Boston, founded in 1630, is Massachusetts’ capital and also its largest city and, as of 2010, has approximately 617,000 residents. It is famed for the key role it played in the American Revolution as well as being home to many prestigious universities and technical colleges such as Harvard Medical and Business Schools, MIT, Boston University, Berklee College of Music, Tuffs University and University of Massachusetts Amherst to name just a few! One of the best ways to get a real feel for this interesting city is to explore it by foot, and I have suggested a few walking tours within this guide. Let’s explore the best things to do in Boston!
Museum of Fine Arts
Museum of Fine Arts
Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts is one of North America’s largest, and home to more than 450,000 works of art. The museum is huge, so make sure the family have on their comfortable walking shoes! The museum’s collection is spectacular, and includes a wonderful array of French Impressionist paintings as well as a magnificent Classical collection, where you can enjoy taking in the plentiful amount of frescos and sculptures from the Villa of the Contrado Bottaro in Pompeii. There are regular special exhibits too and certainly something for the whole family to enjoy. Plan on making a whole day of it!
Boston Public Garden
Boston Public Garden
These charming public gardens were created in 1634 and modified in the Victorian Age, with the assistance of the then newly formed Boston Parks and Recreation Department, introducing over 80 species of plants from both local and varied locations around the city. Vibrant floral patterns were created using the very new techniques of hybridizing and propagating, eventually leading to the importing of exotic trees and plants. A popular attraction for all the family as you stroll past the famous Swan Boats operated and created over 100 years ago, the lovely lake and fountains, and variety of trees. There are plenty of benches on which to relax, too.
Fenway Park Tour
Fenway Park
Take the family on a tour of Fenway Park, home to the famous Boston Red Sox. It will make attending future games even more fun! Fenway Park is the oldest ball park in Major League Baseball history and, though relatively small and only able to seat 40,000 spectators, has certain seen plenty of exciting baseball, soccer and hockey action, not to mention political and religious campaigns! Fenway has hosted the World Series ten times, its inaugural season starting from the 1912 World Series. You will tour the stadium, visitors’ club house, press room, and the seats above the ‘Green Monster’, nickname for the 37’2” high left field wall, popular because it is only 310 feet away from home plate.
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
Tea Party Ships & Museum
A completely new type of museum, this is where the family can view not only artifacts of historical importance but also enjoy a multi sensory experience!
This floating museum is made up of high tech interactive exhibits, restored tea ships, absorbing documentaries all about this famous event and knowledgeable actors bringing you a sense of how it all happened, with a perfect sense of flair and drama! There is also the opportunity of throwing the tea overboard! A very interesting and enlightening time for all, rounded off with a visit to the café and well stocked gift shop.
