I am planning my first trip to the Boston area with my mum and 3 yr old son in April. This is my plan so far - nothing is booked:
3 nts Sheraton, Boston.
2 nts Publick House Inn, Sturbridge
2 nts Inn on the Beach, Newport
2 nts Cape Codder Resort, Hyannis
Our stay in Boston only gives us 2 full days. We are planning to stay for 2 nts in each place so we can explore a further area. I would also like to visit Salem and Mystic - does this seem reasonable - we don't want to spend too long in the car. Would we be better to have 4 nts in Boston and one in Sturbridge. Any advice or comments would be a great help.

milliemurf
,

Unless you have a detailed central Mass. / Pioneer Valley itinerary planned, you don't really need to stay overnight in Sturbridge...unless you really want to stay at the Publik House.

Sturbridge is a 90 minute drive from Boston. You can do the Village in 1/2 day and spend the remainder of the time exploring.

Having said that, if you stay overnight, I suggest one night. See if you can stay in the Inn and not the motor lodge. Have dinner in the Tap Room at the Publik House, or the Whistling Swan.

I think we will stay 4 nts in Boston and 1 in Sturbridge - thanks for the advice.

Grump. Saw the subject and thought you were going to Nebraska.

Keith

milliemurf,
Another thought.

Check to see if you will be in town on Patriot's day weekend (third Monday in April, Apr. 18 this year). If so, plan for, or around, the Boston Marathon, as mobility in Boston will be limited.

Boston on Patriots day (3rd Monday in April) is a blast. The marathon is run that day and there is so much going on. Yes, it's crowded. Yes, there are driving/parking issues, but it's one big party all day long.
As for the 3 year old, the Boston Children's Museum is a must. Totally hands on. My kids loved it.

Last August we did eat dinner at the Sturbridge Publick House but we stayed in a very nice Days Inn nearby. We've seen the village before and think it is intersting. But wonder why you are picking the other places you mention. What exactly are you and mum wanting to see or do? Certainly Mystic Seaport and Salem are interesting, alonbg with many other spots, but how much do you want to drive in Boston?
Bill in Missouri

I second the children's museum. It is a great place.

I am not sure a 3-year old would be all that interested in Salem. The adults may be into the witch thing, and the adults would likely enjoy the Peabody Essex Museum there. However, most 3 year olds are not all that museum tolerant.

Children's Museum, New England Aquarium are good bets. Even the Museum of Science (Cambridge/Boston line) would be interesting. Keep these in mind if weather is bad.

Since nothing is booked, you may run into some booking problems with Boston hotel if it is anywhere around 3rd Monday in April - Patriot's Day and Boston Marathon date.

Do not know what type of weather you are expecting, but it could be beautiful spring weather or it could snow or you could have nasty, raw rain - so prepare for all eventualities.