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Exploring Geography: Boston, Massachusetts

Today’s Exploring Geography post comes from Carolyn, mom to two boys, ages 4 1/2 and 1. She believes play is critical to child development, and her blog, the Pleasantest Thing, chronicles the way she brings play into activities, projects, reading, and meals. With two active boys, the ideas she likes best are easy, inexpensive, and fun. 

Exploring Boston Collage WM
Boston, MA has a special place in the history of America. It was one of the first cities established by Europeans in the country, when it was described by its first governor as a “City upon a hill.” Later, the city played a leading role in the path to the American Revolution. This city is special to us because my husband lived here for years, and we bring our children each year to revisit our favorite attractions.

Don’t Miss:

Boston Public Garden: Our absolute, all-time favorite Boston destination is the Boston Public Garden. The duckling statues in the Public Garden bring to life Robert McCloskey’s children’s book, Make Way For Ducklings. This classic tale follows Mrs. Mallard as she teaches her 8 newly hatched ducklings to swim in the Charles River and then shepherds her brood through the busy Boston streets to meet Mr. Mallard in the Public Garden. Children crawl over these statues, hug them, ride them, and it is a sight not to be missed. Seasonally, you can also take a ride in the Swan boats around the pond.

duckling pat

Freedom Trail: Steps from the Boston Public Garden is the Boston Common, the start of the Freedom Trail, which stretches all the way to Charlestown. It takes you through the streets of Boston, where kids can follow the path of history as they walk a  red-lined path that provides a tour of the major historical sights A few of my 4 year old son’s favorites are:

  • Boston Common: The 50 acre Boston Common is America’s oldest city park. It has seen many uses since 1630, including being a place for cattle to graze and for British troops to camp. Now it’s a fun place to throw a frisbee, ride a carousel, or, in the winter, skate on the frog pond.
  • USS Constitution, “Old Ironsides”: a Navy warship built in 1797 and made famous during the War of 1812. It is now docked in the harbor, and open for touring.
  • Faneuil Hall: Quincy market sits outside of Faneuil Hall, and both are crowded with street performers, shops, and cafes. Faneuil Hall has been a marketplace since 1742.
  • Paul Revere’s home: Paul Revere’s home is located in the North End, an area chock full of Italian restaurants and pastry shops, making it a delicious place to rest! Paul Revere’s home is open for touring, and the guides are eager to answer any questions you ask. They were especially helpful to my 4 year old.

Freedom Trail

Boston Children’s Museum: We have been to many children’s museums, and we rate Boston’s as one of the best. It has several floors of engaging, hands-on activities for kids from babies on up. My 4 year old especially loved the Arthur exhibit, which recreates a school, a kitchen, a camp scene, and an airplane from Marc Brown’s popular children’s book series. My 1 year old had fun playing in the baby area, which is full of soft places for a baby to lie down, and places to cruise and crawl for the more mobile little ones.

Christopher Columbus Park: A park offering outdoor concerts and movies and a sprinkler park in the summer and a year round playground and sandbox, with lots of benches for resting while enjoying a harborside view. We have spent hours and hours sitting at this playground and playing in the sand.

Columbus Park WM

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Of course, if you have ever heard of Boston referred to as “Beantown,” you won’t want to miss trying some Boston baked beans (beans cooked using molasses and pork). Boston’s harbor makes fresh seafood a treat to enjoy in this city. There are several famous lobster roll places (our favorite is James Hook & Co). In addition, New England clam chowder – a cream-based soup with potatoes and clams – is a staple in many restaurants.

Worth a short ride:

  • Harvard Square: Harvard Square has its own vibe, home to Harvard University, many unique shops, cafes, and a lively street artist culture. It’s a fun place to spend the afternoon walking around, window shopping and taking it all in. Plus, it is the site of the world’s only Curious George shop.
  • Minuteman Park is a national park dedicated to the battles beginning the American Revolution, and to the colonists willing to spring to action in a minute to defend themselves and their countrymen. Some park highlights are the Old North Bridge, where the American patriots first fired upon the British soldiers, and the Battle Road Trail, connecting Concord to Lexington.

Bridge WM

Some other fun things in Boston:

  • New England Aquarium: Famous for its seals and penguins, the seals are visible from the museum’s entrance.
  • Boston Museum of Fine Arts: A world class arts museum.
  • Fenway Park: Home of the Boston Red Sox and their homerun-stealing “green monster.” Writing this, even though we were just there in May, it makes me want to go. I think we may plan a trip for the fall, where there are numerous places to pick fresh apples and look at foliage.

Exploring Geography at Mama Smiles 

Thank you, Carolyn, for this wonderful introduction to Boston! We need to try James Hook & Co’s lobster rolls sometime!

Are you interested in contributing to this series? Email mamasmilesblog at gmail dot com!

MaryAnne is a craft loving educator, musician, photographer, and writer who lives in Silicon Valley with her husband Mike and their four children.

12 thoughts on “Exploring Geography: Boston, Massachusetts”

  1. We love to visit Boston…we are usually on business, so we just do what we can. I hope to go one day..on a real visit, and see all that Boston has to offer! :)

  2. We went to Boston a couple of times when we lived in Connecticut. The thing I remember most is Mike’s Pastry Shop. The cannoli’s were amazing!

  3. Elisa | blissfulE

    So much to do and see and taste. We need to visit sometime. My kids would love those duckling statues!!!

  4. Like Staci, I’ve never been to Boston but would love to take my kiddo once he’s older, particularly as they start to learn about the early days of the country. There seems to be so much to learn!

  5. I have never been to Boston but these pictures and information sure make me want to. I love history and would be thrilled to visit several of these great places!

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