Boston - Day trip with 2-yr old
 

Hello: My family and I are all headed to Boston at the end of the month for a Sunday wedding. We do have time to take a day trip either on a Friday or Saturday, however, have no idea where to go. Any suggestions? I've read up on Salem, however, in your opinion would it be worth to visit with a 2-year old and, the liklihood of Halloween tourists? Any advice/help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

if they are still running, i'd go on a duck tour - http://www.bostonducktours.com/index.html
fun, informative and i think a two year old would be entertained with the ground portion and going in the water.
i'd skip salem. boring for a 2 yr old.
again, not sure if they run them this late but there is a little boat ride around the boston common water.

I agree, the Duck Tours would be fun for everyone. The Swan Boats at the Public Garden are already closed for the winter. The Aquarium is entertaining for all ages, and the Children's Museum is excellent. Salem will be absolutely packed, not a good choice.

The poster above is referring to the Swan Boats which are in the Public Gardens - across the street from the Common. Great fun for a two year old. Read Make Way for Ducklings before you go. There is a statue in honor of the ducklings in the park also - great photo op. In the Common there is a nice playground. I'm not sure if the swan boats will still be operating. They have a very limited schedule. But the park is still worth a stroll through.

Another suggestion would be the Aquarium - kids that age love to look at all the pretty fishies. Near the aquarium on the other side of the Marriott there is Columbus Park - there was a playground there too and I pretty sure its still there but that park got a bit messed up because of the big dig. But if you go to the aquarium, you could head toward the park, take a break and then continue walking right into the North End where you can all enjoy a family friendly Italian dinner.

Also we have a great Children's Museum, also on the waterfront but near South Station.

You could also go for a stroll along the banks of the Charles River. At the far end by Mass General there is a playground too.

No need to head to Salem when Boston is such a family friendly place.

Salem is boring. Go to the Aquarium. The Children's Museum is great, the only problem is that you are there such a short time it might cut into adult touring time too substantially. Probably a trip to the aquarium and a stroll around Fanuel Hall will do the job.

Stay clear of Salem from midmonth on. Your 2yo will have a great time at the Children's Mus. Lots of hands on activities and plenty to do for that age. Try to go on Fri., as the museum can get crowded on Sat. The Aquarium is another good place. Children of all ages and adults enjoy it. You can walk to Fanuiel Hall easily from there for lunch or a late afternoon snack.

Hi, I frequently take my 2 1/2 and 1 1/2 yr old for a long boston walk that spans fanueil hall, boston commons, boston gardens and then down newbury street. Stores on Newbury typically open at 10am. There's a great playground in the Commons and/or just bring a ball and let junior run around the commons. Or bring a couple pieces of bread and feed the ducks and swans in the gardens. Fanueil hall has a great variety of lunch places that you "take out" and eat at tables. On Newbury or Boylston streets (paralell to newbury) there are lots of good dine-in lunch places. There's a great parking garage under the commons that is $10 for the day on weekends.

That should be an enjoyable day for all and you'll get to see lots of what boston has to offer! Have fun! I also agree with above posts to skip Salem w/ a toddler.

Skip Salem. You might take the Duck Tour that orginates from Museum of Science. (same tour, just 2 different departure points). That way you can park in the Museum garage, eat at the OK restaurant in the lobby and possibly see Museum - any museum other than Children's Museum will not have too many things specifically for kids that young, but layout will allow him/her to cruise around or ride in a stroller and look at things.

One consideration with any kid that young is ease of transitions from one thing to another, and this will minimize those.

FYI - the children's museum is only $1 pp after 5 on Fridays. We took our 2-year-old and had the run of the place - it was practically empty. You could grab an early bite and go to the museum to burn off some energy before bedtime.

Thanks so much for your responses. I will def. skip Salem. Much appreciate your feedback!!! :)