<p>I’ll be going on a Boston college tour to visit NEU and BU (Wellesley later in the week) next week. </p>
<p>What are some fun but inexpensive things for a family of 3 (parent and 2 kids, I’m the college bound student)?</p>
<p>We’ll be staying over night about 30-50 minutes away from Boston (good hotel deals, thanks travelocity!)</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Walk the Freedom Trail. It’s free.</p>
<p>Go over to Harvard Square. There’s usually “free entertainment” on the streets. The Beacon Hill area is also really quaint, as well as North Boston. While at BC, go check out the neighborhoods in Newton when you’re done visitnig the campus.</p>
<p>Boston.com has great things to do. These are free:
[Free</a> things to do around Boston - Boston.com](<a href=“http://www.boston.com/travel/explorene/massachusetts/towns/boston/galleries/25freethingstodoinBoston/]Free”>http://www.boston.com/travel/explorene/massachusetts/towns/boston/galleries/25freethingstodoinBoston/)
You may have to register, but it’s free.
Walking through and hanging out in Boston Common is fun.</p>
<p>Thanks to all!
I’ll make a trip itinerary.</p>
<p>I like the Science Museum, there are some cool things in there even if you don’t like science.</p>
<p>Try bostoncentral also for good, cheap ideas.</p>
<p>museum of science has an OMNI theater.
Fanueil hall.
Isabella Stuart Gardner museum</p>
<p>I agree with everything above.</p>
<p>The Public Garden and the swan boats, especially if you ever read “Make Way For Ducklings” when you were a wee bairn. </p>
<p>I can’t remember if the JFK Presidential Library is free/cheap.</p>
<p>Check out the schedule of speakers at the Harvard bookstore to see if anyone interesting will be speaking during your visit.</p>
<p>For the niche market of “Car Talk” fans: gaze up at the office window of Dewey, Cheatham and Howe in Harvard Square, and then make a pilgrimage to the Good Times Garage in Cambridge. :D</p>
<p>We found that the Museum of Science has a reciprocal agreement with our very inexpensive local zoo. Our D (who is a student in the Boston area) purchased a local zoo membership and can visit the Museum of Science for free.</p>
<p>The National Park Service gives free tours around some of the historical places on the Freedom Trail. It is a great tour. [Boston</a> National Historical Park - Plan Your Visit (U.S. National Park Service)](<a href=“http://www.nps.gov/bost/planyourvisit/index.htm]Boston”>Plan Your Visit - Boston National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service))</p>
<p>May be too early in the year yet, but Faneuil Hall often has street performers entertaining during the day.
[Events</a> and Entertainment - Street Performers | Faneuil Hall Marketplace](<a href=“Faneuil Hall Marketplace | Boston, MA”>Faneuil Hall Marketplace | Boston, MA)</p>
<p>You can get half price tickets to shows at Bostix
[BosTix.org</a> - Half-Price Tickets to the Performing Arts](<a href=“http://www.bostix.org/]BosTix.org”>http://www.bostix.org/)</p>
<p>And don’t forget to see if NU or BU have any sports games scheduled while you are there. (if you are into sports). Or if there is any activity such as a musical, a band or special speaker you may be able to attend. Red Sox are off to such a bad start you might be able to pick up some cheap seats on craigs list.</p>
<p>Have a bowl of clam chowder at Boston Sail Loft. It is delicious.</p>
<p>Another site that lists many free things to do/upcoming events and attractions:</p>
<p>[Boston</a> Travel and Tourism Guide, Enjoy your Vacation in Historic Boston MA](<a href=“Celebrate Boston Search”>Boston Travel and Tourism Guide, Enjoy your Vacation in Historic Boston MA)</p>
<p>If you’re interested in geneaology, visit the New England Historic Genealogical Society on Newbury Street. You can get a day pass and explore their database and library.</p>
<p>Too many great ideas, two days won’t be enough :)</p>
<p>Thanks for all of the great info!</p>
<p>shopping on Newbury Street or at the Prudential Center :)</p>
<p>Walk the Freedom Trail</p>
<p>Try Hot Pot for dinner in China town</p>
<p>Consider looking for events on campus (sports, speakers, etc). That could give you some fun and a better peek and the students.</p>
<p>Ride the Water Shuttle from the Aquarium to Charlestown (USS Constitution, Bunker Hill Monument) and back. It’sthe cheapest harbor tour ever!</p>