Hi, I agree Boston has a lot of things going for it (Don't miss the duck tour it's great fun. You pick it up at the Prudential Building), but I would not stay in Boston. It's hot, dirty and very expensive. I would stay in Portsmouth N.H. or southern Maine and take the bus in. It only takes an hour and leaves you off at South Station right near the T (subway). In Maine I would suggest York Beach. Nubble lighthouse is nearby. It is the second most photographed lighthouse in the world and the next town Kittery is a shoppers mecca. It has wonderful outlets. Have fun on your vacation

I'll add my bit since I have kids of similar ages (2 boys) and we have travelled for years up and down the east, as well as in Europe. My main tip for travelling with kids (teens) is not to push them and don't try to get an early start in the morning. They'll make their own memories and a relaxed, fun trip will be more fondly remembered over one full of too much running around sightseeing. I would certainly recommend Boston (the historic area)and DC (the Smithsonian, the Mint) but balance it with out-of-city days where they can run around. My kids like visiting Jamestown and Monticello(the "real" thing) much more than the created historical sites. Forget about historic home tours. New York City is cool (shows, Statue of Liberty and Ellis, walking around in the Village and Soho) and has something for everyone, but a bit tricky if you're not used to a big city. Also, the hands on activities are sure winners. We went on an educational-type boat out of Mystic Seaport that the kids really liked. Let them do some strictly fun stuff and have some quiet, down time even if it seems like wasted time to you. I usually go out and walk or get a cup of coffee while they're watching TV in the evening or before dinner. Have fun!

I didn'dt see a mention of Philadelphia in the postings. Here's my suggestion: <BR> <BR>Start in Boston and do the Boston thing (I agree with all above posters on Boston), Gloucester/Salem for a day. Enroute south, stop at Plimoth Plantation. Head to Cape Cod for 1-2 days of beaches (stay on the ocean side if you want warmer water). Then head down thru Connecticut. Stop in Mystic and/or the submarine base. Head over to NYC where you can choose the amount of time you want to spend -- so much to see and do. <BR>Afterward, head out toward the western part of New Jersey. The towns around Clinton are historic and pretty. (1/2 day) Follow your travel down the western part of NJ to Philadelphia via Trenton (more George Washington stuff/battlesites/museum there) and cross the Delaware River where George did (small museum on each side of the River). Head to Phila and see Independence Hall, the Franklin Institute (a science museum--any kid will love it), Ben Franklin's "house" site with the museums around it, Liberty Bell, and other sites. After this you can go west a bit (1-2 hrs) to Pennsylvania battlefields or head east toward Maryland. Do a beach. Stop in Annapolis and the inner harbor for Ft. Summter (sp?), a break and a few kid friendly sites. Then head down to Washington, DC for several days. You'll come away from DC thinking you still didn't see it all -- and you probably didn't -- but you can always return. After DC proceed toward Williamsburg and Busch Gardens. <BR>We didn't go further south by car with kids.

To add to Bonnie's comments, Mystic has a restored seaport village that I could spend days at. There is also the aquarium in Mystic that is very interesting. And if you have time, the submarine museum just outside the Sub Base in Groton is well worth seeing. The USS Nautilus is at the sub museum for tours.

Just to add a few ideas to what the others have suggested: <BR> <BR>Baltimore - they have a terrific aquarium and dolphin show <BR> <BR>NYC - The South Street is nice, visit the top of the Empire State Building, the renovated (still in progress) Times Square is fun and there are lots of Broadway shows kids would like (get cheaper tickets at the TKTS booth) <BR> <BR>Around Williamsburg, VA - there's Busch Gardens if the kids want a break from history. <BR> <BR>Boston is also great for historic touring (also Salem MA nearby - where the witch hunts took place) <BR> <BR>Hope you have a great trip!

Your post doesn't say if you're planning on just the northern section of the east coast...If you decide to venture south you could take in Kitty Hawk in NC, Nag's Head/the Outer Banks for some beach fun and fight history then head down to Charleston, SC, one of the most concentrated historical sites on the east coast. It might be a nice addition to the Revolutionary War history in the Philadelphia/Boston area. Many of the signers of the Declaration of Independance are buried in Charleston or had homes there. The Civil War began in Charleston at Ft. Sumpter, which you can tour after a short boat trip. Patriot's Point is also a lot of fun for both kids and adults - tours of an aircraft carrier, sub and battleship. Many of the stately homes and plantations in and around Charleston are open for tours and a trip to Charleston wouldn't be complete without a carraige ride. Lodging options range from historic B&B's in town to hotels to beachside condos (outside Charleston) complete with kitchens to whip up some local shrimp for dinner.

Don't forget Boston, Massachusetts we have lots of history, great city tours, <BR>and diversified neighborhoods. Try taking a trolley tour where you can get on/off whenever. Great way to see any city.

Wow you have received so many replies. I don't know whether you need my 2 cents worth. I live in Williamsburg so I thought I could help out there. I agree that it is a great place because you can have the history and education with the fun you'll need to entertain 2 ages. I would stay at Kingsmill. Not cheap but the condos are great. There are bike rentals, a nice beach on the river, a nice sports center with a great game room, tennis, golf, restaurants right there, and for Mom, a spa. You can check out York River State Park for hiking and great canoe nature tours. Do the Lanthorn tour or ghost tour of CW at night. Skip the Trellis with kids, too slow. Definitely do one tavern dinner. Check out the menus they are all very different and make reservations asap. good luck <BR>