Boston family activities
March 28th, 2008 by susan j
Jellyfish at the New England Aquarium Photo uploaded by
With Earth Day approaching on April 22, now is the perfect time to think about how travel impacts the environment. encourages eco-friendly travel by maintaining a list of green restaurants and hotels in the Boston area, plus sharing other green travel resources and news stories.
We’re encouraging travelers to become more environmentally aware by visiting Boston attractions that educate visitors about plants and animals in our ecosystem. Here are some of our picks.
- New England Aquarium. With more than 70 exhibits featuring aquatic animals from around the world, the New England Aquarium is the perfect stop for families and fish-lovers of all ages.
- Harvard Museum of Natural History. The museum features a vast collection of glass flowers used for teaching botany, as well as a 42-foot long prehistoric marine reptile, and the world’s only Kronosaurus. Its newest exhibit, Sea Creatures in Glass, opened March 21.
- Franklin Park Zoo. Founded in 1911, the Franklin Park Zoo is now home to more 160 species of animals. Highlights include the Kalahari Kingdom, Butterfly Landing, and the Tropical Forest. The Zoo is celebrating Earth Day on April 20 with events for the whole family.
- Museum of Science. This museum boasts over 600 interactive exhibits exploring dinosaurs, birds, plants, and more. Current exhibits include the Butterfly Garden and .
- Mass Bay Lines Whale Watch. This whale watch departs from Rowes Wharf and sails into the most active whale habitat on the east coast. During the 4 hour excursion, visitors learn about the biology and behavior of whales.
What are you doing to celebrate Earth Day this year? Leave a comment, and let us know!
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Boston?
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March 7th, 2008 by susan j
Boston Museum of Science Butterfly Garden Photo uploaded by
This week in Boston was delightfully spring-like. But this weekend, it’s back to rain, wind, and cold (welcome to New England). If you’re craving a breath of sweet, spring air, then my suggestion is to visit the Museum of Science. In addition to over 600 interactive exhibits, the Museum also offers a , which is filled with colorful butterflies and exotic plants from around the world. This warm, tropical oasis overlooks the Charles River.
It’s the perfect way to escape the cold and learn all about butterflies, including the four stages of butterfly life (egg, caterpillar, chrysalid, and adult) and butterfly activities such as feeding, courting, and basking. Kids will love seeing these beautiful butterflies up close, and nature lovers will appreciate the intricate details that differentiate each species. Reservations are recommended.
Planning a trip to
Boston?
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February 25th, 2008 by jamie a
Waiting for the Duck Tour Photo uploaded by
As another kid-friendly update for Boston, we’re pleased to see that the Go Boston Card has been featured on Boston.com!
Part of their slideshow, they say, “Bargain-hunting day-trippers with a lot of energy should consider purchasing a .”
To toot our own horn, the card is perfect for families, offering admission to favorites like , , , and the .
We hope you visit with the kids soon!
Planning a trip to
Boston?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Boston Card.
February 11th, 2008 by susan j

Holiday Inn photo uploaded by
Located just 25 minutes from Boston, the is ideally suited for business travelers, families, or those looking for a relaxing weekend escape. This newly decorated hotel has all of the amenities you’d expect from a hotel: complimentary high-speed wireless internet, fitness facilities, a business center, and indoor and outdoor pools and hot tub.
Here at the Go Boston Card, we’re partnering with Holiday Inn Salem to offer a combined hotel and attraction package, which includes overnight accommodations for two people, two 1-day Go Boston Cards, and a complimentary guidebook for one price. Read more about the .
Planning a trip to
Boston?
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Go Boston Card.
January 7th, 2008 by susan j

Architectural photo uploaded by
Of all Boston’s great landmarks, the (BPL to those in the know) is one of my favorites for the variety of its offerings an the classic architecture. As the first publicly supported municipal library in America, the BPL is filled with history.
The McKim Building (BPL’s main research library and a National Historic Landmark) in Copley Square houses an impressive collection of rare books, manuscripts, and more. The building includes a beautiful Roman-inspired courtyard that was restored in 2000, a , and a . The courtyard is one of my favorite reading spots on a nice warm day, but I also enjoy like to read in one of the Gothic-style research rooms. If you’re interested in the library’s architecture, you might take one their .
With 27 neighborhood branches and free internet access (including wifi for those who have a card #), the BPL is a great resource for visitors and locals alike. Check out their each year.
Related posts:
Boston for Book Lovers, Part 1
Boston for Book Lovers, Part 2
Boston for Book Lovers, Part 3
Planning a trip to
Boston?
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December 26th, 2007 by susan j

First Night photo uploaded by
Boston recently appeared on Yahoo! Travel’s Top 10 Destinations for New Year’s Eve. Now, we Bostonians have plenty of New Year’s parties to choose from, but Yahoo! Travel actually chose our fair city not for its bars and parties, but for a family-friendly tradition called .
This annual celebration has been going strong for 30 years and attracts more than a million people every year with live music and dance, Mardi Gras-style parades, ice sculptures, fireworks displays, and more. This year’s partners include the Franklin Park Zoo, the New England Aquarium, and the Museum of Fine Arts. First Night buttons are available for a mere $15 or at . Go behind the scenes and learn more on the .
Planning a trip to
Boston?
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Go Boston Card.
December 13th, 2007 by jamie a
Friday, December 14 - Sunday, December 16
Join the Brattle Theatre in Harvard Square for a screening of the holiday favorite . Everyone who attends the Saturday and Sunday shows will be given a special treat!
Friday, December 14 (11 am)
Find the perfect gifts for friends and family at the , held at First Church. Meet the artists and mingle with others admiring the wares and then relax with some live music and meditation.
Saturday, December 15
Enjoy the kitschy magic of Somerville with the where you can admire the light displays of residents who love to share their holiday spirit.
Sunday, December 16 (3 pm)
Warm up from the chilly outdoors with at Upstairs on the Square. There will be delightfully toasty beverages along with many snacks and tiny sandwiches to try!
Sunday, December 16 (5:30 pm)
Catch the , the classic ballet with an edge, at the John Hancock Hall featuring the BalletRox company and over 40 area children.
Planning a trip to
Boston?
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Go Boston Card.
December 10th, 2007 by lori t

Ice Skaing on the Frog Pond
Photo uploaded by
Boston Commons is the oldest public park in America, dating back to 1643. What could be more fun than skating in the heart of the city, especially with the twinkle of holiday lights and the promise of hot chocolate when you take off those skates?
The Boston Common Frog Pond Ice Skating Rink is now open until mid March, and it’s included with your Go Boston Card. The rink is refrigerated so no worries about what you’ll find when you get there. The skating rink features rentals, concession stands, restroom, and a warming stand. After you’ve worked up a good appetite, head over to Cheers on Beacon Street for a tasty lunch.
Planning a trip to
Boston?
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December 6th, 2007 by jamie a
Thursday, December 6 (6- midnight)
Join the businesses of Davis Square on the red line for , a chance to shop after hours with tasty snacks, fun, and tons of savings.
Friday, December 7 - Saturday, December 8 (3 pm & 8 pm)
The presents their holiday concert, “Peace on Earth,” at the New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall.
Until December 23
Check out the 19th season of North Shore Music Theatre’s production of . With fantastic special effects, traditional and original songs, and great costumes, it’s an event for the whole family to enjoy.
Saturday, December 8
, The Swedish Women’s Educational Association, hosts at the Boston Center for the Arts. With a traditional Lucia procession, food, and unique gifts, it’s a wonderful cultural celebration to attend.
Planning a trip to
Boston?
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November 27th, 2007 by jamie a

CSI Experience Crime Scene
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If you’re a fan of the television series CSI, then don’t miss the exhibit at Boston’s Museum of Science! Take on the role of investigator as you tour the simulated crime scenes and laboratories.
You’ll be completely immersed in forensic science world through this exhibit, even taking on the roles of your favorite characters from the show. Collect evidence, form hypotheses, and then take your findings to the lab to do everything from matching suspect’s DNA to examining fingerprints. If you’re confident in your findings and theories, step in to Grissom’s office and pitch your ideas to the show’s hero.
Check out the for sneak peeks, web adventures, and interactive videos to get yourself excited for the real thing!
Planning a trip to
Boston?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Boston Card.