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CA Mom and two kids in NYC, Boston and places between!

CA Mom and two kids in NYC, Boston and places between!

Old Oct 2nd, 2014, 04:10 PM
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CA Mom and two kids in NYC, Boston and places between!

We'll be spending some time in NYC, the Hudson Valley and Boston in the next few weeks and would love some suggestions (traveling from California). We're looking forward to some actual fall foliage, cool weather and historic, charming places. I'm familiar with the usual tourist stops in NYC, but would love to hear more about fun or interesting things for a mom and two adventurous kids aged 7 and 9.

For NYC (3-4 days), we'll spend some time in Central Park, head to Dylan's Candy Bar, Grand Central. We'll probably head back to Lady Liberty and will definitely spend some time in Greenwich Village and at the 9/11 memorial. I love the vibe of the lower end of Manhattan. I'd love to catch a broadway show (TKTS willing!) and a preseason hockey game at MSG. Anything else that is a definite MUST? We've done the Empire State Building and I'm just not sure it's worth the expense if we've already done it a few years ago. Thoughts?

I've been told many times that we should venture out to Boston, so this year we're doing it! I'll be driving from NYC and would like to stop on the way for places that are interesting. I've been told Mystic and Newport are worthy stops. Any suggestions for things to do? We like activities, photography, nature, some shopping.... and I personally love seeing places are different than the norm (old cobble streets, charming buildings, lighthouses). Of course, would also love to have some seafood while we're there! We would probably drive to one of the stops and spend the night there (we arrive at JFK at 3pm) and then take some time to enjoy the rest of the way to Boston the next day.

Once in Boston, what would you recommend we do? We'll be in town for 3-4 days and will have a car, but we also enjoy using public transportation. We would be able to take little side trips, though, if there are "must sees" just outside of Boston. I've been told Boston Public Garden, Fenway, the Freedom Trail, and the Boston Tea Party ships are worth seeing. Having never been to the area, I was also considering the Free Walking tours or the Duck Tours for a general overview on our first day. Any suggestions? Also, is Cape Cod worth a day trip? Anything else in the area? We love being outdoors and also like hiking, history, etc.

On the way back from Boston, we'll be staying with a friend in Rhinebeck, NY so our drive will take us near Worcester and Springfield. Anything worth spending a few hours seeing along that drive?

Thank you in advance for your input!
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Old Oct 2nd, 2014, 04:37 PM
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If you go to Mystic go to Mystic Seaport to see what life was like in the late 1800s for the whaling community. While in the area spend a little time also in Stonington Burough. It has many homes from the 18th and 19th century and one of the few commercial fishing fleets left in CT.

In Boston, the Duck tour would be a nice way to meet the city. We took it from the Museum of Science (where there is a parking garage). I would guess the kids would love the museum too, it has a fantastic static electricity show as well as all you would expect of a great science museum.

Springfield has a quadrangle with four museums. The science museum there is ok, but much smaller than the Boston one. Another museum has interesting display of the history of the city with lots on manufacturing history and a neat display of Indian motorcycles that were made there. A short distance from there is the Springfield Armory where the springfield rifles were made for the Civil War and the western expansion.
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Old Oct 3rd, 2014, 01:18 AM
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I nominate the Mashantucket Pequot Museum at Foxwoods in CT. (separate building from casino)
http://www.pequotmuseum.org/Default.aspx
Fascinating.

The Duck tour is fun for all ages. Do not try to drive in Boston, use public transportation or cabs.

You listed NH and mentioned maybe a side trip for a must see. Our granddaughters ages 7 and 9 enjoyed the SEE science center in Manchester NH. It's housed in one of the beautiful old mill buildings. The Manchester mill yard recreated in Lego blocks was more interesting than I expected.
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Old Oct 3rd, 2014, 02:20 AM
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FYI, foliage in Boston area is early this year - they are attributing this to late summer drought. So you should see some nice colors NYC-Boston-southern NH. In Boston area with car Portsmouth, NH or Newburyport, MA have nice buildings, shopping and cobblestones. If the weather is nice you can take a whale watch.
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Old Oct 3rd, 2014, 02:54 AM
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In Boston the free tours of parts of the Freedom Trail that the National Park Service runs are excellent. The desk is at Faneuil Hall. They have tours several times a day. http://www.nps.gov/bost/planyourvisit/guidedtours.htm
Just be there 30 minutes before the tour starts as they have limited size. Ask there too for the "junior park ranger" workbook. It has great information and activities for kids.
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Old Oct 3rd, 2014, 09:03 AM
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Since you'll have a car, I would definitely take a side trip to Concord and Lexington. Historical, and beautiful too.

Historic Deerfield Mass is very interesting, but not sure its on your route. http://www.historic-deerfield.org/

Unless you're in NY today, it won't be preseason anymore. You will probably have to get tickets through StubHub. (The Rangers first home game is Oct 12th, but their first game is away, Oct. 9th).

Have a lobster roll! My favorite are the Connecticut version, which is just a toasted roll, lobster and butter. No celery, no mayo, no nothing!
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Old Oct 3rd, 2014, 11:25 AM
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In NYC definitely take the girls to the Museum of Natural History - a favorite with all kids. Definitely do dinos, human evolution and gem/minerals. Also do NOT miss the Met. For both museums look at the museum websites in advance in order to pick the things that will interest them most (Egyptian depart/Temple of Dendur, Costume institute at Met) since each museum can easily take more than a full ay to tour.

Also do take the free Staten Island ferry (great views of the city on the way back and of SoL on the way over). Also might want to consider the jet boat ride.
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Old Oct 3rd, 2014, 01:28 PM
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to whet your appetite:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca...072757273/show

although the glass house might be less interesting.
Michael is offline  
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