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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 complete with sharks, rays, and
Mrytle the green sea turtle. At the supervised Touch-Tank, kids roll up their sleeves and handle sea creatures. (Details: Open seven days. Arrive early. Location: 1 Central Wharf, Boston. www.neaq.org. The Aquarium offers Whale Watches from April through October. Reservations strongly recommended. Also, other commercial whale watches are located nearby. For lunch, stroll over to historic Faneuil Hall, where Quincy Market's eateries offer unlimited cuisine.

5. A Day in the Park!

Take a break from traditional tourist activities! Hike across Boston Common; it's America's oldest park, with 50 acres nestled right in downtown Boston. Explore the adjacent Public Garden. Bring a ball or Frisbee. (In winter, bring ice skates!) Find the famous duckling statues, based on the classic children's book "Make Way for Ducklings." If the weather is nice, take a calming ride in the famous Swan Boats. (www.swanboats.com. And while Cheers Boston may be the city's most famous eatery, there also are countless other restaurants surrounding Boston Common. Explore and enjoy!

A few other attractions should be considered. Fenway Park candelight young baseball fans. The Museum of Science is a terrific family learning experience, which can be visited as part of your Duck Tour. The famed Freedom Trail is a nice, educational stroll for adults, and for kids who enjoy history.

Enjoy your family visit to Boston!

Learn more about this author, Andy Shen.
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