<p>We’re heading up to S’s school for Parents’ Weekend, and staying at a hotel in Cambridge, and taking the subway from there. After activities on campus we’d all like to head into Boston in the afternoon/evening.</p>
<p>We’ve been there once before for museums and historical sites. Any suggestions for fun neighborhoods to walk around, entertain ourselves, and find some places to eat? Am guessing the Faneuil Hall area would be a good bet, since younger siblings (age 9, 12, 15) are coming along.</p>
<p>Also, maybe unrelated, but what is the area around South Station like?
Thanks</p>
<p>The Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market is great for kids–there are often street performers there which should intrigue your children. You might consider walking into the North End from there for some wonderful Italian food and then to Mike’s Pastry on Hanover Street for cannoli. While in the NorthEnd you can stroll past the Old North Church, Paul Revere House and Cobb’s Hill </p>
<p>You can also walk to the waterfront from Faneuil Hall–the New England Aquarium is there --they have an IMAX theatre that your children may enjoy.
Legal Seafood is nearby as well</p>
<p>You might also want to consider getting off at the Charles Street subway station and walking down Charles street. This is a very picturesque neighborhood and has a number of restaurants.</p>
<p>If the weather is nice and you are up for a pleasant stroll, you can actually walk down Charles Street, across the Boston Common, through Government Center to Faneuil Hall. </p>
<p>I have done this often and it’s probably a 30-45 minute walk.</p>
<p>The area around South Station is kind of a mixed bag. It is next to the expressway, maybe a 10 minute walk to Chinatown (through a business district and crossing busy streets), and, in the other direction, a 10-15-ish minute walk to the Boston Tea Party ship and the Children’s Musuem (both of which are on the water, but more like canals than an open waterfront). There are a few restaurants in this area (and a food court in South Station itself), but not the kind of selection you’d find in the scenario suggested by Momof2sons.</p>
<p>No, the original Cheers Bar is on Beacon Hill, facing the Common, near the State House.</p>
<p>Near South Station is the Boston Harbor Hotel. I think there are dinner cruises that leave from the dock there (if not there, they might leave from Long Wharf next door.) The Aquarium and a Legal Seafoods are at Long Wharf.</p>
<p>Look into taking a Duck Tour (bostonducktours.com) if you think you’ll get into Boston early enough in the afternoon (they don’t run after dark.) GREAT FUN, especially with younger kids.</p>
<p>Thanks, everybody.
I’m going to make note of these suggestions and keep them in my bag along with our map. We will be there the week before the regatta.
Sounds like South Station area is more utilitarian-
Am keeping fingers crossed for some nice cool fall weather. Walking will be a welcome break from the 6 hours each way spent in the car.</p>
<p>If you’re talking about South Station because of the Red Line from Cambridge, you do have some alternatives. If you get off the Red Line at Park Street, you’ll be on the edge of the Boston Common. You can see the State House from there, and if you walk down Washington Street, you’ll get to Faneuil Hall.</p>
<p>Alternatively, you can take the Red Line to Park Street, change to the Green Line and to the Haymarket stop, from which you have an easy walk to either the North End or Faneuil. All great places for families.</p>
<p>I second the Duck Tour. It’s a blast. We did it last fall when we visited son. I’d suggest booking it online in advance, though. It can sell out.</p>
<p>Not too far away in the South End there are many lively restaurants. I’m a Legal Seafood fan but advise you to go early, otherwise you’re in for a wait.</p>
<p>I know you said you’ve already done the museums, but if you haven’t seen the Isabella Steward Gardner Museum it’s a don’t miss.</p>
<p>The only problem with the Duck Tour is that it sells out early. If you are driving in, you might try to get tickets online before you go.</p>
<p>Boston’s subway system is a breeze. It is a quick walk from either Haymarket (orange) or State Street (blue) to Fanueil Hall, and just beyond to the waterfront (Aquarium stop, blue). A longer walk from Park Street or Governement Center.</p>
<p>The Fenway Tour is a great idea, but they only do them on game days in Oct. and they stop 3(?) hours before the game. If you can’t get in for a tour, consider going to area just to soak up the atmosphere.</p>
<p>I have to disagree with Fenway during the ALCS series. It’s not a place I would take a child. Too many drunks, too much partying, emotions are too high (especially if it’s the Yankees). There’s too much chance of kids getting separated or injured. </p>
<p>Having lived in Boston for over 20 years, I advise to stay away from Fenway.</p>
<p>Just came back from Faneiul Hall—Hard Rock Cafe Boston
Had a great time --we were with a team full of 14 year olds and they had a ball—you might consider checkin it out</p>