We will babysitting our 2 year old granddaughter for a week and would like to take her to places and need some ideas?
They live 1 hour south of Boston.

In Boston: the Children's Museum and the Aquarium.

South of Boston: the South Shore Natural Science Center in Norwell or the Trailside Museum on the Milton/Canton brder, whichever is closer.

Apart from that, a 2-year old would probably enjoy just going to different playgrounds in her own town, why not just contact their parks department after you arrive.

An hour south of Boston puts you near Cape Cod. You might try a ride on the Cape Cod Central Railroad...everyone likes trains!

www.capetrain.com/

How about the Swan Boats in Boston?

Unless there are places in Boston YOU really want to go, I would avoid the Boston stress completely and think much smaller. I think a child that age would really prefer the simple things of being a kid - a trip to a playround, wading pool, close-by beach, out for ice cream. Since it sounds like you are babysitting in her home town and not your own, make sure you get ideas/directions from her parents.

I know this is really not the answer to your question and understand the excitement of showing your granddaughter the world - but sometimes new eyes (yours) can see even her more immediate surroundings in a new light and with the time to devote that sometimes time-pressed parents do not have. I am told at that age I just loved walking and stoppping places with my grandparents that seemed routine to my parents - construction sites, trash men, boat ramps - things you would never consider as tourist "attractions"

The Childen's Museum in Boston is sensational for very small children. And, the Faneuil Hall/Quincy Marketplace area has wonderful street performers (sometimes puppets, marionettes, mimes, you never know...).

A trip to the Public Gardens to see the "Make Way for Ducklings" sculptures, if you happen to be in Boston, would be nice, especially if you read her the book several times before and after.

Christopher Columbus Park on the waterfront is nice, too.

I'm really with Gail, there, though. At two, spending time with the grandparents at the park, the playground, and doing "usual" things, along with "helping" you do what you normally do all day is probably more "fun" than being taken to places.

See http://www.gocitykids.com/?area=194 where you can search for activities in the Boston area by age, type of activity, indoor/outdoor, etc.

Kids at that age need your attention and that's about it. Just head for the local playground and you'll be golden. Follow that with a little ice cream and your grandchild will be in heaven.

If you are near Plymouth, my wonderful m-i-l always brings our kids to a cute playground in Plymouth that has a view of the harbor - down the road a bit from the Mayflower in a neighborhood.

Check out the local library for story hours also. Some of these libraries offer the most wonderful things for kid.s

I go along with the last several posters, the simpler the better, the swan boat ride, chasing ducks and maybe the Franklin Park Zoo. children at that age need that simple imput.

I think the aquarium would be nice-- Don't forget her stroller!
What about your local beach at low tide?? Pack a shovel and pail..My 2 year old loves the beach and to just get sandy and make a sand castle or two.
She can put her toes in the water.. No need to go deep at all Very simple!!

Also, I agree with a earlier poster take her out for ice cream.. What could be better. Go out for bagels one morning! She will think she is a big kid

Don't forget to pack your camera and take lots of pictures of you and her doing these activities...Make an small album and send it to her to remind her of all the fun you had!!

Have fun!