A Visit to Faneuil Hall Marketplace: Kids can't decide where to look first. Street performers, crowds from all over the world, an enormous food court, restaurants, bars, and shops make Faneuil Hall Marketplace (you'll also hear it called Quincy Market) Boston's most popular destination. It's conveniently located across the street from the harbor, where a stroll along the water can help your crew decompress.
An Exploration of the Museum of Science: Children's natural curiosity takes over as they troll the displays and exhibits that cram this enormous institution. Every branch of science and field of inquiry comes into play, but always in the most accessible way imaginable. It's so much fun that your youngsters probably won't even notice it's (shh!) educational.
An Excursion to the Public Garden: Low-tech pleasures abound in this lovely park, the perfect retreat during or after a busy day of sightseeing. Ride a Swan Boat, feed the birds, and visit with the Mallard family of Make Way for Ducklings fame. Marvel as the whole family starts to unwind.
A Trip to the Children's Museum: Younger kids (under 10 or so) practically vibrate with excitement as they approach Museum Wharf. The hands-on exhibits, noisy galleries, and overall air of discovery and excitement make the Children's Museum catnip for the elementary-school set.
A Thrill "Ride": The Mugar Omni Theater (at the Museum of Science) and the 3-D Simons IMAX Theatre (at the New England Aquarium) offer intrepid visitors hair-raising experiences in the safety of a comfortable auditorium. Most of the large-format films concentrate on the natural world.
FROMMER'S BEST FREE THINGS TO DO IN BOSTON
Picnic by the Water. Head for the harbor or river, perch on a park bench or patch of grass, put away your watch, relax, and enjoy the spectacular scene. Whether it's sailboats or ocean liners, seagulls or scullers, there's always something worth watching. My favorite spot is the end of Long Wharf, not far from Faneuil Hall Marketplace, but it's just one of thousands of pleasant spots.
Visit a Museum: Schedule your visit to take advantage of free or reduced admission at certain times. The USS is free all the time; the Children's Museum costs just $1 after 5 p.m. on Friday; the Institute of Contemporary Art is free after 5 p.m. Wednesday; the Harvard University Art Museums are free before noon Saturday; and the Harvard Natural History Museums are free on Sunday morning year-round and from 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday during the academic year. The Museum of Fine Arts "suggests" that you pay the regular $15 admission after 4 p.m. Wednesday, but you don't have to.
Relish a Vicarious Thrill: Without so much as lacing up a sneaker, you can participate in the world-famous Boston Marathon. Stretch a little. Drink plenty of fluids. Stake out a slice of sidewalk on Commonwealth Avenue and cheer as the runners thunder past. Then put your feet up -- you must be exhausted.
Prowl Newbury Street: From the genteel Arlington Street end to the cutting-edge Mass. Avenue end, Newbury Street -- Boston's legendary shopping destination -- is 8 blocks of pure temptation: galleries, boutiques, jewelry and gift shops, bookstores, and more. Fortunately, window-shopping is free.
Check Out a College Concert or Show: Countless local student groups just want an attentive audience, and the free or minimal admission can pay off in the long run. Imagine the credit card commercial: "Ability to say you recognized the talent of [insert name of big star] in a student production? Priceless."
For a complete listing of what to see and do in Boston, visit the online attractions index at Frommers.com.
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