History + Big City = BIG FUN
How You Will Get There: Flying with kids is expensive, if you have to fly, I recommend hopping on skyskanner to see if there are any deals. But if you are within driving distance, don’t overthink it, just go. We took 2 days to get there, mostly because we hit a snow storm, but only 1 drive to get home. Our kids were older( 8 and 11), and watched a lot of movies, and napped most of the way, but we made with only one crabby half hour (the snow storm + hangry).
Cost: Gas- 250.00, Food on the road 75.00 Surprise hotel stay 115.00 Total= $440.00
Read my post in Madison Moms Blog about surviving a road trip with kids here
Where You Will Stay: Without a doubt, airbnb.com this vacation, and plan to use public transport as much as possible once you arrive (save for that day trip to Lexington and Concord, or Salem if you’re feeling adventurous). Make sure, as always, to read the reviews, and book an established airbnb.
(We stayed in a hotel on this trip, because it was covered by my partners work. We piggybacked on a business trip to make this happen)
Cost: Covered by partners work: Free
Where You Will Eat:
When traveling with the kids, we make it a habit not to worry too much about the where we will eat for portions of our trips. This is not the time to try a fancy restaurant, or a new type of food. While I don’t believe in catering to my kiddos, I also want them to eat and be satisfied so we can move on with our journey.
That being said, we want the food stops to be easy, and inexpensive. To make this happen we usually eat before we get to any high traffic tourist stops, and we try to find healthy fast-ish food options, as well as stock up on some sandwich supplies. But there are some places in Boston we make a point to go.
Breakfast:
Eataly: We love to stop in here for a quick pastry breakfast and stroll the market. The kids get to watch pasta being made, and although a bit touristy, is also full of local people doing their thing. I have not stopped for lunch, but it would be a great spot for that as well.
Lunch:
Faneuil Hall: This is always a favorite stop on The Freedom Trail, filled with shops, and foods of all types and styles, there is something to satisfy everyone in your family. Sometimes you are even accompanied by a musician while you eat and stroll. We came here 2 days for lunch because of the ease, and dined at one of the sit down restaurants the second day to rest a bit longer.
Places Not to Miss for Dinner:
Mr Bartley’s in Harvard Square- This iconic spot is fun, kid friendly(not baby friendly though) and full of life. You probably will share a table with someone else, and you may have trouble getting in and out of your chairs, but the atmosphere is eclectic and makes you feel cool, even if you aren’t. The food itself is what you would expect, greasy and unhealthy, served with a milkshake. But, it’s worth it for the experience. My kids loved this place! Plus while you’re in the area, you can stop next door and check out the famous Harvard Book Store, and get that tourist shot in front of the Harvard sign.
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka- You will also find this stop in Harvard Square, although I think they have other locations in the city as well. Remember what I said about not trying new types of foods with your kids on this trip? Well, if they haven’t had ramen before (I don’t mean from a packet), first, shame on you, and second…tell them it’s chicken noodle soup. There is amazing Ramen all over Boston, and if you hail from a place without this broth of the gods based soup, then you should definitely find time to sneak this in your dinner plans. My kids loved the amount of places we stopped with communal dining, and ramen was no exception, they drank up the soup, and giggled at overhearing young college kids talking about their busy lives. Personally, my ramen love started a few years back during a visit to NYC with our brother, and the first time coming to Santouka in Boston solidified it. (Go for the signature ramen your first time! )
Cost: All of our meals on this trip were about $400.00
What You Will Do :
The Freedom Trail- download the app, and buy the book at the first stop you go to, a fun resource for your tour through this historic place. A fun walk through history, with many stops, shops, and museums. You can simply walk the trail and get a feel for each of the places, and tour the free stops along the way ( you do have to schedule at tour at the Massachusetts State House)or purchase tickets to go more in depth ($ stops: Old South Meeting House($1 for kids), Old State House(free for kids), Paul Revere House($1 for kids)). My kids personal favorite was Faneuil Hall, which was a great place for a cheaper lunch, and sometimes will have a musician to accompany your meal! I always end our walk here, although there is further to go. I would recommend doing the USS Constitution another day, or maybe later in the day after a rest! Full disclosure, we bought all the gadgets we could at the gift shops; the documents, the quills, the musket balls, the t-shirts, the magnets, the tiny tea sets…you name it. The girls wanted to be able to share all they had learned with their classes back home, and give them a taste of their experience…but also I’m a sucker. This portion of our trip was definitely the most expensive.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum- I did not actually take the kids here, but if we had time I would have. It’s such a cool piece of art, every inch inspired by Isabella Gardner, and I would love to share it with my girls. I do think depending on the age of your kids, a self guided tour may be the way to go. The biggest bonus is that admission is free under 18, adult admission is $15, which makes it a very affordable option.
Boston Tea Party Museum– This was by far the highlight of our trip for the girls. they still talk about how amazing this was, and how much fun they had. From the play acting, to the immersive exhibits, and fun tea room, it was stop to be remembered. Book tickets in advance at www.bostonteapartyship.com/boston-tea-party-museum-rates-reservations
Cost: Freedom Trail $20.00(we did not do Paul Revere’s House). Boston Tea Party Museum $75.00, Trinkets and Gifts $150.00 Total: $245.00
Get Out of Town!
Surrounding Boston there is so much history!
Lexington/Concord : Take a walk through history, as you learn about the Battles of Lexington and Concord. We are spoiled because my Uncle lives in Lexington, and is as nerdy about history is I am. Every time we go, somehow he is roped in to giving us the grand tour, and play by play!
Cost: Free
Walden Pond: Visit the place where Thoreau spent so much time, and was so inspired by. The park is a lovely place to spend an hour or so, and once again you are surrounded by history!
Cost: Free
Orchard House: Visit the home of Louisa Mae Alcott, and learn about her life here. You will see the place she wrote, lived, and feel like you are inside of the story “Little Women” Go to their website for hours and cost of tickets https://louisamayalcott.org/home
Cost: We were gifted this visit! Free
The Concord Museum: A wonderful museum, we had a surprisingly amazing time at this added on stop! I highly recommend peeking in.
Cost: $11.00
Downtown Concord: Get fancy for the day with a stroll through this idyllic place, walk through the shops and grab some lunch at the historic Concord’s Colonial Inn!
Cost: Free (except for lunch)
Total Cost= $1096.00
We return to Boston for another family trip in July, and my kids are already excited to return to The Boston Tea Party Museum, and hit up Faneuil Hall for lunch and a stroll. This time there will be less focus on history, and more on the big city life (although a talk about a trip to Salem is happening).
