by Andy Shen

Created on: November 15, 2008   Last Updated: February 01, 2011

As a Boston-based children's writer and a father of two, I've learned first-hand about exploring Boston with kids. Yes, the Olde Towne can delight young families. The secret is to make your visit magical, selecting activities which are active, stimulating, and filled with hands-on fun.

Here are five "mini-itineraries," each offering a convenient cluster of kid-friendly attractions. Included are numerous kid-tested activities, plus suggestions for family-friendly meals. Best of all, each of the five itineraries can be enjoyed on foot, with all attractions and restaurants clustered near each other.

1. Hands-on Fun!

For active young children, the Boston Children's Museum is the place to be. Here, kids climb, build, perform and play. It's ideal for kids aged 1 to 10. (Details: Open seven days; arrive early. Located on Children's Wharf, 300 Congress Street, Boston. www.bostonkids.org. For a fun nearby meal, stroll over to the Barking Crab, a casual waterfront shack offering Crabby Patty Burgers and a Kids menu. (Location: 88 Sleeper Street, Boston. www.barkingcrab.com.

2. Boston High and Low.

Start your day with an entertaining Boston Duck Tour. Climb aboard a bizarre amphibious vehicle for a fabulous 80-minute voyage around Boston, by land and by sea. The legendary tour guides always get passengers involved. (Details: Open seven days. Closed in winter. Location: 53 Huntington Ave, Boston, outside the Prudential Tower. www.bostonducktours.com. When your Duck Tour ends, you can grab a bite at the many eateries located in the Prudential Center - including the California Pizza Kitchen, the Cheesecake Factory, and the Terrace Food Court. End your adventure with a panoramic view from the Skywalk Observatory high atop the Prudential Tower; there, you can challenge kids to find other "Ducks" touring the city. (www.prudentialcenter.com.

3. Dinosaurs at Harvard!

Located just minutes from downtown Boston, Harvard Square has something for everyone. Many tourists are unaware of the Harvard Museum of Natural History, home to spectacular fossils and rare natural treasures. (Open seven days. Special family programs on weekends. Location: 26 Oxford Street, Cambridge MA.
www.hmnh.harvard.edu). Afterwards, choose from dozens of family-friendly restaurants in Harvard Square, including Bertucci's (Italian), Wagamama and Herrell's (Ice Cream).

4. Aquatic Wonders.

The entire family will enjoy the New England Aquarium. Kids marvel at the giant ocean tank, a spectacular four-story reef

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>