Top 10 Fun Things to do in Boston
July 12, 2009 by Sheri Park
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One’s idea of what constitutes a nice tourist activity largely depends on one’s perspective? – traveling with children? A romantic getaway? Reunion with friends? This list includes something for everyone, whether seeing Boston for the first time or the 40th. And you won’t find shopping centers or malls on this list- you can do that anywhere.
Here they are:
1. The Boston Public Gardens
Also know as the Boston Common, this used to be a “common ground” in Revolutionary War times for cows to graze. Although you won’t find cattle here now, the Swan Boats take tourists for a spin around the pond, alongside beautifully arranged flower beds. Check out the bronze duck family from the story “Make Way for Ducklings”.
2. Museum of Science
Located overlooking the beautiful Charles River, the Museum of Science has something for everyone young and old. There are over 400 interactive exhibits and displays, the IMAX Theatre, and the Hayden Planetarium to fill you time in a fun, interactive, learning environment.
3. Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill is located between Back Bay, the Boston Common, and the Charles River high up on the cobblestone streets overlooking the city. The gaslit cobblestone streets are reminders of the old Boston when horse drawn carriages carried the wealthy through town. Be sure to stop and grab a pint of beer at the most famous bar Cheers and the Bullfinch Pub where “everybody knows your name”- not really but that is the comfortable feel of this area.
4. Fenway Park, Home of the Red Sox
Summertime is the best time to visit the Fenway Park area and catch a game with the Red Sox. Even if there is not a game the area is bustling with fans and energy. Fenway Park offers tours and is the second oldest ballpark, in use continuously since 1912. You may even get to meet some players or Wally the Green Monster if you are lucky and time it right.
5. JFK Museum
As birthplace to President Kennedy and home to the entire clan, an astounding collection of artifacts charting JFK’s childhood, service years in the war, rise to power and untimely death are displayed in this architecturally unique building on Boston Harbor.
6. Quincy Market, Faneuil Hall
Full of history, known for the secret meetings of the Sons of Liberty at the start of the Revolutionary War, Quincy Market is an amazing place to visit for the food, shopping, street performers, and nightlife.
7. North End, Little Italy Boston style
You’ll think you are in Italy, as Espresso Caf’s vie with Gelato vendors for the consumer dollar. No need to choose, try one of each. Hanover Street and Prince Street are the main thoroughfares, but each street offers delightful Italian restaurants, many of them open-air.
8. MIT/Harvard Square
In Harvard Square, where John Harvard opened a little school named after him in 1636, you find the famous Harvard University and Harvard Yard. Take a tour of the gorgeous school grounds then walk to enjoy the interesting sites and sounds and people of The Square, a world by itself with a unique unusual flavor. Buy a HARVARD sweatshirt at the COOP department store and pretend you studied there – everyone else does. Contine your tour onto Kendall Square to see MIT, where many a genius in the high tech world have learned and imagined. The MIT museum is interesting in its structure and shows the many past contributions of its graduates.
9. New England Aquarium and Whale Watch
Operating only late spring into the fall, the Whale Watch is a truly unique chance to get close to area whales. High speed vessels whisk you to view these behemoths as they “breach” , or dive, with tails breaking the surface of the water. The boat captains always seem to know where the whales are, and even more astounding is that the whales seem to enjoy the attention!
10. Duck Tour
Amphibious vehicles with names like “Fenway Frank” and “Beacon Bertha” hit the street and then directly into he water as you get a unique tour of the hot spots around town. The tour is complemented by a running monologue of wisecracks, anecdotes, and half-truths by the always entertaining drivers. The Duck enters the Charles River near the Museum of Science for a river mini cruise where you might even get to steer if you have been paying attention and can correctly answer the driver’s quiz question. Quack like mad on this fun filled tour.
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