying you). While the trail can be tiring, it is completely worth the exercise. You'll see sites significant to the Revolutionary War that are only located in Boston, and you'll even learn some new things about the events along the way.
2. Visit the Boston Tea Party and Ships Museum
Like the Freedom Trail, this Museum is a must see for the historically inclined. However, it is also a great attraction to take kids to! The Museum is somewhat interactive and only allows guided tours. Each tour is about an hour long, and they run approximately every 15 minutes. Each participant in the tour will receive a feather to "disguise" themselves and a card with a name and story on it. Each card has the name of an actual member of the Boston Tea Party as well as some information about them. Members of the tour will participate in a reenactment of the Sons of Liberty meeting, dump "tea" into the harbor, tour a colonial ship, and also bear witness to the events that occurred after the Boston Tea Party, including the first battle of the Revolution. It's a great attraction for all ages and is loads of fun for the whole family!
3. Walk through the Holocaust Memorial
This site is definitely more somber than most. The city of Boston has erected a walk through Memorial for the Holocaust. This memorial involves quick facts as well as direct quotes from actual Holocaust Survivors about their time in the Nazi concentration camps. This Memorial can be seen from the Freedom Trail, and can be walked through at your own pace. It's a small memorial, but it packs a big punch. It is definitely something you need to see while in Boston, and will give you greater perspective on humanity and life in general.
4. Go on a Whale Watching Tour
This is definitely something everyone should do while visiting the city. Located next to the New England Aquarium, this tour takes you out to sea in a 3-4 hour excursion. While out on the open ocean, tourists can see Humpback Whales, Fin Whales, and well as other types of marine creatures. Tickets for this tour can be purchased online or at a ticket booth by the Aquarium. Tickets are somewhat expensive, but well worth the money. The best part of this deal is that if your tour does not see any whales, the aquarium will give you a "rain check" to come back another day. This "rain check" never expires, so it can be saved until you next return to Boston.
5. Go on a Duck Tour
The Duck Tour is fun for all ages. This tour takes you throughout the city of Boston. Your tour guide will give you facts about the city as you drive through the streets. The "duck" you drive in is also a functioning boat, so this tour also takes you out into the Charles River. You'll float down the river and see more sites from the water. The driver even allows for people to drive the "duck" for a while when in the water, which is a great experience for kids and adults. The Duck Tours depart from three locations: Prudential Center, the Aquarium, and the Museum of Science. Tickets can be purchased at kiosk around these areas. Each tour is about 80-minutes long and can offer a refreshing break from walking around the city.
6. Grab a Cannoli at Mike's Pastry
If you have a sweet tooth, then this is the place for you. Mike's Pastry is a pastry shop located in Boston's North End (also known as the Italian District). This shop sells everything from Eclairs to Creme Brûlée. Yet, there biggest seller is their famous Cannoli's. Mike's Pastry offers a variety of flavors, all of which are extremely delicious. This little Pastry shop can get severely crowded at times, so it's probably better to go towards the early afternoon on a weekday if you want to avoid the long lines. But even if you do run into a long wait, don't turn around! These cannoli's are well worth it, and I guarantee that after one bite you'll decide to stop by Mike's every time you visit Boston.
7. Hang out in Boston Common
Boston Common is the largest public park in the city. It is the beginning of the Freedom Trail, but also houses playgrounds, monuments, food trucks/stands, ponds, and small lakes. When the weather is nice, people can be seen all around the park. However, because the park is so big it does not appear crowded very often. It is a great place to have a picnic or just walk around. It also allows for ample opportunity to people watch.
8. Spend a day at the Beach
For those in the family that would like a refreshing day at the Beach, Boston offers that too! The beaches at Boston are nice to say the least. There are plenty of beaches around the city that can be visited. Searching online can also let you find out which beach best fits your desires. So once you've spent the day, or past few days, walking around the city, a day at the beach can be a great refresher for the family.
There is plenty to do in the city of Boston, Massachusetts. From historical tours to the beach, this city is guaranteed to entertain you. Boston offers many more attractions than what is listed in this article. It's a great city with plenty to offer for a family vacation. So while you're deciding where you want to spend your summer vacation, take Boston into account. I guarantee it won't disappoint.
