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Planning a trip is never an easy feat, but a vacation to Boston will be well worth it. Plenty of kid-friendly options are available, and adults will enjoy them, too. Overall, Boston is a clean, beautiful city with a rich history and a number of great tourist attractions.

A fun, efficient way to get a look at the entire city from land and sea is through the Boston Duck Tours. For two hours, listen to a narrated tour of the city's history and main attractions. Children will be amazed when the bus glides with ease into the water. The company is definitely kid-friendly, encouraging little ones to quack at other tour vehicles along the way. Visit

www.bostonducktours.com for more information

The New England Aquarium is a must-see attraction. For those staying at the nearby Mariott Long Wharf, a luxurious hotel, the aquarium is right next-door. For everyone else, it is still easy to navigate towards since it has its own stop called "Aquarium" on Boston's public transportation subway line, the "T." The New England Aquarium houses more than 20,000 specimens and includes an outdoor seal exhibit. Edge of the Sea is an exciting feature that allows children to handle tide pool animals. The aquarium offers a discounted rate for children ages 3-11 and can be reached at (617) 973-5200 or through www.neaq.org.

The Franklin Park Zoo is sure to be a kid favorite. A children's area and a number of special exhibits are included. African wild dogs, a Tropical Forest and Butterfly Landing are a few of the highlights. Children's tickets are discounted, but for an extra special deal, go on the first Saturday of the month to snag half-price tickets for the entire family. Find out more by calling (617) 541-5466 or typing in www.franklinparkzoo.org.

Every child will want a souvenir from the vacation, and Faneuil Hall is the perfect destination for Boston clothes, sports gear and trinkets. Parents can enjoy upscale stores along with zany, one-of-a-kind shops. When the troops get hungry, an enormous food court featuring burgers, sandwiches and the like along with Boston favorites like lobster bisque is just inside along with restaurants. For a list of stores available, visit www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com .

To experience a unique museum, head over to the Boston Children's Museum. The attraction offers three floors of interactive exhibits for the little ones. Features include bubbles, a climbing maze and KidStage (a children's theater). Kids will love the science-related activities tailor-made for their age groups. Contact (617) 426-8855 or visit www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org for details about purchasing tickets.

Sports fans of any age will enjoy a trip to Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. During baseball season, catch a game at arguably Major League Baseball's most historic parks. Out of season, tours are available six times daily and are just $8 for adults and $6 for kids ages 3-15. To get a closer look, head to http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/b os/ballpark.

After long days running around Boston, relax at Boston Common and Public Gardens, green space in the middle of the city. Take a ride in a swan boat on the pond. Marvel with the kids at the duck statues famous from the children's book Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McClosky. Find more information at http://www.cityofboston.gov/Fr eedomTrail/bostoncommon.asp.

Al l of these attractions are sure to be fun-filled. Everyone will find an activity to suit his or her interests. Boston is by all means a kid-friendly area and a great vacation destination for family members all ages.

Learn more about this author, Julie Kliegman.
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