As one of the most historical cities in the country, Boston and its environs offer educational and unusual sightseeing opportunities for the entire family. In addition to the Museum of Fine Arts (www.mfa.org), the Museum of Science (www.mos.org), the Museum of African American History (www.afroammuseum.org), the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (www.gardnermuseum.org), the Institute of Contemporary Art (www.icaboston.org), the New England Aquarium (www.newenglandaquarium.org), and the Boston Children's Museum (www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org), the city offers some “only in Boston” attractions. Advance reservations may be required for some activities.
Boston Duck Tours uses original, refurbished World War II amphibious landing craft for a land and water tour of Boston.
Yankee Whale Watching offers two trips a day from Gloucester, MA, 35 miles north of Boston. Excursions travel to the whale-feeding areas known as “Stellwagen Bank” and “Jeffrey's Ledge.” Staff from the Center for Oceanic Research and Education accompany each whale-watching trip.
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile red-brick walking trail that leads to 16 nationally significant historic sites that tell the story of the American Revolution and beyond. Individuals can walk the trail independent of a tour guide or take a guided public tour offered by the Freedom Trail Foundation.
Boston Harbor Islands, a national park area, offers an escape from the city. Park rangers will lead tours such as a 3-hour tour of Little Brewster Island and Boston Light, the oldest light station in the country. A 90-minute tour of Boston Harbor on a high-speed catamaran with narration by a National Park ranger is another option.
Boston By Foot, Inc., is a nonprofit educational corporation that conducts historical and architectural walking tours of neighborhoods of Boston.
