Hello everyone - I am planning a trip to Boston with my family for late August. We will be there for 5 days. I have most of the sights I have read about here already included on my trip itinerary. My dilemma is the last day however. I am debating between the NE Aquarium, Whale Watching Cruise, or Six Flags Agawam. We live in CT and do have an aquarium closer to us. That is why I didn't include it in the list of "must sees." My kids are 6, 8, and 10. Any opinions would be great. Thanks. Kate

I live right outside of Boston never been to Six Flags but heard that much money has been spent on it recently - is a bit of a drive from Boston. Plan to visit north of Boston such as Salem, Rockport and Gloucester if you haven't already.

Of the three, I'd vote for the whale watch. Six Flags would be fun only if it's on your way home. As the above poster said, the northshore is worth consideration too, if you haven't already planned it.

The NE Aquarium is nice, but not spectacular. A half-day whale watch, if you can find one, would be better than a longer one with kids that age. They might even like a shorter Boston Harbor cruise just as much. What about a Duck Tour (those amphibious on-the-road things that a lot of cities have)

I agree with the whale watch recommendation and the assessment of the Aquarium. Ironically, one of the places the whale watch cruises departs from is the dock at the Aquarium!

There are other things to consider, such as your kids' interest in marine life, propensity to become seasick, etc.

And re the Harbor Cruises: Some of them stop at the Harbor Islands too, which in recent years has become a National Park.

You can find some harbor cruise info at www.bostonharborcruises.com

Have fun during your stay.

If you haven't planned it already, take a Duck Tour. It's a blast -- old military vehicle that's a land and water vehicle. The kids will love it.

Agawam would be about 2 hours from Boston -- quite a drive and in my opinion, not worth it. Take the whale watch.

Thanks everyone. Six Flags is one the way home, that's why I put it in as an option. I will look into those whale cruises. One more thing, I read here that kids will enjoy Blue Man Tube. Is that really true? Is this type of show appropriate for ages 6, 8, 10? Thanks, Kate

Blue Man Group might be a little much for younger kids - it can be pretty loud and intense - not actually in appropriate but may not be best choice.

Your children may be a little scared of Blue Man Group....I love the show, but 6 may just be too young.