Spend some time exploring Adams National Historical Park. The park is where several historic homes are located, including the birthplaces of John Adams and John Quincy Adams, and the United First Parish Church where both Presidents are entombed. Aside from the houses, there are plenty of attractions to see at this park so sign up for a tour or go on an excursion of your own.
Explore the historic neighborhood of Beacon Hill. This area of town is beautiful, with narrow streets, brick sidewalks lit by gas lights, row houses with beautiful doors and brass knockers, hidden gardens, decorative ironwork throughout, colonial revival homes from the early 20th century and other elements that harken from neighborhoods of the past. Beacon Hill draws plenty of attention for its looks but the neighborhood also offers unique shops and some of the city's best restaurants, along with other businesses and attractions.
Grab your skis and hit the slopes at the Blue Hills Ski Area. Seven trails and a drop over 300 feet comprise this recreation area. If you're not so great with a set of skis, Blue Hills offers a variety of lessons.
The Boston Athenaeum has deep roots in the city's history. Founded in 1807, the athenaeum is one of the country's oldest independent libraries and is home to over 600,000 volumes. This renowned cultural institution also boasts an impressive fine art collection. Explore the building's attractions on your own or opt for a 60 minute tour.
Imagination and education go hand-in-hand at the Boston Children's Museum. The museum is the second oldest children's museum in the nation, housing exhibits that explain science, nature, art, history and more. A few of the engaging exhibitions include Kid Power, Science Playground, Global Gallery, and Countdown to Kindergarten.
Spend some time hanging out in the country's oldest park. The 50-acre Boston Common is the anchor for the Emerald Necklace park system and is the starting place of the famous Freedom Trail. There are quite a few monuments throughout the park, and several outdoor events take place in the Common throughout the year.
The Boston Harbor Islands offer some perfect destinations for boating and kayaking. Along with playing on the water, fishing, hiking, camping and swimming are popular for this park, too. There are dozens of recreational pathways and trails to explore throughout the islands.
If you're a book lover there's no better way to celebrate that than by visiting the Boston Public Library, the nation's second largest library. This huge library is home to around 6.1 million books, in addition to about 1.7 million rare books and manuscripts that feature records from colonial Boston, early works of William Shakespeare and the personal book collection of John Adams.
Relive an important and historic moment in American history at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. The museum retells the Boston Tea Party event, considered to be one of the major catalysts of the American Revolution. Attractions to see here include replica ships of those involved with the Tea Party, and reenactments of important happenings from before and after the momentous event.
The Charles River Esplanade stretches along three miles of the beautiful Charles River and surrounding attractions. This spot is perfect for relaxating outdoors and enjoying a picnic, fishing, taking a gondola ride, or just sprawling out on a blanket and watching the river roll by. There are also several scheduled events here like fitness classes and festivals.
Dig your toes into the sand at Crane Beach, one of the East Coast's premier beaches. Swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, hiking and more, are a few outdoor activities you can enjoy while hanging out on the seashore. This is the perfect destination for those who like to explore, as there are over five miles of trails that venture into the dunes and North Shore forestry.
Tour the historic Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. Fenway Park is one of the world's most famous sports venues and boasts a long, storied history since opening in 1912. The guided tour of the park will teach you everything you need to know about this renowned sports attraction. If you don't feel like touring, get tickets to a Sox game before they sell out.
Hang out with some of nature's most fascinating creatures at the Franklin Park Zoo. You'll see animals like tigers, kangaroos, leopards, lions, zebras, gorillas and more, throughout exhibits like Serengeti Crossing, Outback Trail, Tiger Tales, and Kalahari Kingdom. In all, there are over 1,000 animals living at the zoo.
Follow the red-brick road, otherwise known as Freedom Trail. The trail stretches 2.5 miles and leads the way to 16 historical sites that are significant to American history. Some of the sites and attractions include the Boston Common, the Old State House, the Bunker Hill Monument, the Paul Revere house and the site of the Boston Massacre.
Experience an excursion in Harvard Square, a commercial and recreational center for Harvard students, city residents and visitors. Along with being a hub for arts and entertainment, and home to a number of attractions, shops, eateries, and places to stay, The Square is also a historically significant location. It was here that George Washington took command of the Continental Army, it is where the first printing press in America was located, and it has also been the grounds for many student protests – among many, many other things.
Walk through the John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library and get a closer look at the life and times of America's 35th President. Through touring this monumental library and museum, you'll learn about JFK's presidential campaign, his leadership and administration, his ideas and enthusiasm for politics, and the ideals he held dear. The museum also has features about JFK's captivating wife, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, and his famous family, among other attractions.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center is made up of a series of interactive features to immerse kids into a world where their imagination can run wild with creative inspiration at every turn. The family attraction hosts exciting children activities, playgrounds, and workshops from the Kingdom Quest ride to an amazing recreation of Boston?s most iconic buildings. Birthday party rooms, adult night events and a school field trip program are available. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston not only provides fun for LEGO fans young and old, but fantastic educational benefits too.
Like many of the buildings in Boston, the Massachusetts State House serves as an embodiment of the city's important history. The state's capitol building, built in 1798, resides on land that once belonged to John Hancock. You'll recognize the building easily because of its 23-karat gold dome roof. You can see the State House while you're strolling down Freedom Trail, or you can opt for an in-depth tour of it's interior attractions.
Watch the opening battle of the American Revolution take place right before your eyes at Minute Man National Historical Park. This hallowed ground is where the war began and where it is relived through reenactments. These demonstrations aren't the only things to do at the park though; explore the visitors center, walk down Battle Road Trail, check out the Hartwell Tavern and The Wayside and other park attractions.
Housing over 450,000 works of art, the Museum of Fine Arts Boston boasts one of the most extensive art collections in the country. The museum is one of the largest in America and features a wide variety of art, including French impressionist and post-impressionist works, 18th and 19th century American art, imperial Chinese art, the largest collection of Japanese art outside of Japan, and much more. A few of the renowned artists with works in the collection include Renoir, Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas.
Science comes to life through the exhibits and attractions at the Museum of Science Boston. Throughout the museum, there are over 500 interactive exhibits explaining all kinds of science-related subjects like nature, technology, evolution, the environment, outer space, electricity, and more. While you're there exploring, be sure to check out a presentation at the IMAX or the Charles Hayden Planetarium.
Dive deep into ocean exploration at the New England Aquarium. You'll see a variety of sea creatures living in simulated versions of their natural habitats through exhibits like the Amazon Rainforest, the Gulf of Maine, the Pacific Reef Community, the Edge of the Sea, and many others. A few of the animals you will see include sharks, sting rays, sea turtles, seals, jelly fish, penguins, octopuses, and dolphins.
Catch a family-friendly show on stage at the Puppet Showplace Theatre. This family theater attraction hosts fun and entertaining puppet shows, featuring stories like Little Red Riding Hood, The Velveteen Rabbit, The Three Billy Goats Gruff, Hansel and Gretel, Rumplestiltskin and Pinocchio.
While you're hanging out in the Boston Public Garden, take a ride on the city's signature Swan Boats. The boats are the only ones of their kind in the world and they float the waters of the Public Garden lagoon. A ride on one of these boats is the best way to see all of the attractions in and around America's first botanical garden.