Walk the Freedom Trail
Paul Revere House, Boston
This has to be the number one thing to do in Boston. The city is just brimming with history from the beginnings of the American revolution and this self-guided walking tour will take you on a journey to all the significant locations. Pick a map up from Visitor Information at Boston Common where the trail starts and follow it all through Boston. Maps can also be downloaded here http://www.thefreedomtrail.org/freedom-trail/ and the trail is also marked out on the sidewalk with a red line.
Skywalk Observatory
At the top of the Prudential building you can get a panoramic view of Boston. There’s lots of space to move around which is great if you’re with kids. There’s also a restaurant where you can get a drink or something to eat, although at a price of course!
Faneuil Hall, Boston
Fanueil Hall Market Place
Near the Waterfront in Boston, this area includes the historic Faneuil Hall (covered on the Freedom Trail) but also has a vibrance derived from its street entertainers, markets, shops and restaurants, not to mention the food halls of Quincy Market. There’s some pretty amazing ice-cream to be had in Boston and some of the best peanut butter ice-cream (my preferred sweet addiction) can be found in the market here!
Boston Harbour Islands
If you fancy getting back to nature but not venturing too far from the city then the Harbour Islands are for you. Georges Island provides the main ferry stop during the summer months and from there you can get connecting boats to the other islands of which there are many. The islands each have their own appeal and vary in the facilities available. Some have drinking water and toilet facilities as well as ‘snack shacks’ where you can grab a bite to eat as well as cooking grills (barbecues) , others have no facilities at all.
Make way for ducklings sculpture, Boston Public Garden
Beacon Hill, Boston Common and Boston Public Garden
Chill out on Boston Common, take a swan boat around the Public Garden Lake and explore more history on the cobbled sidewalks of Beacon Street and the historical warren of streets behind.
See our section on Boston with kids for more about Boston Common and Public Garden