Hi, my husband and I along with our 22 month old daughter are staying in Boston for 3 nights next week. We are driving from Niagara Falls. We're staying at the Fairmont Battery Wharf. I was wondering if anyone had suggestions for family friendly restaurants, activities and shopping destinations. We're not really into museums but I have heard great things about the children's museum so we may make a stop there for our daughter to have a little fun too. We will have a car.

Also, I am wondering if we should stay another night to make it 4 nights or do an overnight trip somewhere else? Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Petula

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...dly-boston.cfm

I suggest you NOT to use your car during the time in Boston, unless you want to drive OUT of the city for day trips.

I agree, do not use your car in Boston, to much hassle. The New England Aquarium would be alot of fun even at her age. I would definately suggest going to the Cape for a day, if the weather is nice, Falmouth Heights is a beautiful beach and Falmouth is one of my favorite towns, very quaint and picturesque. This would be about an 1 1/2 - 2 hr drive depending on traffic. Definately go into the North End of Boston for great food!

Quincy Market is close to your hotel and is one of the big tourist draws in Boston. TONS of restaurants there and all family friendly.

The Freedom Trail is fun and will wind you all over Boston. It starts at the State House and you will see some of the treasured buildings in town and you can stop and go in or not.

The Public Garden has the swan boats which your little one will love and you might think about doing the Duck Tour especially on a hot day.

Have a great time touring Boston.

Thanks everyone. We can always leave our car parked at the hotel during the day. I've heard about the swan boats and my daughter will love it so we'll definitely do that.

leeam, by Cape do you mean Cape Cod? The beach sounds great and I was actually coming back on here to ask for a beach suggestion. I'll search for a hotel there so we can go there on our drive down.

Traffic to the Cape can be unbearable. I would not suggest it on a Fri-Sun. If you go during the week, just realize that it will be a long day. If you're set on a beach day, you might want to head up to the North Shore, Gloucester, Marblehead, Salem, Rockport, etc.

I totally agree with wyatt, I would go north to the beach. When my kids were small we used to like Singing Beach in Ipswich (I think that's where it was). Also loved Gloucester. A nice drive too is Lexington. We used to go to a fabulous playground out there. Also, go to the playground at Clarendon and Comm Aves in the Back Bay.

My children loved the Duck Tour!