Boston, MA

Beyond History Lessons

Follow up a busy day of sightseeing with a lazy day at the park. The Boston Public Garden and the nearby Boston Common are havens of green in the middle of the city. Order a few "subs" (that's local lingo for hoagies and grinders) and have a picnic lunch after enjoying these uniquely Boston activities.

• The Swan Boats
  Take a serene lagoon ride on sculpted swan paddleboats. Bring crackers to feed the ducks -- toddlers and preschoolers love this part. The ride takes just 10 minutes, but you can wait up to 45 on a busy summer weekend.
• "Make Way for Ducklings" Statues
  What a great photo op -- your little ones sitting on bronze statues commemorating the Mallard family in Robert McCloskey's beloved children's story "Make Way for Ducklings."

• Frog Pond
  There's ice-skating and hot chocolate in winter, and ankle-deep wading in the summer. Okay, it's not really a frog pond, but that's what the locals have always called it.
• Boston Common Playground
  Located next door to the Frog Pond, this is a perfect place for younger children to stretch their legs and lungs.