What to see - Boston and otherwise (Cambridge, Quincy: appointed, house)

[tango14]

We are planning a two day to Boston from new York. This is our first visit to Boston and we have a 4 year old and a 9 year old. What are the must sees in Boston and near by areas in Mass? Historic stuff? It would be nice to combine some good sight seeing along with something that the kids would totally enjoy . Thank you

[TAM88]

Originally Posted by tango14

We are planning a two day to Boston from new York. This is our first visit to Boston and we have a 4 year old and a 9 year old. What are the must sees in Boston and near by areas in Mass? Historic stuff? It would be nice to combine some good sight seeing along with something that the kids would totally enjoy . Thank you

Boston and the surrounding vicinity offer a ton of things to do.

I would do either the science museum, or the children's museum along with a duck tour. Doing both of those along with walking around Quincy Market would take up an entire day.

The Harbor Islands would be fun as well and a good place for kids to run around. A whale watch would be another option and the New England Aquarium.

There is a lot of historic things to see in the area. Walking the freedom trail, the tea party museum is about to open, the USS Constitution museum are all options in the city.

[Verseau]

The Freedom Trail is the most popular tourist itinerary through the city. It is an easy-to-follow path between many of the major historic sites, and includes popular tourist destinations like Quincy Marketplace. It begins on Boston Common and ends at the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown. You can also expand this itinerary by including the Black Heritage Trail, which also starts on Boston Common and runs through Beacon Hill, one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the city.

Adjacent to Boston Common across Charles Street is the Public Garden. Your kids would probably enjoy a ride on the swan boats.

The harbor islands is also a great idea on a nice day. The best choice is the boat to George's Island, home to Fort Warren (an old fort and Civil War prison). Kids love exploring the dark hallways with flashlights. It's also a great place to have a picnic and enjoy a view of the city from across the water.

I think your oldest would probably enjoy the Museum of Science more, while the youngest is probably at a better age to appreciate the Children's Museum. I suppose the aquarium might have a broader appeal. If you go to the MoS, make sure to watch a movie in the OMNI Theatre.

Honestly, that's more than enough stuff to fill up 2 days of your time. I really don't think you'll have time to explore other towns outside of Boston.

[brightdoglover]

Would kids like the Freedom Trail? I don't think I would have at that age (having been dragged to Independence Hall and the Betsy Ross House in Philly every time some relative was in a city hospital).
The other suggestions sound great, especially the Duck Tour.

[MikePRU]

Maybe a day trip up to Salem for the Salem Witch Museum?

[Verseau]

Originally Posted by MikePRU

Maybe a day trip up to Salem for the Salem Witch Museum?

If they were spending 4 or maybe even 3 days in the area, I might suggest a day trip to Salem, but I wouldn't recommend the Salem Witch Museum. Everyone I know who goes there is disappointed. There are far better museums in Salem (e.g. Peabody Essex), but I'm not sure there's terribly much that would interest the kids unless they appreciate the "haunted house"-type attractions, which they might be too young for.

[timeofseasons]

Look around Cambridge and Salem.