My family (my parents, my brother(13) and myself(17)) are coming to Boston in a couple of weeks, the first time for all of us. We were hoping to have some input as to whether our tentative itinerary is doable and makes sense. We are all in good shape and prepared for walking lots and long days, in case that helps.

Arrival day:
We are taking the train from New York City and arrive around 5. We're staying at the Boston Radisson. We had just planned to walk around Newbury Street as an intro to the city.

Day 1:
Start off with a Duck Tour. Then do the Freedom Trail, which I'm sure will take my family quite awhile. After that we will spend some time at Faneuil Hall Marketplace and look around and have dinner in the North End.

Day 2:
In the morning, walk through the Boston Commons and walk around Beacon Hill. Then, in the afternoon, go to Cambridge and see Harvard and Harvard Square and things around there. Possibly a harbour cruise if it is worth it.

Also, my mom and I really want to go shopping at Filene's Basement while we're in Boston, but we didn't know where to fit it in that would make sense. Are there things around it my dad and brother could do while we are there, as they're not really into shopping.

So that's our plan. Is it possible? Any suggestions for improvements would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Hey sunshine! Sounds like a really good plan. Make sure you have reservations for that Duck Tour as they sell out all the time.

If its hot you can cool off at Copley shops near Newbury.

Make sure you also check out the Boston Gardens and even though it may seem corny, go on a Swan Boat!!! Head to Charles Street and either have breakfast at Paramount or pizza at UpperCrust.

While in Harvard Square, you might consider going to Mr&Mrs Bartleys for a kick a burger and lime ricky...the place is a landmark a few blocks up Mass Ave

Boston Common movie theatre is up the street from Filenes Basement for the boys, if you make it.

Have fun, it is a wonderful city.

And welcome to Fodors!

Sistahlou

Sounds like you have chosen well and things that interest you. Personally, I don't think Filene's Basement is what it used to be, but ifyou and your mom want time to shop, there and elswhere without the boys , it depends on what your brother would like to do: Sistahlou made a good suggestion with the movie theater, near where Filene's and other shops are (DSW shoes, etc) -
if they aren't into movies, some other possibilites are: bowling at Kings with the Summer Shack upstairs, or at jillians, Lucky Strike Lanes, etc -

or if you don't do the entire Freedom Trail and they are into history they can do Old Ironsides
or the Skywalk OBservatory at the PRudential -
or the Aquarium/ Museum of Science or just hang out in Boston Common/Boston Gardens and walk over to the Charles River -

or they could do a tour of Fenway Park if he is into baseball -

some of these things are a T ride away for them, but it separates you longer than them just hanging out nearby the store - if the weather is nice, they can go over to Faneuil Hall and hang out there and maybe see some street performers too.

It's a great idea to walk down Newbury Street your first day in the city. What I would do is walk down and perhaps go see the view from the Top of the Hub in the Prudential Center. Your parents can get drinks and see the view. You don't need reservations to sit and have drinks and the view is amazing.

Tell your parents to take a look the Go Boston Card for attractions like the Duck Tour, things on the Freedom Trail, and any attractions like the Harbor Tour or Aquarium that you want to see. http://www.gobostoncard.com Might save you money especially if you're very active.

Day 1 sounds great. I wouldn't walk the entire Freedom Trail though. I would take a detour between Fanuiel Hall and the North End and go to the Boston Waterfront--see the Aquarium--etc THEN go to the North End for dinner.

Day 2.

I agree about visiting the Public Gardens before crossing over to the Public Garden --see the swan boats--then walk down Charles Street (walk all the way down and you can hop on the Red Line MGH stop) then ride that all the way to Harvard Square. That night be sure to see a Blue Man Group show if you've never seen it. I also think taking a Harbor Cruise is a great idea!

Thank you very much for all your help and suggestions! We'll definitely use them.

Now I really can't wait to go. Boston seems like a great city!