Greetings--

I am travelling at the end of February to Boston with my 2 year old son. We are meeting my husband who will already be there, and spending 5 days in town.

I would imagine that due to the weather we won't be doing too many things outside and will probably be looking for indoor activities to keep us all entertained. I imagine that the Children's Museum and the Aquarium will be on our list of places to visit. Anyplace else that a 2 year old might enjoy? Would the North End culinary walking tour be too long or miserably cold in February?

I have also read on the Forum that centrally located neighborhoods include: Back Bay, Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market, Copley, Downtown, Financial District. I'm not planning on renting a car for our stay. Any hotel recommendations here? We're looking for a decent hotel, maybe ~$200 or less with a swimming pool.

Any other tips or ideas are appreciated!

Thank you!

How important is the swimming pool? That will really narrow your options.

Hi Nets-

Unfortunately, you're right. There's not much you can do here in Feb... which I think is probably the most miserable month in Boston. You didn't say where you're from, as that can affect how much you can tolerate cold. I have never done the NE culinary tour, but for me, walking outdoors for more than 10-15 minutes becomes miserable, unless I'm on a brisk walk (which you won't be on that tour).

You said your husband will be here already... where will he be staying? Wouldn't it be easiest to just extend the stay at his hotel?

Otherwise, you should be able to find a number of hotels that will fit your budget, after all, it is low season here. Just a look at Travelzoo I see several deals:

Lenox Hotel $129 thru March
http://hotels.travelzoo.com/lodging-hotels/514957

Fairmont Copley $129 thru March
http://hotels.travelzoo.com/lodging-hotels/514951

Millennium Bostonian $139 w/free upgrade
http://hotels.travelzoo.com/lodging-hotels/515271

Indoor activites:
Copley Sq, Prudential Complex - a series of malls connected by elevated walkway. Probably best for cold/wintry days.

Mapparium
http://www.marybakereddylibrary.org/exhibits/mapparium

Harvard Museum of Natural History
http://www.hmnh.harvard.edu/kids_and_families.html

Hope this helps

There are a few downtown Boston hotels with indoor swimming pools but I'm not sure you'll be able to get a room for $200. Since it's February it might be possible. Here are some I found:

Marriott Long Wharf
Marriott Copley
Westin Copley
Sheraton
Radisson
Hilton Back Bay

Another possibility for indoor activities is the Science Museum. Lots of hands-on exhibits and you'll like it, too.

As far as the weather goes you might luck out and have a nice day or two with bright sunny skies but I wouldn't count on it. As yk said, February is one of the cruelest months in Boston. The weather forecasters are generally at least close so check the forecasts a few days before you arrive.

I think the culinary tour would be too much for a 2YO in any weather but if it's just yourself, if it was a sunny, warmish day (which sometimes happens in Feb) it would be ok. Just make sure you wear waterproof boots with good traction. Friends are getting those rubber spikey things to strap onto their shoes when they walk on icy sidewalks. One is an EMT instructor - she said there are too many falls in winter. We were outside a lot and a lot of walking is involved but it was such a great tour, if it's your only chance I would consider doing it. Also, I've just discovered wearing a warm scarf is a big help. You will be in and out of small shops and sometimes there's not a lot of room but what a great historical and foodie tour.
Although I am not familiar with the Boston Public Library, that is another possible place for a visit with a 2 yo. See if they have any story hours - also check the bookstores for story hours. I've taken my 4yo and 2yo GDs to our small local library. They enjoy pulling out some books to look at but mostly they like activity. GDs love playing in the bath tub. Don't forget some tub toys.

It is more important that you stay right in downtown area than have a pool - really, trust me. Driving in Boston in winter is miserable, parking always expensive. And standing on a train platform or bus stop to travel into downtown is enough to ruin your day.

Museum of Science.

Skating on Frog Pond on Boston Common (I know, outside). Any 2-year old will love snow, even if you have lots of it at home and even if you are cold.

To just get some exercise if it is nasty out, Prudential Mall or Copley Place Mall - I am sure your son does not love to shop, but he can at least roam around without piling on 3 layers. You might even consider Westin or Marriott Copley for that reason if you can afford it. Check for deals - hotels in Boston like everywhere are really hurting.

Even riding the commuter rail to one end and back is fun - my dtr's favorite trip from pre-school was the time we took the MBTA commuter train to Haverhill end of the trip, sat on the train for 10 minutes, then it turned around and went back. We brought snacks and you would have thought the kids were on a cross-country trip just looking out the window. Kids that young are free.

If you have any memberships to museums at home, bring them - often there are discounts or reciprocity at Boston Museums. Same for AAA.

If you are from a warmer climate (which is likely, unless you live at the North Pole), bring layers of clothing for both you and your son. On little rugrats, chapped faces are a winter problem here - it gets windy - and a light layer of vaseline is really helpful. Don't forget his boots.

The Sheraton Prudential has a large indoor pool. The Hilton Back Bay's pool is smaller. The Intercontinental is close to both the Aquarium and the Children's Museum but most likely more than $200. Their pool is quite nice.

I don't recall the pools at the Westin or Marriott in Copley area but both are nice hotels connected to indoor malls.

Needing to have an indoor pool will limit you somewhat but you'll still find choices. I know that when my kids were that age an indoor pool was a lifesaver.

Oh, thank you for so many good recommendations and ideas!

We are in Seattle, and I never thought about a chapped face (and using vaseline to prevent it). Ditto the slipping and falling on sidewalks.

A swimming pool would be a great option, but I think I may end up weighing its necessity against price and/or location.

My husband doesn't even know where's he's staying yet (and he's leaving in 4 days!!). Plus, he'll be at Harvard, and it seems like staying right downtown will be better for all of us. When we make the trip, he'll be done with the program and we'll all stay together in the hotel with or without the pool.

Again, many thanks to you all!