I'm making plans for a trip 5/31-6/5 w/ kids 17 and 10. I know there will be lots to do in Boston to fill up the time, but also want to see some of the area. I see that Provincetown is only 117 mi from Boston, but it appears to be a long trip on the map. How long to drive it? Can you get a feel of the Cape without going that far? How close do you get to the whales on the watching trips and are they fun? Am also interested in going north toward Rockport, but don't think there will be enough time to go both south and north. Help, please.

There are whale watch cruises out of nearly every seaside town. They all guarantee you'll see at least one whale, or you'll be able to take subsequent trips at no charge until you do. Nearly always, however, you'll see at least one. Whether they're "fun" or not depends upon whether you'd most enjoy looking all about in hopes of spotting a whale or enjoying the scenery and a nice boat ride.

And, you can "cruise" from Boston to Provincetown on a day trip which will afford you plenty of time to explore, shop, enjoy a leisurely seaside lunch, and so forth. Driving to Provincetown, depending upon when and the day of the week you're going, can be a positive nightmare, though you will get there eventually.

Note that much of the "scenery" in Provincetown is of very publicly affectionate same sex couples with adorable pure-bred dogs.

There is more than you can cover to see and do in Boston with your kids over your dates.

If you run out of appealing to you things to do in Boston, though, I'd recommend heading for Salem (see the websites), conveniently on the commuter rail.

If you're determined to drive to places outside of Boston, Rockport is a terrific destination, more for scenery, dining, and shopping, than that which may appeal to the kids.

If your kids appreciate history, literature, you may want to drive to Lexington, Concord, Walden Pond.

Though, Newburyport is fabulous for scenery, a boat tour, dining, galleries, shopping.

You may want to consider spending the weekend in Boston, then a few days somewhere on the coast of Maine or New Hampshire. The kids would love York Beach, ME or Hampton Beach, NH.

Thanks for the info. I had posted the message before I remembered about Concord/Lexington-they have both studied US history this year and would enjoy that. Could probably do that and Salem in a day? Where is Walden Pond? What specifically is attractive about the beaches that you mentioned and how much driving time would it be? Is there anything to see at Plymouth Rock (though it's the opposite direction)?

I think the Cape varies from beginning to end, both in atmosphere as alluded to by djbooks and scenery. The beginning of the Cape has green forests, the tip is mostly sand dunes. In Plymouth, you can also visit Plimoth Plantation where costumed interpreters interact with visitors as if it were the 1600s. I enjoyed it and was surprised at some of the facts that come up in conversing with the interpreters. They literally make history come alive.
The kids would love seeing the Blue Man Group. It's pretty zany.

Salem is north of Boston - about 30 minutes. Lexington/Concord is west of Boston, somewhat closer. Possible to rush through both in a day, but "rush" is key word - pick one.

While Cape Cod, north or south shore beaches are lovely, in early June it is unlikely to be beach weather - local temps are often in 70s, but it is likely to be windy and about 10 degrees cooler at coast - if you want to see beach, then go - but don't expect to soak up sun on beach.

I would make Boston my base and skip Cape Cod. For a day trip (with a car) you should either head south to Plimouth Plantation, Plymouth Rock (it is just a medium sized rock in a mesh cage, but Mayflower II is docked nearby) and a beach view OR head north to Rockport, possibly Salem (read previous posts about whether or not the witch stuff is hokey or interesting).

If you want to do the whale watch, you should be able to get one from either north or south shore - that would involve making that day trip into a two day trip. Also, check out New England Aquarium - they run whale watches in summer, don't know when they start. Again, be mindful of weather at that time of year and on whale watch bring very warm clothing.

I'll have to second the recommendation for Plimoth Plantation, and the nearby Mayflower II (if it's in port). Plymouth Rock itself is kind-of a joke. Plymouth is a much more genuine historical experience than Salem (which I and many other posters just cannot put high on a list of Boston-area highlights). Plymouth is just at the northern end of Cape Cod, so if there's time you can head another hour down-cape for more of a feel for the area, perhaps visit part of the National Seashore or have a seaside dinner. Perhaps a one-night side trip for Plymouth/Cape Cod would be good.

If you do decide to go to P'town, you could take the fast ferry from Boston, rather than trying to drive; it's a SLOW 117 miles in the summer, 3 hours in the middle of the night. You can also get whale-watching cruises right in Boston.

Have you made your hotel reservations yet? The first week in June is very crowded in Boston, since it's graduation week for both Harvard (June 5) and MIT (June 4, IIRC).

Centex, there will be a ton of good things to take your kids to in Boston. They'd probably love the boston Duck Tours (www.bostonducktours.com). If you want to go to the cape make sure you don't leave to go down there on a friday afternoon or come back on a sunday afternoon. The traffic will be unbearable. I went whale watching last year and if you're lucky you can get really close to the whales, but there are trips when you see practically nothing. Also, last year I went on 2 Captain Johns deep sea fishing tours in Plymouth center. That was alot of fun, but you have to get there really early. As for P-Town, I've never been there, or would never go there. Not sure if you know, but its 90% homosexuals and might not be suitable for your kids.

Yeah, you know those homosexuals. They may be walking around, or eating lunch, or even shopping. Kids should never be exposed to that. And beware of Chinatown, there's lots of Chinese. And the North End is out for kids - too many Italians...

If you drive to P-Town on a weekday and leave early in the morning before rush hour it will take you 2 hours. But being off season and midweek there won't be too much going on. Skip the Cape or just go to the Canal and rent some bikes and do the 7 mile bike path along the Canal. You can rent bikes in Buzzards Bay.You can also take a canal cruise out of Onset. These towns are at the beginning of the Cape before going over the bridge.
Salem is tacky and dirty. Rockport is for old folks. Plymouth is a cute town but don't pay money to go on the Mayflower. You can actually drive down to Plymouth and look at the Rock and the Mayflower then drive down to the Canal.
Hampton Beach has a boardwalk with arcades and stuff but most of it will be closed.
If you must do a day trip I would do Newport and the Cliff Walk.

Just curious Toddruggy...Do you base all your travels on the percenatge of homosexuals at the destination? That would rule out an awful lot of great places(KEY West, New Orleans,San Francisco ETC.)

Centex, I'd agree with the most - head north. Cape is great but not for a day - the drive is brutal. If you're looking for beach time, Crane's Beach in Ipswich and the Castle there are very cool, as well as Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester. As a teen I used to drive there all the time. Head further north to Rockport and into NH - both great spots. Some of the ski resorts have Alpine Slides in the summer which are quite fun. Say hi to Boston for me.

I have to respond to the poster who advised you not to pay to go on board the Mayflower. When I took my kids, this was one of the highlights of the visit -- there's nothing like sitting belowdecks in that cramped space, to help a kid appreciate the hardships that the Pilgrims faced.

Here we go again, the Cape Cod / Provincetown Bashers are back.

Toddruggy - How do you know what Provincetown is like? You've never been there?

Jonahc - I suggest a shrink. You need help.

Centex - You have to make your own decision but don't be swayed against Provincetown because of some of the replies you have gotten.

Provincetown has a lot to offer including history. After all this is where the Pilgrims first landed and signed the Mayflower Compact. The whole story is there at the Pilgrim Monument and Museum.

You know, these places are all under Destinations right here on Fodor's. Recommend you take a look at the sights and attractions at each to help determine those your family would find most appealing.

Amidst all the Provincetown trash talk above is a very useful point - that time of year is very tough for hotel reservations - make them yesterday. Be careful you do not find vacancy at someplace called Boston/Chelsea, Revere, or something that sounds like other than downtown unless you are sure you want the hassles of a commute to everything and an unattractive location. Check back here about hotel - we will all gladly pick on your choice.

Thanks for all of the great info. I think we will stay in Boston and make at least one day trip to Concord/Lexington and north of town-maybe one to Plimouth, too. The Blue Man Group is a great idea, too. In looking at hotels on Quikbook, I found the Colonnade for $149 and I know the 10 year old will want a pool. Any experience with this one or other suggestions? Would like something with historic or older feel, but pool will be a necessity. We're all excited about the trip.

Topping for hotel help so I can make reservations today. Thanks!

I've heard good things about The Colonnade, though I've never stayed there, I know of many who have. The pool, I hear, is on the roof...cool!
IMHO
I would definitely do P'town.

Same with Concord - though I'd skip Walden and instead, go to the Concord Boathouse and rent canoes and paddle the river a short way to the Old North Bridge. There's lot of info. and links a www.concordscolonialinn.com.

I'd also do Plymouth, there are Whale Watches there and a beach too.

As for Blue Man Group, it's fun, your kids will enjoy it too.

Also will endorse the Duck Tours of Boston, best way to see the city!

Suggestion? Sat. night Boston, Sunday a day trip to Concord (I say Sunday, because the atmosphere will be better with more tourists and canoes)(Old North Bridge, Canoe, etc.), Sunday night in Boston, Monday day around Boston (I say Monday because it'll be less crowded on a Monday),(Duck Tour, Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market, Freedom Trail, etc.), then on Tuesday head to Plymouth, see the sights there (Plymouth Rock, Plantation, Whale Watch, etc.),then either stay overnight there on Tuesday night or head to the Cape and stay there. Then P'town! It shouldn't be hard to find a room anywhere in either area on a Tues. or Wed. night and the traffic should be fine during the week. Have fun and good luck!

The Colonnade is a fine hotel with a good location (near Copley Square, Newbury Street, and the rest of Back Bay and the South End). This time of year be sure to walk down to the Charles River and walk along the Esplanade if the weather is nice. If it is rainy you are close to the Prudential and Copley Malls (not necessarily historic Boston but can be convenient with a small movie theater). Also there is a new "trendy" bowling alley that recently opened near the Colonnade which could also liven up a rainy day.

The Duck Tours are a lot of fun. I think they are a good way to start a trip to Boston because they give you a good sense of the city.

Walden Pond is close to Concord and Lexington so could easily be combined into that trip if interested.

I think the Ipswich area is beautiful for a daytrip, you can take a river cruise there (http://www.essexcruises.com/), see the Crane mansion and beach and eat at one of the clamshacks like Woodman's http://www.woodmans.com/.

Another option for your Cape trip is to drive to Falmouth at the beginning of the Cape and then take a ferry to Martha's Vineyard for the day. Ferry info: http://www.islandqueen.com/