Things to Do in Boston, MA

Swan Boats at the Public Garden

• The Swan Boats have been a part of Boston for over 130 years, when rowing boats in the lagoon at the Public Garden was a summer activity. The Swan Boats are still located in the Public Garden and are open seven days a week from spring through early fall. Today, the Swan Boats offer passengers a 15-minute ride through the pond, which showcases the garden's foliage. Reservations are not needed and tickets are purchased on the Swan Boat Dock.

  Swan Boats/Public Garden

  Boylston St.

  Boston, MA 02116

  617-522-1966

  swanboats.com

Freedom Trail

• Boston's Freedom Trail is a red brick line that spans 2.5 miles, passing through 16 historic sites including the Boston Common, the State House and Old North Church. The Freedom Trail Foundation offers historical walking tours of the trail guided by a costumed guide. Along the 90-minute tour you'll hear stories of America's Revolution. Tours take place daily throughout the year.

  The Freedom Trail Foundation

  99 Chauncy St., Suite 401

  Boston, MA 02111

  617-357-8300

  thefreedomtrail.org

New England Aquarium

• The New England Aquarium, which brings in over 1.3 million people each year, is located on Boston's waterfront. The aquarium is home to a variety of different animals including three types of penguins, whales, sharks, two types of seals, octopus and jellies. Year-round exhibits at the aquarium include an Amazon Rain Forest, the Gulf of Maine, a giant ocean tank and a hands-on areas where visitors can meet the animals. In addition to exhibits, the aquarium also offers lectures, programs, classes and features an IMAX theater. The aquarium is open seven days a week, year round. Tickets are available for purchase at the museum.

  New England Aquarium

  1 Central Wharf

  Boston, MA 02110-3309

  617-973-5200

  neaq.org

Museum of Science, Boston

• The Museum of Science is located in Boston's Science Park and features an IMAX theater, planetarium, 3-D digital cinema and a simulator experience. The museum offers a number of live presentations, including a lightning performance in the museum's Theater of Electricity complete with real lightening from the world's largest air-insulated Van de Graaff generator. Presentations change daily so it's suggested to check the schedule. Other exhibits include ones about x-rays, birds, dinosaurs and the sun. The Museum is open year round, seven days a week. Tickets are available for purchase at the museum.

  Museum of Science, Boston

  1 Science Park

  Boston, MA 02114-1099

  617-723-2500

  mos.org