The best kid-friendly attractions in the city of Boston

One if by land or two if by sea? In Boston, you don't have to choose, you can have it all! A visit to Boston with your kids could be the best vacation of your life. Why? Because, with a little planning, Boston can be one of the most kid-friendly places on earth. You just need to stay focused on what kids love:

1. Boats, Boats and More Boats

Amaze the kids with some site seeing on Boston Duck Tours. These renovated World War II amphibious landing vehicles travel by land and by sea. After a driving tour on the historic streets of Boston, the vehicle splashes into the Charles River for a completely different view of the city. www.bostonducktours.com

If your kids are more into thrill rides, try Codzilla. This turbo-charged shark look-alike is actually a 70' speed tour boat that departs from Long Warf for a wet and wild ocean ride. With speeds of up to 40 mph and 360 degree turns, you are guaranteed to get wet! www.bostonharborcruises.com/co dzilla

Too much excitement for the little ones? Then head to The Public Garden and a leisurely Swan Boat ride. These nostalgic pedal powered boats (the driver does all the pedaling) take you on a peaceful cruise of the Lagoon. The boats run from April to September. www.swanboats.com

2. Animals

So many animals, so little time. Boston has an amazing array of animal encounter opportunities that your kids will go ape over.

The New England Aquarium is built around a four-story, 200,000 gallon Giant Ocean Tank. In addition to the more than 600 animals in the Giant Ocean Tank, the aquarium is also home to thousands of other creatures, including penguins, octopus, harbor seals, and even a 30 foot long anaconda. While you are there, make sure to say hello to Myrtle the green sea turtle. She has lived at the aquarium since it opened in 1969. www.neaq.org

After visiting the small fishes, head out to the harbor for a whale watching tour to catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures in the wild. You may see up to four different whale species during your 3-hour harbor cruise. www.bostonharborcruises.com/bo ston-whale-watch

Since 1913, the Franklin Park Zoo has been thrilling and educating the public with their fascinating collection of animals from around the globe. Kids will especially love the Children's Zoo and Butterfly Landing. www.franklinparkzoo.org

3. Follow the Leader

Kids always want to be first. Let them lead you on the 2.5 mile Freedom Trail walk. The kids will know the way like Dorothy in Oz. All they have to do is follow the red line that takes you past 16 historical sites, including the Paul Revere House, the Old North Church and the U.S.S. Constitution. www.thefreedomtrail.org

4. Touching Stuff

At the Boston Children's Museum you won't ever have to say, "Don't touch that!" Everything here is made for kids. They can spend the whole day and never run out of exciting things to see and do. They can sculpt, climb, build, explore and just play. www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org

5. Pilgrims

Kids have been learning about the Pilgrims since the first time they sat down to a turkey dinner. From Plymouth Rock to the Mayflower II and a recreated 1627 English Village, you can experience colonial life first hand. You can even chomp on a whole turkey leg while dining at one of the restaurants offering authentic 17th century culinary fare. www.plimoth.org

6. Ice Cream!

Vacation, kids and ice cream just naturally go together. While in Boston, you may want to try one of the shops that specialize in home made ice creams, including JP Licks and Emack & Bolio's. Emack & Bolio's is a local establishment founded in 1975 based on the peace, love and rock & roll ideals of that decade. www.jplicks.com www.emackandbolios.com

So, go to Boston. Take your kids. The only complaint you will hear from the back seat is, "I don't want to go home yet!"

Learn more about this author, Sheila Attebury.
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