Attractions and Things to Do in Boston, MA

Boston Children's Museum. Founded in 1913, the Boston Children's Museum is a hands-on museum that encourages imagination through innovative and fun exhibits that focus on science, art, culture, the environment, and healthy living. Open daily 10am-5pm. Tickets range from $2-10. www.BostonChildrensMuseum.org

Boston Museum of Fine Arts (MFA). Home to the second largest compilation of artwork in the Western Hemisphere, the MFA is known for its impressive collection of Japanese art and French Impressionist paintings, including a large group of paintings by Monet. Www.mfa.org

MIT Museum. Home to prominent collections of science, technology, architecture, design, nautical engineering, and history, the MIT Museum offers interesting exhibits, interactive activities, and experimental programs that showcase MIT and the possibilities of science and technology to visitors of all ages Open daily 9am - 8pm. Http://web.mit.edu/museum/  [Top]

Museum of Science. The Museum of Science fosters an understanding of science and technology through fun and interesting science exhibits, an IMAX theater, a planetarium, hands-on activities, live presentations, and more. Open daily 9am-5pm. Tickets range from $13-16. www.mos.org

New England Aquarium. Explore the world’s warm water ocean environments at this fascinating aquarium. From the tropical seas of the Bahamas to the deep waters of the Pacific, you’ll see exotic animals and fish including the lionfish, stonefish, harbor seals, and Myrtle, the green sea turtle. Open M-F, 9am-5pm; Sat-Sun, 9am-6pm. Tickets range from $10.95-18.95, kids under age three enter free. Www.neaq.org

Boston Marathon & Patriot's Day. Established in 1897, the Boston Marathon is the oldest marathon in the world, and is run on Patriot’s Day, the anniversary of Paul Revere's famous ride announcing the arrival of British troops. Patriot’s Day activities include a reenactment of Paul Revere's ride, several battle reenactments, a Red Sox home game, and lots of activity at the local bars. Www.bostonmarathon.org  [Top]

Newbury Street. With eight full blocks of high-end shops, boutiques, beauty salons, art galleries, and restaurants, historic Newbury Street offers a unique setting and plenty of opportunities for great shopping, dining and people watching. Www.newbury-st.com

Boston Common & Public Garden. As the oldest public park in America, Boston Common offers a unique opportunity for visitors to enjoy 50 acres of natural beauty in the heart of downtown Boston. Visitors can ride the park’s famous swan boats, traverse the world's shortest suspension bridge, and walk along shady avenues, admiring the park’s fountains, statuary and landscaping. The Public Garden includes fabulous walking paths and is the starting point of the Freedom Trail. Http://www.cityofboston.gov/FreedomTrail/bostoncommon.asp

Freedom Trail. This 2.5-mile long walking tour traverses downtown Boston, passing by more than 16 historic Boston landmarks, including Boston Common, the USS Constitution, the old State House, Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere's house, and the famous Old North Church. Http://www.thefreedomtrail.org/  [Top]

Faneuil Hall & Quincy Market. As two of Boston's oldest marketplaces, Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market offer visitors a variety of shops, souvenirs, talented street performers, and food stalls offering a wide range of tasty treats, from coffee and pastries to sushi and lobster. Www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com

Boston Pops & Boston Symphony Orchestra. Founded in 1885 and offering a varied range of musical style, both classical and popular, the well-known and popular Boston Pops Orchestra entertains music lovers of all ages. The Boston Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1881 and offers a full range of world-class performances throughout the season at Boston Symphony Hall and at the Tanglewood Music Festival. Www.bostonpops.org www.bso.org

Copley Place. Offering more than 75 upscale shops, Copley Place is a popular Boston shopping Mecca with high-end stores like Tiffany & Co., Barneys New York, Jimmy Choo, Salvatore Ferragamo, Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Burberry, and upscale restaurants.,. Www.simon.com/mall/default.aspx?ID=784  [Top]

Sam Adams Brewery Tour. Named after America’s most famous brewer and patriot, the Samuel Adams Brewery offers one-hour, on-site tours that focus on the brewery’s history, brewing process, and beer tasting. Tours available to visitors of all ages, ID required for beer tasting. Tours held Tue-Thur, 10am-3pm; Fri, 10am-5:30pm; Sat 10am-3pm. Www.samueladams.com

Fenway Park. Home to the Boston Red Sox, historic Fenway Park is the oldest baseball stadium in major league baseball. This famous brick and stone structure highlights a rich tradition for baseball fans around the country. Visitors can enjoy a Fenway Park tour on non-game days or catch some exciting baseball action when the Red Sox are in town. Www.redsox.com

Gillette Stadium. Catch a game of football or soccer at Gillette Stadium, home to the NFL’s New England Patriots and New England Revolution soccer team. Patriot games are popular and tickets to tend to be difficult to find, so plan ahead if you hope to catch a game while you’re visiting the Boston area. Www.newenglandpatriots.com/  [Top]

TD Banknorth Garden. Home of the Boston Celtics basketball team and the Boston Bruins hockey team, the TD Banknorth Garden is a 19,600-seat, state-of-the-art arena hosting a wide range of concerts and events throughout the year. Www.tdbanknorthgarden.com/

Harvard Square. This historic square offers a variety of interesting activities and attractions, including a historic cemetery, shops, bookstores, restaurants, coffee shops, outdoor chess tables, street musicians, and a movie theater near Harvard University,. Www.harvardsquare.com

Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. The Boston Convention & Exhibition Center offers a wide 500,020 square feet of flexible meeting, event and convention space at its state-of-the-art facility, located near downtown Boston and two miles from Logan Airport and major highways. Www.mccahome.com

John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center. The John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center offers superior meeting and event facilities and state-of-the-art amenities for conferences, trade shows, conventions, and other events. The unique, all-season facility connects visitors to Boston hotels, restaurants, and shopping through its unique skybridges. Www.mccahome.com  [Top]